Chips?

[F-250 Hoss]

Hello All.

I'm new to both this forum and the world of Ford trucks so be easy on me. I've owned my first Ford now for less than a week and I'm trying to learn all I can about this monster of a truck I've got. I've got a 2000 F-250 4x4, SC, SWB, V10, 3.73 LS, Auto and so far I love it. I've got all of 300 miles on it!!! Been a Chevy man in the past but I think I've finally grown up and got a real truck.

Now to the question, I'm interested in getting a chip in my truck but don't know much about them. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having the chip and who are some good manufacturers?? By the way, I saw in another discussion that the V10 has been boosted to 325 hp rather than 310 . . . true or not, that's what I was told when I bought the truck.

[NoMo]

Hi and welcome!

IF I were going to chip this truck, I'd buy another Superchip. I've had one in my '93 F150, '97 Expedition, and '00 F150. All three have brought nothing but smiles when driving.

The down-side is buying premium fuel. At 9mpg, I'm still not convinced it's worth it for the V-10.


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2000 4x4 F250 XLT SuperCab SWB- V10, Automatic, 4.30LS, Offroad Pkg, Camper Pkg, OEM Hitch, Tape/CD Player, Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding Rear Window, Privacy Tint, Aluminum rims, 265/75R16 OWL tires, Line-X bedliner
NoMo's site

[F-250 Hoss]

Thanks for the info NoMo. After talking with my local Ford service technician and learning that the chip will void my warranty, I think I'll just leave it stock. It's got plenty of power as it is, I was just hoping to improve the gas mileage.

[NoMo]

Your service advisor is mis-informed. A chip won't/can't legally void your warranty. See the Magnesson-Moss Warranty Act for details.

Better yet, go to www.f150online.com and check the "computer chips" section of the message board. You'll find all kinds of info there.

[jimveta]

yea, i doesn't make that much sense that it'll void your warranty since you can always remove it, put the cover back on and it'll revert back to its normal setting (+ battery disconnect?) as far as I know, it'll be like stock and the dealer will never know.

well.. if you decide to get a chip, the only precaution is if you bring it in for service and they must perform a probe, you have to remove the chip before they do since it'll corrupt it.

[F-250 Hoss]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm still looking into it. I was really wanting to increase my gas mileage a little bit, but with the added cost of buying premium gas, I don't know that the cost difference would be that much. Basically, I've learned that what you are really getting out of the chip is the extra HP and torgue.

My service rep still says it will void the warranty (he's not the only place in town though). He told me that adding the chip changes the "failure codes" and even if you take the chip out all of those codes can't be changed back. Like I said, I don't really know much about it so now I've just got to decide who's right and who's wrong (and of course if I really need a chip or not).

Anyone else out there who can help me out with this??? I'd appreciate it.

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2000 Lariat F-250 4x4, SC, SWB, V-10, 3.73LS

[Stan Wright]

I've added a Superchip, a Gibson catback exhaust, a K&N filter, and opened up the air intake. If I drive like an old lady I might see a small (less than 0.5 mpg) increase in mileage. It's more fun to drive with the mods, but I don't think you'll see much mileage increase.

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My Ford truck page