[only90s]

Can you explain to me why a Custom Chip is so much better than the Superchips 1805?

For a little background...I have 3 friends/mechanics who own 8 Super Duty 7.3 Power Strokes between them. They also work on them all day. The only mods they do to their own trucks is the Superchips 1805 and put it on the Tow Safe Tune(+47 horse and +82 torque)

My truck is stock and will most likely stay that way for now since it is a work truck.....Here is my goal with any tuner:

1. Keep the power at a safe level and not hurt the motor

2. Grab a little more power-no desire to have a flip chip that will allow me to switch to an insane power level at a moments notice(Lack of Will Power)

3. Not hurt the motor


Based on my goals...is a custom chip going to be that much better and if so can you please explain how?


Thanks

 

[4cstr]

Because the SC tri-tune is written full of generic tunes...a one-size fits all type of thing.

For the masses...it really isn't that bad. Thats what I began with. But...with a chip (insert your favorite tuner here)...they can write tunes specifically for your truck. What will get the best mpg for a 2003 7.3L truck...may not be what gets the best mpg for a 99 7.3L...and a tuner(ie somebody who has custom tunes) knows this. The SC tri-tuner doesn't.

 

[big_stroker]

:whs: And the drive ability is so much better with a custom tuned chip... and most the time safer and better for the motor and tranny

 

[ditch_dawg]

Trans shifting and fuel mileage compared to my last 'off the shelf' chip.

 

[secondarychaos]

The superchips won't adjust transmission pressures, which can be rough on it. that's the biggest difference for me.

 

[mattr66]

The biggest thing with a chip is the ability to change power levels on the fly.... Also IMO the tuning for the 7.3 by the big guys like superchips and others were really ever turned up all the way because people would still try to tow on the hottest setting and they knew that. Also flash tuners always start with your stock file wich may not give good shifting and lockup characteristics. A custom chip can give you the PMT1 shifting characteristics that everyone wants. You can't get this with a flash programmer unless you started with a PMT1 truck.

 

[RedSmokey]

To the OP, you can get custom tunes on a SCT and load the tunes the same way you load a superchip, no flipping between programs, you just plug into the OBDII port and load it, difference is better tunes. Like all stated above, the transmission get tunes, usually better drivability and its specific to your truck.

 

[theSLEEPER]

I think the transmission is THE BIGGEST reason to get a custom chip. Let your buddys run what they will. Then custom tune your truck and see who has the best power/dependability/drivability.

 

[PowerstrokN805]

Yeah I've had two different super chips, the micro tuner(1805) and the cortex which I'm still running, and to be honest its ruining my transmission. It was rebuilt about 15k miles ago and i can tell how much its still wearing on it. Even when your just cruising it has shifting points like your racing and causes a lot of DTC. But the power difference in okay, i still would rather have a custom chip than a programmer.

 

[aklim]

Superchips, Hyperjunk, etc, etc is like getting a suit for a 45 yo white male. Well, to do that, you get a stretchy suit that will expand.

Custom chip (DP-Tuner for example) is like you telling the tailor your ht, wt, etc, etc.

Live Tuning is like the tailor measuring your each and every part and making sure it fits exactly.

 

[only90s]

Thanks for the info guys....I think I understand a little better now.


Looks like I will forget the Superchips and go custom when I am ready.

 

[mattr66]

Thanks for the info guys....I think I understand a little better now.


Looks like I will forget the Superchips and go custom when I am ready.

I'll make you a package deal on tuning your truck and mustang......:evil

 

[aklim]

Thanks for the info guys....I think I understand a little better now.


Looks like I will forget the Superchips and go custom when I am ready.

Good choice. It is cheaper to do it right the first time as opposed to doing it again.

 

[RedSmokey]

Thanks for the info guys....I think I understand a little better now.


Looks like I will forget the Superchips and go custom when I am ready.

Research SCT, you can get a custom tune and load it up just like the others IF you really dont want the switch on the fly...

 

[only90s]

I'll make you a package deal on tuning your truck and mustang......:evil

LOL...that Mustang was tuned by a Master Tuner up in NH....that baby is all set until I crack the stock block

Thanks again for the info...once I am ready I will reach out to you and we can put something together....you answered a few of my ??s when I first was learning about the Power Strokes....so thanks

 

[mattr66]

LOL...that Mustang was tuned by a Master Tuner up in NH....that baby is all set until I crack the stock block

I started with fox bodies..... Diesels are much easier IMO....

 

[lownslow]

i would have to disgree on the custom tune giving better economy.....i have had and edge juice, edge evolution, TS Performance flip chip, DP 80econ PCM, and DP 80 Tow PCM currently

i get sh*t mileage like 12.8mpg driving nice 10 mpg hard

best mileage i got was with the evolution which was only 16.8mpg

 

[Layson]

i would have to disgree on the custom tune giving better economy.....i have had and edge juice, edge evolution, TS Performance flip chip, DP 80econ PCM, and DP 80 Tow PCM currently

i get sh*t mileage like 12.8mpg driving nice 10 mpg hard

best mileage i got was with the evolution which was only 16.8mpg

Probably because the truck is 10x better to drive with a chip verses the Superchips.. LOL

 

[fxdwgi]

i would have to disgree on the custom tune giving better economy.....i have had and edge juice, edge evolution, TS Performance flip chip, DP 80econ PCM, and DP 80 Tow PCM currently

i get sh*t mileage like 12.8mpg driving nice 10 mpg hard

best mileage i got was with the evolution which was only 16.8mpg

What type of driving ? Highway, city ?

 

[4cstr]

As I thought about this during the day...about the only PRO of getting a handheld tuner versus getting a chip...is that the handheld tuner gives you the option of reading and clearing codes.

Get yourself a custom burnt chip...then find a cheap Superchips tuner on ebay for reading/clearing codes and get the best of both worlds.