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.
For the live demo, Superchips...
For the live demo, Superchips used one of its newer Hemi test trucks. Safety is first and foremost on any chassis dyno, so it's critical to make sure the vehicle is strapped down securely to prevent accidents. During testing, Superchips has learned that oil temp can play a major role in horsepower readings. their testing including a period of "warm-ups" to get the engine and oil up to operating temperature for the most realistic and accurate testing as possible.
Hemi Day turned into a fantastic event. The Superchips staff was only expecting about 75 cars and trucks along with about 150 people for the Saturday fun. But over 141 Hemi-powered vehicles showed up, along with about 300 people. Superchips employees were surprised when people started showing up at 7:30 in the morning! People at the show were able to tour the Superchips' state-of-the-art facility to see what goes into making the "little box" that can unlock so much power in a vehicle.
Watching the live on-site dyno tests, Hemi fans got to see the painstaking process Superchips goes through in testing and developing its handheld tuners. While most dyno runs just measure overall performance, Superchips takes horsepower and torque readings through every gear, monitoring peak power and torque levels, and using the data to calibrate transmission shift points and other engine tuning functions. They also monitor engine temp, oil temp, and air inlet temp, so they can see everything the computer is seeing to get the best calibration possible.
Great barbeque and Winghouse wings were on hand to keep the Mopar faithful from starving under the baking Florida sun. The event culminated in a huge raffle. Attendees were given raffle tickets for a chance to win one of 22 preproduction '04-'05 Hemi tuners, a set of pre-production '05 Hemi MSD plug wires, and Superchips hats and shirts.
After the great turnout and terrific fun had by all, Superchips is already planning on a bigger Hemi Day for 2006.
Superchips went all out for...
Superchips went all out for the Hemi Day food menu. The smell of the barbeque and Winghouse wings alone were enough attract a crowd. Nothing beats the smell of burning rubber and barbeque!
The dyno at Superchips features...
The dyno at Superchips features the latest sensors and data acquisition equipment so everything and anything the tuner affects can be monitored. This also allows for precise measurements of the gains achieved by using a Superchips tuner.
Besides testing overall horsepower,...
Besides testing overall horsepower, Superchips does dyno testing through every gear on a vehicle to see every gain possible and monitor for needed adjustments with the shift points in the transmission. For the Hemi, this is especially important because of the separate transmission control module.
The Seminole County Sheriff's...
The Seminole County Sheriff's Department was on hand for the festivities with their Magnum undercover cruiser.
The raffle of Hemi tuners,...
The raffle of Hemi tuners, Superchips apparel, and a set of preproduction '05 Hemi plugwires from MSD was one of the highlights of the day. Superchips gave 22 tuners away and stayed around to help anyone with problems as they tuned their Hemis.
It was a Dodge versus Chevy...
It was a Dodge versus Chevy showdown in the parking lot, with a Cummings diesel against a Duramax diesel in a good ol' truck tug-o-war. Do we even need to say who won?