I've heard that the superchips chip 'reacts' a little better with some computer codes than with others.. I don't mean a reg cab 4X2 vs 4x4 SuperCrew, etc. I have read on some other posts and here that say 'well the superchip would be the best for your particular code' or "the superchips chip really works well(responds to) your specific code' etc. Is there anything to this? I wonder if you could expand on this at all, or just direct me to a post or FAQ that would? If I am making any sense . I just wonder if there was some additional tweaking that was possible on some computer codes or if you see particular programs gain more at the rear wheels than others for some reason. etc. Talking just about gas engines here. Thank you for your help, again!
Also, if I have a new code say, and I order that chip, then after a while superchips finds something else to tweak on that code, remove the top speed, etc, will I get a letter asking me if I would like to upgrade my chip? thanks again!
JR

 

I'm sorry, I should have addressed this post. Mike T. I wondered if you would please answer this for us? Thank you!

 

Hi Elk!

No, there really aren't any codes that "respond any better" with the Superchip than other codes, etc. The same basic changes are made on each different code, and then if there are any particular deficiencies in a particular code, those are taken care of as well.

Every once in awhile there will be a factory program that may have a particular aspect that seems to be a bit of a deficit, and that's one of the very reasons why each Superchip is programmed for each code, so that each and every code gets a full optimization, specifically for it's traits & characteristics.

Another question that we get asked is, if there is a factory update to the factory program, should someone have their computer reflashed and then have the Superchip reprogrammed to match once again, just so they can get that factory update, and the answer is no, there is no need or benefit to doing that in the vast majority of cases. We've already taken care of any specific issues with each individual code, that's the whole idea, do them code by code, for each specific vehicle, that's one of the reasons why the Superchip works so well.

Now, to anawer your question about "updates", there are very rarely any "updates" to the Superchip performance program once it's released, that only happens if we make some kind of new "breakthrough", and that happens every once in awhile, but not often, as all of that is handled in the original R&D. However, if there is an update, then yes, we do let people know via email (we don't send letters, it's a coupla hundred dollar product, not a $30,000 product), and they can have that for just the cost of return shipping, there is no charge to provide the updated program itself. The only vehicle that has any history of that were the 1999 & the 2000 Lightnings, as it took a number of R&D sessions to get all of it's tricks & secrets figured out, and so as a result we had a number of updates to those early programs, so that nobody would be penalized for when they got their Superchip, but that was really a rather isolated situation. Should that happen, yes, you get any updates free, the only cost is a few bucks for return shipping of the Superchip back to you.

Thanks for your post,

 

Thank you again Mike T!
Very detailed answer, you always make sure and hit
even my 'would-be' follow-up questions. I appreciate it.
Thanks!

 

Interesting post. I had wondered this myself, as I have noticed that certain factory codes are quite different. The Mustang crowd in particular will go to great lengths to acquire a computer with a specific code.

So Mike, just for further clarification.....

In effect the SC will alter to factory codes to a more of less set setting that Superchips feels is the optimal setting. To do this you might alter 10 areas on one code but 25 on another code. So the final result is a more or less single optimum code set, but you only alter what needs to be changed on that given code. Am I on the right track?


I feel like ELKTAGZ now, the question I am posing is clear in my mind, but I don't think anyone else has a clue what I'm asking.

 

Got my Superchip a month ago, and installed it without any problems. The shifting was stronger, and it seemed to have more pep in its step. However, after checking the top speed (at a track), I noticed that the topend limiter was still in affect (98mph). I contacted superchip, and was told that some codes make it harder to remove the speed limiter coding. Mike T also informed me that he would be researching the matter and would get back to me.
My questions are, if superchip can't remove the speed limiter code in the program, based on my ECU (SVB-1), does it mean that all SVB-1 vehicles still have the limiter code . Would a Diablo chip allow for easier code removal. How many of you superchip owners have had this problem, and if so was it resolved??


