Superchips MAX MicroTuner: What does it change?

[Pinhead-227]

I bought a '99 F150 4X4 with a 5.4L V8 and 4-speed automatic. It came with a Superchips MAX MicroTuner and the 87 octane tune installed.

Exactly what changes does this tune make? Increase ignition advance? Change A/F ratios? Change shift points? I'm trying to squeeze every last MPG out of my pickup, so what tune would give me the best mileage? I've got the 3-program tuner, so I can choose from 87 octane performance, 92 octane performance, and Tow performance tunes.

I've also got a CAI and my IAT is generally right at ambient. Would this be cool enough to eliminate the detonation that would result in running the 92 Performance tune on 87 octane fuel? Is detonation all I would have to worry about if I were to do this?

[ReAX]

How have you figured IAT at ambient, mine is about 15-20 degrees above once the motor is warmed up? That is what the computer sees and I haven't done any trickery to the sensor.

The tune is going to adjust open loop a/f ratios. I typically notice about 2 mpg increase on 93 octane tunes over lower octane fuels. On fords, you can tweak line pressure shift points, but if you don't the tune will use superchips suggested settings. You don't really have to worry about detonation, the knock sensor will pull timing to keep the engine from knocking. However if you have a high enough knock count or pulls too much timing you will get a check engine light.

[Pinhead-227]

Originally Posted by ReAX

How have you figured IAT at ambient, mine is about 15-20 degrees above once the motor is warmed up? That is what the computer sees and I haven't done any trickery to the sensor.

The tune is going to adjust open loop a/f ratios. I typically notice about 2 mpg increase on 93 octane tunes over lower octane fuels. On fords, you can tweak line pressure shift points, but if you don't the tune will use superchips suggested settings. You don't really have to worry about detonation, the knock sensor will pull timing to keep the engine from knocking. However if you have a high enough knock count or pulls too much timing you will get a check engine light.

I have an outdoor thermometer on my pickup, behind the front bumper, to show outside air temperature. I am also running a ScanGauge II with the IAT as one of the displays. I'm running a cold air intake which is very effective. The only time the air starts heating up is if I set and idle, which I don't do (if I'm going to sit for more than a minute I shut the engine off).

Where can I find the exact changes that the tune makes? I'd like to compare the tunes so I can make modifications to counteract the negative quality of each (in other words, tow in performance or 87 octane tune).

[ReAX]

That's going to be proprietary information and I doubt superchips will give it away.

[bbender85]

just my .... but i've run the 91 octane setting with 89 octane fuel with no adverse affects for awhile now.