Talk about a Diesel Newbie....Question Re: The Superchips - Diesel Forum

shooters · 04-03-2005, 09:06 PM

Hey guys, I've been reading several posts' regarding "Chips" and most of what I read concerns me. I need some clarification on what these "Chips" are. I recently purchased a computer that connects to a port under my steering wheel, or a programmer if you will. It's called "Superchips." Is this the same thing I'm reading about in other postings where all these people are having tranny problems, overheating issues etc?

I was under the impression that the type of "superchip" I have remaps the computer but doesn't make severe enough changes to harshly affect anything. Any of you Deisel guuroos help me out with this? From the other postings I assumed the "chips" meant something wired into the electrical system but I'm really not sure what the term means at this point....Basically....Should I use the programmer or not? Thanks in advance guys. I appreciate it.

jbdawson · 04-03-2005, 09:43 PM

Sounds like someone gave you a load of buffalo chips. Spend an hour searching and reading the upgrades and after market forum andyou will see that there is no clear cut answer. As another member often says, "if you play you pay".

shooters · 04-03-2005, 09:54 PM

JBD..Uh, thanks.

dfeatherston1950 · 04-03-2005, 10:34 PM

I agree! Just my opinion, but it seems like most of the problems I read about is with trucks modified with chips, etc! I did have a "superchips" programer for my 03 7.3 and had no problems, but before I do anything to my 6.0, as for as a chip, I'm gonna do a little more research. This 6.0 is different than the 7.3! As for now, completely "stock" and well satisfied!
_______________________________________________

2005 DRW F-350 Lariet with 6000 miles
Averaging 10 to 10.5 MPG @ 65 MPH pulling a 36 ft. Keystone Everest
5er, weight approx. 13000 lbs.
Love my Truck so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

outlawkodiak · 04-03-2005, 11:41 PM

I had my superchips programmer for almost a year and 20,000 trouble free miles, am upgradeing to SCT, no one is gonna guarantee that it won't mess anything up. But then again there are a lot of people who do not like us who enjoy our modded trucks, they think we are evil people or gotta be better than everyone else. I say to each their own, enjoy your new programmer. If you abuse your stock truck it won't last as long as my modified truck. If you take care of your truck and do routine maintenance it will give you years of enjoyment whether modified or stock. Hate to say it but enjoy your truck.
"Flame suit on [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]"

AllDiesels · 04-04-2005, 01:15 AM

It does the same basic things that a "chip" or "box" does, i have ran superchips in 6 trucks and never had a problem, my friends have tons of them to, i love the superchip, good power and very reliable. the only reason i will be geting red of mine is i am on the Hunt for very hot dodges :}.. if you truck is stock, i recomend a exhaust before u use it, and if you don't tow much(less than 7k) you don't need guages if you don't drive like a idiote(i would put them in anyway) but if you do exhaust and guages you should not have anything to worry about with a superchip, GREAT PRODUCT

shooters · 04-04-2005, 12:26 PM

Thanks guys...Now that was the sort of input I was looking for. Although my truck is totally stock, except for the programmer, I really wanted to know if they were safe to use?

I guess it's like anything else; you take care of it and it should last you a long time. I don't abuse my vehicles and was more interested in increasing my fuel economy than making the truck go faster. It has plenty of power.

And as for JBM's suggestion of "doing my research" well, that's what I did prior to buying and using the Superchips, although I know about as much now as I did then, therefore I asked you guys, the people who use them and have much more knowledge about diesels than I ever will.

I really don't want to add a bunch of modds, just get the best fuel economy and longevity out of my very expensive truck. Thanks again.

shooters · 04-04-2005, 12:29 PM

Which exhaust would you recommend? Keep in mind that I am not doing much else to thetruck and do the upgraded exhaust help with the fuel bill?

AllDiesels · 04-04-2005, 01:44 PM

it will help a little, all the brands are deacent, if your close to colorado i can do 1 better. and if you want to stay cheep just do a downpipe, and single exhaust straight through

shooters · 04-04-2005, 03:57 PM

How much andwhere are you located?

jag969 · 04-04-2005, 04:36 PM

As you read through all of the post here about exhaust you will find as many opinions as there are stars in the sky. My suggestion is to talk to some of the sponsors here on this site and ask them about their equipment. That's what I did and it finally cam down to dealing with someone that I could trust. For me that was Mark Craig and the guys at DPPI in Nashville,TN. Very knowledgable folks that I have gone back to again and again. Call around and talk to some folks.

Duke Jim

AllDiesels · 04-04-2005, 06:19 PM

shooters how far are you from brighton colorado?

shooters · 04-04-2005, 06:55 PM

I'm a bit of a distance...Southern California, near LA

shooters · 04-04-2005, 06:58 PM

Well that is part of the confsuion with these forums is that you tend to get a lot of opinion but little fact. Heck I think if I wouldhave read these posts' prior to buying my new KR, I wouldn't have bought a diesel at all.