Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance ECU Related Question

This question is specific to a Superchips add on chip for a Ford ECU. If you have a CEL, are all the power adding benefits of the chip lost? Does the ECU revert back to it's factory timing etc. as a fail safe? Or does adding a chip basically function the same as completely flashing the eprom of the existing ECU?

I picked up a Superchips chip pretty cheap, I just wanted to have something there to have a dyno tune done, as a cost savings compared to an Xcal. Even though my car has a CEL light on, the redline remains slightly raised and the speed governor is gone. I am waiting on some parts to arrive before I am ready for a dyno tune, probably in the spring. Right now the car continues to run rich as is expected. Basically what I am wondering is when the ECU cuts back on the long term fuel trim as it usually does after a few days of driving. Will the timing advance generated by the chip remain which in turn should net some power? Or does having a CEL completely negate any benefits the chip could potentially offer? Doesn't really matter I fully understand that I need to have the car dyno tuned before the chip will show any significant benefits, just wondering if the chip is just dead weight on the ECU until I get my dyno tune.

Thanks for any input

Getting a superchip reburned to a different code is normally ~$75-150. This is for a GENERIC program. $100 for a generic program is decent but you will still want a custom tuned chip when you are done with your major mods.

A custom program from superchips will run you an assinine amount and is still not the best option. Yes this is on top of the chip, dyno time, and any earlier reburns.

The simple answer is look for someone that has the SCT software and broad tuning experience. An X-Cal is the best option because it gives at least minor self tuning ability ($350-400) and allows for full tuning ability. ($700)