OK, well maybe I'm not actually a complete idiot (final results still pending)...but I honestly don't know crap about performance enhancing computer chips at all.

I've heard from several people that I can install all the high flow air cleaners and performance exhausts I want to, but the biggest improvement in performance would actually be the computer chip instead?

This is all fine and dandy except for two things:
1) I don't know anything about computer chips
2) I have no clue what I'm doing.

I have an '03 F150 Heritage Edition XLT Super Cab 100 Year Anniversary model with a 4.6L V8.

I'm looking to increase throttle response and acceleration, and perhaps add a little more power for towing. What the heck am I looking for as far as computer chips go?

Insults tolerable, suggestions needed.

 

You don't want a hard chip, they plug into the test port on the computer and are old tech.

Firstly, all mods support others. What I recommend is intake then exhaust and then tune. Engines are just air pumps, for power you need to get more air in and out and then add more fuel/timing. So start with a good cold air system, K&N is usually the most complete for least money. However it's not always the case so look at what the kits come with.

Next, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to install a tune. Canned tuners like Superchips, Edge, Hypertech or SCT allow you very few options that you can tweak. None that can do much harm. Now SCT's custom tunes (you will not buy the tuning software so you can't do much) and Sniper's systems can do a lot more but are less end user friendly and can over work the engine.

For beginning I'd suggest either a superchips Cortex or Edge new Evolution.

 

Got a Edge for my truck. Its as easy as falling off a stump. Have you done anything yet?

 

Great advice. I really like the statements about the tuners that CAN"T do much harm. That's exactly what somebody like ME needs.

 

Nope. My truck is completely stock at the moment.

I was looking at air intake and exhaust already...but the computer chip and tuner stuff, I know NOTHING about, and am trying to learn.

As for the K&N ReAX mentioned...I've been reading mixed reviews, so I'm uncertain. On the one hand, K&N seems to flow the best. On the other hand however, the K&N also allows the most debris to flow into your engine. And the wide open filter setups up under the hood seem like they would only be drawing in HOT air from your engine compartment. Yet, the K&N seems quite popular. I'm getting a lot of mixed signals here.
(I've been considering just splitting the difference and maybe trying an AEM DryFlow filter...but again am not convinced either way yet.)

For exhaust, I have it down to either Borla, MagnaFlow or Gibson. But again, not decided yet.

The hand held tuners...I'm learning more about daily from helpful guys like you all. On a different website, I was told that you don't necessarily have to upgrade your OEM chip itself per say. If you get the right tuner for your vehicle, some can be set to adjust performance according to the grade of fuel you use...gas mileage vs towing power vs high performance at a higher octane fuel usage setting.

Coming here to a site about trucks, from guys who own trucks, is helping me gather real world info about "my" truck. And I appreciate all the input.

 

K&N is the leader because Air aid (I've known these guys before they were airaid, but still) doesn't do a full pipe and complete air box on most of their applications. Volant does a full vacuum formed air box, but it's atleast $100 more than a K&N kit, and of course K&N has brand recognition over everyone else.

True Flow has a unique idea, but it's over kill. A filter needs to keep large particles out not all particles. Soot and anything smaller than a grain of sand is not going to do much of any damage to your engine. The finish honed surface of your cylinder walls are not perfectly smooth, they wouldn't seal as well if it didn't have a bit of texture for the rings to rub against. Just like a knife wouldn't cut if it didn't have microscopic teeth. I would like to try a true flow filter on my K&n kit though.

If you have the funds available the volant vacuum formed air boxes and ram air tubes are cool, but they are right around $200 more than a FIPK kit. As you noticed, stay with a Gen 2 FIPK, the series 63 and 77 don't have an air box and they are worth their weight in gold.

 

Thank you for the tips.

 

Hey scat,

Do you have any videos of falling off a stump? I've tried and tried and I just don't seem to be having any luck. Maybe a pro like you can teach me!! LOL

Glad the Evo is working well for ya.

Bill

 

You have to look for the right stumps, usually cut at an odd angle and covered in green fungus. If you wait until it's covered in dew or just after a rain, it's even easier.

 

See... that's where I was going wrong. I told my wife that those flat-cut, dry stumps wouldn't work.

 

Dont forget the six pack or 2 or 3 or 4. I almost fell off the earth once after 5.