I just installed my superchip for my 97 f150 with the 4.6, I really haven't noticed anything different, except the shiffting is alot better. I was just curious to know, is there a break in period for the chip? I don't know what a 10% increase in hp feels like, but i would sure like to know, cause it still feels the same. Speed gov. still there i know that tested it alot last night. Mike can you help?

 

i am not mike...but i think i can help you a little. if you want to feel more i would suggest reseting your computer. This does nothing really except for speed up the process of your computer "learning" the chip. it will do all this anyways, but it will take about a tank of gas. remember you also have to work out any of that 87 oct. that you may still have in your system. i do not remember if it is in the instructions or not to reset the computer for a quicker "learning" process. i think it was if i remember correctly. hope that helps. good luck!!

 

did everything, reset the computer. I had started to use mobil super ahead of time, this way when the chip was installed the engine had been using super for awhile.

 

Hi 97f150f/s,

Thanks for your post!

Sure, I think we can help you with this; the best way for us to help you is for you to give us a quick call, so we can spend a little time going over this thoroughly. I'll go over a couple of basic things here to get you an immediate response, and then for details, please just give us a shout when you can..................

As long as the vehicle starts with the Superchip installed, it's working, as it's all or nothing, it can't do only part of it's job. As long as you use the required good quality premium gasoline, it's gong to make power gains. You've noticed the changes in the shift characteristics, showing that it's obviously working, and as you drive it more you'll notice the power gain more as well.

It will take about 350-500 miles to get the full effects of a program change. As long as you clear the ECU correctly *after* installing the Superchip, you'll get about 75% or so of what the Superchip can ultimately do usually within about 50 miles or so, but that can vary too, based on the kind of driving you do. What we like to do after installing the Superchip is to go out and do about 20 miles of varied driving, some lower speed cruising & acceleration from those speeds, some highway & higher speed cruising and acceleration runs from those higher speeds; then about 2 full-throttle bursts from a standstill, just long ernough to go thru both the 1-2 and the 2-3 upshifts in the automatics, and in the 5-speeds, long enough to get a good head of steam going in 3rd gear. This throws a lot of different situations at the ECU (so to speak) in a short period of time, and helps to show the immediate performance difference, which will improve as you accumulate the next 350-500 miles.

A 10% power gain will not feel like a major seat of the pants power increase, that would take a supercharger. I know it can sometimes be a bit confusing on what to expect the vehicle to feel like, especially after seeing so many "WOW!" results posted here. The reality is, a 10% power gain for that kind of price is about the best performance bargain that can be had; however, what a 10% power gain in a big heavy vehicle like these F-150's actually feels like and is perceived as by each individual truck owner/driver certainly varies. Some people just can't feel a 10% power gain, and others that are more attuned to their vehicles, or some that perhaps have more experience modifying computer controlled vehciles can easily feel the difference in power and some even rave about it. So there is certainly some variance there in perception, that's fair to say.

While a 10% power gain in a 2 ton+ pickup truck isn't going to make a big difference in the seat of the pants, it will certainly show up in acceleration times in a controlled back-to-back test. If you like, and have access to some type of instrument you can do acceleration testing with (no stopwatches, use a drag strip or a G-Tech Pro, etc.), we can provide you with the exact instructions for the format we use to measure the differences in acceleration times without, with and then without the Superchip again, a good 3-run back to back format that includes allowing proper time to stabilize powertrain temperatures, etc. for the most accurate possible comparison.

An even easier way, and very simple method to show you how well the Superchip is working is to run it for a month, and then take it out for at least 2 weeks, making sure to clear the ECU and return to using 87 octane gasoline. You'll very quickly see just what it was doing for you, and if you're anything like the others who have tried doing that here, you won't want to take it back out again.

The Superchip's performance is very smooth, it's not an instant night & day difference like a supercharger would be, but it's a solid performance enhancement, averaging about a half-second off the 0-60 & 1/4 mile times in these F-150's & Expeditions, etc. The range of improvement in acceleration times varies due to all the different engine, transmission, weight, gearing & tire size differences in all the various configurations of the late-model F-150, and is anywhere from a low of about 3 tenths to as much as a little over 1 full second off the 0-60 & 1/4 mile times. And for some people, they cannot feel a half-second off a 0-60 or 1/4 mile time. Most can, as we can see from the comments of people installing the Superchip.

Give it some time to come in more as adaptive strategy makes it's adjustments over the next 350-500 miles, & feel free to give us a call to go over this in more detail, we'll be happy to.

 

97f150 f/s,

Just how many miles have you driven with it? I felt the same way until around 300 miles I actually "felt" an unexpected power and acceleration increase in my midrange and topend. At 410 miles of use, I saw a small increase in "take-off torque".

Now, at 500 miles of SuperChip use, my 99' F-150 4.6L, drives like a stock truck should.

Now, I can hardly wait to see what kind of performance I get, when I put other mod.s with the existing homemade airfilter box mod. and the SuperChip, i.e. catback exhaust, underdrive pulleys, and electric fan(s).

 

Ok, I am convinced that the chip works now. I have definitely noticed better throttle repsonse and better pick up since sunday. Also, I toppep out today for the first time at 105mph, which i might just say was pretty cool, but more scary than anything else. But I am happy now that everything is working out great.

 

Hi 97f150f/s,

Great, we're glad to hear you're enjoying it, & thanks for letting us know!

Be careful on those triple-digit speed runs, please!

 

I also am not impressed with my superchip....ater 4,000 miles I am still waiting for something to happen besides my fuel bill getting bigger!!!

The shifting is somewhat firmer, but also less than expected...the 3-4 shift is about the same as without the chip....how do I know??? I removed the chip about 3 weeks ago, reset the computer, and noted almost no difference....in fact, my mpg went up over a mile per gallon.

