Superchip in the Supercrew
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From: Orem, Utah, USA
Superchip in the Supercrew
After waiting until I had at least 1000 miles on the truck, I installed a Superchip in my Supercrew last Saturday. It took about an hour. I don't care what the instructions say, it is a lot easier to get to the computer if you take out the battery and tray in which it sits.
Of course, its too early to tell if all the promoted benefits of the Superchip are to be believed. My truck is still "learning" to use the Superchip programming. What is apparent is that the shift patterns are different (shifts are firmer and more predictable) and the shift points (especially from 2nd to 3rd gear) appear to be slightly higher.
The Superchip promises increases in h.p. and torque and my unscientific seat of the pants tests bear that out. The truck seems much more responsive throughout the throttle range. Of course, when you pay $225 for something your brain (or is that ego?) tells you that the benefits are in deed there. Otherwise you feel stupid.
I haven't towed anything yet, so, I don't know if the performance improvements are noticeable in towing.
Next Mod: Airbox elimination kit (probably K&N
Of course, its too early to tell if all the promoted benefits of the Superchip are to be believed. My truck is still "learning" to use the Superchip programming. What is apparent is that the shift patterns are different (shifts are firmer and more predictable) and the shift points (especially from 2nd to 3rd gear) appear to be slightly higher.
The Superchip promises increases in h.p. and torque and my unscientific seat of the pants tests bear that out. The truck seems much more responsive throughout the throttle range. Of course, when you pay $225 for something your brain (or is that ego?) tells you that the benefits are in deed there. Otherwise you feel stupid.
I haven't towed anything yet, so, I don't know if the performance improvements are noticeable in towing.
Next Mod: Airbox elimination kit (probably K&N
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi LRM,
Glad to see you're enjoying your new Superchip. It's not in your head, the Superchip is working.
With regards to whether or not you have to remove the battery, in all the years we've been doing this (knock on wood right about now!) we have not had one F-150 that we had to do this on, HOWEVER, numerous other people have. On some of the F-150's, there is a certain option combination that puts a pair of solenoids on the firewall just above the wiring harness for the computer, and when you have that, you do need to remove the battery and it's tray, which is a 5 minute operation.
Is that what you noticed on your vehicle perhaps? If not, please do let us know exactly what you found that caused you to need to remove the battery to access your wiring harness, we'll be happy to add an addendum to the instructions. In all our shipments we include a 3-4 page "tips sheet" from us here at Performance Products, that goes over in more detail than the manufacturer's installation instructions the installation procedure, how we clean the connector, etc., and we can easily add this info if you would like to provide it for your particular Super Crew.
Please feel free to email to us, that's a lot easier than doing this here on the message boards.
And best of luck with your truck!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
Glad to see you're enjoying your new Superchip. It's not in your head, the Superchip is working.
With regards to whether or not you have to remove the battery, in all the years we've been doing this (knock on wood right about now!) we have not had one F-150 that we had to do this on, HOWEVER, numerous other people have. On some of the F-150's, there is a certain option combination that puts a pair of solenoids on the firewall just above the wiring harness for the computer, and when you have that, you do need to remove the battery and it's tray, which is a 5 minute operation.
Is that what you noticed on your vehicle perhaps? If not, please do let us know exactly what you found that caused you to need to remove the battery to access your wiring harness, we'll be happy to add an addendum to the instructions. In all our shipments we include a 3-4 page "tips sheet" from us here at Performance Products, that goes over in more detail than the manufacturer's installation instructions the installation procedure, how we clean the connector, etc., and we can easily add this info if you would like to provide it for your particular Super Crew.
Please feel free to email to us, that's a lot easier than doing this here on the message boards.
And best of luck with your truck!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 95
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From: San Diego, Calif.
LRM, what size engine do you have? and Do you have any info yet on the fuel mileage, before and after? That might pursuade me in getting one after reading your post, and that of the distributor.
Thanks!
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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L,K&N Filter,....what's next?
Thanks!
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White,XLT 4x4,5.4L,K&N Filter,....what's next?
