Cheap Superchip Microtuner
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 198
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From: Howard Lake USA
Cheap Superchip Microtuner
Hi, i just found a really good deal on ebay, found a brand new in box microtuner 1714 for my 2004 f150 supercrew fx4 for $200 buy it now, i couldn't hit the buy it now button fast enough.lol. I installed the 87 octane program first and took it for a drive and it definately got rid of the throttle lag, and really improved the shifting. Next i went and filled up with 92 octane and than i installed the high performance program, but when i went for a test run, the speedometer wouldn't work and the truck would not shift and the wrench light came on, so i had to pull over, and i reinstalled the program, and now all is fine, not sure what happened, maybe i accidently hit the wrong gear ratio or something. I am very happy with the tuner and would recommend it to all. Makes a big differnce in acceleration and truck shifts a ton better.
Ryan
Ryan
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Ryan,
I know nothing about a microtuner. How do they work? What is it that they do so much better that what is stock from Ford? Is it a physical chip or is it software? If it is software, why would Ford not ship with the tuning if it is that much better?
I am sure these are 101 questions .. I just don't understand the implementation.
Thanks in advance
I know nothing about a microtuner. How do they work? What is it that they do so much better that what is stock from Ford? Is it a physical chip or is it software? If it is software, why would Ford not ship with the tuning if it is that much better?
I am sure these are 101 questions .. I just don't understand the implementation.
Thanks in advance
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Eau Claire, WI
Originally Posted by Hausladen
It is a power programmer, you plug it into your trucks dianostic port, what iot does, is load a new tune on your truck to optimize performance.
~Nate
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Joined: Mar 2005
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So if it makes things better (and it all sounds good), what are the trade offs ... why would Ford have anything other than optimal settings? They spent $1b developing this truck. It is hard to believe a $200 tool off e-bay that resets the operational parameters would greatly improve things.
I am not trying to be a knucklehead here (or start a fight), I just don't get it. What ever that tuner does, why wouldn't Ford make that the default settings if it was better.
I am not trying to be a knucklehead here (or start a fight), I just don't get it. What ever that tuner does, why wouldn't Ford make that the default settings if it was better.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
One of the reasons is the need to run 91+ octane to realize the full benefits of the tuner. Ford is gonna make things so that the vehicle will run well, last long and be cheap (relative) to operate. Requiring 91+ octane in a truck removes mass appeal.
HOWEVER, once you fire up that SuperChips Microtuner and load up the Hi-PO or the Tow-performance (what I use) program you do begin to scratch your head wondering why it didn't come from the factory like this!
Even the 87 program that doesn't require high octane gas is better than stok simply because it firms up the shifts and remove the throttle lag. Why didn't Ford do this from the factory?? Who knows...
Maybe the later years are better. But the 04's & 05's really benefit from a tuner.
For about $5 more a tank, the improvement in driveability and power is well worth the price, IMHO.
It doesn't negatively affect emissions.
~~~~~~~~~
hausladen,
You DID have the tank full of 91+ octane when you loaded the HI-PO program, right?
I would try the Tow-Perf program. I really like that program although you may hear belt squeel on WOT shifts. And the shifts don't seem as hard as on the HI-PO.
HOWEVER, once you fire up that SuperChips Microtuner and load up the Hi-PO or the Tow-performance (what I use) program you do begin to scratch your head wondering why it didn't come from the factory like this!
Even the 87 program that doesn't require high octane gas is better than stok simply because it firms up the shifts and remove the throttle lag. Why didn't Ford do this from the factory?? Who knows...
Maybe the later years are better. But the 04's & 05's really benefit from a tuner.
For about $5 more a tank, the improvement in driveability and power is well worth the price, IMHO.
It doesn't negatively affect emissions.
~~~~~~~~~
hausladen,
You DID have the tank full of 91+ octane when you loaded the HI-PO program, right?
I would try the Tow-Perf program. I really like that program although you may hear belt squeel on WOT shifts. And the shifts don't seem as hard as on the HI-PO.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 336
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From: Tigard, OR
Originally Posted by Vizsla_Buddy
So if it makes things better (and it all sounds good), what are the trade offs ... why would Ford have anything other than optimal settings?
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From: eastern nc
I thought they kinda de-tuned them some for better fuel economy, since that always seems to be an issue with the manufacturers. (just my thinking) but I also wondered the value and advantages of a micro tuner. How does the microtuner effect the warranty?