Superchip for Lightning
WRT the claimed .5 - .8 second 1/4 mile time improvement for a Superchip: I remember a thread from last spring about this. I spent some time looking back, however, past threads appear to only be archived back to June.
If I remember correctly, when the first batch of Lightnings hit the street, they weren’t as fast as the later ones (signified by something to do with cowl trim screw detail?). Not all of them were able to meet/beat the 14.6 second 1/4’s SVT claimed. A couple of these showed up at Route 66 Dragway in Joilet, Illinois for the Ford Fun Fest (correct name?) and ran ~14.8 stock/new. Pre production Superchips were then installed and they both ran 14.0’s.
The later batches appear to run consistently in the low 14’s stock (as mine does) and ~13.7 with the production Superchip for the claimed .5 second improvement.
If I remember correctly, when the first batch of Lightnings hit the street, they weren’t as fast as the later ones (signified by something to do with cowl trim screw detail?). Not all of them were able to meet/beat the 14.6 second 1/4’s SVT claimed. A couple of these showed up at Route 66 Dragway in Joilet, Illinois for the Ford Fun Fest (correct name?) and ran ~14.8 stock/new. Pre production Superchips were then installed and they both ran 14.0’s.
The later batches appear to run consistently in the low 14’s stock (as mine does) and ~13.7 with the production Superchip for the claimed .5 second improvement.
4D Thundr- Thanks, but i disconnected the battery when i installed the chip. It's not just black soot, it's actually wet! I have had my Lightning since 5-14-99. It has always had the black soot, but since installation of chip it has been wet, actually blowing on fender. It doesn't appear to be water, just running RICH!
To Sal and everyone else:
The Superchip has easily knocked off .5 seconds from everyone I have spoken to who has actually done back-to-back runs. The .8 second gains happened on several early examples that were tested at Joliet, each of which was running 14.8's, and each of which ran consistent 14.0's with the Superchip, and then 14.8's again without the Superchip. When they did the back-to-back "runs for the record", three back-to-back runs were done with each vehicle, one stock, one with the Superchip, and then stock again. They ran 14.8 stock, 14.0 with the Superchip program, and then 14.0 again stock on the 3rd run. One truck went 14.2 instead of 14.0, having traction problems, but the other 2 went 14.0 on their Superchip runs.
There have been many posts here over the past couple of months from people who have run their Superchips and posted their times *right here*, "Jeff's Lightning" is just one of them, who have been kind enough to post their results here. Those of us who have been frequenting these parts have seen those posts, and many of you are more familiar with them that I am!
And yes, even more results have been sent to me in email as well. The results have been very consistent as far as ET's, and it's commonly accepted as a solid half-second ET reducer, among the Lightnings turning 14.1 - 14.2 stock. I've had guys getting as much as .67 off from a 14.18 stock, for example, running 14.18 stock, then running 13.51 with the Superchip in position II, and then another 14.21 stock again; but that is on the high side. I basically say, it's about a half-second on "healthy" Lightnings. Most guys are getting 3-4 more mph in trap speeds.
As most of us know, these Lightnings are *very* sensitive to atmospheric changes, temperature, humidity, and altitude all have a very noticeable effect on these vehicles. We have seen stock Lightnings turn times ranging anywhere from basic 14-flat to low 15's. I have had a couple people tell me they ran quicker than 14.0 stock, and while we all know what some of the automotive magazines reported (mid-13's), I have yet to see a stock Lightning break 14.0
Superchips invented the "Flip Chip" concept years ago, and the Lightning is rapidly becoming one of the most popular Flip Chip applications that Superchips has ever offered.
I don't know how far back these message threads go in archives, but anyone who wants to see all the times that have been posted can look in the older threads titled "99.5 Lightning Superchip", and then there was another more recent one, titled 99.5 Superchip Part 2, I think.
