Need more power!

[dsroka80504]

Hey everyone. I have a 2001 CrewCab 7.3 with 202K on it. Truck runs like brand new. Just purchased 36' 5th wheel, that is 10K dry weight. I live in Colorado and frequently travel over 11K mountain passes. I am looking to get some more power out of the truck to avoid going 15 mph up I-70. I think I want to stick with Banks kit, I hear nothing but great things about them. What do you guys recommend? I also need to do something on the intake side as Banks no longer makes an intake for 7.3s. I have also heard that adjustable modules like the 6 Gun Shooter are not the way to go, better to chip it once and be done with it. Thoughts or recommendations? My truck thanks you ahead of time.

[westvandude]

Do some more reading on chip tuners on here.

You'll find this isn't a Banks "friendly" place. While the stuff is no doubt good quality you're going to pay a heck of a lot more for that horsepower than if you go with other brands.

Chip tuners DP-Tuner, TS Performance, etc. Stay away from generic stuff like Banks, Hypertech, Superchips, etc.

What you need is a 40hp or 60hp tow tune. Before you go that route install at least exhaust temperature and trans temperature gauges. Even mild tunes can go over 1250degF pre-turbo. You need to drive by the gauges and vary your throttle pressure on steep inclines.

OBD tuners (superchips, etc) you need to turn off the truck and reprogram it. Takes a few minutes to change tunes. The F5 and F6 from dp come with a dash mount switch or gauge mount switch so you can change tunes while driving. It's instant change. I luv it. You want to race some ricer at the lights, hit the switch. Some dumb jerk cuts you off, get in front and swap to 140hp tune and choke'em out in smoke. LOL Custom chip tunes like that will always run way better than generic stuff you buy at the parts store.

Nate from Home can hook you up with a 4" turbo-back stainless exhaust under $400. Forget Banks. Awesome guy.

Think about a diy tymar intake or AFE stage2 but $$$ for that one.

Do lots of reading before you commit.

[djbrown]

one thing is for sure this site dosent like banks! BUT i do!

this site has help me put my truck together. i just chose BANKS instead of the other dealers.

read read read! and then read some more, this site has almost all the questions already posted, you just need to hit the search bar and put the key words in.

this would be a great start,

GAGES, temp, egts,boost, tranny temp.

i have a k&n air intake kit, i like it, but have been looking for somthing a little better. i was thinking about a AFE

ATS PORTED SHROUD COMPRESSOR HOUSING is a great start. this will kill turbo surge, that you will get when you start changing things around.
CFM PLUS INTAKE
BIG HEAD, wastgate.
4" exhaust
i have edge juice with attitude, i like it it has the displays EGTS, BOOST, RPM. it also has on the fly power level changing.

i pull a 37ft horse trailer with 5 horses in it. I have all the power that i need with my mods. once you start you will always be looking for "a little more" power."

just the parts i told you about will cost under $2000

[dsroka80504]

I am pretty much sold on the 4" exhaust, figure pipe is pipe, don't need a Banks emblem on it. Was thinking there might be a better deal getting a kit. I have heard nothing but good things on the DP tuners. Not sure about messing around with the turbo itself, but at high altitude it makes a huge difference. Has anyone tried any of the exhaust brakes? Lots of hills out here and thinking might be a good call. Also, what about the transmission pressure increasing modules? Are the neccessary? Gauges are already installed, blew me away how much the exhaust temp fluctuates. Good stuff, thanks!

[Powerstrokin400]

Originally Posted by dsroka80504

I am pretty much sold on the 4" exhaust, figure pipe is pipe, don't need a Banks emblem on it. Was thinking there might be a better deal getting a kit. I have heard nothing but good things on the DP tuners. Not sure about messing around with the turbo itself, but at high altitude it makes a huge difference. Has anyone tried any of the exhaust brakes? Lots of hills out here and thinking might be a good call. Also, what about the transmission pressure increasing modules? Are the neccessary? Gauges are already installed, blew me away how much the exhaust temp fluctuates. Good stuff, thanks!

