Found a 1715 Superchips programmer for 97-03 4.6/5.4 listed in a local ad pad for $250. Good deal or no?
I have a 97 5.4 Scab auto Lariat. I'm mostly looking for improved mpg and calm down the tranny a little. I really think the tranny (down)shifts way too often on the freeway. Will this give me what I'm looking for?
I haven't talked to the owner yet, and I know there is something about the programmers that keep them from being used on other trucks, but I can't remember what that is. Something about the trucks factory program??

 

CharlieHo,

The 1715 will do what your looking for! A couple of things to note however!
Be sure that the 1715 was returned to stock programming by the previous owner. **As you mentioned the unit can only program one vehicle at time** All the previous owner has to do is plug the programmer into his vehicle and return the programming to stock, this UNLOCKS the unit and it can then be used on a new vehicle.

The other thing is the 1715 can not calibrate the speedometer on a 97 model year, Ford still used a gear and cable for speedometer operation. I believe they switched to electronic sensing in 98 or 99. If you need to recalibrate your speedometer (may be a mute point for you) then you have to change the gear in the transmission (easy thing maybe $10 for the gear and just plugs in)

The 1715 can adjust transmission shift points and firmness. It will also add horsepower to get you over those small hills on the interstate without having to downshift.

The price is about right, thats what I got for mine when I traded up to the 6600 chip.

Welcome to the boards. Use the "search feature" at the top of the page and type in "1715 chip" and you will find way more than you could ever want to know on this product.

Happy motoring!

Gene

 

Thanks Gene, you've been a help. What I have not been able to find, is there a way to know without a doubt that the unit has been unlocked? I could not find anything about that.

Charlie

 

You have to plug the unit into a vehicle and if it hasn't been return to stock it will show *VIN LOCKED* in the display if you try to use the unit to change the program.

A vin locked unit can be used on any vehicle to read DTC (trouble codes), but will not allow you to change any programming features.

Hope that helps!

Don't hesitate to ask more.

PS: I see your into sport bikes, ever ride a Triumph Daytona?

Gene

 

I'd say $200 would be a better deal. I just sold a 1714 (for 2004 F150) for $200 shipped.

 

Red Wing Nut is proably right, I wanted to hang onto mine to read DTC codes, but just couldn't turn down what the guy offered!

Also be aware there is two versions of the 1715. The change date is mid sept. of 2003 (should be a date sticker on the end). Early version only had one tune choice, the later version had three tunes to chose from.

Gene

 

Thanks for the replies. I did not know about the man. date affecting what tunes you got. Although I'm not really sure I would need anymore than one tune as I'm not looking to make this thing a race truck or anything. But this knowledge may give me some ****ering leverage.

Can the unit be plugged in relatively quickly to check and see if it's locked? Like if I meet the fellow, can I just plug it in real quick to verify?

Gene, never ridden anything other than Jap, HD, and the occasional Duc. I've owned several Jap litre bikes and currently have a CBR1000RR. HD borrowed for just occasional use to take g/f for a ride. Couldn't see myself paying that kind of money for a brand name. Although I would like to a have a Yam RS Warrior, those are pretty sweet, just don't know how the g/f would like it...

Charlie

 

you can plug it into your truck right on the spot. get the one with 3 tunes (after sep03). it gives options for towing and performance 87 performance, 91 tow ,91 performance.

 

Sure, just meet-up with the guy and plug it into your vehicles port and follow the instructions.

The 3 tune model would be nice if your ever going to tow anything. The three tunes has one program that should be used when towing. To get max power from a tune you need to be on the lean end of the correct A/F ratio, which when towing could raise you exhaust gas temperature to dangerous level. The towing tune adjusts for this and gives you a safe towing tune.

The older one tune model recomended that you retune to stock when towing.

The one gotcha that happens sometimes is that the tuner will not work if there is not battery power to the port in your vehicle. The cig. lighter is on this same fuse(besure your cig. lighter works and you should be fine to try out the tuner)

Gene

Edit: I see Watsonr beat me to the post. Oh well!

 

Thanks guys, I'll give the guy a call this evening and see about it. I definitely won't get it if it's pre 9/03, unless a lot better price, as I tow quite often.

 

I'll jump in here and say yeah, I rode a stock, twin carb 500cc Daytona that belonged to my neighbor. It was brand new and I believe it was in 1966.
More fun was my other buddy's chopped (yes, it was) 650cc Bonneville.
Darn things had the controls on the wrong side
I no longer ride

 

Just food for thought!

I to tow a lot, and I got tired of switching between tunes every time I hooked to the bike trailer. And the eight to ten minutes it takes to switch tunes with 1715 started to seem like forever.

The answer for me was the SC6600. It has 4 tunes (towing, high performance and different octane levels) programmed into it by Troyer Performance and all I have to do is flip a switch to select what tune I what and I'm on my way.

I know, now you have information overload (what do I do?)

Have a good one!

Gene

 

I have seen the 6600, but didn't feel I could justify the cash on a 8 year old 100k mile truck if you know what I mean. Maybe if it was new(er) that would be an option. Just looking for a little bump for a little cash.

 

Desparado,
Yea those "Brit's" do things backwards (or maybe we do).

But the new Triumph's are on the right (maybe correct) side. Going from the new to old models can be confusing when you first jump on, but after the first time you clean the blood from the speedometer [insert teeth] (because you hit the rear brake instead of downshifting) you start to think next time.

But the new ones are fun as well with all the horsepower and handling they have.

Gene

 

CharlieHo,

It really shouldn't matter that you have an "older" vehicle - with proper maintenance, at 100K miles you are about 50%-60% thru the engine's normal service life, so it should have a long way to go - and what most people care about is getting the best results when making any performance modification.

A used 1715 at that price is way too much, IMHO - especially when for just a little bit more since you are a registered member of F-150 Online, you could have one brand new 1715 from us with a full warranty, Tech Support, etc. (And no, we cannot discuss any specific pricing here, that is against the rules - so you will need to call us for that info - just FYI. )

The 1715 is fine for what it is, an "off the shelf" tune, but in terms of getting the best results, our Troyer Performance custom tuning will deliver easily at least *double* what the 1715 will, and in some cases triple or more, depending on which engine you have an it's PCM revision - we are Superchips Inc's oldest distributor in America, and have worked with them on a lot of projects, so we know that product and what it's results are very well.

The best results will be had with our custom tuning, and the 6600 (our 4-program custom-tuned chip) is an incredible bargain for the 2003 & earlier F-150's - you get 4 different custom tunes for that price. Or, we can set it up with just 1 or 2 tunes for an even lower price. Again, you'll want to call us for all the details.

This is just some general "FYI" type of info so you'll know - best of luck with whatever you decide!