Also, we have had many, many posts of 1/4 mile times up in the Computer Chips section, where all the "other" F-150's 250's, & etc. hang out. It is very typical for the V-8 F-150's to reduce 1/4 mile times by .75 second or more with the Superchip. And for the V-6 Superchips in the F-150's, they reduce 1/4 mile times by, on average, a full second. Yes, these are times on automatics. Manual transmission vehicles generally see about 2 tenths less reduction in 1/4 mile times, or about a half-second on the V-8 manuals. Manual V-6's are .7 to .8 seconds quicker with the Superchip. More efficient shift programming helps automatics reduce their acceleration times a bit more than the manual transmission-equipped vehicles, but the power gains are the same for both.
Moreover, I can tell those of you who are interested that it's typical to be able to take either a late-model F-150 or a late-model GM truck, and reduce their 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times by close to a full second using performance programming. GM, for example, has a delay built in so that when you nail the throttle, it enacts a delay of some number of seconds (if I told you the exact number, you'd have a heart attack) before it will allow the engine to make full power, and this just destroys acceleration times. So in that case, you can knock off close to a half-second just be removing most of that delay. Today's vehicles have so much more going on than just basic fuel, spark, and transmission control, that it's getting easier and easier to get larger improvements in driveability and acceleration times than in years past, though it takes far more R&D to get it done. With each new model year, the automakers make their programs harder to change successfully, using multiple overlays, numerous layers of retards, delays of various types, etc. And the more they put in the way, the bigger the gains are when the aftermarket gets thru with them!
Long live the aftermarket!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
The Superchip has easily knocked off .5 seconds from everyone I have spoken to who has actually done back-to-back runs. The .8 second gains happened on several early examples that were tested at Joliet, each of which was running 14.8's, and each of which ran consistent 14.0's with the Superchip, and then 14.8's again without the Superchip. When they did the back-to-back "runs for the record", three back-to-back runs were done with each vehicle, one stock, one with the Superchip, and then stock again. They ran 14.8 stock, 14.0 with the Superchip program, and then 14.0 again stock on the 3rd run. One truck went 14.2 instead of 14.0, having traction problems, but the other 2 went 14.0 on their Superchip runs.
There have been many posts here over the past couple of months from people who have run their Superchips and posted their times *right here*, "Jeff's Lightning" is just one of them, who have been kind enough to post their results here. Those of us who have been frequenting these parts have seen those posts, and many of you are more familiar with them that I am!
And yes, even more results have been sent to me in email as well. The results have been very consistent as far as ET's, and it's commonly accepted as a solid half-second ET reducer, among the Lightnings turning 14.1 - 14.2 stock. I've had guys getting as much as .67 off from a 14.18 stock, for example, running 14.18 stock, then running 13.51 with the Superchip in position II, and then another 14.21 stock again; but that is on the high side. I basically say, it's about a half-second on "healthy" Lightnings. Most guys are getting 3-4 more mph in trap speeds.
As most of us know, these Lightnings are *very* sensitive to atmospheric changes, temperature, humidity, and altitude all have a very noticeable effect on these vehicles. We have seen stock Lightnings turn times ranging anywhere from basic 14-flat to low 15's. I have had a couple people tell me they ran quicker than 14.0 stock, and while we all know what some of the automotive magazines reported (mid-13's), I have yet to see a stock Lightning break 14.0
Superchips invented the "Flip Chip" concept years ago, and the Lightning is rapidly becoming one of the most popular Flip Chip applications that Superchips has ever offered.
I don't know how far back these message threads go in archives, but anyone who wants to see all the times that have been posted can look in the older threads titled "99.5 Lightning Superchip", and then there was another more recent one, titled 99.5 Superchip Part 2, I think.
Also, we have had many, many posts of 1/4 mile times up in the Computer Chips section, where all the "other" F-150's 250's, & etc. hang out. It is very typical for the V-8 F-150's to reduce 1/4 mile times by .75 second or more with the Superchip. And for the V-6 Superchips in the F-150's, they reduce 1/4 mile times by, on average, a full second. Yes, these are times on automatics. Manual transmission vehicles generally see about 2 tenths less reduction in 1/4 mile times, or about a half-second on the V-8 manuals. Manual V-6's are .7 to .8 seconds quicker with the Superchip. More efficient shift programming helps automatics reduce their acceleration times a bit more than the manual transmission-equipped vehicles, but the power gains are the same for both.
