Superchips Microtuner Observation
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 26
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From: SE Minnesota
Superchips Microtuner Observation
I just wanted to re-post this under a new topic. I put it in a reply earler.
I had the oppertunity to use a Super Chips 1705. The local vender told me I would be so impressed with the power and fuel economy that I would want it upon returning from my crosscountry trip. He was right about the power gains and more importantly the tranny characteristics. BUT, I actually droped fuel ecomomy on average from 1 to 3 miles per gal. I tried SAFE TOW and PERF TOW modes (lowest and middle) settings, drove all interstate with cruze, and varried speeds between fills from 65 to 80 mph. I had also just installed new fuel, oil, and air filters, changed oil, (Schaffer's synth. blend 15W40) and ran the tire pressure up hard. (75psi) Using the tuner, the best milage I got was 16.4mpg. The stock program was the best @17.25mpg. There were no p-codes flagged. I check the economy by topping off and recording milage on the trip meter. (yes, I topoff completly waiting for foam) Does this sound normal?
I had the oppertunity to use a Super Chips 1705. The local vender told me I would be so impressed with the power and fuel economy that I would want it upon returning from my crosscountry trip. He was right about the power gains and more importantly the tranny characteristics. BUT, I actually droped fuel ecomomy on average from 1 to 3 miles per gal. I tried SAFE TOW and PERF TOW modes (lowest and middle) settings, drove all interstate with cruze, and varried speeds between fills from 65 to 80 mph. I had also just installed new fuel, oil, and air filters, changed oil, (Schaffer's synth. blend 15W40) and ran the tire pressure up hard. (75psi) Using the tuner, the best milage I got was 16.4mpg. The stock program was the best @17.25mpg. There were no p-codes flagged. I check the economy by topping off and recording milage on the trip meter. (yes, I topoff completly waiting for foam) Does this sound normal?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Scranton, PA
My mileage pretty much stayed the same when I got my SCMT. Most people's mileage either stays the same or increases slightly. Usually the ones who do see a decrease are hot rodding around with truck because they love the additional power. I don't know if this is the case for you though?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Edmond, Okla.
My .02
Dirt,
I've been using a SCMT set at the 90 hp increase for almost a year now. I have not noticed any real change in my mileage at all. I drive a 99.5 F-250 with 135,000 miles. I know we have to deal with seasonal diesel quality, summer and winter grades both affect our fuel economy. Another thing I wonder about is the quality difference of diesel we get from various stations. I wonder how much diesel quality varies as we travel across this nation or even across town. I think the truth be know there are many variables that affect our mileage we have no control over. Not to even mention the price we get stuck with! But back to the SCMT, I really like the effects that I get using it. I won't ever go back to stock!
Good Luck!!!
Paul
I've been using a SCMT set at the 90 hp increase for almost a year now. I have not noticed any real change in my mileage at all. I drive a 99.5 F-250 with 135,000 miles. I know we have to deal with seasonal diesel quality, summer and winter grades both affect our fuel economy. Another thing I wonder about is the quality difference of diesel we get from various stations. I wonder how much diesel quality varies as we travel across this nation or even across town. I think the truth be know there are many variables that affect our mileage we have no control over. Not to even mention the price we get stuck with! But back to the SCMT, I really like the effects that I get using it. I won't ever go back to stock!
Good Luck!!!
Paul
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
I also use the SCMT and have seen no gain in fuel economy. I am currently using is on the tow mode. From what I have read they say you will see the largest increase in fuel economy on the highest setting (have not tried due to stock exhaust). I do have to agree with Longhornowner in that I love what it has done for my diesel and will never go back to stock. I also have found the Engine code reading capability with the SCMT useful.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
I have had my SCMT for a few months now and love it. I actually gained some mileage and of course alot more power. Other than alot more smoke, I dont see any other down side to the tuner. I am waiting on my Hog exhaust now and hope it makes and even bigger difference...
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
I've had the Super Chip since August..have it on the tow safe mode. Didn't see any change in mileage at all, just ALOT more power. I too, will comment that Diesel quality at some pumps make alot of difference in mileage. Found that out by getting some fuel at a station that was 10 cents under where I normally buy and am sure that I didn't go as far on that tank as the higher priced stuff. Didn't document it but went back to the more expensive.
