I have a 1995 F150 with a 4.9L I6 and want some more power. I know a chip would help but what will it hurt? Mileage? Will it void a warranty? Would I have to run premium fuels? I run 89 octane now and would like to continue to do the same. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The only down side is that you do need to run premium fuel. Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the downside of a chip. To figure the actual cost difference, figure your cents per mile on regular fuel....example:10 mpg at $1.40 per gallon=.14 per mile. After chipping, fuel economy usually goes up 1-2 mpg. 11 mpg at $1.60 per gallon=14.5 cents per mile. So in actuality, it will cost you 10 cents more per 200 miles after chipping. The advantages are: more power and torque, better shifting in the automatic transmissions. Some dealers may want to give you a bit of trouble about a chip. The easy fix is to pull the chip before going to the dealer and prevent any problems. I hope that I have answered your questions. Feel free to post any questions you might have.
Danny

 

Well I got excited about a post below where it said my 300 I-6 would gain 10 hp and about 31 ft lbs, but seeing the need for premium, I will skip it. Question, though: If the computer adjusts to prevent knocking, wouldn't the chip operate on regular, but just not give the performance? Then you could run regular for commuting and when power is needed, such as trailer towing, use premium.

 

TallPaul:The chip would improve your engine by 14hp and 31 ft/lb torque. That is a 10% gain in hp. The chip advances the timing to start the burn sooner to accomadate for the slower burning premium fuel. Your truck may or may not ping and rattle on regular fuel after chipping???? If it does rattle and ping, the chip advancing the timing is causing preignition. The gains in hp and torque would be significantly less on regular fuel also. Not trying to talk you into anything, only stating the facts.
Thanks
Danny

 

Thanks, At this point I think I would be better off, since the truck seems to have adequate power, going with a less restrictive exhaust when that conponent needs replacement. The chip may be more beneficial on my wife's Aerostar as discussed in another post "Chip for 3.0 V6."