Moreover, I can tell those of you who are interested that it's typical to be able to take either a late-model F-150 or a late-model GM truck, and reduce their 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times by close to a full second using performance programming. GM, for example, has a delay built in so that when you nail the throttle, it enacts a delay of some number of seconds (if I told you the exact number, you'd have a heart attack) before it will allow the engine to make full power, and this just destroys acceleration times. So in that case, you can knock off close to a half-second just be removing most of that delay. Today's vehicles have so much more going on than just basic fuel, spark, and transmission control, that it's getting easier and easier to get larger improvements in driveability and acceleration times than in years past, though it takes far more R&D to get it done. With each new model year, the automakers make their programs harder to change successfully, using multiple overlays, numerous layers of retards, delays of various types, etc. And the more they put in the way, the bigger the gains are when the aftermarket gets thru with them!
Long live the aftermarket!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
A-Lightning, I live in the Dallas area and got my Lightning at the end of May. I recently installed my Super Chip and have nothing but positive things to say about the surprising increase in performance. Although I have never taken my truck to a strip, my perception is that a 1/2 second off the quarter mile time is very reasonable. The tires will spin all the way to 2nd gear (I figure the cost at about $5/launch-tire cost @ $291 each). Your situation seems to be the exception rather than the rule. E-mail Mike Troyer or better yet, call him and see what he has to say. Where do you run your truck?
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1999 Black Lightning - w/Super Chip, CD Changer, Towing Package,Grey Rhino, clear corner lenses.
[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 09-12-1999).]
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1999 Black Lightning - w/Super Chip, CD Changer, Towing Package,Grey Rhino, clear corner lenses.
[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 09-12-1999).]
Hey Mike, Sal here. I wasn't trying to say that the Superchip could not deliver the results you posted if that's how it seemed. I was just commenting on that you said people here on the message board said they saw from .5 to .8 seconds off their ET. Now when I hear that coming from someone selling a product, that tells me that if I buy this product, I'll see at the least .5 seconds off and I could see up to .8 seconds. I checked every single post on this list as far back as it would let me go, and Jeff's truck was the only one that I could find that even posted times with the chip. You said that the truck at the WFC ran 14.8s stock and went 14.0 with the Superchip. I don't care what anyone says, a 99 Lightning running that slow has a problem, or the driver really needs lessons. There were two other 99s in the Street Lightning Class (which I sponsored as well as the Pro Class)and they went 14.1-14.3s stock. Also, you said "Superchips invented the "Flip Chip" concept years ago, and the Lightning is rapidly becoming one of the most popular Flip Chip applications that Superchips has ever offered." I've been in the business for quite some time, and I've only seen the "Flip Chip" offered from Superchips in the past couple of years. Well, Chipmaster distributors have been doing dual-program chips since the 80s. I understand that you are a saleman, and you are here to sell a product, but I really don't care for that kind of advertising. I hate to put up these kind of posts, as they are quite non-professional, but if I weren't a chip tuner, I would have still said the same exact thing. I've been invovled with Lightnings for a long time, and I have found that Lightning owners have very little "sources" for parts and technical information that they can really trust, so that's why I get a bit irritated when I see sugar-coated type advertising. I'm sure I'll get flogged with all sorts of negative responses to this post, but I can't help it; I've become very defensive of Lightning owners over the past few years....
