Computer programer
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15
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From: Finger Lakes Region
I will bet there is not a lot of power to squeeze out, but most programmers let you change a lot of tranny settings (if Automatic), fan on settings, adjust timming, depending on the tuner you change torque manamanet, fueling, airflow, write out emmision codes, remove speed limiters etc..
All things that can help you get more out of the truck although not necassarily gobs of power.
What programmer?
All things that can help you get more out of the truck although not necassarily gobs of power.
What programmer?
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 15
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From: Finger Lakes Region
Oh that kind of programmer.
I thought maybe you were talking more about a HPTuner type product that allows you to re-write every aspect ofthe ECU.
I am not sold on teh hand held cookie cutter programmers like Hyper Tech ot Jet.
Every vehicel reacts differently. Those somple programmers are safe to use, but don't let you unlock all the potential pefromance.
I thought maybe you were talking more about a HPTuner type product that allows you to re-write every aspect ofthe ECU.
I am not sold on teh hand held cookie cutter programmers like Hyper Tech ot Jet.
Every vehicel reacts differently. Those somple programmers are safe to use, but don't let you unlock all the potential pefromance.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 107
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I personally use 91 in mine. Mostly cause the added detergents help keep the injectors and upper cylinder clean. Partly cause I like the added kick in the pants. And partly cause I get added MPG. Enough MPG that cancels out the added cost of stopping to pick up some more 87 octane horse pee to cover the same distance. I save about $30 a month in gas using 91 vs 87. That comes out to about 8 gallons so its not astronomical. In other words. I have my reasons.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Carmi il
when i looked up info on tuners at summit racing they listed a hypertech max energy and for it they said u had to run 91 octane gas but the jet performance listed that u could tune for different octane gas.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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They recommend the higher ocatance due to the timing advance.
These arent "tuner", they work well to modify a stock engine for what this company or companies consider to be optimal.
If you want an actual tuning device, which would cost you about the same money, look into ford eec tuning on the web. There are many many ways to go about this but all will allow you to make real engine modifications and take full advantage of them, the jet or hypertech will not, actually, the jet might but it would be a guess on their part and youd have to send them the product each time you make a change to your engine, to have them reprogram their product. Pain.
These arent "tuner", they work well to modify a stock engine for what this company or companies consider to be optimal.
If you want an actual tuning device, which would cost you about the same money, look into ford eec tuning on the web. There are many many ways to go about this but all will allow you to make real engine modifications and take full advantage of them, the jet or hypertech will not, actually, the jet might but it would be a guess on their part and youd have to send them the product each time you make a change to your engine, to have them reprogram their product. Pain.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Carmi il
Motorhead are you talking about computer chips or hand held tuners? cause im talking bout hand held tuners u plug into the obd port and both companys list that u can update them on the internet.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
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Actually, you would lose power as "premium" fuel is harder for the engine to burn. Once again, if you are gaining power from this, you likely have a carbon build up issue and could get the same power if the engine was cleaned of carbon and using 87 octane.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: St. Peter
I agree with heavy metal. Although a few years back 87 didnt have ethanol mixed with it, and 90 did (to increase octane rating), so then it would be true that the higher octane gas would have a better cleaning ability.
However the speed that 90 (or 93) octane combusts is much slower from that of 87 octane, and the theory is that it will burn throughout the power stroke better than 87 will, resulting in an increase in power. I dont think you will see a decrease in power, however seeing an increase in power is questionable (without the appropriate modifications).
I usually run midgrade (89) because it is the same price around here as 87 is.
Also if you have a vehicle with a very active anti-knock system (like a maxima) you will see a power increase, as the computer will increase the timing to the verge of spark knock.
However the speed that 90 (or 93) octane combusts is much slower from that of 87 octane, and the theory is that it will burn throughout the power stroke better than 87 will, resulting in an increase in power. I dont think you will see a decrease in power, however seeing an increase in power is questionable (without the appropriate modifications).
I usually run midgrade (89) because it is the same price around here as 87 is.
Also if you have a vehicle with a very active anti-knock system (like a maxima) you will see a power increase, as the computer will increase the timing to the verge of spark knock.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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You are throwing away money. There are no "added" detergents when it comes to octane ratings. Whatever detergents that are in 87 octane fuel from whatever specific fuel provider you are getting the fuel from are the same in 93. You are paying for the octane (along with the hype that premium "saves" your engine) Also, with an 8.5:1 ratio, you likely have a ignition timing, vacuum system leak or carbon build up problem if your 4.9 is pinging.
Guess that leaves the I get better gas mileage with it based on three tank average comparison over 87,89,91 octane not including av-fuel or white gas.
And I have one of those computer thingies that advances spark and adjusts the fuel mix on my truck that pretty much requires me to run premium anyways.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
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Jet and Hypertech are designed for stock engines. If you ever opt to make real changes to the I6 longblock, it would require they give you a custom program, which will cost you extra and even then be their best guess, even if you sent them dyno info.
If you do get a jet/hypertech programmer, the most noticable gains in regards to driveability would likely come from the transmisson changes.
Megasquirt cost the same money, the difference, you get in there and literally tell the computer how long the injectors should be open, how much timing, when and where, all the while your reading a wideband O2 sensor, adjusting to perfection. This approach isnt easy, although its not hard, will require alot on your part to perfect, but it would give you infinite possibilities, as long as you dont rewrite the program more than 10,000 times.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The plug-in modules for the OBD-1 trucks are a complete waste of money IMO, they don't do anything you can't do another way for free or cheaper. If it's timing advance you want just rotate the distributor, even a couple degrees from stock will improve power and won't require anything better than regular fuel. If the tranny is sloppy add a shift kit, it's permanent and non adjustable but it will extend the life of the tranny.
The bottom line is though, there is no magic pill to get 50-100HP from a naturally aspirated motor, it's all about how well it breathes. To that end the stock exhaust system should be the first target for anybody interested in getting the most from any Ford truck.. regardless of motor. They were and still are needlessly restricted from the factory.
The bottom line is though, there is no magic pill to get 50-100HP from a naturally aspirated motor, it's all about how well it breathes. To that end the stock exhaust system should be the first target for anybody interested in getting the most from any Ford truck.. regardless of motor. They were and still are needlessly restricted from the factory.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
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The bottom line is though, there is no magic pill to get 50-100HP from a naturally aspirated motor, it's all about how well it breathes. To that end the stock exhaust system should be the first target for anybody interested in getting the most from any Ford truck.. regardless of motor. They were and still are needlessly restricted from the factory.