[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Sep-02 AT 08:08 PM (EST)]A seat-of-the pants SCMT test.

I received the SuperChips Microtuner (SCMT) model 1715 after what seemed a long time, but actually was just 3 days from time of order.

After removing the fuel pump fuse (No. 19 in the under-hood fuse box), I re-programmed the truck with the SuperChips default program to establish a baseline. The SCMT stores the stock program for restoration should one require ‘dealer service’ (now there’s a phrase with a double-entendre).

I replaced the fuse, and unplugged the SCMT. Total time including the walk to the truck and finding the fuse: <10 minutes.
Now it’s time to see if this rig works as advertised.

The test drive revealed a noticeably more aggressive launch from stop, with a good firm bump when shifting. With the go-pedal pushed near the floor, a shift from first into second elicited a chirp.

Gone is the 2-stage indecision between 3rd and OD under acceleration. Also gone is the downshift from OD to 3rd with the slightest accelerator depress. The 4R100 is contented, with the torque converter staying locked up unless I really jab the gas, then it downshifts positively with no hesitation.

I’ll be tinkering with the custom shift pressure, tire-size (speedometer re-calibration) and speed limiter programs later, and I’ll publish those findings when I have them.

Summary: An increase in power I can feel, and a better, more truck-like personality for the 4R100. Mileage seems unaffected (I’ll have to drive it more sedately to be certain).

As I already use 91 octane fuel(the alternative is 85), there will be no ‘pump-shock’ when filling up.

A plug-in, painless device for gassers, without the hassle of pulling the computer and chip. The 1715 gives 98-02 F**d V8 & V10 owners the flexibility the PSD boyz enjoy with their SCMT/PP3 boxes.

Conclusion: At street-price (@$360) it was money well spent for the transmission program alone.

Copy(yeah)right: thespoon


2001 F251 SRW Lariat CC 156 4x4 OffRoad, Camper Pkg., V10, Auto, 3.73LS, Snuglid, 265x75R Geolandar AT II+, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Volant intake, Gibson stainless cat-back exhaust.
Born, KTP: 07-26-00, Delivered: 8-29-00

 

It really is a first class device. :-)

 

Just ordered mine from the online store

Can't wait to try it out. I'll post my results
as well - thanks for the post thespoon. Your summary
pushed me to place the order this morning


(now to explain it to the wife as an early xmas
present for me) :-X12

2001 F250 SD CC Lariat,
V-10, 4:30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto

 

I am still waiting for mine. I got one last week but it was the old one and didn't work on the v10. I had to ship mine back and am waiting, albeit impatiently, for the replacement. I am dying. Especially after reading this post. Hopefully I will have mine by the weekend. Don't know if I can wait much longer!!!

 

Well mine showed up today. Was tempted to go run it at lunch but I am driving to Dallas (about 250 miles) tomorrow so I decided I would run mpg on the way there and then program it and compare on the way back. I will let you know on Monday how it turns out. Also recently installed a FM70 so this will be my first opportunity to see if that made any mileage improvements. I think Monsta said he got .7 to 1.2 with his 40 so I am curious to see if the 70 yields similar results.

 

>I think Monsta said he got .7 to 1.2 with his 40 so I am curious to see if the 70 yields similar results.

For the record, that included an Airaid Intake and fresh Mobil 1 5W-30, too. And rock hard tires. (65psi F/R on E-rated tires)

I look forward to your report. Have a safe journey!

 

I had my first opportunity to really jump on this thing last night. Coming off of the clover-leaf onto I-25, I need to accelerate quickly, so I put the go-pedal on the floor and kept it there until I hit 70 (not too long to get there either). Everyone in the truck (4 people) including my bud with the Mercedes SUV, eyes bugged. Impressive. :-staun

Like a rocket. Sounds great too, no more shifting out below peak, just winds out. This truck has a whole new personality.

So much so, I've decided to postpone ordering that G2 diesel. Sorry F**d. :P

This is what a V10 should be.

2001 F251 SRW Lariat CC 156 4x4 OffRoad, Camper Pkg., V10, Auto, 3.73LS, Snuglid, 265x75R Geolandar AT II+, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Volant intake, Gibson stainless cat-back exhaust.
Born, KTP: 07-26-00, Delivered: 8-29-00

 

OK, here's my SCMT report so far:

Got my tuner last Thursday (thanks to Ken and his
store ), but had to run a tank
of 87 dry before I could fill it with 93 Amoco
on Saturday AM. Right after that I raced home to
install the new program - I just used the default
settings and like thespoon said, it couldn't have
been any easier and takes just minutes to complete.
I also like the fact that the SCMT can read trouble
codes if I ever set one (fingers crossed, no problems
to-date).

