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Your thoughts on Ecu chips/programers

2K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  UFOtestpilot 
#1 ·
Hello guys. Trying to find some useful ways to improve mileage as I will be driving for 3-5 hours just to get to where the mountain trails and ocean beaches are in my 2003 TJ with 5 speed and 4.0. (if there is a power mode and a mileage mode all the better.)
I am sure many of you have tried chips or programmers and I suspect with mixed results so I am interested to know how well the brand and model you used worked on similarly original rigs. Is it easy to use? Did it make a difference? Would you buy it again?

My local 4x4 shop suggested a Superchips unit. Anybody running this? He listed 3 models the "Trail Dash 2" yikes expensive. The F5 and a standard model the F5 only about $20 more than the base but the Trail dash $130 more than the Trail Dash model.
Any other brands or models that worked? Prices?
Thanks for your help Bob Harrison
 
#2 ·
It will do nothing for you but cost your bank account and throw codes.

J
 
#5 ·
I beg to differ. I have been testing my Superchips programmer for a few weeks now. I have noticed on average 1.2L/100 improvement in fuel economy on 91 Performance tune. I have a noticeable change in power/torque (timed runs 50-80kmh, 80-100kmh). To me that alone was worth every penny. My jeep can now hold hills on the highway with almost no drop in speed. Before I was needing to drop it from 5th to 4th for the same effect. 2003 TJ, Superchips flashpaq running 91 performance tune, 33" tires, 4.10/4.11 gears, 5 speed.

It's going to be different depending on your setup, your location, the weather, temperatures, etc. When I read the reviews online I was thinking it a waste of money. But rather than take their opinions for face value (most of them were chuffed that they cant adjust tire sizes and your gauge). It needs to be a rubicon for that as it adjusts tone ring signal. Anyway, so I borrowed one to test, loved it. Bought one myself and tested for awhile (currently testing Mileage XS mode). Worth the money in my opinion for the slight change in mileage and the noticeable increase in low end power.

Also to note, it hasn't thrown any codes and I have had it in for just over 1100kms.
 
#6 ·
My jeep can now hold hills on the highway with almost no drop in speed. Before I was needing to drop it from 5th to 4th for the same effect. 2003 TJ, Superchips flashpaq running 91 performance tune, 33" tires, 4.10/4.11 gears, 5 speed.
Best thing you could do to help mileage and restore power to it's proper place in the curve is to install proper gearing in the axles.
 
#8 ·
My wrangler tires say 30 inches on the side and I suspect the gear ratios are original and have yet to check that. Considering the tire size and if I don't want to modify the drive train maybe it will help. I suspect the more original the jeep the more benefit you may receive from these. Since I can change the drive sprocket for the speedo I don't care about resetting the speedo function. Have not messed with chips and modules before so I wonder if the thing will create issues that the Emissions people will see when I go to have it tested? I suspect you will disconnect it when I go to have things checked but will the jeeps controller record issues that will then fail the emissions test? CzerOne Which model of Superchips did you purchase?
Thanks for all your replys I am throwing them in the bucket for evaluation. I wonder if superchips has a satisfaction guarantee? Bob Harrison
 
#10 ·
I have the 3875. I can't speak for how it works with emissions testing as we don't have that here. The programmer doesn't stay plugged in, it replaces your OE computer settings, timing, fuel trim, etc, with their own tune. Once it has loaded the original tune and installs its own, you simply unplug it until you need it again.

As stated by UFO, do a proper tune up, make sure throttle body and intake are clean, definitely recommend replacing aged O2 sensors. Proper maintenance goes a long way.

There is no sense looking at a programmer if you haven't done those things first. Everyone has differing opinions on them, as well as different experiences. So take it all with a grain of salt.
 
#9 ·
Air filter replacement, clean throttle body/IAC, check plugs, replace old O2 sensors, inflate tires to highest useful pressure, select gear shift points and throttle application wisely.

Those would be things I would spend considerable energy on before I looked at flash engine management piggy back gimmickry. That's my $.02 on it, which in my opinion is worth far more than two cents regarding a Jeep Wrangler.
 
#11 · (Edited)
I agree with those saying a programmer/chip being a complete waste of $$$ here in the US. The EPA has regulated them so they are only allowed to do anything at all at WOT and near redline RPMs, not where we often drive our rigs. The EPA requires they leave the programming as the factory designed it in normal driving conditions.

