Can someone tell me what benefits there are to installing a Superchip on a 5-speed 4.6? I know on an automatic one of the main perks is that it changes the shift program to firm the shifts and takes out some of the factory's timing retard between shifts (don't quote me on that). On the manual transmission, what does the chip do? My (new) '98 4.6 5-speed just doesn't feel like it's playing with all 52 cards under the hood; it just doesn't want to "pull" like I think it should for a 220 HP motor. I've got 3.55's in the rear. The truck has 60K and is bone stock. Does Ford also program the manuals to retard the timing when changing gears? My automatic '97 (same drivetrain otherwise) felt a lot stronger, and it's losing a lot more HP to the slushbox (even before I put the blower on). What could be wrong? Could a Superchip take care of any of this "sluggishness"? I've got the Powerdyne on the '97 (which is for sale, the truck that is) that I plan to install on the '98. I need to do something. I looked all over the country for this '98 5-speed Lariat, and it's just not what I expected. I appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks a lot.

 

I hope you find out, because I'm dying to know the same thing!!

 

I have a Superchip in my 4.6, 5-speed.
When I got the truck I felt it had good power. It didn't feel sluggish at all. That may be because I had just got out of a 2000 Ranger 3.0, auto. That was sluggish
The Superchip was my first mod. I didn't make a huge difference. I could feel more power though.
The exhaust and intake were a help as well.
My truck is lighter than the Lariat. I think the weight of tha truck and it's configuration must have a lot to do with how the engine performs.
My truck goes great. No problem on the hills. If I do happen to need a bit more power I downshift and put the petal to the floor. That does the trick for me.
The chip won't make any difference in the shifts.
Is it possible that there is a problem with something?
Maybe you got used to the feel with the supercharger. I think if I had a supercharger for a while and then drove something without one I would think the vehicle was sluggish.
Hope you are able to find the power within!
Tom

 

I drive a 2000 F-150 XL supercab 2wd 5speed with 3.55 and added a Superchip recently. I found a big difference in power and drivablilty.The power is smother and it pulls much harder than before. I tow a 24 ft travel trailer and found the chip to help accelerataing . I took a friend of mine for a spin before and after and he couldn't believe the difference. I would definatley recommend it for the 5speed.

 

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all the replies. I think I am going to plan on installing a Superchip, bank account withstanding, but will probably wait until after I install the Powerdyne. Once the truck is moving at speed it feels great; I can't believe some of the hills it will pull in 5th without losing speed or needing a downshift. It's just getting to that speed in the first place. It's almost like it doesn't "accelerate", it just kinda gradually increases speed (if you know what I mean). Wittom, I don't know if I ever stated that my 5-speed is also a SuperCab; I'm assuming your STX is a regular cab (by the way, have you ever seen a SuperCab STX with a 4.6 5-speed?, I haven't). I think there's something like 400-500 lbs difference in the two cab styles. My friend has a '98 Nascar Edition F150 4.6 auto regular cab, and even with a lower geared rear end (3.73), he kills me at the pumps on mileage. It's gotta be in the weight difference. Wittom, I forgot, did you say you had headers, or just modified exhaust? I have a set of FMS headers I never installed that I bought to go along with my Powerdyne last summer, but since I've had some issues with the blower, I've never put them on. I want to think they'll make a big difference, also.

Superchips_Distributor (Mike), please tell me exactly what the chip does for a 5-speed. And should I wait until I re-install the Powerdyne on my '98 before I add the chip? Thanks.

 

Hi Fordman3,

First, just so you'll know for future reference, the best place to get a response from us is in the Computer Chips section, which is where we discuss performance chips. It was just a lucky stroke that I happened to see your post here.

The amount of power gained by the engine from the Superchip does not vary based on whether you have an automatic or a manual transmission; the power gain is the same, a max of 26 hp & 40 llbs./ft. of torque on the 4.6 F-150. In round numbers, think of it as a 10%-12% power gainer. It will also remove the top speed limiter as well.

In fact, manual transmission models will get more of that power gain to the rear wheels and to the ground, thanks to the fact that manual trannys only require about half as much power to turn them as automatics do (65 hp loss to the driveline in a 4R70W-equipped automatic, versus 32-35 hp on a manual tranny F-150).

For all the various details, you can reach us by phone or by email, and our contact info is just below in our signature line for your convenience.

Hope to speak with you soon, & best of luck with your truck!

 

Fordman3,
I have never seen an STX supercab with a 5-speed. I don't see too many STX's and I can't remember ever seeing an F150 supercab with a 5-speed. I wonder if there are any STX supercabs set up that way.
My truck is a 4x2 regular cab fleet side short bed. I think the weight does make a big difference. I think the 4.6 has got enough power to do a good job of pulling the extra weight of a supercab. Now if your 4x4 that might change things a bit.
I don't have headers though i wish I did. I just went with a freer flowing muffler. Everything is still factory before the muffler. I think headers would make a good difference. I just can't do it yet.
Hey when you get that blower on let me know what you think of it on the 5-speed. I am curious to know if the kind of sloppy transmission will work ok with all that added power. I have a long list of wants for my truck. If I could come up with enough cash I would like to have a blower on this thing. I think I would be sooooo happy!
Maybe you could put the headers on first to see if they make a big difference.
Don't drive any slower than you need to!
Tom