Super chip Question

[mlalincoln]

I was thinking about buying a superchip for my 1997 continental and was wondering if it makes a noticable difference. Since it already recommends premium fuel it appears that it already advances the timing just like the superchip does. Does anyone have any recommendations on this?

[pro-five-oh]

Do it.

I haven't seen any numbers on the Conti but you will get more power all over the powerband(more radical timing advances than stock, which will require premium) but also makes the shifts a good bit firmer.

You will see around 20hp increase and the shifts will feel like a muscle car when done. Its a win-win situation. I would also check with other Ford chip makers like Apten chip before jumping on the SuperChips bandwagon. Apten seems to sell superchips stuff, but at a better price. At least on the Internet...

Shop around, but yes, I'd recommend getting one. If you haven't already, remove the intake silencer thats mounted opposite the airbox assembly: you'll get more growl and 1-2hp for free.

[ March 05, 2004: Message edited by: pro-five-oh ]

[mlalincoln]

Thanks for the reply. I think I will get a performance chip. I'll do an internet search to see what's out there. Is the removal of the intake silencer very easy. Is is also a permanent removal? Are there any other hop-up tips for the 32v 4.6?

[cason1]

I believe the silencer can be put back on if desired and the potential is almost limitless with that motor given enough money. I would definitely go with a performace chip. Have fun with it.

[Desert Stallion]

The mod motors are one of the few that I'd say a chip will be beneficial on because they already require premium fuel, so there's no added cost there.

The biggest restriction to a modular motor is its breathing ability. The more air you can make it pump out, the more power you put out. Therefore, removing restriction in both intake and exhaust will help. High-flo cat's and mufflers, removing the air silencer, a less restrictive air tube, etc. Then you get into port work, hotter cams, blah blah blah.

One thing I do suggest is that you go to a local dyno to have the chip burned. That way you can have it setup just the way you want, and if anything goes wrong with the chip or you mod the car, you can have the chip reburned quickly without having to wait weeks while the chip is in transit.

[pro-five-oh]

Actually you do not need premium fuel right now: it has a knock sensor that retards timing if you put regular in. Of course you lose power and fuel economy, but it is available on emergencies.

Apten told me (for my Mark VIII) that their chips can still run 87 octane, you will just have to back off when you hear knocking. Its still drivable in emergencies. The chip is easy to access in the Mark VIII in case you want to remove it, but I'm not sure on the Contis.

Fellow member Nick has removed the air silencer on his 1999 Continental, so I'll wait for him to post some information on that.

Luckily for Conti owners, the intake tube is a straight shot from the airbox to the throttlebody, they are only about 2' away from each other!

I would get the chip, remove the silencer, install a K&N replacement filter, and see the results. You can do exhaust later if you wish. You should see an honest 20-30hp improvement with these modifications, not to mention the meaner sound and better shifts. smile.gif

[ March 06, 2004: Message edited by: pro-five-oh ]

[Silver Cobra]

Not too mention freeing up what ford pretty much suffocated into the engine. 95-98 Contis had 260hp. In 99 they freed it up to 275. That's 15hp increase which isn't too bad. I think they just tinkered with the computer to free it up. I guess their transmission paranoia was lifted slightly :rolleyes: . If you're going for just simple mods to open up the engine's breathing capability, you should just do what Pro mentioned. I don't know of anyone who went mod crazy on a 4.6 Conti. That tranny would have to be beefed up in order to handle mad power. I'm gonna go for the "simple" mods right now and see how the car performs. FWD makes for severe limitations in the performance category but hey you never know ;) .

[Nick]

I drafted a Tech Article for the air silencer removal on 1998-2000 Continentals. It's missing pcitures of the process and I should check some socket sizes I referenced. It might be helpful and I will send it to you. It's a really simple job and you should be able to overcome any differences easily. We're always here if you have questions, though.

Pro, the intake on the 1998 and up Continentals may be slightly different than on 1995-1997 cars. The throttle body on our 1999 and 2000 are ovals with dual butterflies. The air intake tube that mates to this has an oval opening which then forms a round tube to mate to the round filter housing for the factory conical air filter. Did '95-'97s have this oval throttle body? Do Mustang Cobras have it? When I saw it, I lost hope in a Mustang throtle body swap.

Kat, the title of the article should have referenced 1998-2002 Continentals, not 1998-2003. Hopefully, I can retrace my steps, get pictures, and check the article for accuracy this week.

[ March 06, 2004: Message edited by: Nick ]

[pro-five-oh]

Nick, I believe all FWD V8 Contis use the same throttlebody, it comes from the 93 Mark VIII.

I vaguely remember (but with my luck I must be wrong) the 96-99 Mustang Cobras having a dual throttlebody too, so you could swap one in, though I expect you'll just lose more torque and not make enough high rpm HP to justify the expense.

[Nick]

Thanks for the info, Pro. I'll cataloue it in my head for duture reference if I should ever get a chance to fiddle with the cars more. :D

[mlalincoln]

Thanks guys, thats exactly what I was looking for.

Nick, I got your instructions and they look very detailed. I will try to do the air silencer removal tomorrow night. I will let you know how much the instructions make it easier. I will definatly do the suggested simple mods (chip, K&N, air silencer removal).

I took the conti on our first road trip and got 24 mpg to and 27.9 mpg returning on all highway. I did have a strong tailwind returning and I averaged 73 on the interstate. I was suprised. Thanks again on all your excellent comments and info.

[pro-five-oh]

Glad to hear this is working out! Please give us your impressions when the chip is installed.

[Silver Cobra]

It's reading stories like yours that fill me with glee and make me eager to wanna go out and do mine. Like I said before, not many people do up the V8 Contis :confused: so it's refreshing to read that it's going well for you. Good luck and let us know when it's in! :D

[mlalincoln]

I just received my Superchips Max microtuner this afternoon. I loaded the program and took it for a spin and noticed my 1st gear was acting funny. When you floored it the car would act real boggy then pick up speed, then back to boggy again until it shifted into second, then it ran normal. Finally I loaded the original program back in and will have to wait until Monday to talk to a Superchips rep. I was all excited too.

[mlalincoln]

I got my 1725 Microtuner back with the correct code for my computer today. As soon as I got home I installed it on my 1997 continental and it worked great this time. I installed the performance program and took it for a spin and it feels a lot more aggressive. I can even get a second gear scratch sometimes. I'm going to have to race my brothers 1990 Mustang GT auto to see if I can keep up with him now. Definately a lot more fun to drive now.

[pro-five-oh]

That is VERY cool. Glad to see that a late model Conti owner is modding their car, and doing it right!

Take him on a run from about 30mph, if the Mustang is stock you will probably beat him badly...very badly. smile.gif

[Silver Cobra]

Good to hear from you mlalincoln. I'm glad you experience was positive. Now you can really show those posers what a Lincoln can do :D :D .