Upgrades and Aftermarket - 99 & up 7.3L EngineUpgrading or adding OEM or aftermarket equipment to your 1999-Up Super Duty or Excursion with 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine. Please confine discussion of topics in this forum to those items that are specific to the 7.3L Power Stroke engine.
I've been considering getting a programmer for my 7.3. I'd like to squeeze out as many MPG's as possible and from what it looks like, I could get an Edge Evolution CS/CTS and see a nice boost in MPG's. The extra power will be nice, but I really want the added fuel economy. The reason I like the Edge over the others is I can get the dash pod and give it a factory look. I don't like the looks of the window mount and as silly as it may sound, I'm willing to pay premium, as long as it is still a quality product.
Most people say that you should get gauges installed at the same time. Doesn't the Edge provide most/all the gauges you need? Maybe with exception of the EGT which can be added afterward?
So I went ahead and purchased the Evolution CS. I think it will be nice. Anyone else out there running an Evolution on a late model 7.3L? If so, what level do you run in for everyday driving/to get the best fuel economy? From what I see the 7.3L is missing the 'economy' level but people still claim an increase in MPG's. Is there some sort of a tune at the stock level?
I'd love to see a nice 3-4 MPG boost with this, but I'm still doubtful. Even if it doesn't work out as I hope, it will be nice for the gauges.
You should never purchase tunes for MPG gains because you will most likely be disappointed.
You may see a slight gain, but it is usually minor. The main reason for tuning a truck is to get it running at it's best without sacrificing other things. The extra power is the main benefit.
The main issue with Edge tunes is the lack of transmission tuning. I am sure you will see a difference power-wise, but that is only good if the transmission is acting in sync with the new power.
If you ever decide to go with custom tunes, feel free to contact me. We can get you setup with tunes made just for your taste.
Have the old evolution and run in level2 . Get 16-17 mpg hand calculated easiliy
I've only had the truck for about a month and a half now, but I figure I'm getting around 14.5. And I'm talking taking babying the throttle to the extreme whenever possible. I try to keep it under 1700RPM's and 2000RPM's at most. I can only think once or twice in heavy city traffic where I needed to exceed that. If I could boost up to 17, I'd be happy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin@DP-Tuner
You should never purchase tunes for MPG gains because you will most likely be disappointed.
You may see a slight gain, but it is usually minor. The main reason for tuning a truck is to get it running at it's best without sacrificing other things. The extra power is the main benefit.
The main issue with Edge tunes is the lack of transmission tuning. I am sure you will see a difference power-wise, but that is only good if the transmission is acting in sync with the new power.
If you ever decide to go with custom tunes, feel free to contact me. We can get you setup with tunes made just for your taste.
I figured this would likely be the case, but it is a place to start at least. If it doesn't work for the MPG's as I hope, it will be nice for the gauges anyway, and I figured I'd spend nearly that much in nice gauges. Like I said, I'm a newb to the tuners, so what's the difference and would yours provide a higher MPG boost?
I do tow 12,000lbs regularly as well, and the power will be nice for that. As far as using it for racing or anything of the matter, that's just not my style and that's why I buy trucks, not sports cars. Just my opinion, don't take it the wrong way. My dump truck won't go over, nor if it could would I go over, 50MPH and I like it that way.
By the way, when I was researching, it looked to me like my 7.3 was one of the few that Edge states "improves shift firmness". Which I took to mean a transmission tune: http://www.edgeproducts.com/product_...cle-pdf-35.pdf
Hey M D,
I have the Edge Juice with Attitude. For a plug and play set up it works well for me. There is huge difference between the 1st and 5th setting on the unit and at 5 I've never held it to the floor in fear of breaking something. She really goes.
There are a couple of guys on here that provide custom tunes and I understand that they are awesome.
The Edge came with gauges that work great. Would I do it differently now that I know more...maybe, not sure. Perhaps I need to ride in a truck with a different system.
I usually keep her on the 3rd setting and drive fairly reserved. But, in a heart beat at 3 she makes 25 pounds of boost and you're book'n.
The ability to adjust on the fly is a feature that I personally utilize on regular basis for hills/mileage/etc.
Hope this helps
God bless
Robert
__________________
1999 F-350 7.3 Super Duty Dually
5" Exhaust, Edge Juice Controller
Tymar Intake
Bilsteins
321K (so far)
I have the older Edge juice and attitude monitor as well. No mileage increase that I know of, but good power. I run in 5 all the time, and modulate the go pedal as needed. Very drivable rig. Mine did not have a trans temp gauge, so I added one on the steering column. The attitude shows me EGT and Boost, mounted low on the A-pillar. When towing, I drop it to 4 so EGTs dont climb too fast.
Agree with the others that there are likely better options out there, but my truck came with this used and I've been happy with it.
Having the Edge has had me on a quest to reduce EGTs so I can keep my foot in it longer, especially when towing up long grades. Adding fuel with these devices means improving air flow - see sig for upgrades. Planning AIS delete next, and may need to increase the turbo turbine housing to a 1.0. Barring that, letting off on the pedal when EGTs break 1250 degrees and slowing down works well!
