First off, this is my first time on the forums since (FTW) Ford Truck world and JDM South.. I Currently Own my 2nd '98 F-150 4.6L SOHC.

-with that being said.. I recently purchased a Hypertech Max Energy 42500 off of Amazon.com and installed it on my truck. I am not sure if I can tell a difference..

( I haven't taken the truck above 100mph because i'm on stocks. )

I have been looking for real people's opinions and reviews but have had a hard time finding something I feel credible..

-any reviews or comments appreciated.

 

Not sure you're going to see a heck of a lot of difference with that year truck. I have a 97 and did the Superchip programmer. On premium I felt a difference but had too much ping. Calling them they told me I had too much done to my truck and needed a chip instead. So I bought a JET chip. I literally feel nothing, then couple that with the shift kit and I don't even feel shift points. Later trucks, I'd say 2000 and up had better results from my experience (at a custom shop). I'm literally debating pulling my chip and going back to regular gas.... Just too lazy to do it.

 

I ended up shipping the tuner back for a refund. Honestly disappointed. I never experienced a ping condition, which was surprising. The factory tune is just as good if not better, and the torque lockup feels smoother. South Florida. 85°F @ 89% humidity daily.

Is the stock pcm able to be tuned at a dyno shop? - or do i need to get a different module?

 

I wouldn't waste my money.

 

The only parameters that can be changed to affect engine power is Ignition timing and fuel.
There are no large gains to be made.
No increase in torque to amount to anything.
HP, unless it is 10 or more can't be felt and then only at higher RPM where you don't normally drive.
Your expectations are too high and driven by advertisements for sales.
As far as transmission performance, the line pressure may be increased offering more defined shifting that may feel good and a benefit overall from less slippage.
Good luck.

 

I agree. The only thing programming will accomplish is a higher bill for gas as you start having to buy premium. A shift kit will give you more bang for your buck in regards to feel and driveability. I have the TCI kit and went with "street" as it used the most new components in the kit and I felt "street plus" would be too harsh for an every day driver. 1-2 is a bit snappy, but the rest shift firm. It raised the shift points and it does help with driveability on these mountain roads.

 

Thanks guys, good information.