Installed a Superchip in 2003 when truck was new. Tried to take it out the other day and controller wouldn't work. Called Superchip and was told software was outdated and they couldn't help. Offered to sell me a new one discounted. My question is do I go back to Superchip or another brand would be better. And would other brand be able to remove the Superchip that is installed. Thanks Carl

 

Superchips is a programmer, so having the PCM flashed will remove the program in there. A real "chip" is a device that gets installed on the edge connector of the PCM, and has a cable to a remote switch to select a different tune on-the-fly. Installing a chip will override any programming on the PCM, stock or otherwise.

Having recently done a data log on a "Superchipped" truck (Performance tune), I officially deem that unit a smoker. It makes plenty of show, but it hurts performance - and is not what I would call a longevity enhancer.

The flavor of choice for the last 16 months has been the Hydra, and get input on the tune provider. This is not an inexpensive route - but it has the optimal combination of cost, universality, and capability.

 

Thanks for your reply. I only saw one Hydra for the 7.3 so I assume that's what you were talking about. 4 to $375.00 price range. Its got 244000 miles on it and putting a leveling kit under it and a new Tuner. Thanks again. Carl

 

+1 on the Hydra

 

I have a superchip and I keep it because it keeps the transmission from fishing between D & OD.
In your shoes, I would go to another chip, a higher quality chip.

 

This is called stacking right? So the Hydra would be modifying in addition to the Superchips tune? Would it be better to have the PCM flashed back to stock before adding the chip. So the Hydra can work from a known baseline.

 

The hydra is pretty good chip and reliable, it will over ride the pcm flash so only if you want the truck stock if you pull the chip out to diagnose something then reflash it but other than that I believe tunes can be added to the hydra while the chip is in via usb cable. I have not heard of anyone having problems with it.

If you hate the way the truck drives stock then I would keep the flash. But you shouldn't ever have to pull the chip so it probably won't matter what you do, and it will probably be $50 to $75 dollars to reflash the pcm?

 

I believe from what Tugly has told me, that it should have the stock mode for diagnosing any issues (which you would have to have the PCM flashed)

Tugly will correct me if I'm wrong.