Difference between chip and computer?
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 204
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From: St Louis, MO
Difference between chip and computer?
I saw an ad in a mustang magazine for something called "PowerFlash" from Steeda. It looks like they replace your computer instead of using a chip. What would be the difference, performance wise? I don't have the ad with me, but I think they claim to make more hp and torque than chips. I know its not a mustang forum, but it would still be nice to know
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,247
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From: El Cajon, CA
I would be warry if they say that the entire computer is replaced.
The chip is like an additional program where as the whole computer... Well Ford may not like that and any warrenty may do down the tube with that mod.
You should definatly research the heck out of this one before anything else. I would be much more comfortable with the chip persoanlly.
The chip is like an additional program where as the whole computer... Well Ford may not like that and any warrenty may do down the tube with that mod.
You should definatly research the heck out of this one before anything else. I would be much more comfortable with the chip persoanlly.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi Silver,
Superchips has provided Steeda's tuning services for a long time, years & years now. They have a Superchips engineer up at Steeda almost as often as one can be spared.
No, they are not making "more power than a chip" in general, and there is no need to replace the computer. It's the *PROGRAM* inside the computer that tunes the engine, not the ECU itself; replacing the ECU is completely unnecessary and much more expensive.
There is an issue with one code in the 2001 Mustang GT where it will retard the spark over 4000 rpm, which reduces power, just like some of the other games Ford has played in the past, and we always get it nailed. In fact, we're already working on that right now. I don't know if that is perhaps the source of that marketing *claim*, but it is in no way true that in general, a computer replacement will make any more power than a program change, as it's the *PROGRAM* that controls powertrain tuning! There is no need to replace the computer, though I know of 2 owners of 2001 Mustang Gt's with a particular code, a rare one, that have done that. They aren't running any quicker than with the Superchip.
Don't forget, if you replace the computer, you'll also need expensive new vehicle keys (ignition, truck, etc.) thanks to the PATS system.
Forget replacing the computer, it's far more expensive and will get you nothing more than a good performance program will.
Superchips has provided Steeda's tuning services for a long time, years & years now. They have a Superchips engineer up at Steeda almost as often as one can be spared.
No, they are not making "more power than a chip" in general, and there is no need to replace the computer. It's the *PROGRAM* inside the computer that tunes the engine, not the ECU itself; replacing the ECU is completely unnecessary and much more expensive.
There is an issue with one code in the 2001 Mustang GT where it will retard the spark over 4000 rpm, which reduces power, just like some of the other games Ford has played in the past, and we always get it nailed. In fact, we're already working on that right now. I don't know if that is perhaps the source of that marketing *claim*, but it is in no way true that in general, a computer replacement will make any more power than a program change, as it's the *PROGRAM* that controls powertrain tuning! There is no need to replace the computer, though I know of 2 owners of 2001 Mustang Gt's with a particular code, a rare one, that have done that. They aren't running any quicker than with the Superchip.
Don't forget, if you replace the computer, you'll also need expensive new vehicle keys (ignition, truck, etc.) thanks to the PATS system.
Forget replacing the computer, it's far more expensive and will get you nothing more than a good performance program will.