Question Regarding "Chip Upgrades"

[CAPEd CODger]

Hello all
I am currently towing my Roo 21ss with an F-150 2wd with a 4.6 litre V-8. It doesn't do badly, but I am wanting a little more "get up and go" when pulling the camper.
My question is: Has anyone used the computer reprogrammers on their trucks? If so, what kind of results did you get?
I'm looking into a "SuperChips" reprogrammer, that will alter the transmission shift-points as well as the timing/air/fuel stuff.
I should probably look at a truck gear-head site.

Thanks

[chasd60]

I have the Hypertech III power programmer on my gas truck. The problem with the Chryslers is that you cannot adjust anything in the transmission with them.

I do get a bit more gusto but no improvement in fuel economy. My biggest gain I think was the catback exhaust system I put on from Gibson Performance.
 
http://www.gibsonperformance.com

[tlhdoc]

DH is an F150 nut.  With out reading him any of the details of your post, he said the  "SuperChips" reprogrammer is the way to go with the Ford.  He has a "SuperChip" chip, but the reprogrammer wasn't available when he got his.

[brainpause]

Check fordtrucks.com. There is a forum there that might better answer your question.  

Larry

[CAPEd CODger]

Thanks for the replies.
I am leaning toward the "superchips" programmer. It seems to offer the most flexability.
I did look at a couple of truck sites, and did not find anything negative about the re-programmers. Not finding anything bad is better than finding the good stuff, in some cases.
Even the mechanic that has a shop next to where I work suggested the "chip-kit".
I guess I need to start saving up.

Again, thanks for the responses.

[jawilson]

I have a "custom tuned" (and I use that term loosely) PCM from a company called Westers. It was supposed to be the best of the breed, and I had heard some positive remarks about them, but my own personal experience says it's not worth it. Unless you like pinging, because I really didn't get too much more then that.

I guess every truck is different, but if I had to do it over again I wouldn't.

[CAPEd CODger]

Some of the tuners say that you have to run premium fuel in order to not get pinging. The one that I'm looking into offers a few options regarding the fuel octane ratings.
I'm hoping that they offer some type of money back policy. I'd like to try it out in my truck in a real before and after test and see if any improvement is noticed. If not, then I'd return the device and get a refund.
Probably just wishful thinking (About the money back policy)

[chasd60]

Some of the tuners say that you have to run premium fuel in order to not get pinging. The one that I'm looking into offers a few options regarding the fuel octane ratings.
 I'm hoping that they offer some type of money back policy. I'd like to try it out in my truck in a real before and after test and see if any improvement is noticed. If not, then I'd return the device and get a refund.
 Probably just wishful thinking (About the money back policy)

The Hypertech Power Progammer is "dual fuel" comaptible. You can tune it for regular or you can tune it for premium. You can retune the truck in 5 mins or less.

[mikebike]

I have a superchip ...FLIP_CHIP and I love what it did for my truck

I have a 2001 Ford F150 Supercrew..... programer not available then either

Mike Troyer is a good guy and will treat you right

I have had no problems with mine in the 4 years I have used it  :-()

[wynot]

Hi Bob,

From what I can determine on the chips and reprogrammers, pretty much everything is going to be relatively negative.  On gas engines in particular, they are essentially remapping timing curves for power, and usually trying to take advantage of the timing advance and power by running 92-93 octane gas.  If you get lucky and can do some remapping on the chip for regular, you're probably going to run close to detonation at any degree of load.  Ford's 4.6 is a beautiful V-8, but the 5.4 would have been better albeit it at a significant penalty in gas mileage.  Same problem on the GM side - the 5.3 is a superior engine to the 4.8 and usually delivers better power and fuel economy because one doesn't have to stand on it.
 
Check out Trucks! (www.truckstv.com), they probably have some more info.  Most of the sponsors have some pet product for them.  I've looked at the Hypertech stuff for our Chevy, but it sounded like the best they could really do to stock settings is maybe provide a smidge more torque for towing.
 
If you really want more power out of your truck, you'll have to do the normal old time stuff - better breathing - intakes, exhaust, maybe a K&N deal.  Have you stopped by Scott's Speed Shop and asked him about what he'd recommend?  If I decided to pursue this, I would be checking durability at both Keplinger's and Scott's - my experience is that they would both give you a straight answer.  (Sorry, other readers, we live a couple of miles from each other)

[CAPEd CODger]

I did call Scott's and asked if the tuner would give me the most "bang for the buck", and he said yes.
Perhaps he said what he thought I wanted to hear?
An auto mechanic that has a shop next to where I work (he does all the maint. on our company trucks) said that a chip kit would be a good way to go, also.
I don't know anymore. Although a "FlowMaster" exhaust would sound awesome.

[CAPEd CODger]

An update:

Picked up an Edge Products Evolution programmer. After a problem that I got very fast help with, I got the truck programmed.

I haven't driven the truck since I did the programming, so I can't say what differences there are. I am planning a trip on Saturday, so I should have a better idea then.

I will report back on Monday.

Bob

[CAPEd CODger]

Well, I guess since I said I'd report on Monday, I'd better report.
I went to Clarksville and picked up my friend, and drove to Millsboro, Delaware. We went to Lewes and did some fishing. Drove home on Sunday.
About 325 miles round trip (back to Clarksville) and about 18 gallons of gas. So...about 18 MPG.
The transmission has a firmer feel and better shifting range than stock setting.
Didn't have any problems with pinging running regular gas.
So far I'm pleased with the programmer. I guess the real test will be in July when I tow the ROO to the Rally.

Later.