Oh yes, forgot to add...will never give up the super chip!
Oh yes, forgot to add...will never give up the super chip!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
I also have the SCMT, but have mixed feelings about it. I do love the power and responsive throttle, but without a shift kit or accumulator body/valve body, my tranny didn't seem to like it. The shifts were sloppy and it didn't seem to affect the line pressure at all. I'm sure with some tranny work the experinece would be a lot better. I have it in the glove box for those times I have to play but am almost stock, with the exception of a 4" exhaust, 10k mod and intake. Just feels a lot stronger without the SCMT, but obviousaly not as fast. That's my two cents anyway.
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New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
MESTRKR, what year is your truck. I felt that the the shifting was the best part of the experience. I tow a 3 horse goosenesck trailer loaded down and I the shifting is still outstanding (in tow safe mode of course).
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
I need to chime in also. I traded my 2003 5.4 SC 4X4 for a 2003 CC Lariat 7.3 auto 4X4. There is a road sign that my old 5.4 could reach 74 mph by from a dead stop. The diesel could get 72. I installed the 1705 and the thing gained 10 mph (82) in the high performance setting. I then changed it to the hi perf tow and it is still there as I do not have gauges. It will reach 78 now. The power difference is amazing and the fuel mileage went up. I have noticed that the quality of diesel majorly impacts fuel mileage, noise, and power. Truck stops have the best around here. Going from a gasser to a diesel is nice.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Mine shifts poorly as well w/ scmt. Tow safe mode is the worst. The engine rpms flare up between shifts and the shifts are painfully slow. I'm curious what it would act like on my 450. Not sure if it can be used on it though.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 896
Likes: 12
From: Kenna,wv
I also forgot to mention the poor shifts. Full throttle seems to rev up between first and second and then bam-hard shift. Third is fine. Under part throttle, second is fine and third will make the hood jump. This is on the hi perf tow.
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have 99 F250 4x4. It has a 4" Banks exhaust, K & N airfilter, 3 pod gauge system, with a Superchips Micro tuner.
My question is, I dont know the specs of my tuner in comperison to the 1705.
On the box it says:
MICO TUNER 2001
MAX-(Retail Version)
94-02 Ford Powerstroke 7.3L
1700
How does mine compare to the new 1705? (spec wise)
My question is, I dont know the specs of my tuner in comperison to the 1705.
On the box it says:
MICO TUNER 2001
MAX-(Retail Version)
94-02 Ford Powerstroke 7.3L
1700
How does mine compare to the new 1705? (spec wise)
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
My truck is a 99, and like dave said, the shifting seems to flare up, and shifts really slow. The tranny never feels as strong or shifts as quick as the stock setting does until the torque converter locks up but that takes a while. I'm impressed with the power, but not impressed with the shifting.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Central Wyoming
Originally Posted by Arnie
I have 99 F250 4x4. It has a 4" Banks exhaust, K & N airfilter, 3 pod gauge system, with a Superchips Micro tuner.
My question is, I dont know the specs of my tuner in comperison to the 1705.
On the box it says:
MICO TUNER 2001
MAX-(Retail Version)
94-02 Ford Powerstroke 7.3L
1700
How does mine compare to the new 1705? (spec wise)
My question is, I dont know the specs of my tuner in comperison to the 1705.
On the box it says:
MICO TUNER 2001
MAX-(Retail Version)
94-02 Ford Powerstroke 7.3L
1700
How does mine compare to the new 1705? (spec wise)
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
From: LAKE FORK TEXAS
I've had both the 1700 SCMT and the 1705,,, the 1700 is 60hp and 80hp,, It was much stronger on the 60hp setting than the 70 or the 90hp program on the 1705 on my truck. The shifts were alot firmer with the 1700 but the 1705 still gives my truck a nice firm shift. Only thing I dont like about the 1705 is that the shift from 3rd to OD is firm but the second it shifts the torque convertor locks too, kinda bogs the motor for a minute and sounds funny. If you hammer on it, it will shift to OD and then about a minute later the TQ locks,, much nicer. If it wasnt for the code reader i would rather have the 1700 for sure..My fuel mileage never changed much,, drive it right it gets 16-17, hammer on it all the time pullin the boat and it hangs about 14mpg.