I have a 1999 f-150 with the 4.6L. I was wondering what is the better bang for the buck, the FIPK, or a computer chip. I dont know much about either so information on power gains and cost would be great.(also, the only modification is a flowmaster muffler)

 

not saying this is right, its just what i did.

i installed the k&n f.i.p.k., then a gibson cat back system and am very happy with the difference. much more torque and mid range power. did the f.i.p.k. first and that made a huge difference in performance.

i was deciding between the chip and exhaust next and went with the exhaust. many people seem to be happy with the chip but it requires the constant purchase of super unleaded fuel which i will not do. also i think (from what i have read) that lots of people were commenting on seeing the improvement in shift points with the chip. i am driving a stick so i know that is one benefit right off the top that i would not see. i am going to look into other mods now as well, but the f.i.p.k was less expensive than the chip and gives a real good performance boost.

i 'spoke' to mike the super chip guy and he said they make a dual program chip for about 100 dollars more that allows you to run regular fuel and switch to the second super program when running that gas. bottom line is though i dont want to have to fill the truck with super to feel the benefits.



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mr k
_ ____________________ _
1999 f150 xlt ex-cab 4x4
4.6 triton v8
5 speed manual
3:55 rear
towing package
k&n f.i.p.k.
gibson ss swept side

 

The chip is the most HP for the $$ and effort. The FIPK is next, it will combine nicely with your exhaust. Although they cost close to each other, the chip is almost twice the HP.

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

 

I say Chip it first. I agree with the order. Superchip, FIPK then exhaust. The chip is definetly the most bang for the buck. If for nothing else than the shift improvement.

Like billycould ride said though, it means a good premium fuel. However, if you want performance improvement, you have to improve what you're burning first.

In my case, the perfomance improvment has meant that I don't have to get into it to get what I need for everyday driving (well not that I don't get into it hard sometimes ) so my MPG has improved a lot. About 3 MPG better both city and HWY. Ever see an Expedition get 16 around town?

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2000 Eddie Bauer Expedition 4x2

• Estate Green
• 5.4 ltr
• 3:55 LS rear
• Superchip!
• Airaid FIPK
• Gibson S/S Swept Side Cat Back Exhaust
• Tow Package
• Rear Load Leveling
• Moonroof
• Century Child Seat!

 

Chip is always good, but I would personally wait until you have all the mods done to the engine first then have one custom burned. That is what I did on my 4L ranger with a 5sp and it made a very noticeable difference in power! But....., that premium fuel was a PIA!

So for the 150, I am staying away from a chip personally.

First, modify the airbox. Get a K&N filter and then cut the filter or something similar. Then on the intake hose from the MAF to the TB, remove the silencer there also.

So now you are out like 30-40 bucks for a filter.

Next, exhaust. even if you just replace the stock muffler with a free flow one, you will notice a difference. I have a magnaflow and it is about 2 decible louder, but freed a lot of power.

Cost $100 for the muffler and install.

Next, an electric fan. $99 at houston performance for a Lincoln Mark8 fan. Mustang guys use this fan on up to 500hp blown motors without cooling issues. There are other options also, but this fan will cool for sure.

Then from there, endless. You have larger MAF, TB, spacers (which seem to be rated useless on the modular motors), headers, steeda timing adjusters -- which would do about 75% of what a chip would! (increase timing, that is why you need the premium fuel), supercharger, etc.

 

The Superchip will provide the most driving enjoyment of the two.

PROs: More HP, more torque, much better shifting, top end limiter removed, slight MPG improvement in some cases...

Cons: Must burn Premium fuel (unless you purchase a flip chip), might need to buy new tires sooner??



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2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Superchip, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55 rear, class III towing package with super engine cooling/auxiliary transmission cooling HD package, Heavy duty shocks, 4 wheel disk ABS, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, factory leather wrapped steering wheel, FORD bedliner, FORD black tubular cab steps, K&N air filter, mar-hyde rubberized undercoating, Modine climate filtration system, Bugflector II, Mobil 1 oil, build 7/2000

 

For a 5 sp that dont help much. that is an auto only feature