Well, I finally managed to run the remaining regular (87 octane) gas thru my 1997 F150 4.6l and subsequently, hooked up my new "Micro-Tuner," sucked out (uploaded) and stored the stock PCM program, and downloaded the perfomance program.

Up til that time, all I had been able to do was to hook up the "M-Tuner" and check it out as a code reader. As a code-reader, it seems to work fine, and it couldn't be easier to use. The only code I found was a P1000, which indicated that the truck needed to be driven more to provide meaningful information. I was a bit puzzled by that, but the manual (seems) to indicate that it might be something you'll always find in there, and it cannot be erased. So, no big deal (I guess).

Using the Micro-Tuner in its performance mode couldn't be simpler. It's all menu-driven; all you do is follow the instructions (removing the fuel pump fuse first!) and it guides you thru the installation. If you can't use this thing, you should stay away from all sharp-edged objects, remote controls and should probably just stay home.

The "new" truck didn't feel like a paradigm shift in performance, but it does produce significant, if subtle, improvements.

The most immediately noticeable improvement is in the shifting. We all know that Ford set up the shift firmness to be real slushy, and this is eliminated with the std M-Tuner program. It shifts soooooooo much better! In addition, there is a subtle, but noticeable improvement in the "nuts" the engine has...it just seems to have more guts and definitely has more oomph! off the line.

The combination of more power and firmer shifts is really noticeable on hills and passing. My 4.6l drops down to 3rd gear from overdrive at the slightest pressure on the accelerator; always seems to be hunting back-and-forth, and when it does downshift, it's kinda "blaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh" on the power side. With the performance program, however, it seems to hunt less between gears and when it does downshift to third, it actually has some power...right NOW!

I haven't tried the adjustable parameters in the programming, as I want to see how I like the std programming first, but anyway, it seems like it works, it produces noticeable results and is easy to use.

Can't wait for spring to try it in the Lightning.

I should also say that Mike Troyer was very accommodating in answering my initial questions and in getting it to me promptly.

 

Hi Jaymz,

Thanks for your post, sounds like you're having a pretty good time with the Micro Tuner!

I especially liked your comments about going with all the "standard" Superchips tuning parameters to begin with *before* you try playing aournd with shift points. That is by far the besy way to approach this, that way you'll *know* what it does with the "standard" tuning, which is already pretty darned good, and then from there you can decide if you want to play around with the shift points later on, very smart choice there.

Have fun with your Micro Tuner,

 

cant wait for mine!

 

Although it may be tempting to "play" with all those programming choices, it just seems common sense to me to establish a "base line" before you fiddle with other settings.

 

I couldn't agree more, & thanks for pointing that out in your posts!

 

I was looking at getting either this micro tuner or a chip as I am not the most mechanically inclined person in the world and the simple plug and play of the tuner is really nice. I do have a few questions that would help me make my decision. Here they are:

Really how hard is the chip to install??

Does the micro tuner give as much power increase as the chip does??

Last, how hard is the tuner to use?? I would want to change the tire size when I get my new tires, is it hard to do that??

One more, can either the chip or the tuner "mess" up the engine at all or void any warranties??



Any info would be very helpful.

 

From what I have read, Ford has to prove that the changes done are the cause of the problem.

Using the tuner, it is easier to revert to stock since it is simply a plug in and download solution. I would revert to stock before taking my truck in for any service work.

 

That is a feature about it that I really like. I can always go back to stock for service and then change it when it comes out of service. I am just wondering if it is worth the extra cash, and if the chip is really that hard to install.

 

Hi josho66,

1.) The installaiton of the traditional Superchip module takes roughly 30-40 minutes for someone who has never done it before. Here at Performance we write our own documentation for the Superchip that is specific to the F-150, and is far more detailed than what the manufacturer provides. So just about anyone can get thru the installation smoothly with no surprises. With all that having been said, the Micro Tuner takes only about 10 minutes to install, so it is quicker and easier.

2.) The tuning is the same in either the Micro Tuner or the Superchip module, they both have the standard Superchips performance programs in them.

We have some of our special programs here at Performance that we've worked with Superchips on over the years, it's really more for the drag racer, so for some codes in these vehicles we have programs we can put in the Superchip module that are a bit stronger than what comes in the Micro Tuner, or what would normally come in the Superchip module. In those situations, those programs are generally not for heavy towing, they're more for best full-throttle acceleration with lighter loads. It's a maximum difference of no more than 8 hp additional at the wheels in those computer codes for which where we have a stronger program available, and if you'd like to give us a call with your computer code, we can tell you if we have a stronger program for it and go over your existing and proposed future modifications to see if it will be appropriate for you to use.

Overall, most people these days prefer to use the Micro Tuner because of it's big feature set & very simple installation, and you are not inherently giving up any performance by doing that, which is the basic answer to your question. The only time you would not use the Micro Tuenr is if you were going to be doing more involved modifications that require custom engine tuning to compensate for (superchargers, bigger fuel injectors, ported cylinder heads, etc.)

3.) It's *very* easy to use, and it will allow you to recalibrate the speedometer in the 1999 & newer models for changes to tire size and gear ratio changes, too.

4.) A properly installed Superchip or Superchips Micro Tuner is not going to void your warranty because they do not do any kind of damage to your vehicle. By law (specifcally, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), you can install anything you want in your vehicle as long as what you install does not cause *damage* to the vehicle, and your warranty remains intact. So it all gets down to the types of modifications you do; in general, things like powertrain programming, intakes, exhausts, underdrive pulleys, electric fans kits, headers if they are Jet-Hot coated, etc., do not cause damage to the vehicle. But install a nitrous oxide kit & you can probably kiss your powertrain warranty goodbye.

It is important to know your rights, as there are some dealerships that will try to play games with that because they get paid less to do work under warranty be Ford than what they make when the customer has to pay out of pocket, so arm yourself with knowledge.

You can also learn more about your rights by checking out this link:

http://www.sema.org/fedleg/warranty

And if that link isn't current, just drop by the sema.org web site (of which this web site is a member) and read up on your rights under the law to use aftermarket parts.

If you'd like to go over any of this in more detail, please feel free to give us a call, our contact info is listed below. We're closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, but will be back in on Monday as usual.

 

WOW.

Thanks for the reply. That is exactly the information that I needed. Looks like I will be picking up a Micro Tuner soon. Tax time is coming and that will be a great gift to get myself. Thanks for all the info.

 

You're very welcome, & good luck @ tax time!

 

Well I may not have to wait. I was cruzing the ads and saw a chip for sale, hopefully I can get it from the guy. I was told that I can just send the chip in, I pay shipping, and you guys will re flash it to match my truck code. Is this true?? And how hard of a process is this and how long will it take to get back to me??

Thanks!!

 

Shipping AND a reburn fee. Mike can give you price details but you will have to call him. It is against site rules to post pricing information.

 

Well that sucks, no one said that. Imagine that