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From: Orem, Utah, USA
Yes, indeed, I have the two solenoids mounted above the computer, and yes, it did take only about 5 minutes (probably less) to remove the battery and the tray. It wasn't a big deal, but, in my case, I had to do it to get to the computer.
Surfin Cowboy: I've got the 5.4l engine. I've only run 1/2 a tank through the truck since I installed the Superchip. It's too early to tell on the mileage and virtually all of my driving has been city driving, so it's not likely I'll see much improvement on this tank. The truck is still learning the Superchip program and I still had 7 gallons of 87 Octane in the truck when I filled it with Premium (91 Octane in these parts @ 4400 ft. elevation). The Superchip derives its benefits from the characteristics of Premium fuel, so premium fuel is a requirement.
If I get the 1.5 mpg gain others have reported, the additional cost per gallon ($0.09 more than 87 octane) for premium will be offset by the mileage gains. However, I didn't buy the chip for mileage reasons. I got it for the performance benefits and I like what I see and feel so far
Surfin Cowboy: I've got the 5.4l engine. I've only run 1/2 a tank through the truck since I installed the Superchip. It's too early to tell on the mileage and virtually all of my driving has been city driving, so it's not likely I'll see much improvement on this tank. The truck is still learning the Superchip program and I still had 7 gallons of 87 Octane in the truck when I filled it with Premium (91 Octane in these parts @ 4400 ft. elevation). The Superchip derives its benefits from the characteristics of Premium fuel, so premium fuel is a requirement.
If I get the 1.5 mpg gain others have reported, the additional cost per gallon ($0.09 more than 87 octane) for premium will be offset by the mileage gains. However, I didn't buy the chip for mileage reasons. I got it for the performance benefits and I like what I see and feel so far
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi ALWYSL8,
As LRM mentioned, the Superchip does *not* void your warranty.
Just so you'll know, there is specific legislation that protects you in the use of aftermarket performance parts, aftermarket replacement parts, etc. It's called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This Act has many provisions, the relevant ones here are that it is illegal for any manufacturer to void your warranty, or to even deny a warranty claim, just because you have aftermarket parts installed. The automaker is required by law to *prove* that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts' failure; they must also prove that had the aftermarket
part(s) not been installed, the related parts would not have failed, and that is very strong protection indeed.
What the Magnuson- Moss Warranty Act does is basically put into place a set of fair-play rules. For example, if you install a supercharger, it's probably going to affect your powertrain warranty, of course. But things like K&N air filters, chips, cat-back exhaust systems, etc., generally do not affect your warranty. It all gets down to one simple point: does the part actually cause *damage* to the vehicle? And if it does, then the automaker is not forced to warranty something unfairly. But as long as that part does not cause damage, then your warranty remains intact, by law. That's what I mean when I say a set of "fair-play rules". It works for both the automaker as werll as the public at large, and does a very good job.
Please feel free to give us a shout if you'd like to go over this in more detail.
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
As LRM mentioned, the Superchip does *not* void your warranty.
Just so you'll know, there is specific legislation that protects you in the use of aftermarket performance parts, aftermarket replacement parts, etc. It's called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This Act has many provisions, the relevant ones here are that it is illegal for any manufacturer to void your warranty, or to even deny a warranty claim, just because you have aftermarket parts installed. The automaker is required by law to *prove* that the aftermarket part in question was the sole cause of a related parts' failure; they must also prove that had the aftermarket
part(s) not been installed, the related parts would not have failed, and that is very strong protection indeed.
What the Magnuson- Moss Warranty Act does is basically put into place a set of fair-play rules. For example, if you install a supercharger, it's probably going to affect your powertrain warranty, of course. But things like K&N air filters, chips, cat-back exhaust systems, etc., generally do not affect your warranty. It all gets down to one simple point: does the part actually cause *damage* to the vehicle? And if it does, then the automaker is not forced to warranty something unfairly. But as long as that part does not cause damage, then your warranty remains intact, by law. That's what I mean when I say a set of "fair-play rules". It works for both the automaker as werll as the public at large, and does a very good job.