SAL
------------------
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
" TARGET=_blank>http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
</A>
SAL
------------------
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
" TARGET=_blank>http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
</A>
I don't know about you guys, but my chip didn't help a lot, as some of you have stated! My Lightning ran a best of 14.26 stock...Ran a best of 14.02 with chip! Wondering about the .5 second increase all you guys are talking about? I didn't notice shift improvements either, increased RPM by 200, which helped! Having more trouble with exhaust tips turning black. I do agree the chip has helped! Idle seems to have improved! I'm going to do a little more testing! I'll let you know if i find anything! OH, by the way, I live in Oklahoma, it's hot and humid, most of the time, at least this year! The track i ran at is about 1100 ft. already....Later
All,
Thanks for your kind words and prayers, I am doing fine after the surgery and am hoping that after I heal up, I'll be close to OEM spec again.
I even convinced the doctor and hospital staff to let me come home the same day as the surgery. Being a large individual, hospital beds are anything but comfortable and I figured I'd be less miserable in my own.
2000silverbulletonorder,
When I spoke with the NOS Rep, he indicated that it would be ok to run the chip as long as I ran program 1 (normal position). The rest of the time, program 2 would be the order of the day (sans n20). I want that guy in the Dakota RT, he must learn not to make fun of his betters!
------------------
Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
Black 99.5 Lightning
Lojack
Superchipped!
G-Tech/Pro
SnugLid
BedRug
Invinca-Shield, full kit.
NOS KIT DEFINITLY - parts ordered, that RT is gonna wish he never sandbagged me!
Thanks for your kind words and prayers, I am doing fine after the surgery and am hoping that after I heal up, I'll be close to OEM spec again.
I even convinced the doctor and hospital staff to let me come home the same day as the surgery. Being a large individual, hospital beds are anything but comfortable and I figured I'd be less miserable in my own.
2000silverbulletonorder,
When I spoke with the NOS Rep, he indicated that it would be ok to run the chip as long as I ran program 1 (normal position). The rest of the time, program 2 would be the order of the day (sans n20). I want that guy in the Dakota RT, he must learn not to make fun of his betters!
------------------
Chuck 'Wyldman' Shelton
Black 99.5 Lightning
Lojack
Superchipped!
G-Tech/Pro
SnugLid
BedRug
Invinca-Shield, full kit.
NOS KIT DEFINITLY - parts ordered, that RT is gonna wish he never sandbagged me!
Wyldman: Wishing you a fast recovery, you might make sure your doctor doesn't ride in a Lightning or he'll keep you out of it for another week because of all the thrust forces
------------------------A-Lightning: The first time I installed my Superchip I didn't unhook the battery and I had soot also. For another reason I unhooked the battery and reinstalled the chip and this time it is gray inside my pipes...dunno if I inadvertently stumbled on a cure for all (probably not) but worth a try.
------------------
Red 99.5 Lightning,#0975,Born 5/6/99...Adopted 5/27/99 Chipped w/SuperChip Flipchip chip, Mobil 1
------------------------A-Lightning: The first time I installed my Superchip I didn't unhook the battery and I had soot also. For another reason I unhooked the battery and reinstalled the chip and this time it is gray inside my pipes...dunno if I inadvertently stumbled on a cure for all (probably not) but worth a try.------------------
Red 99.5 Lightning,#0975,Born 5/6/99...Adopted 5/27/99 Chipped w/SuperChip Flipchip chip, Mobil 1
Mike Troyer said...
"Also, we have had many, many posts of 1/4 mile times up in the Computer Chips section, where all the "other" F-150's 250's, & etc. hang out. It is very typical for the V-8 F-150's to reduce 1/4 mile times by .75 second or more with the Superchip. And for the V-6 Superchips in the F-150's, they reduce 1/4 mile times by, on average, a full second. Yes, these are times on automatics."
I have a Superchips on my '98 4.2L Auto STX. I picked up about a tenth in the quarter mile with the Superchips. A friend on his '99 Lightning also picked up a less than a tenth with the Superchips (just 3 hp increase on the dyno). I am underwhelmed by their performance.
Mike, I have detailed records of all my dragstrip runs (including weather conditions) if you are interested in analyzing why my truck is not up to Superchips' expectations. I have e-mailed my results to you and am anxiously awaiting your response.
