Do most guys get these chips and power module's because they tow boats 'n rv's or do folks sometimes just use them for optimal performance? I have P265's tires with no lift stuff. I may try to get into a Goodyear MT/R 285. I've lost a little power with my 265's which I'm dumping after 21k. I also tow a travel trailer to and fro the bay area to Nevada a few times per year. Would a Hypertech power module be right for me or could I pass on it? Thanks.

 

I tow a 30 footer that weighs close to 6200#'s and wanted more power. I put in the superchip flipchip last month and it really makes a difference in performance. I also lost some power when I put on the 285's but not much. The chip is well worth the money.

 

Hi Duck Hunter,

Just in case you might not be aware, you'll get a noticeably better result with the Superchip than with that Hypertech, as the Superchip is programmed for each individual vehicle's exact software revision in it's powertrain computer, and it tunes the engine for maximum horsepower & torque at all throttle positions.

The Hypertech is a "generic" program, that has been compromised to run on all similar vehicles (for example, only one program for all 1998 4.6 automatics) that only tunes the engine at full-throttle, where there are no emissions standards that have to be met. That means the Hypertech unit will not give you an increase in power at any throttle position like the Superchip will, and that is the key to improving performance in these heavy trucks. You want more power all the time, not just when you floor it, and you'll get a much better result with a performance program that is made for your individual vehicle's exact software revision in it's powertrain computer, like the Superchip does.

To answer your question about why do people install performance chips etc. in these vehicles, for towing or for performance, it's actually both. Many F-150 owners use these trucks as tow vehicles, and there are also owners who will drag race them, road race them, do truck & tractor pulls, etc. You name it, and people find a way to torture these trucks.

These F-150's are the biggest selling vehicle for the last 19 years running, and so there are more uses that people will find for them than either of us can count. Towing, performance, show, construction, etc.

Some people will use our 2-program Superchip Flip Chip, and have use set them up with 2 different programs, one for towing, and one for all-out performance. Or, some will use the Flip Chip so they can have an optimized program for use on premum gas, and then another program, optimized for use on 87 octane, so they can use regular gas when they want. The power gain from powertrain programming on 87 octane is very small, but thanks to all the other changes, delay & retard removals, etc. the vehicle will still accelerate a bit quicker, and then when the driver wants maximum power, they fill it up with premium and flip the attached switch to change programs.

What we generally do for these trucks is to provide a specific performance program for each individual vehicle that gets all the power that can safely be made on pump premium gasoline, at any throttle position, so that you have the best possible performance no matter how you drive your vehicle.

In terms of what you can expect from the Superchip, the maximum rated power gains on the 5.4 motor are 28 horsepower and 46 lbs./ft. of torque. In round numbers, think of the Superchip as a 10%-12% power gainer. It's the single most cost-effective performance part you can install on that vehicle, in terms of bang-for-the-buck, as nothing else will give more of a performance gain for less money.

If you'd like to go over any of this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call.

Best of luck whatever you decide!