Please feel free to give us a shout if you'd like to go over this in more detail.
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
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Former Sponsor
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From: Virginia
Hi LRM,
OK, so you *do* have those solenoids. Thanks for shooting me that email, to let us know you went over the instructions and found this included, so no changes to the documentation are necessary.
Have a great weekend,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
OK, so you *do* have those solenoids. Thanks for shooting me that email, to let us know you went over the instructions and found this included, so no changes to the documentation are necessary.
Have a great weekend,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
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Joined: May 2000
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From: SoCal
Coming up on 1000 miles and pondering a SuperChip. I have the 4.6 and am not at all disappointed with its power, but reading these posts has made me curious....
*Is use of premium fuel a requirement or a suggestion?
*Are there MPG as well as HP gains with SuperChip?
*What about use when towing?
*Is use of premium fuel a requirement or a suggestion?
*Are there MPG as well as HP gains with SuperChip?
*What about use when towing?
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From: Orem, Utah, USA
FyrDawg
The Superchip is not promoted as a fuel economy increasing modification. Yes, it does *require* the use of premium fuel. It's a performance mod and increases HP and torque by about 12%-14% in addition to providing better (in the opinion of many) shift patterns. See the Computer Chips forum. There is a ton of info on the Superchip in that forum.
Most do report a slight increase (1-2 mpg)in fuel economy, but, I would not purchase the chip for this reason alone. In my case, fuel economy decreased 1.3 mpg over the previous tank after installation of the Superchip. I don't think it was related to the chip. It's more a matter of more city driving and constant use of the A/C on this last tank
The Superchip is not promoted as a fuel economy increasing modification. Yes, it does *require* the use of premium fuel. It's a performance mod and increases HP and torque by about 12%-14% in addition to providing better (in the opinion of many) shift patterns. See the Computer Chips forum. There is a ton of info on the Superchip in that forum.
Most do report a slight increase (1-2 mpg)in fuel economy, but, I would not purchase the chip for this reason alone. In my case, fuel economy decreased 1.3 mpg over the previous tank after installation of the Superchip. I don't think it was related to the chip. It's more a matter of more city driving and constant use of the A/C on this last tank
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
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From: Virginia
Hi FyrDawg2,
The Superchip *requries* the use of premium gasoline. You see, programming specifically for the use of premium gasoline is what gets us a lot of the raw power gain from the engine, and the increase in gas mileage that most people see.
The increase in gas mileage is strictly a by-product of this tuning process, so your results will depend on how you drive the vehicle and the general load the engine is under, just like before the Superchip. On average, Superchip owners report back here on F-150 Online results of 1.5 - 2.0 more mpg overall, when not using a lot of heavy throttle.
Because the Superchip increases power at *any* throttle position, it's excellent for towing. Better towing performance generally requires increased torque on part-throttle in the low to mid rpm ranges. Now of course the Superchip can't make 5500 lbs. being towed feel like 3000 lbs., but it will give you 10%-12% more horsepower to tow that load with.
There is also another Superchip product, called the "Flip Chip", that can store any 2 programs. Some guys here have been having us configure the Flip Chip for them with one program that can be run on regular gas, and then a performance program for premium gas on the other side of the chip. It's a bit more expensive, but this is one way to mantain maximum gas flexibility, and better performance when you need it. The way we set it up is so that both programs have all our normal changes to improve autoamtic transmission shift characteristics, removal of top speed limiter and everything else we do, but with the ability to run on regular gas in Position 1. There won't be much of a raw power gain from the motor on regular gas of course, but you will still get a little bit better performance because of all the other changes we make, removal of transitional spark retards, etc. And then when you want maximum performance, you flip the switch to the premium program, fill it up with premium, and go have fun!
Feel free to give us a call if you would like to ask some questions, go over all the details, etc., we're happy to help.
And thanks to LRM for all his feedback!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
The Superchip *requries* the use of premium gasoline. You see, programming specifically for the use of premium gasoline is what gets us a lot of the raw power gain from the engine, and the increase in gas mileage that most people see.
