Ok what is the deal with the octane recomendations with the chip, I havent received mine yet so I dont hav the directions but why does it need 92-is that a break in thing or should it be used all the time. I realize the higher octane the more performance but does it make that much difference and if it does can I use an Octane booster with my 88 octane fuel--that would be a lot cheaper I think.

 

Using 88 Octane with a superchip you are going to run into problems, you will not see much power increase on that low octane and I think it may detonate because of the advanced timing from the superchip.

You can however opt for the flip chip that will give you the shift characteristics on 88 octane and the power and shifting with 92 octane and over.

But I am sure mike will be along soon to clarify matters.

 

With the regular chip, 92 or 93 octane is required permanantely. If you want to have the option of running lower octane, then you need to have the flip-chip. The stock program that came with your truck is designed to run off low octane gas for fuel cost savings. The chip remaps the cp to run off high octane. Mike Troyer can fill in the technical info as he is an incredible expert in this matter.
Running low octane and adding octane booster will cost you more than just using the higher octane from the pump. Plus, how can you make sure that you formulate exactly the correct proportions of gas and booster into each and every tankful. Don't put yourself through it. It's not worth it.
Lastly, the benefits of the Superchip. I don't care if regular gas cost a dollar and Super cost 2 dollars. I never want to go without this chip. It is absolutely the most bang for the buck mod there is.
Power is definately increased. I've had the chip in since early February and I still am amazed at what a difference it made.
The engine runs smoother and quieter. Night and day difference. It is an even a greater pleasure to drive.
Rev limiter basically disappears. I can easily rev the engine into 4500 - 5000 rpms. It is just sooo smooth and responsive.
If you have an auto tranny, it will change and tighten the shift points. From what I hear, this is also a great improvement.

Soooooo, basically, whatever your worries are now they will be irradicated once you experience the difference. All you'll be able to think is "damn" and "wow". Good luck!

 

With all this said, is it possible to have a superchip burned so it can be a flip chip or are they 2 different things entirely.

 

The flip chip is hard-wired with a toggle switch that allows you to "flip" between high and low octane programs. If you want that ability, you need to buy it up front.

Dave

 

galaxie64...

You wrote in your first post in this thread that you were aware that higher octane gives better performance ("I realize the higher octane the more performance"). This is a common misconception.

Higher octane does not detonate as easily as lower octane, which allows for higher compression and/or advanced timing, which in turn, increases performance. In other words, if you want to advance the timing of an engine or raise the compression to increase performance, you have to run a higher octane fuel to eliminate spark knock (detonation/pinging/whatever you choose to call it) and retain your increased performance.

One of the things the Superchip does to increase the performance of our engines is to advance the ignition timing, which requires higher octane fuel.

Sorry to ramble, but I am always seeing where ppl think that high octane gasoline is a stand-alone performance boost. A good quality 87 octane in a stock engine, factory tuned for 87 (as most modern engines are) will perform just as well as a 93 octane gasoline of the same quality in the same engine. The difference a fuel makes in engine performance is the BTU of the fuel when it is combusted. The better quality fuels have a higher BTU. In my area (SouthEast) Amoco and Texaco seem to be the best brands. But that seems to be a logistics thing. Different areas have different brands that are on top of the game.

Oh yeah, almost forgot....get the superchip...you will not regret it

OK...I'm done now Good luck with your chip purchase!

 

yes i do realize that higher octane works with advanced timing I didnt want to get into it, but I shoulda made myself more clear. I forgot about the advanced timing on the chip i.e. higher octane. and the chip got burned today so now I lie in wait with checkbook in hand for that damned expensive premium.

 

Hi Galaxie64,

There have already been some excellent responses posted, so I'll just cover this briefly...............

You'll need to use premium gasoline all the time, that is not optional with the Superchip, it is *required*. The Superchip retunes the engine specifically for the use of high quality gasoline to raise horsepower & torque, this is the basic operating principle of a performance chip.

As others mentioned, the 2 program Superchip Flip Chip is offered in a dual octane configuration, having programs for both levels of octane, 87 and premium. The standard single program Superchip always requires premium gasoline. A single program Superchip can never be made into a 2-program Flip Chip, they are 2 different products.

It is *much* more expensive to use regular gas and dump in octane booster, to say nothing of the fact that octane boosters shouldn't be used in general. Almost every octane booster on the market leaves a pink, red & even purple residue on the spark plug insulators and O2 sensors, and while it's generally true that they won't actually take out the O2 sensors or cats, that residue is not desirable.

The reality is that with a 20 cent per gallon cost delta between 87 & premium, and a 50-50 mix of city & highway driving, it doesn't cost more than $100 per 10,000 miles in additional fuel costs to run the Superchip on premium gas all the time, over what it costs to run the vehicle on it's factory program and on 87 octane gas. For most people who drive 15,000 - 20,000 miles per year, they're actually spending about $2-$3 a week more for gas. This of course will also depend on how you drive your vehicle, and the actual quality of the premium gas used.

Don't try using cheap premium gas with the Superchip (meaning the off-brands & no-names), that is a mistake as well, as they generally have a lower energy content, and detergent additives that aren't as good. I don't know what brands of gas you have acces to there in Wyoming, but brands like Texaco, Amoco, and out West, Chevron are generally among the better quality gasolines.

Have fun!

 

Thanks, tht answers everything. BTW We only use Chevron and already get a higher blend for our 460's but it isnt as high as 91 or 92 so I will have to get that now.

 

Well, I don't know about all the octane, fuel content, compression and all that, but I do know that the overall performance of the 4.6L (2000, 150, AT) is increased with my chip and 92 octane . Over the entire range. Better power, better performance, better shifting, smoother, and etc. over the same engine without the chip and 87. It is worth a few dollars more at fill up. When I get another truck, after this one breaks, I will get another chip. They should set these things up at the factory to perform better and then we could put Mike out of business! Just kidding, Mike's alright by me.

Is this a great country or what?

 

Hi arl,

Thanks for your post!

Many people say exactly that after installing the Superchip, this is the way it should have come from the factory. Neither Ford nor GM or the others are going to do that, as it would have a significant impact on the sales of these vehicles. Many are bought by companies, for fleet use, in construction, you name it, and they want a truck that can take a beating and be run on the lowest quality fuel available. The F-150 in particular, as the most popular vehicle for the last 20 years, is made to appeal to what the automaker sees as the largest common denominator. And in all fairness, they do a pretty good job, as we're all buying & driving them, aren't we?

However, even if the automakers did start tuning them for premium gasoline, there would still always be more room for improvement, in power and driveability & other areas, just as there always has been room for improvement even in the vehicles that require premium gasoline from the factory. Mustang Cobra's & Lincoln Mark 8's with their 4.6 DOHC motors, the Lightning with it's supercharged 5.4 as well as other models have required premium, and have still had room for improvement in horsepower, torque, shifting, etc.

We will always have a place in the aftermarket, as there will always be those for whom the "average" vehicle, as is determined by the automaker the largest number of people want, is not exactly how we want *our* vehicle. We love to modify our vehicles, we love to be distinctive, different, to have and be something unique, especially in our motor vehicles. As long as that spirit lives, there will always be a place for those who know how to modify vehicles to satisfy their owners needs, wishes & dreams.

You're absolutely right, this is a great country!