Chip or Tuner
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Chip or Tuner
I apologize for the poor forum ettiquite. I am a jeep guy doing some research for my dad. He has a 02 5.4l looking to get some better MPG and power at times. Mostly the higher MPG. I dont know to look for chips switchable chips or tuners?
He then plans to follow with a new air intake system then catback exhaust. Can anyone point me to the right direction? Thanks so much
He then plans to follow with a new air intake system then catback exhaust. Can anyone point me to the right direction? Thanks so much
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
He's driving a brick on wheels. There's really nothing he can do to improve the gas mileage substantially, other than drive easier, keep the speed low (don't cross 2000rpm), etc. The $1000-$2000 he'll spend in a chip, exhaust, and intake will buy lots of gas.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Originally Posted by tmwoodall
I ask this fully knowing that it will not be a substantial improvement. He also will appreciate the better towing options.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
I have a chip for my '03 4.6L. I installed cat-back exhaust, headers, high flow Mass Air, air intake kit, and BBK 75mm throttle body, all before the chip. It's recommended to do that before using chip because the chip is designed for modified truck. You won't get the full potential of the chip's tuning.
I do wish I had a tuner instead of a chip, but tuners weren't out when I bought the chip. Tuners have more options and you can make changes, but they are more money.
I do wish I had a tuner instead of a chip, but tuners weren't out when I bought the chip. Tuners have more options and you can make changes, but they are more money.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
I was reading through Superchips manual and it states that their tuner is designed for an UNMODIFIED truck. That's no good for those of us that have replaced a lot of stuff with performance parts.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Sniper Special Forces says they can pick up 18% fuel mileage, I did notice an improvement with the latest version. However at the same time I did a factory tech valve body and royal purple ATF. I have had a superchips hard chip, micro tuner and now my Sniper. I am most impressed with what the sniper has done for power and the options it gives you to account for your mods. For a small list of parameters, I have posted my work sheet in this forum.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
'03 Eddie Bauer what? I have a Jet chip for my '03 F-150 w/ 4.6L. What a difference. I also have Gibson headers, Gibson cat-back exhaust, Granitelli High-Flow Mass Air, Cold Air Intake Kit, and BBK 75mm throttle body. You won't get full potential of a stage-2 Jet chip without those modifications. Also have a Jet low-temp. thermostat. Everything works together.
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
03 EB explorer 4.6 v8. guy wants to sell me one for like $150 that he pulled from his before he sold it. says its an easy install and even without the other mods it gets him extra HP and gas mileage. retail i have found is like $300. any comments appreciated, thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
I don't know about gas mileage (sp?), but HP gains, YES. Of course I did all the modifications before installing chip. I bought everything at once. I'm not positive, but I think Jet chips are vehicle specific. So as long as that guy had an '03 Explorer with 4.6, you should be good.
If possible, test it before you buy. Just find the computer and remove cover where chip plugs in. Need to clean wax off on contacts (both sides) on computer. Definitely suggest doing modifications eventually. The exhaust manifolds on the 4.6/5.4 is real restrictive. Headers are a bitch to install, but with the correct tools and some patience, it can be done. Give yourself a Sat. and Sun. to complete the job.
If possible, test it before you buy. Just find the computer and remove cover where chip plugs in. Need to clean wax off on contacts (both sides) on computer. Definitely suggest doing modifications eventually. The exhaust manifolds on the 4.6/5.4 is real restrictive. Headers are a bitch to install, but with the correct tools and some patience, it can be done. Give yourself a Sat. and Sun. to complete the job.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Of course most chips require 93 octane to work properly, I understand Hypertech now has a programmer that works with 87, but for $400, I will just buy gas, unless you want to make power, you will take years to get your return on investment in gas savings, and if you have to use super, forget about it.