And if it was as easy to improve the Jeep's mpg by a simple chip or change in programming, Jeep would have done that already due to the ENORMOUS pressure the EPA has placed on them to improve the CAFE mpg averages. The simple stuff that could help mpg was already done. There was nothing simple left to do which is why Jeep abandoned the 4.0L I-6 and went to the V6 engine in 2007 which gets better mpg.

I installed a Superchip into my '89 Cherokee 4.0L and the ONLY time it did anything was as described above, near redline rpms and with wide-open throttle. It was installed for less than a week before I removed it and demanded and received a refund from the Jeep dealership I bought it from.
 
#12 ·
I think my plan is going to be clean the throttle body, possibly replace the 02 sensors although I am impressed with how well it is running has 110k on the jeep. I understand the Bosh sensors have the highest switching speed (not sure how that works but sounds good!) I plan to put friction modifier in all the gear assemblies and a washable K&N filter. I know straight six motors without direct port injection do not have even fuel distribution as or (air distribution) and from that stand point cannot be as clean burning if the epa has got the controller so it just zeros back down again mostly it looks like "foiled again" Thanks for all your input. Bob Harrison
 
#13 ·
Do NOT use Bosch 02 sensors, they cause problems in Jeeps. Use nothing but the OE NTK or NGK sensors.

Don't go with the K&N air filter either, they just pass a LOT more dirt and dust into the engine without (!) improving performance since the OE air intake system is fully capable of easily flowing more air (easily!) than the engine can possibly consume at WOT and redline engine rpms.
 
#14 ·
I called the Superchips people today and asked them what they thought about the ability to improve mileage and performance gains. I asked in terms of my model a 2003 X model with 6 and 5 speed. They agreed that the mileage improvement was maybe 1/2 a mile or maybe a mile per gallon. Did not sound like it would be much or that they thought they had much confidence in it being much. They did say the chip could add 24 HP and 28 foot pounds of torque at 4500 with 91 octane. With 87 octane HP would be plus 15HP and 20ft lbs. I cant justify the cost of 91. They also said they had a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. I also queried them about gasoline that does not have alcohol in it. Although the fuel value of non-alcohol gasoline is higher has more Btus apparently according to him it is all about octane which I read as timing. I can see trying the chip for my jeep as I suspect it has the factory 3.07 set and I drive over the mountains beats the cost of a gear set although it is no substitute.
Thanks for all of your reply's.
 
#15 ·
I called the Superchips people today and asked them what they thought about the ability to improve mileage and performance gains. .... They did say the chip could add 24 HP and 28 foot pounds of torque at 4500 with 91 octane. With 87 octane HP would be plus 15HP and 20ft lbs. I cant justify the cost of 91. ...
Fascinating. And ridiculous. When was the last time any of us ever came anywhere close to 4500rpm? On my drive over the mountain yesterday and today I never pushed past 3800.
 
#17 ·
Gotta disagree that 4.10 33 and 5spd with 4.0 is not pretty ideal for gas mileage on highway and know 4.56 is NOT better in that category

I own a Rubi with that exact combo and a sport with 4.56 and 5spd also 33 tires and in correct rpm range 4.10 Rubi gets higher teens highway and the 4.56 sport never even gets 15 and typically 12-13 mpg

But that is owning both not just reading about them, still have both after many years ( GPS verified speedo and odometer on both rigs)

Not sure what 5spd 4.0 ufo test pilot tested and don't claim to know what is best with those slush boxes
 
#18 ·
Gotta disagree that 4.10 33 and 5spd with 4.0 is not pretty ideal for gas mileage on highway and know 4.56 is NOT better in that category I own a Rubi with that exact combo and a sport with 4.56 and 5spd also 33 tires and in correct rpm range 4.10 Rubi gets higher teens highway and the 4.56 sport never even gets 15 and typically 12-13 mpg But that is owning both not just reading about them, still have both after many years ( GPS verified speedo and odometer on both rigs) Not sure what 5spd 4.0 ufo test pilot tested and don't claim to know what is best with those slush boxes
Gas mileage on freeway wasn't my concern. I only test drove a few 5 speeds that had more tire than gear, because I was looking for automatics specifically but a few really good deals came up with manuals along the way. I know the 5 speed vs 6 speed vs 32rh vs 42rle cannot be compared for gearing. I also know that the stock rubicon hearing of 4.10 was deemed optimal for 31" tires (performance). The .69 overdrive on the 42rle makes my 3.73/31" combo tolerable at best.

As always though, experiences and preferences make "best" moot and subjective.
 
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