I'm a Bully Dog fan, a Summit Racing fan, John Wood Fan, DP Fan, but NOT much of a "Banks" fan.......Over Priced. Check summitracing.com, Diesel Performance Section, for a "Summit Racing" 4" turbo back exhaust. Your choice of aluminized or stainless. The kit was way easy to install with easy directions. It will take you longer to cut your old exhaust off, than to install the entire new exhaust. You don't need 5" unless your makin' over 500 Hp. Exhaust will be the #1 first thing to do. Then Intake, Gauges, Programmer, TRANNY (It will happen, trust me, I'm on my 3rd). Summit Racing has good prices & inventory on everything (Exhaust, Programmers, Gauges, Intakes, Propane Injection, Snow's Water Injection, ETC.) Have fun shopping!!! Tell your wife it's my fault you're spending your whole pay check at Summit Racing.............Jus playin' brutha. Good Luck!!!

[444-4D]

Originally Posted by dsroka80504

Thoughts or recommendations?

I would recommend a Banks Stinger Plus Kit. I think you can get a good price on one here Home

[BTR4me]

A few weeks ago I had Brian (BTS) do the transmission and add one of his 60hp chips. Brian stated that the 60hp would be ideal for towing (planned gooseneck car trailer) and I wouldn't have to worry about egt's. When he did the chip he found a Bully Dog in there, I don't know what size but I think it was similar. Brian mentioned that I may notice the engine being quieter because he doesn't use as much low end advance as BD does. The following is the email I sent him after the trip home (1174 mi) and yes it was worth the drive. The only other mod is the muffler delete.

The engine rattle is significantly quieter, my neighbors will thank you and I'm sure the engine internals are taking less of a beating. The fuel mileage didnt change and I'm not sure how the torque of the two chips compares but I hammered the throttle on the way home and it's quick enough for my needs (at the moment anyway, ask me in a year. That's the black and white but lets talk driver impression.

There is a DRAMATIC difference in drivability between your software and the BD. The BD chip provided an almost uncontrollable initial throttle response. Slowly accelerating from idle, the slightest pressure on the pedal would result in an instant power surge, imagine toggling an on/off switch and you get the idea. The BD throttle map made smoothly traversing rough or bumpy terrain a challenge as the jarring of the truck resulted in unwanted excessive throttle input. Interestingly, at highway speeds throttle response was lazy, adding power required a bunch of pedal input, exactly opposite of what it should be. I was led to believe the "off idle surge" was a result of the muffler delete reducing backpressure which seemed plausible as I also thought the truck had a stock chip. Bottom line, I'm extremely happy with the new chip. The off idle transition provides sufficient pedal travel to easily feather the power as needed yet at highway speeds the pedal travel tightens up to enable power increases with very small amounts of pedal movement.

[boondocked]

I have one of the second generation superchips programmers for my 2002 I think will work on an 01 as well. I am in Aurora if you'd like to try it. You like it I'd sell it for whatever you think is fair. It's just collecting dust now.

[djbrown]

[quote=dsroka80504;1812098] Not sure about messing around with the turbo itself, but at high altitude it makes a huge difference. Has anyone tried any of the exhaust brakes? Lots of hills out here and thinking might be a good call. Also, what about the transmission pressure increasing modules? Are the neccessary?quote]

other exhaust kits have had to have the new pips modified to fit. now with banks its a bolt on and walk away deal. search mbrp exhaust on this site and read away.

if you tow the exhaust brakes are a great add on, i have banks myself and love it. now day to day driving i have it shut off. if your in the hills all the time then it wouldnt be a bad thing to have it on. once you have one youll know when you need it on.

smart lock and transcommand are both great add ons.
Banks Power | Diesel Trucks, Ford#

[dsroka80504]

So, been reading about the horror stories about what modifying the rig will do. I admit, that many of these are the 6.0 stories, but I am still concerned. I would rather take another 45 minutes to get there than blow up my engine. Here is what I am thinking at this point

AFE Stage 2 Intake
ATS Compressor Housing
4" Turbo Back Exhaust
DP Tuner from Jody

At this point, that is it. I am not looking to peel rubber off my truck in 4x4, just want to have it pull my 5th wheel a little better. Am I opening myself up for failure and more $$ down the road? Thanks

[djbrown]

that will be a great start.

im with you i want the power to pull, but have no need to smoke my tires off.

