It seems like a lot of the discussion on here talks about the shift point improvements and so forth. I may be wrong, but that tells me your talking about automatic transmissions. Anyway, I have a 5 speed manual and was wondering if the superchip offered the same level of benefits for manual trans. I was also wondering if there are benefits noticiable for four-wheeling. Of course I don't even know if they have a superchip for my vehicle. It doesn't look like Diablo Chip does. *shrug*

Thanks
1995 F150 I6 4.9L Longbed

 

I am not too sure how much it would help a non-auto truck, but I will share my opinion on what it did for me. I have only had it in for about a week and 50 miles, but so far I see the biggest difference in the 2-4k rpm range. Not much help down low, but definitely a big boost in passing power. I also did my exhaust the day before, so some of what I feel is a combo of the 2, but I did the chip the next day so I could compare the 2 mods. I hope this helps your decision.

 

Hi Urban Cowboy,

*Excellent* question, this comes up from time to time here, for exactly this reason. We talk so much about the benefits to automatic transmission shifting simply because most of these vehicles come from the factory with automatics, so people with manuals quite naturally wonder, well, what will it do for me since I don't have an automatic?

The answer is, there is no difference in the amount of power gained by the engine, whether you have a manual or an automatic. The power gain to the motor is the same.

The difference is simply that because you don't have an automatic transmission for us to alter the shift characteristics on, you won't see *that* change, since you have a manual. All the other benefits are still there.

In your 1995 "Big 6", as we fondly refer to those 4.9's, the power gain from the Superchip runs 15 horsepower and 31 lbs./ft. of torque, whether you have a manual or an automatic.

One nice added benefit for manual transmission vehicles is the fact that you get more of that power gain to the rear wheels, as manual transmissions take roughly half as much power to turn compared to an automatic. You lose about 30-35 horsepower to driveline losses in those manual-tranny F-150's as compared to 65 horsepower for the 4R70 automatic tranny, and just under 70 horsepower for the 4R100 tranny.

If you'd like to go over this in more detail, feel free to give us a call, etc., we're always happy to speak with you. We make Superchips for every engine in every F-150 that is fuel-injected and computer controlled, including yours.

 

I have a Superchip in my truck. I does nothing to help the manual transmission. I wish they could find a way. I can't see that happening any time soon.
I think a Superchip would enhance the experiance of driving in most situations. It will not make a truck do things it wouldn't do before. It makes the thing it can do well, even better. I have had the chip in my truck for a few months now. I love it. The difference is subtle, but I knotice it. It works well with some of the other lower cost mods.
I think that I saw that a chip was available for your truck. I can't remember sh*t lately so you shoud check for yourself. If you were to go on a thread where there is a response from the Superchips distributer, there is a link you can click on for more info. You could also check out the Superchips site. Add the www. and the .com and youve got it. You could also wait for a response for some one who is qualified to answer your questions.
Hope I didn't confuse you too much.
Tom

 

Hi Wittom,

You're absolutely right, the Superchip does nothing to change the manual transmission itself, as there's nothing to change or help, the ECU does not control a manual transmission, that is controlled by your right hand.

A much better shifter design would be nice for those manual tranny's, I sure wish someone in the aftermarket would respond to manual-tranny Ford truck owners and market a decent shifter for these manuals!

Hey Tom, speaking of shifters, one thing I had thought of, and I don't know anyone who has tried it, but Ford put what it I think (and I could be wrong here, if anyone has accurate info please correct me on this) may be the same basic manual tranny in that truck that they used in the Thunderbird Super Coupes. I know when I had my 94 SC, it is a Mazda truck transmission that is used in the SC (Super Coupe), and while the shifter in that vehicle needs improvement, it's *FAR* better than the shifter in these trucks. They use internal linkage, so it wouldn't be too hard to attempt to do a bolt-up and see if it would in fact work.

That shifter could be had from a junk yard, or even buy a new unit from Ford. I sure would like to see someone try that on a late-model manual-tranny F-150.

 

Thanks Mike. I will have to check into that possibility. I want a better shifter so bad. I really don't have the resources to gather all this info though. I wish I had the time. I will look into the shifter on the T-Bird SC. Boy that would be so nice!
I have been in contact with some one in R&D at Mr. Gasket about a Hurst shifter for the late model F150's. They say it's on the agenda. It could be a while though.
Mike, are you sure there is nothing Superchips can do to help out us guys with the manual transmissions? I'm just kidding! I like to do the shifting. The Superchip is doing a fine job doing what it is doing!
Tom

 

OK.. MIke???

Well, I have been pondering on whether to actual ask this question... A few years back i bought, what I thought at the time was the best chip on the market, a HyperTech chip.. Genericly designed for all 4.6L engines in '97. Now what I was wondering, I have just recently purchased or upgraded to the HyperTech Power Programmer III and was wondering if your chip has something to offer that the programmer doesnt.. If so, like what.. And can u help me in purchasing one specifically designed for my truck and the cost involved.. Again...future mods are surely in store for my ride... can u help me there too.. Thanks