question about car computers.

Don't waste your money on a "chip" unless it's a custom one. For a custom tune, it really doesn't matter what computer you have where Mustangs are concerned. It will all be tuned to desire.

jmir018 said:

so.. no need to buy a say computer out of a cobra cause the a custom chip will overwrite whatever the computer does anyway, right?

My friend is offering in giving me his superchip. those can be reprogramed with a custom tune, right?

Click to expand...

well, yes and no...

From a tune standpoint, it doesn't matter what computer you have because a chip takes care of that.

But from an electrical standpoint, it's different. If you put a 5spd computer in an AOD car, the comp will fry. It has something to do with the neutral safety switch. You'll have to ask jrichker for more information.

But for the bottom line, keep the AOD computer & have a custom chip burnt for it; a superchip isn't going to do much for you. You need something for your combo.

Basically, different computers have their own programming.

Such examples include: ignition timing at "X" rpm, "X" amount of fuel delivery at "X" amount of rpm or load, and so on.

When you get a chip, it just overrides such tailored values. All the basic programming remains, such as reading of all the sensors, operation of 8 cylinders, control output of emissions equipment, operation of electronic-automatic transmission features - these values are imbedded into the programming and do not change. What does change however is the way the computer responds to such inputs it receives and in return, what it tells a certain components to do or how it reacts. Like if you want in your chip, more advanced timing down low than stock to help you get off the line better, less fuel delivery at lower rpms and then richer at high rpms, or more aggressive and quicker shifts from an automatic - then this is what will change with the chip if that is what is programmed in there.

As for the computer you have, you have what you need. What one cannot do is use an automatic trans setup with a manual trans-coded computer - but you CAN use an auto trans computer with a manual trans setup - like in your situation.

As for the custom chip through - it can get expensive. No one chip fits all cars (unlike a lot of chip manufacturers that would like to make one believe). All setups are different - this is why.

The best way to handle a computer chip situation is once you have completely finished your engine modifications (and I mean everything), then you go to a good tuner shop for a few dyno runs, then let them burn you a CUSTOM chip and install it, then most will automatically give you another couple dyno runs to show after results.