Programmers or Chips?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Marianna, FL
Programmers or Chips?
What kind of options are available for programming the 97 Mountaineer/Explorers? If you've used one, did you get a noticeable gain? Are the shift points and firmness controlled by the computer and modified with the different programmers or chips? Thanks for the help.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
If you are stock, or just running an intake and maybe custom exhaust, the tuner/programmer might be better for you. That way you can custom program and adjust as you see fit. You can use a chip also if you do not plan on changing anything, but once it is programmed, you would have to send it off to get reprogrammed again. The bad thing about the programmers is they will not accept or calculate any large modifications. So if you do something big - there is no way to change.
If you are planning to go further into the engine - supercharger, MSD, mass air, injectors, etc - then I would get a chip. A chip can be reprogrammed for the specific components you have, where as a programmer cannot.
I would only stick with Superchips for the programmers, or Diablo for the chips. I have had all types of chips at one time or another, and can tell you from experience, Diablo is the best way to go so far (maybe besides one of the Diablo derivatives). Stay away from Jet and Hypertech at all costs.
ON EDIT: And to answer your questions - Yes, you will see a huge improvement in power, shift points, and firmness. Makes the 5.0 feel som much different...
If you are planning to go further into the engine - supercharger, MSD, mass air, injectors, etc - then I would get a chip. A chip can be reprogrammed for the specific components you have, where as a programmer cannot.
I would only stick with Superchips for the programmers, or Diablo for the chips. I have had all types of chips at one time or another, and can tell you from experience, Diablo is the best way to go so far (maybe besides one of the Diablo derivatives). Stay away from Jet and Hypertech at all costs.
ON EDIT: And to answer your questions - Yes, you will see a huge improvement in power, shift points, and firmness. Makes the 5.0 feel som much different...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
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From: Enjoying the real world.
Sorry for the delay, I'm answering threads as time allows. CobraXP pretty make stated what I was going to say.
Anything that changes O2 readings (X/H pipe, long tube headers, gutted or removed cat) or air intake readings (MAF), fueling (injectors, fuel pump, nitrous) requires custom programming and you should go with a Diablo chip.
Otherwise, stick with the Superchips Microtuner. Note that for 1997 you won't get all the features the Microtuner is capable of for later years.
Anything that changes O2 readings (X/H pipe, long tube headers, gutted or removed cat) or air intake readings (MAF), fueling (injectors, fuel pump, nitrous) requires custom programming and you should go with a Diablo chip.
Otherwise, stick with the Superchips Microtuner. Note that for 1997 you won't get all the features the Microtuner is capable of for later years.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 92
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From: Marianna, FL
Thanks! This is just the kind of information I was looking for.
I won't be makin gany major changes to the Mountaineer, but I would like to firm and quicken up the shifts. I little more HP would be a nice bonus too.
I won't be makin gany major changes to the Mountaineer, but I would like to firm and quicken up the shifts. I little more HP would be a nice bonus too.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Then either the Superchips tuner or a Diablo chip would work for you. I prefer the chip because of the plug/play. 10 minutes and you are done.
You would definitely notice the difference....
You would definitely notice the difference....
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