Does this thing actually work it sounds too good ot be true

 

HI Beastire,

I wouldn't get too excited about this, as it's basically just another inline data-altering device that intercepts incoming sensor data before the ECU sees it to trick the ECU into dumping in more spark under heavy throttle primarily, though that varies a bit from one vehicle to the next. It simply goes inline between the wiring harness and the ECU, so that the ECU does not see unaltered sensor data as it should, it's just a way to trick the ECU based on throttle posiiton, and so it only works at extremely heavy to full-throttle. It's not something that actually reprograms the powertrain computer or that provides a properly & fully R&D'd performance program specific to each individual vehicle's exact software revision in it's ECU as we do in the Superchip.

In fact, we (Superchips) have been making a simiilar type of device for years for use on vehicles that do not lend themselves to a "normal" type of performance program application. However, I still wouldn't use that over the Superchip, as it just doesn't do nearly as much for the vehicle to improve performance as the Superchip does.

Given the choice between the Superchip and this device, hands down the Superchip is the way to go as it delivers much more actual benefit and a far more thorough & true optimization of the powertrain program, without altering incoming sensor data, but by actually reprogramming the computer properly.

 

thanks for the info as always MIike

 

You're very welcome, anytime!

 

Having seen some data on the Venom 400 it does give gains. According to the test I saw in Truckin' mag, very good gains.

Also, according to Venom themselves the unit does NOT work at WOT. It can also be used with a chip. It is designed to alter signals under moderate throttle conditions for improved performance in the normal "window" that applies to street driving, not WOT. The acticle stated that the people at Venom stated that using a Dynojet type dyno would not show gains, as this is not what the unit is intended to do.

The end result is that the signal applied by the ECU is altered. This can be done by fooling the system, or by over riding it. In either case the signal has been changed.

On a Clayton dyno the load down testing was impressive. At a 60 mph load the Venom 400 made 23 hp and 78 lb ft more than without the unit on a Vortec 350 in a Suburban. 40 to 60 passing went from 3.9 seconds to 2.1 seconds.

The truck also had an intake and cat back before the Venom unit was added.

 

Well now that sounds interesting

you could have that and a superchip hmmmm

 

nice 442 beasty

My Gallery
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=1494

 

Hi Signmaster,

Interesting, what I had read about the unit was just the opposite, that it did *not* work during "normal" driving (closed loop), but only during open loop. What you're saying is the exact opposite, and as I understand what you've said, that it does not actually increase peak power at all, but instead only alters incoming sensor data to trick the ECU into adding more timing during closed loop operation. It's not something we particularly care about, because there is no R&D into delivering a properly optimized replacement powertrain program, but instead just altering incoming sensor data, which is nowhere near as thorough.

The unit that Superchips makes works all the time, at any throttle position or rpm. It allows the end user to write their own timing maps as well, though it's still not a replacement for a properly R&D's powertrain program, but instead, a method to offer *something* that will actually increase pwoer in those vehicles that for one reason or anotehr don't lend themselves to a normal chip or tuner type of application.

People love to test things on those 350 Vortech's because their tuning is so extremely conservative (especially on part-throttle) that large power gains are easy to make literally everywhere, that's been known for a long time in the tuning community. Some of our performance programs for some of those 350 Chevies have been run on 87 octane and still delivered 15-20 horsepower gains, for example. This is exactly why many manufacturers use it for an example of how well their product works.

However, people need to know that they are not going to pick up 20+ horsepower from that unit on top of the power gained by a properly optimized replacement powertrain program, plain and simple, there is only so much timing & fueling that can be used, and only so many transitional gains available. I wouldn't recommend using that unit combined with a Superchip, nor would I ever use it in place of the Superchip.

On many of these late-model GM's (especially the trucks), just removing the full power onset delay can lop a half second to as much as a full second from 0-60 times. Most modern computer controlled vehicles have some form of full power delay, and it's interesting to see the different implementations from various automakers, revealing their differences and respective "strengths & weaknesses," etc. For example, GM's full power onset delay is among the most aggressive, so it yields some of the best results from proper optimization. Ford's soft-shift strategies are among the most aggressive, pulling out a lot of timing & dialing A/F's way back (leaner) during upshirts, especially at heavy throttle, thus fixing that yields very nice results on many FoMoCo's, mroe than with a number of other platforms.

And so it goes......................

Thanks for your info & post, Signmaster.

 

F150aGoGo,
Where do you live in NO and thanks for the compliment on the 442, if you goto the lakefront on the weekends id stop by and show it to you when I can. I live very close to the lakefront so I take it all the time I'll keep a lookout for you.

 

Beastie out in St. Charles Parish. I am a muscle car fan as well. Currently playing with a 70 Chevelle SS, 396, turbo 400 auto, numbers car, cortez silver with black stripes, leather/vinyl interior, etc. Will keep the eye out for the 442.

 

Both you gentlemen (beastie & F15-aGoGo) have some *very* nice musclecars there!

You guys are making the rest of us (at least most of us "older fellows," I probably should say) drool...........

 

Thanks Mike I'm going to have the pin striping down the side painted on in about 2 weeks and ill post some more pics for ya. Also getting the seats redone and a new top

 

I guess that means I am going to have to put up some Chevelle pictures on my 150world gallery!!!

 

LOL I'd love to see what it looks like do you ever take it to the track?? We dont just wonderin tho

 

Hmm, looks like you 2 gentlemen are very close to each other, maybe we can get some photos of both cars together, or, dare I say it, perhaps even a "match race?"

Just kidding on the match race thing, I don't mean to incite someone into getting a ticket!