Mods include: K&N fipk, Superchip
Future Mods: Supercharger

 

Hi Elk,

You're very welcome, as always.

Hi Signmaster,

Excellent follow-up post, and I'd like to comment just a bit if I may................ you are absolutely right in regards to the 5.0 Mustangs from 1987-1993 especially, there are a *ton* of different codes, and many of them are very, very close, to the point that, unlike any other vehicle from Ford in this regard, you can indeed swap computers of different codes, like A3M, A9L, etc., and have the vehicle run just fine. Many of those codes are all very close to each other, and there are some that have some aspects that certain 5.0 Mustang owners prefer. Another aspect of this is that there are a number of those codes that, due to having been around for so many years now and being so well known, that people know how to tune better. There are some codes that peole prefer to use as a jumping off point, because of a combination of some characteristic and because more is known about a particular code by more people, so more is known about how to tune that particular code, that we have a rather odd and not "typical" situation with those vehicles.

We see this primarily in the 5.0 Mustangs from '87 -'93, not nearly as much in the 4.6 Mustangs, though there is a bit of that.

It all gets down to the fact that back then, many of those codes were so close that any number of them could run a 5.0 5-speed Mustang, and some of the 5.0 automatic codes could be interchanged as well, something we do not generally see in the vast majority of today's vehicles. Good point!

You're observation about what we're doing to various codes depending on what that code needs to have done to arrive at a repeatable & consistent result in these vehicles is right on the money as well. There are certainly any number of other aspects that vary, requiring the engineers to alter different areas using different technques from code to code, and different parameters, etc., just as you surmised. The whole idea os to deliver, as best as can be done given the normal production line variances, a consistent result in the same vehicle type & configurtation, like these F-150's, for example.

 

Signmaster, Thats a good question. Interesting. I think you made perfect sense!

Deacon, I also have the SVB1 code and was told that the top
speed limiter had been removed on this code for quite some time now. I cannot say because I havent ordered a chip yet, but that is news to me that it wont be removed. I had sent an email to a company that sells both diablosports and superchips asking which chip would be better for my paticular code and the guy said SuperChips because SC removed the top speed limiter and the Diablo did not. Maybe neither can yet?
Since you have the same code as I, I wouldnt mind hearing a bit more, how you like it, what kind of changes you see, etc. thanks!

 

Hi Deacon,

The top speed limiter is one of a number of functions that will vary from one code to the next by the factory, and quite a bit many times, as that is a type of function they actively make it harder to get to and alter, and that makes it more of a challenge to get it defeated, however, we always end up getting it taken care of, it's just a matter of time. It's kinda like a never-ending game of technical hide & seek.

We're currently working on your code right now, as we discussed last week, so hang in there, we want it too! As we discussed, one of our F-150's here is an SVB1 as well. We tested the Diablo on the SVB1, and the TS limiter is still there as well, and both companies will get that knocked out, rest assured, they want it done, too.

We're talking with Supechips right now about the SVB1-code, to see if we need to get an SVB1-code vehicle down to their chassis dyno to get it taken care of, or if they feel they can get it defeated by trying a few different things, so hang in there, this will be defeated & we'll get you updated, just as soon as we can make that happen, my friend.

As a matter of fact, if you would like to assist us with that, please give us a shout via email or by phone, & we'll go over those details with you. I think it's something you may be interested in helping us with, so give me a shout when you can, ok? Thanks!

 

Mike,

Thanks, I have no doubt that you'll stand behind the product. I'll be more then happy to help any way I can. I'll give you shout Monday morning ..Well, time to wipe down my expensive TOY, and go cruising ...

 

Hi Deacon,

Excellent! I look forward to talking with you!

 

That's only because we are both asking equally confusing questions...


On the issue of speed limiters, I have heard some speak of "harsh" conditions when hitting the limiter, to the extent of concern of engine damage. Has anyone experienced this?

I hit the limiter on my '95 en route to the hospital for my daughters delivery. Just backed it off, no jerking or anything alarming. More or less just felt as if I backed off the gas pedal.