The increase in gas mileage is strictly a by-product of this tuning process, so your results will depend on how you drive the vehicle and the general load the engine is under, just like before the Superchip. On average, Superchip owners report back here on F-150 Online results of 1.5 - 2.0 more mpg overall, when not using a lot of heavy throttle.
Because the Superchip increases power at *any* throttle position, it's excellent for towing. Better towing performance generally requires increased torque on part-throttle in the low to mid rpm ranges. Now of course the Superchip can't make 5500 lbs. being towed feel like 3000 lbs., but it will give you 10%-12% more horsepower to tow that load with.
There is also another Superchip product, called the "Flip Chip", that can store any 2 programs. Some guys here have been having us configure the Flip Chip for them with one program that can be run on regular gas, and then a performance program for premium gas on the other side of the chip. It's a bit more expensive, but this is one way to mantain maximum gas flexibility, and better performance when you need it. The way we set it up is so that both programs have all our normal changes to improve autoamtic transmission shift characteristics, removal of top speed limiter and everything else we do, but with the ability to run on regular gas in Position 1. There won't be much of a raw power gain from the motor on regular gas of course, but you will still get a little bit better performance because of all the other changes we make, removal of transitional spark retards, etc. And then when you want maximum performance, you flip the switch to the premium program, fill it up with premium, and go have fun!
Feel free to give us a call if you would like to ask some questions, go over all the details, etc., we're happy to help.
And thanks to LRM for all his feedback!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
You're very welcome!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 54
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From: DUNNELLON, FL., USA
GOOD MORNING FOLKS,
I RECENTLY INSTALLED A SUPERCHIP IN MY SCREW. I HAVE THE 5.4 WITH THE OFF ROAD PKG. THIS IS MY FIRST WEEK OF DRIVING WITH THE CHIP, BUT DEFINITELY NOTICE THE DIFF. PULLING A HEAVY 19 FT CENTER CONSOLE BOAT AT 3500 LBS I FOUND THAT I HAVE TO USE A LIGHTER FOOT! WITHOUT THE BOAT, I REALLY NOTICED QUICKER ACCELERATION AND PULLING THRU THE GEARS. STILL ON MY FIRST TANK OF GAS BUT APPEARS TO BE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN MPG. THE HARDEST THING TO DO IS STAY OUT OF THE THROTTLE !!
TO INSTALL, PLAN ON REMOVING THE BATTERY AND TRAY FOR EASIER ACCESS. AND PLAN ON MODIFYING THE COMPUTER MOUNTING BRACKET LIP. NO BIG DEAL,JUST DO IT THE FIRST TIME! ALL THE INFO IS INCLUDED WITH THE CHIP INSTRUCTIONS.BUT I SOMEHOW MIS-UNDERSTOOD THIS PART. I KEPT DETAILED NOTES ON EVERY MOVE SO E-MAIL ME IF YOU WANT A PEEK.NOTHING FANCY, JUST WRENCH SIZES AND PARTS TO BE REMOVED. I ALSO PUT A DAB OF RTV ON THE CHIP AND COMP CASE TO PREVENT VIBRATION,ETC FROM EVENTUALLY CREATING ANY PROBS. BOTTOM LINE IS ; YES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE !! AND MIKE TROYER AT PERF PRODS IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND A WIZARD ON THESE !! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP MIKE !!!!
I'LL PUT YOU IN FOR RAISE !!!
ALSO REMOVED ALL THE DECALS AND PINSTRIPING. THEY DIDN'T APPEAR THAT THEY WOULD LAST VERY LONG. PEEL OFF VERY EASY !!
AND ADJUSTED THE TORSION BARS TO RAISE THE FRONT FOR A BETTER LOOKING STANCE.
