What chip to buy.

[EricH]

So, will the Hypertech pick up or adjust to the fact that I have a CAI and catback?

 

[Leissleib]

The lifetime warranty on the Hypertech is what sold me.
They are all within $50 of each, with the Hypertech being the least expensive.
But to me the extra 1-2 hp and 5-8 ft lbs of torque means nothing after the one year warranty runs out on the other two.

I hear that about the warranty, one question, how is the install on the hypertech, it looks more complicated, I have had superchips on my diesels and the install was very easy, how was it for your hypertech. Also, are the Internet updates free or do they cost each time. Thanks for the info.

 

[Dib52]

Wow, can't believe you lost 2mpg on the lift, I already have the 33" tires and plan on the lift but my concern is having to fill up so much, not the money just a pain, I drive to the ranch a lot, I guess I better get the programmer quick. Why did you go with the hypertech, great product but it seems to have less hp gain compared to the superchips or edge. I want as much input as i can get before making my purchase. I know I don't want some off brand deal, I want a warranty backed by a big company, so I know it will be one of the big 3 companies. Also, I really don't want to mess with the exhaust. Thanks for your input.

I'm estimating a loss of 2 mpg with the lift, don't really have exact numbers. The loss was really a combination of factors, mainly my right foot. I let her eat whenever I'm behind the wheel. If I would monitor my speed a little better, I'm fairly confident it wouldn't be that bad. When the wife drives it, it's a little more economical. I'm sure the little extra wind drag doesn't help.
As far as why HyperTech, long time user. I've had three on various vehicles, so I just stick to what I know. As said earlier, they're all about the same and return comparable numbers, my previous experiences with their products sold me.

 

[EricH]

I hear that about the warranty, one question, how is the install on the hypertech, it looks more complicated, I have had superchips on my diesels and the install was very easy, how was it for your hypertech. Also, are the Internet updates free or do they cost each time. Thanks for the info.

I'll have to let you know. I just ordered it today.
I did call Hypertech first. He said no 'tuning' is necessary to reach the numbers. Simply plug in and install.
The extra effort would be towards changing shift points, tire dimensions, etc.

It sounded very 'plug and play' from what he said.

Warranty is lifetime, but I am unsure of updates. For me, my updates are finished...it's an Expedition, not a Mustang.

 

[Dib52]

I hear that about the warranty, one question, how is the install on the hypertech, it looks more complicated, I have had superchips on my diesels and the install was very easy, how was it for your hypertech. Also, are the Internet updates free or do they cost each time. Thanks for the info.

Install is very easy, it will walk you through it with a couple Y/N button presses, some up/down presses for options and turning of the key in the ignition on/off. Really isn't hard at all. If you have used Superchips, you have the general concept.

Updates are free but you need something other than Mac. I did the update about 6 months ago and it definitely feels better than before.

 

[Dib52]

So, will the Hypertech pick up or adjust to the fact that I have a CAI and catback?

Not an exact answer to that question. No options for that on the programmer. But I will say I haven't had any issues, so maybe it self adjusts. ???

 

[EricH]

Lastly...what percentage do you use for your shift firmness?

And I'm done with the questions!

 

[Dib52]

Lastly...what percentage do you use for your shift firmness?

And I'm done with the questions!

I don't have that option on mine, but I see on the new unit you can go 25, 50, 75, or 100%. I'd probably start right down the middle at 50% and go from there. When I had my SuperCrew, I used 100% and holy crap, it would squeak the fan belt under HARD acceleration. I backed that one off to 75%.

 

[mtondreo]

EricH - I am interested to hear your feedback on the Hypertech. I have not messed with shift points or anything else on my SC Cortex yet because I am still going thru trying to decide which tune I like the best. The performance has been the most "spirited" so far - but this is probably the first time I have ever run 93 octane in one of my vehicles also. It has not helped fuel economy at all either (that is mainly operator controlled) but it makes me smile more when driving it - and of course the shifting is much better. I got mine from the same vendor for $325 and then they had a $25 mail in. I was sold on the edge at first, but ended up with the Cortex. 5-star had a good deal also - but it seemed it was going to be a little more work for me.

 

[EricH]

Well I just received the Hypertech this morning.
I had to run an update and then hooked it to the truck.
I had 2 codes- U0164 and B1600. Both appear to be transmission codes, one for the HVAC and one for the electronic key.
I cleared both codes and continued with the tune.
I stuck to the regular gas option as premium fuel only netted 1 hp. I also changed the shift firmness to 25%.
All I had time for was a spin around the block but the shifting is much better than OE. It actually shifts nice and tight now. Plus at 25% I can actually feel it when it shifts. It is not annoying but to the point where I can say 'yep, there it just shifted' and not like before where I couldn't tell what for heck gear I was in.
I'll get a chance to get out this afternoon and will report back then with more info.

*UPDATE: so, I got out this afternoon to run some errands and must comment on how the shifting is so much better! This in itself is worth the purchase.
Now either the shifting is so much better that the truck stays in it's sweet spot longer, or the performance is also noticeably better. Before it always felt like the EX was stumbling upon itself. I often times felt like I was driving with my parking brake on. Often times I would even need to get on the gas just to make it up a hill. I know this is a 6000# truck, but it just felt bad to me. It never had any on hand power available.

NOT NOW! The tranny is almost always in the right gear and when it isn't it shifts immediately and decisively. The EX drives so much better now and just seems ready to go when I want it to.

Best $300 I have spent on it to date!

 

[Dib52]

Welcome to the HyperTech ranks. I've been saying it on here for awhile, but everyone kept endorsing Edge and Superchips. Glad I'm not on my own anymore. I agree, tranny improvement alone is worth the $, added power is a bonus! Enjoy!!

 

[GAINMOB]

lol...SUPERCHIPS!!! its only 3 of us...lol

 

[rvm1]

Haven't tried any other, but I've using Superchips on my Exped, and am quite happy with it.

 

[joneskt]

The lifetime warranty on the Hypertech is what sold me.
They are all within $50 of each, with the Hypertech being the least expensive.
But to me the extra 1-2 hp and 5-8 ft lbs of torque means nothing after the one year warranty runs out on the other two.

I used to have the Edge programer. I loved it...felt the power gains, tranny shifted solid, and i picked up mpg's. Just after 1 year though, it took a shit on me. After trying to deal with the customer service for a month, i gave up and tossed it in the trash.
I think I may go with the Hypertech also, Edge left a bad taste in my mouth.

 

[DF5.4]

I have been using the Superchips Cortex for a few years now and love it. The tunes for the truck make a big improvement in how it drives. I have had to deal with customer service with them a couple of times. Once because my wireless connection to my laptop died in the middle of an update. The tuner locked up. They made and sent me an update that fixed it. The other time was when the tuner was stolen out of the truck. I replaced it but the truck didn't have the stock tune in it and the new Cortex needed a stock tune. They sent me a stock tune for the Cortex and I was able to use it. My other option for that was to go and pay the dealer to reflash the truck. Their customer service has been great.

 

[GAINMOB]

i havent had any problems with mine...but i did have to call them when i 1st got mine to see if there were any recent updates...outstanding service as stated above

 

[kmh1596]

Considering a chip for my 04 EB, mainly for towing. Which of these options offers the most in that area, and also econ mode? I will be using both, not at the same time.