Today, I removed the airaid system, and the truck actually seems to have a slight bit more low end torque....

I am sure this stuff all works ok at 4,000 rpm, but I don't drive like that....most of the aftermarket stuff is unnecessary in my opinion, and a waste of money for most of us....I believe that Ford does it best!!

By the way, I make someone a good deal on a chip and an airaid kit.....

 

Davidzog, I'm sorry to hear your not happy with the Superchip. You know, with all the Superchips sold, it's not a big surprize when we hear from someone who is NOT happy. Odds are that will happen. Not only with the Superchip but with all products.

I have no idea what kind of experiance you have with autos but I think I have learned some valuable lessons here. Vehicles have become very complicated these days. There are restrictions and rules that the auto makers must follow. So for some of us, there is a lack of performance (some people just don't knotice, or care).
So unlike the old days when you could swap a 2bbl Quadrajet with a Holley 4bbl and have a knoticible difference, we have to choose mods that will not compromise the complicated systems of our vehicle. The aftermarket, inturn, must do r&d to be sure that there product will work with the factory systems. Someone has to pay for the r&d. It's part of the cost.

Also, todays vehicles are working more efficiently today than they did years back. There is less to get out of them now.

We can get performance gains in small increments (without spending a ton of money) or we can spend more (quite a bit more) and get substantial gains. I think for most it works best to do it in increments. So you grab 10-20hp here and 7-11hp there. It takes a while but it does add up. You have see Neal here right? I don't know how much money he has into his truck but he is way ahead of even some of the supercharged trucks here, N/A!

Ok, I think I have a point here!

The point is, for a few hundred bucks your not going to get gains that are even close to the net gains from some of the more expensive mods. You get what you pay for. You say it's not alot. I say (based on my experiance) we are getting good gains for the amount of money we are putting in. If you spend a grand on a few differend mods (ones that will compliment each other) you will have a gain that will coinside with the amount you spent.

Ok, I think I'm talking in circles now. I have a problem typing what I think.

If you asked me, I would say leave the chip and intake in. You paid for them. Then maybe check to see if there is an inexpensive mod thet would work well with what you have.
I started with the Superchip. I've since gone for a big ticket mod. I really love the new set up I have but it's taught me something: expectations set too high will probably lead to dissapointment.

Having an understanding of what particular mods do is a good thing!

You will do what you need to do, so be happy!

Tom

 

Hi 97...Glad to hear performance etc has picked up.

DavidZ... Dosent surprise me, as there are so many variables to getting the most from a chip.

Just the opposite for me.. better shifting/throttle response/.90mpg more. First time i flipped from 92 to 87 was the last time.

Tom...Interesting. Also nice mods.

Good luck...OT

 

I agree...not everyone will be happy with every product....

However, after I added a Superchip, a Flowmaster 40 series cat back, and an Airaid FIPK, I had stuck almost $1,000.00 into my truck, which now cost me another $4.50 a tank to fill.....

If you believe the advertising, this thousand bucks should have netted me about 30-50 hp.....I thing I could easily FEEL a 25% increase in power....it sure was not there.

So, I took off all the junk and returned the truck to stock, saved money on gas, I now get better MPG, and the truck runs almost EXACTLY the same!!!

The superchip did firm up the shifting PARTIALLY....

All the hype is just that, HYPE, in my opinion, and nothing short of a supercharger is going to make a difference....by the way, I was a mechanic for 10 years.

I am not saying that the ads are false, because I am certain that the stuff works at 4,000 rpm or above.....I simply do not drive in that realm, and I suggest that most Ford owners don't either.

I also think that most of the aftermarket stuff is way overpriced....yes, there is r&d for sure, but I would guess the package costs about as much as the superchip to manufacuture....technology is very cheap today.

I akin this stuff to a baseball game...the only reason a hot dog at a ball game is $4.50 is because some people are dumb enough to pay it....

 

Hey David, let me know if you'd like to trade the chip for some computer parts / accessories. Thanks!!!

-AR

 

Sorry, but I just bought a brand new computer last month with most stuff than I can deal with....

THe chip and airaid are on ebay if your are interested......thanks

 

HI!... I luv people that say that the SUPERCHIP does'nt work and they yank it out and sell it. You know why? Because I have my chip and smoke them on the street and at the track!LOL! I have documented that my SUPERCHIP dropped my 1/4 mile time by 6.3 tenths. I installed my chip with all the proper procedures. I then had it in my truck for about 1500KMS. Then I went to the dragstrip and ran 3 times with my SUPERCHIP still installed. Between runs I let the truck cool down for 45 minutes. My truck ran VERY consistant 15.38's E.T's. I then let the truck cool down for another 45 minutes and during that time I removed the SUPERCHIP and went through all the proper procedures. I ran 3 very consistant 16.01E.T's. That's a 6.3 tenth reduction in times with the SUPERCHIP. It's not just the H.P/TORQUE increases the SUPERCHIP gives you that drop 1/4 mile times. It's also the firmer shifting, the timing changes that can be done with running higher octain fuel, the raised shift points and the fact that SUPERCHIPS gets rid of the huge torque delay during the 1ST to 2ND gear upshift. This delay actually cause's a loss of 100FT/LBS of torque (on 5.4's) during that shift. These things ALL work with each other to give you the SUPERCHIP performance.

 

You go, Neal!
I've got to add my 2 cents here, too. After adding the Superchip, it was like night turned to day. I can't say enough good things about the Superchip and its distibutor .
I don't know why it doesn't work for some, maybe just luck of the draw?
Oh and davidzog, it looks like you have eaten quite a few of those hot dogs. LOL