I thought that I was somewhat knowledgeable about vehicles until I stop into these forums. I feel like a kid in 1st grade trying to do calculus [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]. Here is my situation. I have a 2002 Excursion and do very little towing, when I do, I tow a 3,500 lb load. I am in the process of adding the Helwig rear sway bar and the Rancho 9000X shocks. Now my dilemma, I read so many posts on here and have spent the morning talking to a few diesel shops and trying to get a straight answer on adding an air intake and a stainless exhaust system that would allow me to utilize a programmer (thats all I really want to do). I have the Superchips and not sure after reading on here if they are good or not.
I was told this morning that I wouldn't need to get gauges if I don't tow anything, is this right? I was told this by a diesel shop that has over 40 years of diesel experience (they obviously know more about diesels than I do). I would like to know AFE or K&N on the air intake? and exhaust Banks, Magnaflow or MBRP? Any other advice would be helpful. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]
gauges are a must! Call Garret at blackclouddiesel.com I got a lot of stuff from him and he was able to answer all my questions. You sound just like me when I came here [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
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2000 Black Excursion,PFC 2 piece rotors,Tipton tuned,BDP stage 2 singles, BDP H2E, AFE stage 2, Spearco 7.3, ITP Reg. return fuel system, Evans, BTS, 186,000 miles....And still goin' strong! Thanks Beansdieselperformance.com and Puredieselpower.com for all your help
I went through this as well. I went to DIS (diesel injection services) in this area they service all kinds of diesel engines and they sell the SCMT and work on a lot of Fords... I had the same question. If you are towing in Tow Safe on the SCMT you can even call SCMT (I did) gauges are not needed. If you are towing in any other mode than tow safe you will need gauges. Personally I really don't drive in any other mode than Tow Safe mode. When I am towing I also am not over the limits of the Ex. Typically 700-900 pounds on the tounge and 8000 - 9000 pounds including the trailer. I have not had any problems. I can tell you that it does tow better "tuned" than it does untuned. And the mileage is better. From what I have heard if you have a 6liter it is a must to tune it because the mileage is really bad untuned versus the 7.3
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Ken Fanta
2000X PSD Bilsteins, Rear Helliwig, Rancho Steering Stablizer, Dual remote bypass oil filter, K&N air filter
No question about it that Superchips is a popluar & widely used tuner as I've had our X programmed since a near 3 years ago and wouldn't have no probs recommending it you.
Upgrading the exhaust system to your X should be standard procedure,if you can't afford $400+ then go ahead and purchase a Walker Big Truck Muffler which has all the benefits of a full 4" system without the cost but if I had a choice of an exhaust system it'd be MBRP [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
I'm going to be upgrading to an AFE Magnum Force intake this summer so I retain the cold airflow from the grill area.
I know owners that don't tow anything nor have a programmer/chips but have a full set of gauges just for the sake of knowing what the engine is doing to possibly catch a an issue before it become a problem/repair.
Bill
__________________ 2002 Ford Excursion 7.3L 4x4 XLT 9th Annual Powerstroke Rally this Oct 3-5 2008 in Caddo Mills,Texas CLICK HERE for more Information & Register Here
Proper way to do performance mods in my mind. JMHO [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]
1 Gauges, a must even when not towing but more so if you do. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]
2 Exhaust, lowers the EGTs and sounds cool too. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
3 Intake, The factory Ford filters suck in one way and don't suck enough in the other way. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/vomit.gif[/img]
4 Chip or tuner, makes the rest of the package all come together. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]
Time to find a new diesel performance shop. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif[/img]
FMT
__________________ Excursion Pics
2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 Dark Satin Green Arizona Beige 7.3 DIT, AXDO, 3.73 LS, DP Tuner F5, TERMINATOR II w R-IPR, Adjustable Boost Regulator, Turbomaster, EBPV Delete, Air Dog, ITP Regulated Fuel Return, Fuel Cooler, Tags 1&2, Harpooned Tank, Magnaflow XL Exhaust w Aeroturbine 4040L, Sonnax/Tricumulator, 8 Autometer Sport Comp 4 Gauge A Pillar 4 Gauge Overhead, Ford APCM, Crimestopper Remote Starter With Remote Fast Idle, Ford AIS w Zoodad, W Code Front Modified B Code Rear springs, Rancho RS9000X, Rancho 5406 Stabilizer, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, BFG Rugged Trail TA, V10 Trans Cooler w Dual Electric Pusher Fans, Coolant Filter, IAH Delete, (((XM))) Line Of Fire Light, Ford Cab Lights, 05 Headlights w GOS Conversion Harness, Jimmi Jammers, 03 Lighted Painted Tow Mirrors w C-BETR, PSD Badges, Pullrite Hitch, Prodigy Brake Controller, Born 01/29/00
[ QUOTE ]
I went through this as well. I went to DIS (diesel injection services) in this area they service all kinds of diesel engines and they sell the SCMT and work on a lot of Fords... I had the same question. If you are towing in Tow Safe on the SCMT you can even call SCMT (I did) gauges are not needed. If you are towing in any other mode than tow safe you will need gauges. Personally I really don't drive in any other mode than Tow Safe mode. When I am towing I also am not over the limits of the Ex. Typically 700-900 pounds on the tounge and 8000 - 9000 pounds including the trailer. I have not had any problems. I can tell you that it does tow better "tuned" than it does untuned. And the mileage is better. From what I have heard if you have a 6liter it is a must to tune it because the mileage is really bad untuned versus the 7.3
[/ QUOTE ]
I will add though if towing heavy I have seen 1250 degrees in the mountains on a cool day with 12-13k behind mine with the "TOW SAFE" 60HP program in.
So if you are going to tow and use a chip or programer use gauges as well in my opinion.
I would not have one without.
Bruce
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2005 X PSD Limited Mineral Grey, 4X4 Has Second row bench then Every other factory option available. Under Construction
4x2 Lift Gate Lifts,
Tekonsha Prodigy
Ford 30MM Rear Bar
BridgeStone 285/75-16AT(D range) Revos, Now have a winter and summer set each with a set of wheels!
V Code LF, U Code RF Modified Fs in the rear
Catch All Linners
750 W Inverter
Magnaflow XL System W/ 3.5 DP OE Cat spliced in at 4" inlet and 3-3/4" outlet.
ART Rotors, Performance Friction Pads, Front & Rear
Rancho RSXs on Front and 9000s set at 2 on rear
06 Chrome Package Grill,bumpers and hooks. After an encounter with a Honda, (She got the ticket) 2005 Ex and Specs and Pictures of 2002 X
With afe stage I and 4" all the way back and a superchips program,I was shocked to find out that I was running right up to 1,400 degrees and even 1,450 WITHOUT TOWING ANYTHING! Leave your foot attached to the floor for a long stretch and that is what you are going to get. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] How did I find out? By installing gages 4 years after I bought the rig. Oops. 4 years too late. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]
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clam the powerstroke grinch
2000 Excursion LTD 4x4
Slightly tweaked HPCR 5.9 Cummins
Allison 1000 5 speed auto
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