What this i hear about not being able to chip the 2003 Lightnings?
Whats going on with that? Makes me not even want to wait on the new L's and go get a 2002 but if i know if i do you will be able to chip them.
whats a man to do?

 

I think your the first to hear that. I havent read or heard anything like that. And how would anyone know, nobody has a 03 yet.

 

You can figure out a way to chip anything. Whether you are suppose to or not is a different story. I can't imagine Ford spending enough money to change the PCM(computer) on a otherwise unchanged truck. Don't worry, I'm sure you will be able to chip them just as 99-02.

 

If they get rid of the port on the back of the PCM, someone will be able to figure out a way to reflash the pcm. I hear superchips has a programer comming out, that a tuner will be able to load any program you want.

 

Wether its plug n play (just popping the chip in), or you having to splice some wires... im SURE that a chip will be out for the 03's, no doubt.

-Mike

 

Late 03's and all 04's will not have an access port on the computer for a chip. All aftermarket programming will have to go thru the diagnostic connector under the dash. Currently Diablo is the only aftermarket company that is gonna offer total tuning capabilities using one of their Predators. Superchips will only load in a standard program. Keep in mind that standard programs are CARB certified and legal for sale. Custom programs are not and will not be loaded into aftermarket tuning modules. The Diablo will allow you to download, into the programmer, a custom program via the internet from your dealer of choice and upload that into your vehicle. Superchips will not have this flexibility.

It will also be a totally different PCM.

Hope this helps.

G

 

I haven't heard they did away with the access port. If they do I think I know a way around it. You may be able to switch the outside cover off the 03 and put a 02 on with the access hole.

The internal board should be the same to connect the chip. I will find out through my sources at work and post if it true.

 

Grey03 where do you get that from?

 

Looks like Ford is trying to crack-down on aftermarket chipping...

-Mike

 

Bingo. You are 100%right. the computer will not have an access port therefore there will be NO place to add an aftermarket chip. All tuning will have to actually be reprogrammed/reflashed into the computer itself.

 

Anyone want to purchase a chipped 02 rather than hassle and have to wait on the 03???!!!!

 

I from time to time get a chance to speak with the truck engineering people at svt, and I actually spoke with the guy who writes the factory calibrations for the supercharged engines from ford. I was told by engineering that they (ford) are going to release a pcm that is a chip or non ford calibration are installed it will shut down the pcm and store a DTC in it alerting the dealer to the attempted modification... This is what I was told by these people so do not flame me...... just though I would pass it on for informational purposes

 

buy now while their cheap, the tuners are gonna need lots more money for r & d for these new computers!!!!!

 

wow...imho this isn't the best route for ford. i know one of the reasons i bought the L was because of how well they react to mods, and the chip is integral. i also think svt customers are more "performance oriented" as far as mods than your average chevy..hell, even corvette customer.

i'm glad i got my 02

 

If there using the same old crappy rods and lack of thread heads, I wouldn't put anything past them.
This could suck for the 03 owners.