[DBinColo]

Originally Posted by dsroka80504

So, been reading about the horror stories about what modifying the rig will do. I admit, that many of these are the 6.0 stories, but I am still concerned. I would rather take another 45 minutes to get there than blow up my engine. Here is what I am thinking at this point

AFE Stage 2 Intake
ATS Compressor Housing
4" Turbo Back Exhaust
DP Tuner from Jody

At this point, that is it. I am not looking to peel rubber off my truck in 4x4, just want to have it pull my 5th wheel a little better. Am I opening myself up for failure and more $$ down the road? Thanks

That is close to the upgrades that I have (WW rather then ATS) and I was suprised at the difference in towing. I pull both a 3 horse gouseneck and a 20 ft bumperpull flatbed for hauling hay. I am very happy with the DP Tuner.

[Powerstrokin400]

[quote=BTR4me;1812446]A few weeks ago I had Brian (BTS) do the transmission and add one of his 60hp chips. Brian stated that the 60hp would be ideal for towing (planned gooseneck car trailer) and I wouldn't have to worry about egt's. When he did the chip he found a Bully Dog in there, I don't know what size but I think it was similar. Brian mentioned that I may notice the engine being quieter because he doesn't use as much low end advance as BD does. The following is the email I sent him after the trip home (1174 mi) and yes it was worth the drive. The only other mod is the muffler delete.

The engine rattle is significantly quieter, my neighbors will thank you and I'm sure the engine internals are taking less of a beating. The fuel mileage didnt change and I'm not sure how the torque of the two chips compares but I hammered the throttle on the way home and it's quick enough for my needs (at the moment anyway, ask me in a year. That's the black and white but lets talk driver impression.

There is a DRAMATIC difference in drivability between your software and the BD. The BD chip provided an almost uncontrollable initial throttle response. Slowly accelerating from idle, the slightest pressure on the pedal would result in an instant power surge, imagine toggling an on/off switch and you get the idea. The BD throttle map made smoothly traversing rough or bumpy terrain a challenge as the jarring of the truck resulted in unwanted excessive throttle input. Interestingly, at highway speeds throttle response was lazy, adding power required a bunch of pedal input, exactly opposite of what it should be. I was led to believe the "off idle surge" was a result of the muffler delete reducing backpressure which seemed plausible as I also thought the truck had a stock chip. Bottom line, I'm extremely happy with the new chip. The off idle transition provides sufficient pedal travel to easily feather the power as needed yet at highway speeds the pedal travel tightens up to enable power increases with very small amounts of pedal movement.



You said "Bully Dog", then continued to refer to BD. You may not know, but "BD Diesel" is a different company than "Bully Dog".......However, I run Bully Dog in my 2003 F250 4X4 with 37" tires. Smooth acceleration from idle to redline "NO ON/OFF" switch here. On the freeway, instant response!!! I'm crankin out over 400Hp and 1000 lbft of torque and 26 psi+. Smooth as silk operation off the line, good MPG, and ROASTING 37" BFG KM2's. Additionally, I'll yank my 13,000 Lb Toyhauler up the Grape Vine in CA & Mount. Ashland in Ore. at 70 MPH +. I'll square-off with anyone lookin for a "Tug-O-War".................Feel Lucky??????????????????????

AND, at the 120 Hp setting on my Bully Dog (ALWAYS), my EGT's are still low, my Trans. Temp is very low, and the throttle operation is seamless with almost NO Turbo Lag. All this while towing 13,000 Lbs. 'Course the other shiznit on my rig helps too!!!

[dsroka80504]

Placed first orders today, started with the Banks 4" Monster, they had a 25% off factory direct sale (you had to ask for more, they started with 10%) which put them in the same category as the other systems. Seems to be the most quiet one out there which is what I want for long 5th wheel trips. Also picked up the BigHead Wastegate. Spoke to DP today also. They are pushing the B&M air boxes which are about half the cost of the AFE. They say the performance is equal. Anyone had any experience?

[BTR4me]

Sorry about the vague BD reference, I was referring to the Bully Dog chip. It was replaced by a BTS (Brians Truck Shop) single position chip. For my needs the excessive initial throttle response was not worth whatever peak hp was lost (if any) by the swap to the BTS. No, I do not wish to get in a tug of war with you, you better win since I have no other mods. Of course my truck was purchased to pull a trailer containing a Porsche, that one is for track use, so if you want to square off against the 911..........