Bit by the bug

[KPMoore]

Hi,

Yesterday I installed my first mod, an Apten chip. I have noticed a stiffer shift on the tranny but I haven't noticed a substantial performance improvement. I live on a hill so I'll watch it over time and post my findings later.

I am wanting to do some more minor mods to my truck. What would you all recommend next? A CAI or something else? Please include a web-site or URL.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[rhyno]

Most people with a chip also do a new performance intake and an exhaust. For info on the intake, do a search on this board for KKM or K&N FIPK. Then do a search for exhaust or cat-back or muffler. You will get plenty of info to look at and learn from. After you do that, if you have specific questions you can't find the answer to, ask away! Welcome to the site.

 

[metstalker]

whoooow isnt the chip one of the last things you install because is can be programed with other mods so that you squeez every hp.

 

[AnabolicFrolic]

MetStalker - its most commonly beleived that a chip does not need to be programmed to take into account small mods such as exhaust and intake.. only major engine mods will require a chip reprogam.. like a Supercharger, porting, new cams and stuff like that

 

[metstalker]

you say it is most commonly believed so is that the general consensus? i was told in order to get the full impact of the small mods throttle body,mas, intake, exhaust, that is why apten ask for a list of mods when ordering so the computer can take into account what the engine is able to produce, is this correct? because this is what i have been led to believe

 

[KPMoore]

I was under the impression that smaller mods don't require a reburn of the chip. That is also what is says on the Apten site.

Maybe someone from Apten could address this?

Kevin

 

[JOHN V.]

What does a chip do?

A chip will enhance computer controlled functions such as fuel enrichment, timing advance and transmission shift points. You will not realize the benifit from the chip until the restrictive stock air box and exhaust system are upgraded. When the exhaust flows better and the intake breaths better, the chip will really make a difference. This is what we call stage one upgrades. You then have the option of doing other upgrades like the mass air sensor and headers.

Ultimately it is best to do the chip last. But the power difference between burning the chip now or later would be slight if any. It may be a measurable amount on a dyno, but not noticable from the seat of the pants. The important thing is to finish the stage 1 upgrades so you can benifit from the Apten chip.

The Mac Intake is a great place to start #3606 $134.95.

We also carry the Mac Cat-back Exaust #TK4013 $239.95
and the more sophisticated Magana Flow stainless system for $397.

The Mac intake below is shown with the Pro-M 75mm Mass Air Sensor.

 

[JOHN V.]

Here is the Magnaflow Exhaust we installed on a Sport Trac recently. This is a high quality cat-back system that offers improved power with a tone you can live with.

 

[JOHN V.]

Here is another.

 

[KPMoore]

John,

Thanks for the info. Is the intake easy to install, I am beginner when it comes to this stuff. Does it include all instructions in a clear detailed description? What is required with the intake install? Can I do it myself?

I have also read on the 'Net somewhere that intakes can cause a whistling sound after installed, is this true and if so what is it?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[JOHN V.]

Kevin

The intake is easy to install. There are no instructions provided, but we can walk you through it step by step. We are only a phone call away! Here is a picture of one installed on a Sport Trac.

By the way this unit is smog legal!