computer chip vs. computer upgrade

[rpatton3]

Is the $495 chip better than a dealer computer upgrade?

Somewhere I read they were the same.

Any advice on my 2002 low mileage (4,120) bird will be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Borla Babe]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Computer update ($80) was all my car needed to satisfy me. It responds immediately and throws me back in the seat now when I floor it, I don't need any more power than that.

[thehansons5]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

borla babe, were did u get your chip?

[Borla Babe]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

No chip Don, I just took the car into Ford and had them do a computer update on my car.

[sfbaypaladin]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

How can I tell if my 2002 has had the "computer update"? What exactly would I ask the dealer to check for?

[VicRattlehead]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Is the $495 chip better than a dealer computer upgrade?

Somewhere I read they were the same.

Any advice on my 2002 low mileage (4,120) bird will be appreciated.

Thanks,

trust me if ford was doing what sct is doing then theres something wrong. ford writes the generic tune, and sct takes it not just one step further, but many steps forward. by far a tune from a good sct dealer will be better then anything ford could do.

[Sweet T]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

How can I tell if my 2002 has had the "computer update"? What exactly would I ask the dealer to check for?

This thread should help answer your questions.

http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...+update&page=2

[Chuck]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Russell, as far as I know there is no replacement / upgraded "chip" (or PCM) available. Actually there really is no need for one as the PCM in the birds is sort of like "firmware" - they can be reprogrammed. Unfortunately there is no easy way to tell if the PCM was updated. Your local Ford dealer is suppose to have put a sticker on your shock tower with the new PCM code, the upgrade number and the date it was done, most don’t. The only real way to tell is that there is a code on the PCM which is located under the glove box. Then you have to check the code in the PCM itself which is loaded on the PCM like a firmware revision (not easy). As far as I know only SCT and Ford can do that for you. My recommendation is that you go out and purchase the XCAL, take it to a reputable tuner and have them load it for you. When I did mine the guy spent 4 hours programming different settings – there are thousands. Best way for me to describe what the parameters looked like is similar to running REGEDT32 on your PC. What the guy told me is that there are over 1,000 different settings for the transmission alone, that’s on a 2003.
As far as 2002 vs. the other years, that’s personal preference. There are differences, V8’s on the fenders, the dash board. the pattern on the aluminum interior trim, colors available. From a performance perspective the 2003 – 2005’s have more horsepower as variable valve timing was introduced and the air intake system was redesigned. The PCMs are different as well. 2002s have under 200 settings for the transmission and have less memory on the PCM which is used to store your driving pattern. Actually as the years progress more and more memory was added to the PCMs – so ’03 has more than ’02, ‘04 has more than ’03 & ’05 has more than ’04. These are just to mention a few, Dot is the expert and she has a web site where you can find pretty much all the differences between the years  http://www.portholeauthority.com/
Whichever model you choose the thing will exceed your expectations, it has the power to change your life and put you in contact with some of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting in my life.

[Leroy]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Will putting a different Chip in or altering the computer settings void the cars warranty if it's still under the original warranty or ESP? Leroy

[rpatton3]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Thanks to all of you for your help and advice.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Will putting a different Chip in or altering the computer settings void the cars warranty if it's still under the original warranty or ESP? Leroy

No chip is available for our Tbirds but SCT let's you down load and save factory settings. You can reload factory settings before taking it in for any service. It even resets the hidden telltale flags that would show the factory settings had been changed.

[rpatton3]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Now I'm confused. See the cut and paste email below.
From: Philip Wegener
Date: 12/19/2008 5:52:53 PM
To: Russell H. Patton III,CPA,CFP (tm)
Subject: Re: 2002 Thunderbird chip
Hi Russell,
Thanks for your message.
We offer our exclusive 'Horsepower In A Box," which is a hand-held flash device that 'flashes' a new program into your T-Bird's computer. It is not a chip per se, but actually re-programs your computer and adds 28 HP instantly. It provides increased power in all RPM ranges and adjusts the shift points too. It can also diagnose 'error light' messages.
You can reload your stock computer program just as easily and it will NOT affect any factory warranties.
Our price for the unit is $ 495.00 plus shipping and handling.
You can order online at: www.powersportcars.com or by phone at 310-234-2600.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I can also send you the latest issue of 'New Thunderbird Times,' just provide your complete mailing address.
Regards,
Philip Wegener
POWERSPORT CORPORATION
-----Original Message-----
>From: "Russell H. Patton III, CPA, CFP (tm)" <russell@craigheadcounty.org>
>Sent: Dec 19, 2008 5:38 PM
>To: pwwegener@earthlink.net
>Subject: 2002 Thunderbird chip
>
>
>

[JAB02LHS]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Now I'm confused. See the cut and paste email below.
>

Didn't mean to confuse you. What Phil is offering is the SCT Xcal hand held unit that both Chuck and I were referring to. It plugs into your OBDII port under your dash. You then download your factory tune to the unit save it in the unit then upload the Performance tune.
When you want to take your car in for service you reverse the process and download the Performance tune and reload the factory tune.

Some folks have had problems with buying a ready loaded SCT Xcal not matching their PCM as their are several different versions [code #] of the PCM in our Birds. Buying from a local Performance Tuner allows him to read the code on you specific PCM send it online to SCT and have them sent the exact program to match your PCM. Their is a code tag on the PCM in you car but if the dealer has reflashed you unit the code may have changed and not been recorded. The local Performance Tuner can plug into your OBDII and read you current actual code.

You can locate a local dealer here

[rpatton3]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

THANKS!

[Chuck]

Re: computer chip vs. computer upgrade

Russell - the problem with the wrong code is as I mentioned above, once Ford reflashes the PCM the "code" is changed. You are best off finding a local performance tuner, ordering the hand held (XCal) through him and allowing him to tune your car. While the XCal does come with 2 default programs - a high performance and regular octane tune there are still things that can be tweaked by a professional. Keep in mind that the "canned" tunes are better than the factory tune but are generalized. You're in AZ so the lack of humidity in the air has an effect on the tune, do you have Borlas or a CAI system? They wouldn't be accounted for in the "canned" tune.