Got Tuner Today!
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 132
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Got Tuner Today!
Well after about a week and a half Its here! I loaded the 87 octane program because I have about a half a tank of regular. What a difference!!!!
Throttle lag is totally gone, shifts are much crisper, and there is some new found HP in this 5.4. I will load the hi-performance as soon as I run out of gas, and don't worry I will report the results as soon as I can.
I do have a question though. I tow a boat that is over 6500 lbs w/trailer and the tuner asked me if I tow more than 4000 lbs. When I entered "Yes" it stated that I must use the tow tune, not the hi-performance or the 87 octane setting. So I entered "No" to the trailer setting and loaded the 87 tune. I will not tow until I figure out what is best. Anyway, the question is what is the difference between the tow tune and the 87 or 91+ tunes. I don't want to have to re-tune the computer every time I tow, but I also want max power from the hi-performnace tune.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Throttle lag is totally gone, shifts are much crisper, and there is some new found HP in this 5.4. I will load the hi-performance as soon as I run out of gas, and don't worry I will report the results as soon as I can.
I do have a question though. I tow a boat that is over 6500 lbs w/trailer and the tuner asked me if I tow more than 4000 lbs. When I entered "Yes" it stated that I must use the tow tune, not the hi-performance or the 87 octane setting. So I entered "No" to the trailer setting and loaded the 87 tune. I will not tow until I figure out what is best. Anyway, the question is what is the difference between the tow tune and the 87 or 91+ tunes. I don't want to have to re-tune the computer every time I tow, but I also want max power from the hi-performnace tune.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts!
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Houston (Sugar Land), TX
Congrats on your purchase, 98Cobra!
I can't answer your questions but I hope you can answer mine. I too have been very interested in getting the SuperChip. There was something that was holding me back and your response (or other SC buyer's responses) could sway me in the right direction.
I think the throttle response of my drive-by-wire rots and the way the truck shifts is equally as bad. So I am really wanting to make the investment. But reading the SuperChips website it states the following (I deleted #1 and 2 and 5):
Special Features:
3. Alter each individual full-throttle shift point
4. Alter shift firmess individually
These statements on the site leads me to believe that I must select shift points and shift fimness. In reality, I would prefer that the software select the optimum shift points and firmness. Does the software do that... or is it left up to me?.
Also, do the instructions indicate that you must set the parameters back to the factory settings prior to bringing the truck in for service?
I think the throttle response of my drive-by-wire rots and the way the truck shifts is equally as bad. So I am really wanting to make the investment. But reading the SuperChips website it states the following (I deleted #1 and 2 and 5):
Special Features:
3. Alter each individual full-throttle shift point
4. Alter shift firmess individually
These statements on the site leads me to believe that I must select shift points and shift fimness. In reality, I would prefer that the software select the optimum shift points and firmness. Does the software do that... or is it left up to me?.
Also, do the instructions indicate that you must set the parameters back to the factory settings prior to bringing the truck in for service?
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
In the software, there is a setting to select the 'superchip' preset. That is what I did. It listed that option for each shift point (1-2, 2-3, 3-4), as well as for the shifting firmness (same 'superchip' preset as mentioned previous). I think it depends on what kind of service it is in for. If it has to be plugged into their machines, YES you have to revert to the stock program. Otherwise, you will lose the performance setting. I do not think Superchips will warrant such a deletion (imagine the possibility of cheating superchips "oh yeah...my dealer wiped it out...wink wink, nudge nudge" as you tune your and your buddies vehicles). You can check out the first part of my review on this product a thread or two down from this.
Rich
Rich
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Johnandhisdog, I did not even see a selection as I programed the computer to choose between superchips settings or my own. So, I assume that it programed the computer with the Superchips settings. It is really amazing what a difference there is with this truck! I highly recomend this product for anyone not satisfied with the performance of their new truck! I just wonder why Ford didn't make the truck perform and shift like this from the factory.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
Humph. I don't know how satisfied i am with my new tuner...
Previously, before the tuner, i installed an Airaid intake for my 5.4, which took care of the throttle lag. Now, with the tuner, i first set to 87 octane, and the only difference i noticed was shift firmness. (the tuner makes it great). So, i emptied that tank of gas, and loaded it with premium. Premium unleashes more power for the truck, but, i'm trying to decide if the tuner was really worth what i paid for it.
I told myself i have 1 more tank of premium fuel to decide....
Possibly somone on here in the near future could get a decent deal on a used chip (i would load stock back on the truck before selling so its not VIN locked).
Anyone else have the Airaid intake and Chip combo?
Previously, before the tuner, i installed an Airaid intake for my 5.4, which took care of the throttle lag. Now, with the tuner, i first set to 87 octane, and the only difference i noticed was shift firmness. (the tuner makes it great). So, i emptied that tank of gas, and loaded it with premium. Premium unleashes more power for the truck, but, i'm trying to decide if the tuner was really worth what i paid for it.
I told myself i have 1 more tank of premium fuel to decide....
Possibly somone on here in the near future could get a decent deal on a used chip (i would load stock back on the truck before selling so its not VIN locked).
Anyone else have the Airaid intake and Chip combo?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: CT
I have the airaid/superchip/Aeroturbine muffler on mine and I love everything about it. Hard to tell if any improvement in MPG because it is too early and I have been trying some WOT, which I dont normally do.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
WOT w Airaid and Superchips on Performance mode kicks butt, no denying that.
The throaty sound from the intake is just the best, i wonder how intake/exhaust would sound together......noises from both ends...woohoo
The throaty sound from the intake is just the best, i wonder how intake/exhaust would sound together......noises from both ends...woohoo
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 299
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From: greenland
i have tried the 87 mode and the highperf mode both on 87 octane gas anfd premium premium doesn't make a difference i will stick to high perf mode on 87 octane and i also towed 5.000lb boat on high perf mode it worked ok
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