Am considering installing a "chip" in both our trucks.

We have a 2001, XLT 5.4,
and a 2002 King Ranch 5.4

My question is this: How noticeable is the "improvement" in power in the engine??

Can these be used on 87 octane only??

I'm not mechanical, so to speak, so I'm asking you experts.

Thanx,

 

The vehicle's computer is all ready setup to run on 87 octane gas. There really wouldn't be any advantage to running 87 octane gas on a chip (unless it was a custom truck with headers, large tires, etc, etc.).

The chips are desgined to allow the motor to take advantage of higher octanes of gas, this is where the extra power is gained with a chip. Chips can also be programed to take advantage of Aftermarket MAF sensors, Headers, blowers, recalibrate speedo for larger tires, etc, etc....

Most likely you will get better mpg with a chip, but that gain is offset by the increase in the price of gas (higher octane = higher gas price)....most of the time the, mpg vs cost of fuel, works out to be the same, just that you have more power and a bit better fuel economy.

Chips can also remap your shifting points if you have a auto tranny, this is nice especially when towing.

I personally have a Diablo delta chip for my Super Crew 5.4L, however I'm not running it now, I was a bit lazy in getting it reprogramed from when it was in my 00 ranger (i traded it off)(hopefully it will be back next week ).

But I can tell you that there was a really difference in power in the Ranger I used to have.

I would suggest taking a tour of the Motorhaven site, a lot of stuff is explained about the Diablo Chips there.

Another possible way to go, would be with a Hypertech microtuner.....I'm not 100% sure, but I think that it could be used to program both of your trucks......I'm sure that someone will be able to answer that question. If this was true then you may able to save some $$$, instead of buying 2 chips.

Here's the link to the Diablo info site on motorhaven....the Superchips one is similiar.

http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=37

 

Thanx, for your input !!!!!!!!

 

you can only tune i truck at atime with the hypertech- it stores stock program- and it only tunes at 3/4 and wot throttle!

 

well that stinks,

So your saying that the tuner needs to be hooked up to the truck at all times to take advantage of the tuner?

 

no- the tuner stores oem tune and replaces it with the hypertech tune!

 

I installed the Diablo chip (can't remember the model or part number) and really no big difference. The truck does shift a bit differently and I think better, did switch to 93 Octane, and my milage is just about the same as with 89 Octane. I am taking the chip out, as I ordered the Superchips tuner, and will see it that makes a big enough difference to get excited about. Have to sayu, that the biggest difference in performance on my truck (98 150, 4.6 V8 S/C) was when put a K&N air cleaner on it... I was really surprised at the difference. Since then I have the Gbison cat back exhaust and the Diablo chip. Along with the Superchips programer, I also order the Air Force air intake system. I was goining to change out the water pump pulley and underdrive it, but decided to wait until I got the intake on and the programmer to see if I wante to gove up a bit of cooling for the power. Good luck!!! Rotorman