Since coming out in 2003,...
Since coming out in 2003, the Hemi has used different controllers and computer setups. In 2003, the Hemi had three separate control modules; in 2004 and 2005, only two, and some software and hardware changed between the years. This has kept the Superchips R&D team on their toes for product development.
With the rebirth of the Hemi in 2003, a glory name from the past returned to the front lines of the automotive world. Now a 5.7-liter fuel-injected modern marvel, the Hemi has a monstrous following. Available in the Dodge Ram, Charger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300C, more and more cars on the street today have Hemi power under their hoods. To celebrate all the new vehicles with Chrysler's most famous engine design, Superchips held Hemi Day, inviting Hemi-powered cars and trucks to come down for a day of showing off and fun.
Embracing the public's thirst for more performance from their Hemi V-8s, the aftermarket has been working at a breakneck pace to get products to market for the various Hemi vehicles. Leading the way has been tuning specialist, Superchips. The Sanford, Florida-based company has a long history of working with electronic vehicle systems for maximum performance, starting back in 1983 when the company was founded in England to support the British racing community with high-end electronic tuning.
The R&D facility at Superchips...
The R&D facility at Superchips features three chassis dynos, including one four-wheel chassis dyno for 4x4 and all-wheel-drive vehicle testing. Superchips also has a motorcycle dyno for motorcycle product development.
With the release of the new Hemi, Superchips faced one of its biggest challenges. The original computer system for the new engine featured three separate control modules: one governing the engine; another, the transmission; and a third managing other vehicle functions. Featuring the latest in technology and computer programming from DaimlerChrysler, cracking the code to see what the Hemi was "thinking" inside its computer brain was a tough task for the computer wizards in the Superchips R&D department.
Eventually the code was cracked, and a new tuner hit the market for the '03 Hemi. Craig Ancel of the Superchips R&D department told us that one of the biggest challenges in developing the tuner was the new Hemi's throttle-by-wire system. Tuning for performance while giving the driver throttle "feel and control" was difficult, but not impossible. This shows in the tuner for the '03 Hemi, and the new tuner coming out for the '04-'05 Hemi engines. One curveball Superchips had to contend with was the model year changes to the Hemi computer. Each year of Hemi production--2003 to 2005--DaimlerChrysler made major changes to the computer system controlling the engine. For every model year, Superchips had to start back at the beginning to develop a tuner to work with the new computer.
Even though having to start over each time was difficult, Superchips--because of their intensive research and experience--was able to pull previous knowledge from Hemi tuner development, which made the process much easier. Through all the hurdles of Hemi product development, the Superchips team stayed the course in making a great tuner for Hemi owners.
Turnout for Hemi Day was great--141...
Turnout for Hemi Day was great--141 cars and trucks showing up for the fun along with about 300 people. the event didn't start until 11 a.m., but Mopar Hemi fanatics were showing up as early as 7:30 a.m. Plans are already in the works for a bigger and better Hemi Day next year.
No, it's not a Chrysler body,...
No, it's not a Chrysler body, but inside this streetrod beats a piece of Hemi history: a 392 Hemi. The grandfather of today's 5.7L engine, the 392s were the backbone of NHRA Top Fuel racing through the '60s and part of the '70s.
Inside the Superchips distribution...
Inside the Superchips distribution center, you can see the care and work that goes into packaging and shipping of all Superchips products.
Here, you can see the progression...
Here, you can see the progression of the Superchips product line, starting with simple E-prom performance chips all the way up to the modern handheld tuner.
The parking lot at Superchips...
The parking lot at Superchips was full of modern Mopar muscle. The new programmers for the Hemi engine not only give more horsepower and performance, but can also give the user an extra estimated 2-4 mpg.
A crowd quickly gathered to...
A crowd quickly gathered to see the live chassis dyno demonstration of how the Superchips tuner worked and what kind of performance gains are typically seen.