I've got an 03 Expy. Opinions on either.

Superchips claims that they tune at WOT and several part throttle points but requires premium fuel for gains. The have an 87 octane program but claim little to no hp gains only transmission shifting improvements

Hypertech claims they have a duel fuel and the gains on 87 are almost if not the same as using 93 octane. But they only tune at WOT. Both octane programs firm up transmission shifts.

I don't tow anything so the towing programs are of no interest.

I don't understand enough about how the trucks computer controls the ignition and engine to determine if the part throttle application statement is relevant. Superchips claims part throttle tuning but the dyno graphs show max hp at WOT. Is there any real improvement at part throttle or is it just marketing talk. Is it possible to isolate gains only at WOT. Does it matter if the truck is at 3000rpm at WOT or part throttle.

 

The way the computer controlls the engine are as follows...... The ECM controls the timing, air/fuel mixture, transmission shift points,torque converter lock-up, fuel delivery pressure,as well as spark control, rev limiter, speed limiter and so on and so forth. A WOT chip or programmer will do just that.... give you the gain at WOT. How many of us drive at WOT? I know I don't... don't get me wrong.... I have a Hypertech chip in my Expy.. I do stomp on it every now and again and hit WOT, but not too often. You need to look for a chip or programmer that changes all the above settings from idle throughout WOT. The chip I have does this. There is a noticable difference in the way the truck acts on the road.... as far as responsiveness and shifting. Diablo also makes a programmer just for Ford. Check them out also... I have heard great things about them. I got my chip for $50. I was gonna install a Diablo programmer but for $50 I couldn't pas it up. Oh by the way... since chip install about a month ago I have gained over 2 1/2 MPG! The engine just runs more efficiently overall. This was a great addition to my exhaust system and air intake! Just do your research well and pick the one best suited to your needs.

 

I have a Diablo 2 stage chip (stock/premium gas/and future program) with the LED 3 position switch/light for sale if you want to buy. I now have a Superchip and got that because I wanted to be able to read my codes. The Diablo cost $270 and I'll sell for half plus shipping. Sorry if this a bad post thing to do.

 

I highly recommend the Superchip tuner too. I've had mine since they were first introduced and have no complaints.

 

My biggest problem heading to the dunes or trails with the quads on the trailer is constant up and downshifts even on the smaller hills. I have the 5.4 would such a tuner improve my shift points to a level where this problem will lessen and increase my fuel economy as well?

Thanks
Triston

 

Your vehicle will still down shift. This happens to protect your overdrive. If it didn't, the trans would get hot and eventually you wouldn't have OD or no trans at all. Picture going up a hill with a 5 speed trans.... you will always need to down shift to maintain your speed. This is all your trans is doing.Your fuel mileage will increase due to the tuner.... Mine has with just the chip....but towing, it shouldn't increase as much. The truck has to work harder to pull hills and extra weight.

 

What happens if you're running a 93 octane program and somebody puts 87 octane in (like a wife who doesn't pay attention). Will the vehicle run poorly, is there a possibility of any damage or will it just not make the extra power.

 

I run 87 octane sometimes. It will ping under an extreme load. It is not a severe ping... but it is noticable. If you don't hammer the throttle you won't really be able to tell the difference. You will not get the full gains of the chip if you don't run premium but you will also not hurt anything if you don't. You will notice a definate difference between premium and regular as far as fuel mileage and performance.

 

Jim,

Where'd you buy your superchip tuner? What was the cost?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Which chip did you buy (i.e. brand, where)? Easy install?

Thanks . . .
Wade

 

Check this out:http://www.motorhaven.com/customer/home.php?cat=249

This looks like the best choice IMO. Does all the things that the other 2 do and more. This will bee the one I get when I have the $$

 

the4by4freek,
Where did you get your $50 chip? What brand/type?

Thanks . .
Wade

 

I got it from a friend of mine that sold his truck but removed the chip. It is a Hypertech.

 

I've read this thread twice and still haven't figured out whether there is a chip/tuner that gives you noticeable performance throughout acceleration and not just at WOT. Is there a deffinitive answer?

 

The chip I have improves throughout the RPM range. Some others are just at WOT. Most of the tuners do the same as my chip and give you improvement throughout RPM range. I love mine.... fuel mileage has jumped substancially and performance has increased as well. The best mod done to date by far!