I have a 1998 F-150 4X4 X-Cab 4.6 with Auto Trans. I installed a K&N FIPK last year along with a Gibson Cat Back Single Flow Trhough system.

I had immediate results from the K&N FIPK, but seems like after installing the Gibson exhaust, my power is slightly down. I notice especially when pulling a 2 horse trailer and 2500 pounds worth of horses. Seems like my trans is really sloppy when towing and even when not towing, seems to be a big slip into second when accelerating hard.

Would the Superchips Microtuner for the F-150 smooth out the sloppy shifting and help regain the power I should see with the K&N FIPK and Gibson exhaust. Also, I am considering installing Hooker shorty headers. Can the Superchips Microtuner be retune on the fly when additional mods are added? I have read postings in the past which indicate you need to reflash the chip when you add additional performance modifications.

Thaks for any assistance.

1998 F-150 4.6 X-Cab
Goodyear Wrangler Radials 265 75 R16 (stock 255 70 R16)
K&N FIPK
Gibson Single flowthrough Cat Back System

 

I never really understood all the hype about chips until I talked to Mike about 3 years ago and bought my first chip. I really didn't care about 1/4 mile times. But I really think it was the best money I have spent on my vehicles. I just ordered the new Tuner last week and can't wait. It really improves the performance but where I really like it is in the shifts, I have never been a fan of the way Fords shift in the stock mode. Call Mike and give it a try.

 

Hi sclime,

That exhaust system caused you to lose torque below 3000 rpm, even though you actually gained horsepoeer at higher rpms & heavy throttle. That is what is hurting your towing performance, you have reduced torque at lower rpms, and significantly. The flow has been opend up without proper flow engineering, and it's not just Gibon, it's most exhaust system manufacturers that cause that same kind of result in these F-150's. What's happened is that the actual *velocity* of the spent exhaust gasses has been slowed down by reducing restriction, by opening up the exhaust flow without proper flow engineering to keep the velocity up. The way to actually *fix*that and get the exhaust velocity back up even higher than stock so you can see a true torque *gain* from exhaust system change down in the lower rpm ranges is using a correctly flow-engineered exhaust system, the only one we know that will deliver positive torque everywhere like that is the Magnaflow cat-back system.

However, you can certainly use the Micro Tuner to gain power, and you'll have more horsepower & torque all the time at any throttle position or rpm, so it will help to replace the torque loss caused by your exhaust system, and many people do exactly that.

No, the Micro Tuner does not allow you to do custom engine tuning for mechanical modifications to the engine on your own. Having the ability to actually alter fuel maps, load tables etc. and enter your own values would immediately result in many blown engines, as very few people actually have that level of tuning knowledge applicable to computer-controlled DIS OBD-II vehicles. You can't just press a button for headers, another button for a MAF change, etc., it doesn't work like that

Any modifications that require custom engine tuning will have to use the Superchip module, and we can custom tune for virtually anything.

If you'll read the thread where we announced the Micro Tuner, that post will tell you all about it's features, etc. so you'll have a good idea of it's applicability. We made that information available to everyone in a central location, you can't miss that thread title announcing the new Superchips F-150 Micro Tuner when you come to the Computer Chips section.

Yes, the Micro Tuner can take care of those terrible shift chracteristics, there are shift delays & timing retards and some other aspects that are cauisng that long drawn-out shift you're getting at heavier throttle, and yes, we do indeed take care of that, either in the Micro Tuner or in the Superchip module, that has been a standard part of our changes for years, and is badly needed in these trucks, you're absolutely right!

If you'd like to go over details, etc., please feel free to give us a call. If you're going to be doing modifications that require custom engine tuning, we should really go over that in detail so we can properly advise you on how best to take care of the tuning.

 

Thanks Mike and S Campbell!!!

Thanks S Campbell for the encouragement to go with the tuner.

Thanks Mike for the advice and explanation on what may be causing my problems. I pulled the MAF off tonight and cleaned it with Windex and a Q-tip. I had read about that here and tried it before when my truck was running poorly. It helped clean up a little of the sluggish feel, but you are correct when you talk about the loss of torque on the low end. With the Gibson exhaust I do have much more top end, but low end is non existant.

If I go with the tuner now, and later decide to put headers on, will that cause any problems, or would I be better off just staying with the tuner and forget about the headers. I agree with S Campbell, that I don't care about 1/4 mile times, just want some good pulling power and passing power on the interstate.

Thanks again for your help.

Steve

 

Hi sclime,

There are any number of other modifications you can do to that 1998 4.6 F-150 that have *far* better bang for the buck values before doing headers. Don't get me wrong, headers work well & of course we sell them, but installing headers isn't the thing to do anytime soon in your case simply because you can get much better results doing other things first. Your powertrain programming is not optimized. Your ignition system hans't been upgraded. Those are 2 *key* elements in performance in those earlier 4.6's, which are all non-C.O.P. (coil-on-plug) ignitions.

Torque is key, you have a 4.6 which is low in torque to begin with, and what torque it does make is at higher rpms. That has been aggravated by the exhaust change that has reduced torque below 3000 rpm even further. So getting that torque back up should be the focus for now, do that and you'll also be adding nice horsepower gains as well.

I would do the Micro Tuner to optimize your powertrain programming as that is the single best bang for the buck in these F-150's, and then I would get that ignition system up to snuff; the factory coil packs, spark plug wires etc. leave a lot to be desired and there is significant power to be gained there. Then take a look at things like converting over to electric fans and/or underdrive pulleys, etc., as the return on investment is *far* higher with those upgrades than with headers.

The best thing to do would be to give us a call when you get a chance, have us map out an upgrade path focusing on bang for the buck. Then you will *know* what does what and for what cost, etc.

 

Mike,

I installed a 3" in/out Magnaflow XL Turbo truck muffler 2 weeks ago. You were so right about the torque. My truck runs way better than with the Gibson. I also installed a set of Bosch wires. Future for me will be Superchips Micro Tuner and better coils.

Thanks for the advice on the muffler. The Gibson will do wonders for my 1966 John Deere tractor.....Ha Ha Ha.

Steve