2001 SCREW;OX WHITE & SILVER; 5.4L-LS 3.55;CHARCOAL BENCH; 5004 MILES !
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I RECENTLY INSTALLED A SUPERCHIP IN MY SCREW. I HAVE THE 5.4 WITH THE OFF ROAD PKG. THIS IS MY FIRST WEEK OF DRIVING WITH THE CHIP, BUT DEFINITELY NOTICE THE DIFF. PULLING A HEAVY 19 FT CENTER CONSOLE BOAT AT 3500 LBS I FOUND THAT I HAVE TO USE A LIGHTER FOOT! WITHOUT THE BOAT, I REALLY NOTICED QUICKER ACCELERATION AND PULLING THRU THE GEARS. STILL ON MY FIRST TANK OF GAS BUT APPEARS TO BE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN MPG. THE HARDEST THING TO DO IS STAY OUT OF THE THROTTLE !!
TO INSTALL, PLAN ON REMOVING THE BATTERY AND TRAY FOR EASIER ACCESS. AND PLAN ON MODIFYING THE COMPUTER MOUNTING BRACKET LIP. NO BIG DEAL,JUST DO IT THE FIRST TIME! ALL THE INFO IS INCLUDED WITH THE CHIP INSTRUCTIONS.BUT I SOMEHOW MIS-UNDERSTOOD THIS PART. I KEPT DETAILED NOTES ON EVERY MOVE SO E-MAIL ME IF YOU WANT A PEEK.NOTHING FANCY, JUST WRENCH SIZES AND PARTS TO BE REMOVED. I ALSO PUT A DAB OF RTV ON THE CHIP AND COMP CASE TO PREVENT VIBRATION,ETC FROM EVENTUALLY CREATING ANY PROBS. BOTTOM LINE IS ; YES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE !! AND MIKE TROYER AT PERF PRODS IS EXTREMELY HELPFUL AND A WIZARD ON THESE !! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP MIKE !!!!
I'LL PUT YOU IN FOR RAISE !!!
ALSO REMOVED ALL THE DECALS AND PINSTRIPING. THEY DIDN'T APPEAR THAT THEY WOULD LAST VERY LONG. PEEL OFF VERY EASY !!
AND ADJUSTED THE TORSION BARS TO RAISE THE FRONT FOR A BETTER LOOKING STANCE.
2001 SCREW;OX WHITE & SILVER; 5.4L-LS 3.55;CHARCOAL BENCH; 5004 MILES !
------------------
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi 1stnuford,
Great post!
On those F-150's that have the Offroad package and one other option combo that I don't remember, they have a pair of solenoids mounted on the firewall that will block your access to the wiring harness behind the battery, making battery removal necessary on those vehicles. Not many have that combination, but some do, and on every one with those solenoids you will have to pull the battery, as we mention in our 4-page "tips sheet" that we send out with all our Superchips for these vehicles. I'm glad you took the time to read all our documentation, not everyone does!
Sounds like you're getting good results, as it should be, excellent!
I did want to mention something to do you about your raising the ride height in the front by adjusting the torsion bars. In most vehicles that can have their ride height adjusted like that, you should generally also do a front-end alignment when you do that to restore proper geometry, so you don't get increased tire wear, just a suggestion.
Have fun with your truck,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-21-2000).]
Great post!
On those F-150's that have the Offroad package and one other option combo that I don't remember, they have a pair of solenoids mounted on the firewall that will block your access to the wiring harness behind the battery, making battery removal necessary on those vehicles. Not many have that combination, but some do, and on every one with those solenoids you will have to pull the battery, as we mention in our 4-page "tips sheet" that we send out with all our Superchips for these vehicles. I'm glad you took the time to read all our documentation, not everyone does!
Sounds like you're getting good results, as it should be, excellent!
I did want to mention something to do you about your raising the ride height in the front by adjusting the torsion bars. In most vehicles that can have their ride height adjusted like that, you should generally also do a front-end alignment when you do that to restore proper geometry, so you don't get increased tire wear, just a suggestion.
Have fun with your truck,
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Performance Products F150Online Superchip ordering system: F150Online Superchip Ordering System
First National F-150 Online Rally Info:https://www.f150online.com/rally2000/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 07-21-2000).]
