I have wanted a Superchip ever since I had my '97 with the 4.6l. Now that I have a new beast, I am seriously considering a Superchip. A few questions:


Forgive me for asking a somewhat basic question, but at what point do you recommend changing your fuel out from regular to premium when installing a SuperChip? Should the vehicle have been running on a couple of tanks of premium prior to install (or perhaps more)? What don't you recommend doing with regard to fuel changeover?

Just how noticeable would the shift/torque/HP gains be in a basically stock SCrew? I know you won't be screeching tires or anything, but what is the average assessment of the change?

How long is the break-in period for the chip? I think I recall reading anywhere up to 600-800 miles to get optimum output.

I live in VA as well...do you have any kind of retail location?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Mike

 

Run your current tank until the 'Low Fuel' light comes on(about 3 gallons left in mine), then fill it up with 93 and you should be good to go. It may be a little diluted but not much.

I did that last time i switched fuels, then when I used 1/4 tank, I filled it again with 93 to add some more potency.

 

DD,
you can run 87 right up until you install the chip.....just befor you install it, fill your tank with 93 and you'll be fine...you'll feel the shift point changes right away and power will be increased but you'll feel the full effect later on at about 300 miles or so...of course you won't notice it because it creeps up on you....

 

I appreciate the inputs, guys. After reading more about that tuner, I am kind of torn now. Chip or tuner? Hmmm...I'll have to think about this some more. I'm definitely getting a superchip, be it the module or the tuner, but I have to weigh the options (I've already made the mental leap to buy. I'll try to call PPI later and get some more insight. At any rate, thanks again for clearing up that fuel question of mine.

-Mike

 

Go for the tuner just got mine and I love it! I really like the option of restoring the stock program and no incriminating scratches on the computer if it goes back to the dealer .

 

Hi DD-976,

Unless you are going to do more involved mechanical modifications to your engine that will require custom engine tuning to compensate (superchargers, MAF's, bigger injectors, headers, etc.), you'll be better off with the Micro Tuner.

When you get your Superchip or Micro Tuner, let your tank of 87 octane run down **at least** until the low fuel lights comes on and then fil it up with premium. As soon as you do that, you can go ahead and install the Superchip tuning. When the low fuel light comes on, you still have 3.5-5+ gallons of 87 octane left in the system, so let the low fuel light come on, then fill it up with premium, and *then* install your Superchip tuning.

If you want to go over anything in detail, or perhaps go over all the various aspects to consider when trying to decide on the Superchip module or the Micro Tuner, etc., give us a call & we'll be happy to cover all of that with you.

 

Mike,
Thanks for the info, I'll be giving you a call...

-Mike

 

Well, after an informative phone call to PPI today (thanks Anita!), I have decided on the tuner...it just makes more sense economically considering my ultimate expectations. Mike, I'll be placing an order soon

-Mike


P.S. Add me to the long list of people who are thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and help readily available from Mike and the rest of the folks over at PPI

 

Thanks DD-976, that's very kind of you to say.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

 

Sure wish the programmer was available when I bought my chip about 2 months ago. Mike, how about a trade up program?? Sounds like the programmer is more in line with someone not planning major engine upgrades.

 

Hi Spanky,

I wish we could, but a Superchip is a very low-cost product that doesn't have much real trade-in value; it's not a $30,000 truck, it's a coupla-hundred dollar chip, and that's when it's brand new. Used, it's worth significantly less just like anything else you buy, to the point that at the extremely low price we provide the Micro Tuner for, there just isn't enough real "trade-in" value in most cases to make it viable for you, though ultimately that is something you have to decide for yourself. If you want to explore that option, give us a call & we can go over the numbers with you & see if what we can do works for you.

What makes the most sense financially on your end is to just continue to use your Superchip like everyone else with the Superchip (which includes us by the way, as we use Flip Chips on our vehicles except 1) is doing. Your Superchip is doing exactly what it's supposed to do, is backed by a Lifetime warranty to you and costs less than the Micro Tuner. That would make the most sense financially, but that is of course up to you.