Superchips Ford Mustang Install - How To: Tune Your Mustang With A Computer Chip

Next comes the Superchips hardware that the adapter pigtail plugs into. This hardware then interfaces with a laptop computer for custom-tuning.

The blown V-6 is placed on the Superchips dyno and some base numbers are run before any tuning is applied. The oxygen sensor shown is of the expensive wide-band variety, which gives more accurate readings. The blown V-6 turned the dyno rollers to 158.5 hp at the rear wheels for our base number.

The Superchips technician made pass after pass on the dyno, tuning several aspects of the PCM with each run. Items such as the fuel injector cycle, spark advance (or retard), the cooling fan (only with OE electric fans), the rev limiter, the speed limiter, and more, were tweaked each time. Finally, our Mustang responded with an increase to 192 hp for an increase of 33.5 hp (see dyno charts) at the rear wheels. Not only did we increase our power output, but the V-6 runs cooler, the spark knock is gone, and our speed limiter has been raised.

Once the PCM calibration has been tweaked to the tech's liking, the laptop is connected to the Superchips flash module programmer. The flash programmer transfers the settings created in the laptop into the stand-alone chip module (seen here plugged into the base of the flash programmer).

The Superchips module is then installed into the service port of the PCM. Due to the extra height of the PCM with the Superchips module installed, the factory retainer in the kick panel is usually no longer able to secure the PCM. A scrap of insulation or a few tie-wraps will keep the PCM stationary.

As added assurance, the Superchips module is secured by a piece of adhesive tape to keep the chip intact and to prevent intermittent contact with the PCM.