Anyone try a performance chip in their Expy?

[buzzcon]

I have been researching these so called performance chips on Ebay. They run roughly $20 and claim to increase MPG by 2-5 MPG and increase HP too. If it's so easy, why not do it from the factory, that's why I am skeptical.

I am planning on new coils and plugs, which should help, but just looking at anything that would help with gas mileage. Not really concerned about HP, it seems to have more power than I need.

Here are some examples.

 

[BAD RONALD]

I have been researching these so called performance chips on Ebay. They run roughly $20 and claim to increase MPG by 2-5 MPG and increase HP too. If it's so easy, why not do it from the factory, that's why I am skeptical.

I am planning on new coils and plugs, which should help, but just looking at anything that would help with gas mileage. Not really concerned about HP, it seems to have more power than I need.

My conclusion is that they won't do any harm and likely will do little good. I've been reading reviews on these things for quite a while. Some guys will tell you the chip is a scam and others will report unreal hp and mpg benefits.

Driving habits and dedicated vehicle maintenance will effect performance more than any gimmick, IMO.

 

[toms89]

BS!!

Do not know the specifics on any one but in the past this was a common "performance mod" that floated around on the internet you could do your self by adding a resistor to the engine coolant temp or intake air temp readings to fool the pcm into thinking is was colder than it actually is. This actually began during the introduction of the earlier electronic fuel injected vehicles from racers looking for ideas to increase performance. The idea was to have the pcm add fuel and timing via the colder area of the tables and or adders increasing power. Someone decided to market the idea and make some big $$. Resistor cost next to nothing at radio shack.

I believe the idea is flawed as the pcm will adapt to this once in closed loop and getting feedback from the O2 sensors. The general consensus among experienced racers I have ever met was it was a worthless mod. The resistor also may only alter the readings so much or it will end up setting a cel because the readings are outside the expected range.

Its all marketing hype with the sole purpose to get your money. Money back guarantee probably convinces many its legit but after they realize what it is or it doesn't work they figure wth..... its only 10$. Enough of these and the seller makes good money regardless if they have a legit product or not.

 

[buzzcon]

Common sense would point a guy in the direction it's a scam. I figured as much, but thought I would make sure. Sounded way too good to be true.

I will just go with the tune up and see if that helps. Might have to put the tune up off another month, I think I have a left front bearing making noise. That's gonna have to be next!!

Thanks for the replies!!

 

[Waylap]

A fake hood scoop and SVT stickers gave me 3 extra MPG.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

if you put the lightning headlights and the lightning emblems in place of the expedition ones you can get about 80+ hp a piece!!

 

[tonydiv]

Come on, if you could really increase mileage with a $20 device, don't you think the automakers would be using it? They spend millions chasing a 1 mpg increase.

It really surprises me how many people ask about these things, as if they really expect positive responses.

 

[IMINYOURCHAIR]

while we are at it, how about "cold air intakes" also, k&n air filters. never saw the point in either. one thing I will say is that almost every vehicle I have ever seen already has the air inlet located to where it can pull the coolest air possible.. as far as the filters go. I can't see a benifit unless you run WOT very often.

 

[sitruc_btb]

Come on, if you could really increase mileage with a $20 device, don't you think the automakers would be using it? They spend millions chasing a 1 mpg increase.

It really surprises me how many people ask about these things, as if they really expect positive responses.

If automakers were hellbent on mpg increases, we wouldn't have 10 way adjustable electronic heated and cooled seats, and heavy ass hybrid batteries increasing overall vehicle weight. But no, we're whiny consumers, and must have useless features.

 

[Maverick1701]

I haven't tried a tune on my personal rig.
We have chipped several vehicles at work (over the course of my 4 years) using superchips tanned tunes.

2005 Chevrolet Ext Cab 4x4- excellent results from the superchips canned tune. IIRC it had 5.3.

2009 Ford Expedition(s) 4x4 (both reg and 2 EL) - I couldn't feel any effects from the chip except for a higher top speed. We again used superchips canned tunes. All had 5.4.

2007 Dodge CC 4x4- by far the best results from the superchips canned tune. We still have this vehicle as our extra vehicle. It runs like a scalded dog (after the tune). Has the 5.7 Hemi. We saw gains in terms of top speed and acceleration. I don't have a dyno so I cany speak to the HP/torque gains. But it was a totally new vehicle after the chip.

 

[skeeter9]

Superchip

Hi, I found the power in the Expi to be real sluggish. I own two 1999 Expi's, one 4.6 and the other 5.4. Neither one gets good mileage and performance is low.

With the 5.4 I used the Performance Chip module. The module only changes the air/fuel mixture. Does not change ignition timing nor transmission shift points. Some improvement in power, Mileage did not change. Not worth the $60. Web site claimed 2+ mpg improvement +20 HP.