Since then, I've put about 50 miles on it the last
2 days. [font size=+1]All I can say is: this is a new V10
engine !![/font]

It also sounds better to me (all stock x/c the
new EEPROM settings and K&N FIPK-2) after the tuning.

The tranny shift is now a BANG if you really put
your foot into it. Incredible. It's pretty docile
at low speeds with easy pedal work, but it launches
so well off the line. I caught a 1-2 shift chirp from
the tires for the first time this morning -
I took my kids out to brunch and nailed it after turning
out of the parking lot onto a 4-lane road. My son said "wow,
this big truck can really move!" Music to my ears
when an 8 y/o loves the truck

Haven't had a chance to try and break it loose from
a launch at a stop, but I did encounter a most
excellent passing opp. on a highway to get
around a slow driver. I pushed down about 2/3 of the
way on the gas from about 50 mph, the tranny responded
VERY fast and downshifted into 3rd, and before I knew it I was
somewhere near 75 mph. This is giving me much more confidence
in passing situations than I ever felt with this truck before.
There was a 5.4 Exped. behind me (frustrated by the same slow
driver that had us poking along) who tried to keep up but
clearly was out-gunned. He later passed me on the left
and smiled as he went by. Fords rule!

So to all V10 owners out there who haven't chipped or
tuned your rig yet, you have got to try this SCMT. You
won't be sorry (until you have to pay for 93 octane
at the pump each fillup - but it's worth it to me ).

-- Bob

2001 F250 SD CC Lariat,
V-10, 4:30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto,
K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned

 

I'm getting jealous of you guys. I got my microtuner last week, but unfortunaley it couldn't read my computer code. I sent it back to Superchip on Wed so they can get the info of my truck. Hopefully I'll get it within a week so I can start having more fun as you guys are.

F250SD 4x4 v10 3.73LS
KNN FIPK
Gibson Exhaust
Microtuner get fixed

 

I hope I don't get reamed to badly for asking these questions. Why doesn't Ford install these programs as stock features? Is it because of the octane requirement or longevity of the drive train. You all love the upside of the modification so I would like to do it too, but what is the downside if any?

 

Because of two things: the octane requirements and they have to program for the middle ground average consumer, ie., soft cushy shifts and less agreesive shift points for the soccer mom. The downside is the premium requirement, there is no compromise here, you must run premium or it will ping (even if you don't hear ping in some situations with lower octane its probably still there).

 

I'll answer your question with these questions:

What is F**d's primary consideration in manufacturing, longevity/performance or cost reduction/profit?

Does F**d use only the best quality components in suspension/tires/drivetrain/fluids or the least expensive they can get away with?

Does F**d try to maximize their software (firmware)investment by applying the code to as many vehicles as possible?


Answer these and the answer to your question is inherent.

2001 F251 SRW Lariat CC 156 4x4 OffRoad, Camper Pkg., V10, Auto, 3.73LS, Snuglid, 265x75R Geolandar AT II+, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Volant intake, Gibson stainless cat-back exhaust.
Born, KTP: 07-26-00, Delivered: 8-29-00

 

Ok, spent the weekend with my tuner and here is what I found. Before I tuned the truck, I put a FM70 on it. This actually helped my highway mileage by a noticable amount. I got 13mpg which was up from 12.3ish. I used to get over 13 prior to the lift and 285's. I don't think the bigger tires would kill mileage except that to keep all the tread on the road, I have to run around 44 psi so the tires are much softer than they were with the stock tires.

I added the tuning and got 13.25 on the way back (about 250 miles each way).

As far as performance, I didn't notice as much gain as those in the posts above. I was able to break my tires loose (a little) whereas I was not able to before. I plan to play with the shift pressures because I didn't feel like they firmed up all that much. Overall, I really don't "feel" any difference but maybe the seat of my pants isn't as well calibrated as some.

 

Hows that 70 series sound? Do you have the p/n? I am looking to go that route

 

>Hows that 70 series sound? Do you have the p/n? I am
>looking to go that route

53073

The 70 is pretty stock sounding. It has a slightly different sound but for the most part you would never notice. I can tell a difference but most people that don't drive a v10 every day can't. Which is good for me because I didn't have to tell my wife I bought it.