Performance Chips
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Qc
Performance Chips
Has anyone installed one of the Performance Chips (Programmer) like Superchips or Diablo (or other)? Or even know of them through someone else's experience.
If so which one(s) would you recommend?
Thanks
Peter...
If so which one(s) would you recommend?
Thanks
Peter...
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
I recently installed the Superchip microtuner on my truck. I can really feel a differnece in performance. There are 3 different tunes, 87 octane, 91 octance tow and the performance tune. They claim around 25 more HP for the performance tune which is good for only a $300 investment. I bought it from motorhaven. Another good thing about the microtuner is that you can adjust the speedo for larger tires, firm up the shift points and use it as a code reader too.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
I've mentioned it before and received numerous "you should have's" after I did, but I bought a Hypertech programmer (which I still say they are all the same) .
At first I was a little disappointed until I made the change to 92 octane. I tried 87 at first and it was okay but then...
I was thinking about it today on my way to work and I have to tell you, doing all the things Hypertech tells you to do really works. You engine seems to come alive and really runs smooth. I have other things like headers / intake blah-blah-blah that helps in the change but I think you'd like how it feels after you install one.
Shop for the best price and get what you can afford. Others in this forum will tell you to get this and that, but after all said and done...
At first I was a little disappointed until I made the change to 92 octane. I tried 87 at first and it was okay but then...
I was thinking about it today on my way to work and I have to tell you, doing all the things Hypertech tells you to do really works. You engine seems to come alive and really runs smooth. I have other things like headers / intake blah-blah-blah that helps in the change but I think you'd like how it feels after you install one.
Shop for the best price and get what you can afford. Others in this forum will tell you to get this and that, but after all said and done...
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Qc
Hi,
I've been thinking about the performance chip upgrade but I wonder if it's really worth it without an upgraded Intake and Exhaust system. I guess the best is a good hi-perf intake and K&N air filter, with headers and a good dual exhaust. Then set the hyperchip to the max setting and run on super gas. That should be the best. But that costs a bunch of cash and I'm sure invalidates any warranty. I wanted to install the superchip or Diablo sport chip without the other stuff. Do you think it's still worth it?
I've been thinking about the performance chip upgrade but I wonder if it's really worth it without an upgraded Intake and Exhaust system. I guess the best is a good hi-perf intake and K&N air filter, with headers and a good dual exhaust. Then set the hyperchip to the max setting and run on super gas. That should be the best. But that costs a bunch of cash and I'm sure invalidates any warranty. I wanted to install the superchip or Diablo sport chip without the other stuff. Do you think it's still worth it?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Peter Nikols
Speaking from experience as far as chips/programmers. I'd recommend spending the money on other things first. Even after installing a chip your not going to fly around like the "Fast and Furious". The changes are there but very minor.
You have to have put about 30K miles in your truck to feel the changes that have been made to it or you'll be disappointed.
I'd say Ford had to tune the engine to meet EPA and fuel economy standards and this is why your sluggish at low RPM and powerfull enough to tow your buddies "Chevy" home when you need to at higher RPM's
The programmers just even out that power range so it's down where you commonly drive.
Just my thoughts
Speaking from experience as far as chips/programmers. I'd recommend spending the money on other things first. Even after installing a chip your not going to fly around like the "Fast and Furious". The changes are there but very minor.
You have to have put about 30K miles in your truck to feel the changes that have been made to it or you'll be disappointed.
I'd say Ford had to tune the engine to meet EPA and fuel economy standards and this is why your sluggish at low RPM and powerfull enough to tow your buddies "Chevy" home when you need to at higher RPM's
The programmers just even out that power range so it's down where you commonly drive.
Just my thoughts
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 434
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Rusty1, who installed your headers, did you buy them locally? I had my flowmaster installed at Exhaust Systems in Kailua and was thinking about asking them if they do headers as well but was wondering about the cost. Did you notice a big improvement in performance with the headers?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
CPerry
I installed them myself. But I have a 5" lift on my truck and was able to remove the front tire along with the inner wheel well (rubber) to get access. You maybe able to do the same even though you don't have a lift.
I used Gibson and I must tell you they are a perfect fit. I was really happy, everything fell into place, just follow the instructions.
One thing that was difficult was after installing them trying to torque a few of the bolts. Hard to operate the torque wrench up in there.
I also drilled the heads of the bolts and lockwired them after. I have never had a leak or any problems.
As for how it runs, you'll never feel a better change from anything better than "Headers". I have allot of low end torque now.
I also cut the wheel well rubber so you can see them over the top of the tire. It really looks good.
Put headers on your "Must do list"
I installed them myself. But I have a 5" lift on my truck and was able to remove the front tire along with the inner wheel well (rubber) to get access. You maybe able to do the same even though you don't have a lift.
I used Gibson and I must tell you they are a perfect fit. I was really happy, everything fell into place, just follow the instructions.
One thing that was difficult was after installing them trying to torque a few of the bolts. Hard to operate the torque wrench up in there.
I also drilled the heads of the bolts and lockwired them after. I have never had a leak or any problems.
As for how it runs, you'll never feel a better change from anything better than "Headers". I have allot of low end torque now.
I also cut the wheel well rubber so you can see them over the top of the tire. It really looks good.
Put headers on your "Must do list"