With the 4.6 I used the SUPERCHIP 1815 handheld to reprogram the engine and transmission. There was distinct improvement in performance. The timing advanced making the motor more responsive, the transmission change +500 rpm between gears and mileage did improve 1-2 mpg. The gear changes are solid shifts rather than the smooth transition. Bought the SUPERCHIP handheld on ebay $150 used. The 1815 will program both motors. I plan to remove the module on the 5.4 and install the chip. The only drawback is 91 octane. I'll take it for the added performance.

I hope this helps.

 

[toms89]

Hi, I found the power in the Expi to be real sluggish. I own two 1999 Expi's, one 4.6 and the other 5.4. Neither one gets good mileage and performance is low.

With the 5.4 I used the Performance Chip module. The module only changes the air/fuel mixture. Does not change ignition timing nor transmission shift points. Some improvement in power, Mileage did not change. Not worth the $60. Web site claimed 2+ mpg improvement +20 HP.

With the 4.6 I used the SUPERCHIP 1815 handheld to reprogram the engine and transmission. There was distinct improvement in performance. The timing advanced making the motor more responsive, the transmission change +500 rpm between gears and mileage did improve 1-2 mpg. The gear changes are solid shifts rather than the smooth transition. Bought the SUPERCHIP handheld on ebay $150 used. The 1815 will program both motors. I plan to remove the module on the 5.4 and install the chip. The only drawback is 91 octane. I'll take it for the added performance.

I hope this helps.

If its the resistor that you attach to the IAT sensor or engine temp sensor it does not directly change anything in the pcm other than that sensor reading itself. This in effect causes the pcm to use different tables for timing and fuel. (In theory)

In reality the pcm runs stoich in closed loop and this cannot be changed. It can change the air/fuel ratio in open loop but open loop only really occurs at near w.o.t. or initial startup.

Tuners or programmers actually adjust the software via the obd2 port or connected directly to the pcm.

 

[skeeter9]

Performance CHIP

TOMs89 is right the unit that connects to the inlet air is really not doing much. That is what I used in the 5.4.
The SUPERCHIP 1815 in the 4.6 modified the computer and there's a noticeable improvement in power. More RMP in each gear, downshifts quicker, more responsive, more power all the way around.

And BTW cool video. Check this one out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbPFfT1JARs

 

[toms89]

TOMs89 is right the unit that connects to the inlet air is really not doing much. That is what I used in the 5.4.
The SUPERCHIP 1815 in the 4.6 modified the computer and there's a noticeable improvement in power. More RMP in each gear, downshifts quicker, more responsive, more power all the way around.

And BTW cool video. Check this one out:
Supercharged Expedition 1/4 mile pass. - YouTube

LOL... that's me.

You can check out some of my others here:

http://www.expeditionforum.com/f57/expy-lightning-videos-15213/

 

[skeeter9]

Very COOL

Totally cool. I had no idea the black Expy was you; didn't match up the toms8950.
My wife's truck looks the same as your truck in appearance only. She wants to know where to buy the supercharger. Maybe I shouldn't have shown her the video. The hell with the chip. LOL

 

[sitruc_btb]

I wish my Expy ran 12's....

 

[tonydiv]

The big change that I found when I put the Edge on my truck was the drastically better shifting. That alone was worth the price. It also gave me a couple of mpgs and better power.

 

[buzzcon]

Come on, if you could really increase mileage with a $20 device, don't you think the automakers would be using it? They spend millions chasing a 1 mpg increase.

It really surprises me how many people ask about these things, as if they really expect positive responses.

You must not have read this post.

Common sense would point a guy in the direction it's a scam. I figured as much, but thought I would make sure. Sounded way too good to be true.

and

If it's so easy, why not do it from the factory, that's why I am skeptical.

I guess that the idiots that give the sellers of the $20 "chips" a good review so the seller can have a great rating, instead of giving a real review. My mechanic uses a chip in his Dodge 3/4 ton and says it made a huge difference in power but his MPG dropped to the low single digits. He only uses it for plowing snow and said that chip cost him $900.

I normally wouldn't even consider doing something like this, but the MPG of my 98 Expy is way worse than the 98 F-150 I had and the 95 E-150 Conversion van I just sold. Just hoping a tune up will help, I'm on disability and need to get the best MPG I can. Reason I bought this one was the seats were way more comfortable for my back. Believe it or not, the seats in my old van just about killed me. Also mentioned in this thread is the air filter. I haven't changed that yet either, so that will get done tomorrow!!! Trying to do what I can when I can.

 

[toms89]

Totally cool. I had no idea the black Expy was you; didn't match up the toms8950.
My wife's truck looks the same as your truck in appearance only. She wants to know where to buy the supercharger. Maybe I shouldn't have shown her the video. The hell with the chip. LOL

It's actually "deep wedgewood" blue, but yeah it kinda looks black in the video.

 

[nonwoven29]

I wish my Expy ran 12's....

You can buddy. You can do it for far less then one might expect. Doing all the parts hunting and wrench turning your self is fun IMO and this is where the great savings are.