------------------
HotRodSix
1998 STX Flairside 4.2L
[This message has been edited by HotRodSix (edited 09-13-1999).]
"Also, we have had many, many posts of 1/4 mile times up in the Computer Chips section, where all the "other" F-150's 250's, & etc. hang out. It is very typical for the V-8 F-150's to reduce 1/4 mile times by .75 second or more with the Superchip. And for the V-6 Superchips in the F-150's, they reduce 1/4 mile times by, on average, a full second. Yes, these are times on automatics."
I have a Superchips on my '98 4.2L Auto STX. I picked up about a tenth in the quarter mile with the Superchips. A friend on his '99 Lightning also picked up a less than a tenth with the Superchips (just 3 hp increase on the dyno). I am underwhelmed by their performance.
Mike, I have detailed records of all my dragstrip runs (including weather conditions) if you are interested in analyzing why my truck is not up to Superchips' expectations. I have e-mailed my results to you and am anxiously awaiting your response.
------------------
HotRodSix
1998 STX Flairside 4.2L
[This message has been edited by HotRodSix (edited 09-13-1999).]
Sal and Mike
How about sponsoring a runoff using the same Lightning and track with both of your chips?
This would give us consumers the real low down on which is better.
I currently have The SuperChip installed in my truck, and ran my first run ever at Joliet Friday night. 13.846 @ 99.86 MPH with 4950 pounds on board ain't bad for a real novice. I credit some of this to the chip as I feel the difference in everyday driving. It was pretty crowded and I got there late, so I did not make any runs in program #1. To date, I've put 7000 miles on the truck, 5000 with the chip in, and I am thoroughly impressed with the results. That's not to say however that I am closed minded to other peoples products which could improve results.
Mike, I've dealt with you and you seem like a gentleman from all angles, who is very knowledgable of the products you sell.
Sal, I know you have a lot of experience with both generation of Lightnings and I know you mean well. I personally am interested in your air inlet system, but am holding off for release of the Vortec mass airflow meter & air intake system (maybe this week)before deciding which way to go. Let's end this chip war urinating contest once and for all, so we can all move on to other improvements.
Lightning Bob
99.5 Red Lightning
Rhino Liner
Glasstite Rally Hard Tonneau
Class III Hitch & CD
How about sponsoring a runoff using the same Lightning and track with both of your chips?
This would give us consumers the real low down on which is better.
I currently have The SuperChip installed in my truck, and ran my first run ever at Joliet Friday night. 13.846 @ 99.86 MPH with 4950 pounds on board ain't bad for a real novice. I credit some of this to the chip as I feel the difference in everyday driving. It was pretty crowded and I got there late, so I did not make any runs in program #1. To date, I've put 7000 miles on the truck, 5000 with the chip in, and I am thoroughly impressed with the results. That's not to say however that I am closed minded to other peoples products which could improve results.
Mike, I've dealt with you and you seem like a gentleman from all angles, who is very knowledgable of the products you sell.
Sal, I know you have a lot of experience with both generation of Lightnings and I know you mean well. I personally am interested in your air inlet system, but am holding off for release of the Vortec mass airflow meter & air intake system (maybe this week)before deciding which way to go. Let's end this chip war urinating contest once and for all, so we can all move on to other improvements.
Lightning Bob
99.5 Red Lightning
Rhino Liner
Glasstite Rally Hard Tonneau
Class III Hitch & CD
Here are my times from an UNCHIPPED 99 Lightning, so I should see 13.50's or so?
1st pass: 60' 2.084 1/4 et 14.330 @ 95.59mph
2nd pass: 60' 2.294 1/4 et 14.665 @ 95.45mph
(bad wheel spin)
3rd pass: 60' 2.085 1/4 et 14.377 @ 95.12mph
4th pass: 60' 2.066 1/4 et 14.356 @ 95.10mph
(inlet boot removed)
5th pass: 60' 2.080 1/4 et 14.346 @ 95.37mph
(inlet boot removed)
I'd like to get some HARD set numbers from both Sal and Mike before I decide which way to go.
