I know that the hypertech programer stiffens up the shift points at all the rpm's, and the diablo only at full throtle. How about the superchip? I also know that the superchip has stiffer shift points than the diablo, and the diablo has a bit more horsepower gains. I am leaning towards the hypertech programer though. I have heard that the programer produces most of its horsepower gains at full throtle. I don't know if that is true. One of my friends recently installed a programer on his 98 Ford F-150 with the 4.2L and it increased it from a stand still at all rpm's. The truck does not bog down at all now even at regular driving speeds you can feel the diference. I have a 99 Ford Expedition with a 4.6L. The computer code is BTG5. Which one of the two, Diablo and superchip, will raise the top end speed gov. and the rpm gov.? Will the superchip make up for the lost power by the way it shifts? Also, I read that the Diablo requires cleaner fuel that the superchip to make its extra horsepower gains. Will I need to run an octane boost with every refill of fuel so that my valves will not clatter and harm my engine? Which one do you recomend for my Expedition? I want the most out of the chip that I purchase. Any help will be greatly appreciated.



Devil Dog

 

>I am leaning towards
>the hypertech programer though. I have heard that the
>programer produces most of its horsepower gains at full
>throtle.

True.

I don't know if that is true. One of my friends
>recently installed a programer on his 98 Ford F-150 with the
>4.2L and it increased it from a stand still at all rpm's.

Note the term "rpms". You can have any RPM at wide open throttle as it moves through the RPM range with the pedal floored.

>The truck does not bog down at all now even at regular
>driving speeds you can feel the diference.

Keep in mind that most programmers and chips also change the TPS curve, giving better throttle response even discounting any HP gain.

>I have a 99 Ford
>Expedition with a 4.6L. The computer code is BTG5. Which one
>of the two, Diablo and superchip, will raise the top end
>speed gov. and the rpm gov.?

Both will.


>Will the superchip make up for
>the lost power by the way it shifts?

The shift difference between the two chips is very subtle and can vary by ECU code. If you tow a lot you might prefer the Superchips but for day to day I believe the Diablo is the winner.

>Also, I read that the
>Diablo requires cleaner fuel that the superchip to make its
>extra horsepower gains.

Not cleaner fuel, but it is more sensitive to octane. Some California and Texas regions have gas that causes slight pinging with the Diablo, but it mainly happens with the Lightning and we have code specifically for those situations. Use a name brand gas and you'll be okay. Octane booster will not be required. The only time I've used octane booster (other than when my wife put in 87 by mistake) is going through the mountains with a load. I've found that the cheap stuff (under $2 a bottle) actually works better than the expensive $5-7$ a bottle "104+" brand!

I don't think you'd be unhappy with either the Diablo or the Superchips. If you tow a lot, go with the Superchips, otherwise the Diablo. Also, if you live in California and you're concerned with CARB certification required there then you should go with the Superchips.

 

what does the carb certified mean? Will it not pass the emissions test? I am in the military(MARINES)eeerrrrr, and I do go to california. I don't know if I will ever be stationed there that is why I ask. I would like to be stationed there and I do not want a problem getting my truck inspected. It is a pain in the but trying to find some one who will pass it. I have a K$N cold air intake and it is carb excempt. What does that mean? I ordered a hypertech programer but if you can tell me honestly that I will see a better improvement with the Devil, I mean Diablo, then you can start programing mine right now with the rush fee and the over night delivery. I will return the hypertech box unopened. You are the man Ken. That was a fast response. So you say the top end speed will be raised and so will the rev limiter right? Please respond as soon as possible so that I can go to sleep with something to dream about.

Devil Dog(this is another name for a Marine)

 

California Air Resources Board

In California, any aftermarket part added to the emissions drivetrain (ie, engine, intake and exhaust) needs a CARB number.

Not having the number doesn't mean a vehicle will fail emissions --- chipped vehicles will pass emissions test just fine. Its just that in California the require a CARB number if they are aware of an aftermarket product added to the vehicle. Superchips has been around a longer time and CARB certification takes time.

Things like air filters, oil filters, spark plugs and other OEM replacements don't require CARB certification.

If they've already shipped it then I'd keep the Hypertech simply because its a matter of principle. It costs time and money (credit card processing companies charge a percentage of the order cost) to process an order and I know I'm not very happy when someone cancels after I've paid $5 to run their card and paid an employee to pack it. If they haven't yet charged you and shipped it, then feel free to call us.

 

Well, I ordered the Diablo this morning and am going to send the Hypertech back. OOPS!! I like the price of your product alot better though. Well, I do have a question though. Do you recomend runing a 180 thermostat on my 99 ford expedition with the 4.6L. I have K&N cold air intake and a Dynomax dual exhaust. Will it benefit me or hurt me as far as performance and gas consumption? Thanks again for the information. Oh, will the Diablo perform better than the Hypertech though. I am going to keed the Diablo. Just courious!

Devil Dog

 

No, it doesn't need the 180 thermostat. I think you'll be happy with the Diablo. A lower temp thermostat will raise gas consumption.

 

I know that the Diablo chip gives off the HP gains at 400rpm increments. My question is, will the Diablo at WOT give the horsepower gains all at once or will it still only do it in increments as the rpms increase?



Devil Dog

 

Also, I installed the Diablo today and the speed gov. was not raised. Do only certain chips do that or did I have to specify that I wanted it raised? It toped off at 105 like before.


Devil Dog

 

Give me a call on Monday, I'm going to be out of town most of the weekend.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Jun-02 AT 09:50 PM (EST)]I installed the diablo in and I cannot feel a difference in performance. My top end was not raised either. I hear of all the wonderful things that this chip has done and I can't help to wonder if I recieved a DUD? How do I know if the chip is working? My computer code is BTG5. Please let me know as soon as possible. I am going on military leave this saturday to California and would of liked to have it before I left. Is there suppost to be a big tire spining change or a mild to nothing change for my computer code? About the only difference that I can notice is that my gas bill has gone up because I am using the 93 octane instead of the 87.


Devil Dog