And Mike, just for info..... I was speaking of the earlier Mustangs. I have heard that the 4.6 crowd is already starting to favor certain codes, but haven't seen as much concern over it.

 

Hi Signmaster,

The "harshest" implementation of TS limiters is a complete fuel shut-off, which, at 100+ mph, can feel almost like putting the brakes on, so that is probably the "harshest", but even so, that will not damage the motor.

Nobody has experienced any engine damage among our customers from hitting the top speed limiter, and if you think about how it's implemented, it's not going to cause any engine damage. All it does is reduce fuel flow to the motor, and some of them will cut spark as well, to immediately reduce engine rpms and thus, vehicle speed. The bottom line is that nothing is in any of these top speed limiters that will damage the engine, even if you hit it numerous times.

I figured you were speaking of the pre-4.6 Mustangs, that makes sense, as those are really the only vehicles you see with that unique set of cuircumstances, where so many of the codes were so close that they could readily be interchanged. Thanks for clarifying!

 

Hey Mike,
I talked to you briefly about this same subject one day last year. I was going down the interstate and wanted to see if it was still there(limiter). It kicked in about 98 mph,and wouldn't do any more. I never really followed through with the situation,and just figured I should not be driving that speed anyway Well,some months later getting onto a deserted highway one night ,I was a little more generous with the pedal than usual and decided to check it out. Lo and behold it passed 98,and tried to bury the needle,lol. I guessed I was somewhere close to 115 before I came to my senses. The only thing different between the two runs was the OD button. It was on the first time,and off when it went over 98. Is there any logic in this? Does the OD have any effect on the speed limiter? Was it an RPM limiter the first time? I had it to the floor both times,and the only difference was the OD. No pressure,just curious,,,,,98

My tires are rated to 130mph,for anyone concerned

 

Hi Screamer,

**EXCELLENT** question, and a very simple answer. Available power is what it's all about in your case, and I'll explain..........

The reason your vehicle would not go any faster in Overdrive was simply because it does not have enough *power* to overcome that load at those lower rpms and with the reduced torque multiplication you have in that "taller" 4th gear, Overdrive in the automatics.

When you defeated 4th gear by pushing the TCS (transmission control switch) on the shift lever, then you could only go as high as 3rd gear, and so as a result, the engine was able to reach higher rpms, so it was much closer to it's *horsepower* peak (which is at 4900-5000 rpm), which is what gives you top speed.

The top speed limiter works in any gear that will allow the vehicle to exceed it, so in the automatics, it works in both 3rd & 4th (Overdrive) gears. If your top speed limiter was not defeated, you would not be able to go over, in your vehicle's case, 98 mph in *any* gear, not just in Overdrive.

The fact that you were able to reach 115+ mph in 3rd gear was because the top speed limiter is in fact defeated. The reason you can't go as fast in 4th gear (Overdrive) is because it just doesn't have enough available power to overcome that total load, between less torque multiplication from being in a higher gear, increased aero drag, and the motor not being able to turn enough rpms to get close enough to it's 5000 rpm peak power, the end result is it just stops accelerating.

Very simple, it all gets down to available power versus the *total* load it must overcome.

In fact, with most vehicles, (certain "musclecars" or higly modified vehicles excepted) once you remove the top speed limiter, most vehicles will run their highest top speed 1 gear down from it's highest gear. In your case, 3rd gear. With a 5-speed manual transmission, you'd hit your highest top speed usually in 4th gear, for the same reasons.

Even in 6-speed LT1, LT4 & LS1 Corvettes, they see the highest top speed usually in 5th gear, not in 6th, all for the same reasons.

In something like the supercharged Lightning, which has shorter (higher numerical) gears and much shorter tires, in that vehiecle you get the highest top speed in Overdrive, as it's a combination of gearing & available power, once again.

I hope that clears this up for you, & be careful on those occasional 115+ mph blasts!