Tt
------------------
1999 Black Lightning SVT all options, (Factory soft tonneau cover, 6 Disc CD, Class III towing hitch), Loyd one piece floormat (Fits well, looks good), Tail light covers (Killer painted black to match), Black spray in bed liner (looks very good), Windows tinted gray 15% on doors, Dark Limo on back glass, Ordered 1st truck 1/21/99 till salesman told me a $5000 premium would be added, On the same day ordered second truck 2/24/99 (BEFORE getting my check back), Took delivery 6/21/99 After MANY many MANY promised ETA dates, Build date of 5/20/99
1st pass: 60' 2.084 1/4 et 14.330 @ 95.59mph
2nd pass: 60' 2.294 1/4 et 14.665 @ 95.45mph
(bad wheel spin)
3rd pass: 60' 2.085 1/4 et 14.377 @ 95.12mph
4th pass: 60' 2.066 1/4 et 14.356 @ 95.10mph
(inlet boot removed)
5th pass: 60' 2.080 1/4 et 14.346 @ 95.37mph
(inlet boot removed)
I'd like to get some HARD set numbers from both Sal and Mike before I decide which way to go.
Tt
------------------
1999 Black Lightning SVT all options, (Factory soft tonneau cover, 6 Disc CD, Class III towing hitch), Loyd one piece floormat (Fits well, looks good), Tail light covers (Killer painted black to match), Black spray in bed liner (looks very good), Windows tinted gray 15% on doors, Dark Limo on back glass, Ordered 1st truck 1/21/99 till salesman told me a $5000 premium would be added, On the same day ordered second truck 2/24/99 (BEFORE getting my check back), Took delivery 6/21/99 After MANY many MANY promised ETA dates, Build date of 5/20/99
I don't see where this discussion is non-productive. Claims are made and my personal experience has not substantiated these claims. I would like to know why my truck is not performing up to Superchips expectations. Is that too much to ask?
Hey guys, Sal here. I would like to point out that I am not looking to make this a "urinating" contest. I'm not saying my chip is better than the Superchip. I have not even posted any HP or ET "claims" concerning my chip. Even though it is available and does improve ETs nicely, I am still "fine tuning" it and therefore I haven't released any numbers yet. My oringinal post was basically about advertising claims, not who's chip is better. I'm all for a chip shoot-out, but my chip in not finalized. When it is, I'm game. I love that kind of stuff, it keeps the market going and the people happy.
SAL
------------------
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
" TARGET=_blank>http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
</A>
SAL
------------------
Power Surge Performance--- Your SOURCE for SVT Lightning EFI Tuning and Performance!! <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
" TARGET=_blank>http://members.aol.com/NLOCsvt/svt.html
</A>
Hows it going fellow Lighting owners. I'm totally behind Mike all the way in fact in a few months I will be ordering my Superchip and doing a few mods. He has been a perfect gentlemen and very supportive as a distributor and as a fellow member of F150oline he has been terrific very personable. Mike I look forward to speaking with you on the phone and I enjoy reading your posts very much. Your very knowledgeable and charismatic. Ive heard you may be performing future modifications to the chip for the Lighting, best of luck to you on that. Sal I also enjoy reading your posts, you bring a bit of life to the board and years of knowledge regarding tuning the Lightings of 93-95 and the new 99's I will also be calling you in search of some help on the Air filter modifications might be awhile since I've gotta save those pennies. Good work to both of you for your continued support and effort on this board.
Take Care
Metallic Blue
http://www.angelfire.com/ct/pontiacmuscle/index.html
Metallic Blue
------------------
1999.5 Black
SVT Lightning
Bone Stock
CD Changer, Tonneau Cover, Class III Tow Hitch.
Take Care
Metallic Blue
http://www.angelfire.com/ct/pontiacmuscle/index.html
Metallic Blue
------------------
1999.5 Black
SVT Lightning
Bone Stock
CD Changer, Tonneau Cover, Class III Tow Hitch.


