Hey guys I am looking at new trucks. I am torn between 2. the 2004 Supercab 5.4L larriet 4X4 and a 2003 SC. I have been thinking of going with the SC and adding a chip, dual exhaust, and high flow intake. What HP, Tourque and Fuel economy could I expect from that modificaiton? I would like a the 04 but it is a new model with potential bugs. I had some issues with the last new "unproven" model in 99 with the 5.4 liter change. Not sure I want that risk although I like the new style. Add that on top of the rebates on the '03.


Please help me decide Thanks

 

You will probably have to pump premium gas with a chip. You will lose some low end grunt with a dual exhaust. You can use a K&N filter and get good results with the stock airbox. As for HP numbers? Whatever the manufacturer is claiming in improvement, divide it in half and pray for the best.

 

I've driven a 2004, I could notice the difference in HP. Never bought the chip though I hear great things about it. I got rid of my 1999 and bought the 2003 just recently, couldn't pass up all the rebates, the extra HP didn't make that much of a difference to me. And like u said, I figured I'd give them a few years to work out the bugs...

 

I have a 2001 with the chip, FIPK, and a flowmaster muffler. The only thing that gave a noticeable change was the chip. It's not a lot but it is a gain. The only way to get big HP is going with a SC. I took my chip out for a while to see what the difference would be, not nearly as fun to drive and no real change in mileage so the chip stays.

 

Ummm...the '99 was proven and the 5.4 was not new (introduced in '97). I had a '99 and I was well pleased with it. 2 years of a production run and the bugs should have long been worked out. The first year of a run is prolly taking a chance, but the second year is prolly OK. Personally, I would either go for a '03 and get the incentives or wait for the '05.

Hope you get what makes you smile!

 

Ford increased the HP in the 1999 5.4 liter over the 97 and 98 model. The issues people had were oil leaks. Ford put new head gaskets in mine 3 times a new head the 4th time then a new engin at 86,000 miles. Seems they should have done that the first time. I will not fault them though it turned out to be a manufacturing error from one of their suppliers. There were 2 different issues. Some had heads that were over 1000's of an inch varriance and others were blocks with over 1000's of an inch varrience (or pits in the block too). Anyway Ford took care of me and I will not fault them for that. The dealer I went through was doing a head job at least once per week for several months and they are not a big dealer.

 

The rebates and incentives that are being offered on the 03's are REALLY REALLY hard to beat. I wouldn't expect to see ANYTHING like that for quite a while on the 04's.

I know I'm pointing out the obvious but, if money is an issue, I'd certainly take that into consideration VERY heavily.

RP

 

Well, I have a 4x4 and have done:
Dual Out Magnaflow Exhaust
Airforce One Intake
Superchips Microtuner programed factory chip.

The pickup is noticebly better, but still can't chirp the tires going straight from a standstill.

If you want performance in a SCREW, get the Harley.

 

Here is wha tI am basing my decision on:

1. I need more towing power.
Will the chip give me enough? I had though that chipping it, dual exhaust and a high flow intake system would increase about 35 h and about the same in tourque. I was basing this of a 10 % increase on the chip and about 5-8% on the exhaust/intake. Am I way off base?

2. More room in the back seat - Extended cab is a little tight in the current model.

3. Leather for ease of cleaning the dog hair... yellow lad.. awesome dog but the hair sticks to the cloth too much.

 

teandrle.........

1. The SuperChip can only help,....but if you are after towing capabilities, choose the SuperDuty diesel. Towing abilility plus better fuel economy, better engine warranty and the engine will last longer (if you intend to keep the truck for alot of miles). *Note: The SuperChip or SuperChip Microtuner both require 91 or higher octane gasoline. I mention this for your own information. It is well worth the extra operating cost for me because it is actually cheaper per mile at the present costs of fuel.

2. Well....you didn't give reasons for the need for the extra rear seat space.....but I love the bigger back seat (traded a '99 SC for my present '01 SCrew for that very reason. We have 4 kids, 2 of which are 5'5". tall. The full-sized rear seat is great.)

3.Yuck!!!! No fur-bearing animals are ever allowed in my house or my truck. If I were to ever consider transporting an animal in my truck, it would be in the bed.....or my cattle trailer!

 

But you dont see me complaining about yours. My lab is awesome and I would not go anywhere without her. I'm sure others feel the same way. I am more interested in the truck than discussing opinions on "fur Berring" animals.

 

.....and the truck is what I was discussing. Just trying to help you with your questions. That is what we do here. I am sorry if I have offended you.

 

If you had a 99 SC with 3.73 gears, then you'll be dissapointed with a Screw. I was. Maybe my motor isn't broken in or maybe the larger tires are affecting more than I thought they should, but my 03 Screw is noticably less competent than my 99 was at towing on the highway. More weight with equal power is not going to impress you. Mods can only help so much per $ invested. You pobalby don't care much about peak munbers that the mods will give you. For a Superchip, intkae and exhaust, expect 10% more power in normal driving conditions. Depending on what you tow, a SD is worth looking into.

The '04 Supercab is not much bigger for hauling people. There is about the same amount of legroom as the current/old model, but the seatback angle absorbs the extra 6" of cab space. You get more storage, but the legs will still be pinched.

BTW, my 99 w/ 5.4L had no leaking oil or head gasket problems.

 

WOW , what a difference. I have quite the opposite experience as APT. I had a '99 SuperCab which I traded for my '01 SCrew. The two trucks are virtually the same except for the cab. (The color was even the same). Same engine(5.4), tranny (4R70W),gears(3.55). My '01 SCrew is quite "peppier" than the '99 SCab. I even have larger tires on the SCrew than on the SCab and it is still a little peppier off the line. The throttle response is the noticeable difference. The mods to both are similar, but whether in stock trim or modded....the '01 Screw surprised me a little.

My '99 SCab DID have the head gasket problem that the dealer repaired under warranty....as well as numerous tranny issues, but my brother had a almost identical '99 SCab which had NO issues. My '01 SCrew has had NO mechanical isues at all either.

I am not trying to contradict APT's response in any way. He is a respected long-time member here. Just making the point that in my opinion, every truck is different and can have it's own set characteristics.

I agree with APT...depending on your towing needs..the SuperDuty may be the ticket. The SD is what I was shopping for when I traded and is what I still want to have...but speaking of issues....MONEY was the main issue I had with the SuperDuty Diesel! Oh well...maybe one day

 

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