I have a 1998 F-150 4X4 with a 4.6. I added a superchip, K&N intake filter kit and a new performance muffler. I primarily used it to haul my 21ft boat. I was laid-off a week or so ago and I've been driving the vehicle much more often lately. Damn..... this truck gets BAD gas mileage. (13-14 mpg) I had a company truck prior and now I realise how expensive gas really is. I've been putting regular unleaded in ever since I was laid-off. I've put 89 in once or twice. I know the superchip is programmed for 92 octane. I've notice the truck is lacking power and knocks and pings at any load on the engine. I've been driving the truck without the boat. I know the truck has always lacked some power due to having larger tired. I wish it had the 5.4 in it. I went from the stock tires to 285's. There BFG AT's. I almost had new gears installed, but couldn't afford it. Are my problems due to not using the correct gas? I just had the oil changed and added some expensive fuel injector cleaner. I've heard some of the fuel injector cleaners are worthless and are not worth the money. I figured it couldn't hurt. The truck just went over 40,000 miles. It's pretty low miles for a 98. What should I do? I know one option would to take out the chip until I land another job. I'd really like to get the gears, but that's out of the question right now. Please help me out.

 

Your truck is saying "I want premium gas!"

 

Do you think this will help with the lack of power as well?

 

most likely. remember, if youre getting pinging or knocking, the engine isnt burning the fuel right. if i were you, id either go back to 92 octane gas, or take out the superchip for the time being.

 

I'm think'n, the joke should be:

knock knock, who's there? PING! ping who? spark knocker!
knock ping, who's there? Slap! Slap who? Piston slap!
knock slap ping, who's there? Crack! crack who? Door crack!
knock slap ping crack, who's there? Mileage.....

yeah yeah, you get it....