__________________
2000 F350 XLT 7.3L 4x4 CC LB SRW, Auto, 3.73, 4" turbo back exhaust, S&B intake, Warn manual hubs, Ride Right Air bags, Torklift Stableloads, Roll-a-long package, leveled, Michelin LTX M/S2 285's in winter, Toyo 19.5's on Vision 81 wheels when carrying camper, Edge w/ Attitude, Isspro EV2 trans gauge, ATS turbo housing, EBPV delete, foil delete, AIH delete, Riffraff FRx, HPx, Hutch and Harpoon, Rancho rs9000 shocks, Rawhide canopy, Superhitch, 173K
Repairs so far: front hub bearings, ball joints, UVCH, chafing harness on valve cover, injector cups, degas tank, ICP sensor, normal maintenance items.
Hey M D,
I have the Edge Juice with Attitude. For a plug and play set up it works well for me. There is huge difference between the 1st and 5th setting on the unit and at 5 I've never held it to the floor in fear of breaking something. She really goes.
There are a couple of guys on here that provide custom tunes and I understand that they are awesome.
The Edge came with gauges that work great. Would I do it differently now that I know more...maybe, not sure. Perhaps I need to ride in a truck with a different system.
I usually keep her on the 3rd setting and drive fairly reserved. But, in a heart beat at 3 she makes 25 pounds of boost and you're book'n.
The ability to adjust on the fly is a feature that I personally utilize on regular basis for hills/mileage/etc.
Hope this helps
God bless
Robert
Thanks Robert, I inquired Edge about the difference between the Evolution and Juice, they said the main thing was that you couldn't shift on the fly with the Evolution. I thought it would be nice, but I couldn't justify the price. Nice to see someone with higher miles running an Edge too... gives me some confidence it's not going to crap out my truck.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bwst
I have the older Edge juice and attitude monitor as well. No mileage increase that I know of, but good power. I run in 5 all the time, and modulate the go pedal as needed. Very drivable rig. Mine did not have a trans temp gauge, so I added one on the steering column. The attitude shows me EGT and Boost, mounted low on the A-pillar. When towing, I drop it to 4 so EGTs dont climb too fast.
Agree with the others that there are likely better options out there, but my truck came with this used and I've been happy with it.
Having the Edge has had me on a quest to reduce EGTs so I can keep my foot in it longer, especially when towing up long grades. Adding fuel with these devices means improving air flow - see sig for upgrades. Planning AIS delete next, and may need to increase the turbo turbine housing to a 1.0. Barring that, letting off on the pedal when EGTs break 1250 degrees and slowing down works well!
Wow, your a brave soul running in in the top level all the time! I don't know if I'll ever see that! I plan on installing an EGT probe and trans temp gauge at the same time.
Glad to see some happy Edge owners! Mine is supposed to arrive tomorrow, can't wait to get it installed.
I figured this would likely be the case, but it is a place to start at least. If it doesn't work for the MPG's as I hope, it will be nice for the gauges anyway, and I figured I'd spend nearly that much in nice gauges. Like I said, I'm a newb to the tuners, so what's the difference and would yours provide a higher MPG boost?
I do tow 12,000lbs regularly as well, and the power will be nice for that. As far as using it for racing or anything of the matter, that's just not my style and that's why I buy trucks, not sports cars. Just my opinion, don't take it the wrong way. My dump truck won't go over, nor if it could would I go over, 50MPH and I like it that way.
By the way, when I was researching, it looked to me like my 7.3 was one of the few that Edge states "improves shift firmness". Which I took to mean a transmission tune: http://www.edgeproducts.com/product_...cle-pdf-35.pdf
There is a big difference between canned and custom tunes. The MPG varies among everyone. A lot depends on your driving style.
It is great to have extra power when towing. A lot of people buy programmers/chips just for this reason specifically.
Increasing "shift firmness" is just one little factor when it comes to tuning for the transmission. You also have to factors in when shifting occurs, and when the TQ converter locks. Most canned tunes claim better shifting, but it is no where near as good as custom tunes.
There is a big difference between canned and custom tunes. The MPG varies among everyone. A lot depends on your driving style.
It is great to have extra power when towing. A lot of people buy programmers/chips just for this reason specifically.
Increasing "shift firmness" is just one little factor when it comes to tuning for the transmission. You also have to factors in when shifting occurs, and when the TQ converter locks. Most canned tunes claim better shifting, but it is no where near as good as custom tunes.
Thanks Justin, I really appreciate the help. I checked out your website, you have a very nice product. I'm going to give the Evolution a go and see how I like it. Give me at least a year and I'll revist and think about some of your tunes. Just can't spring that amount of cash right now.
I have no doubt custom tunes are better however I bought mine because I wanted gauges and the fact that I got added power was a bonus. Never driven a custom tuned truck...just know I am happy with what I have
__________________
2002 EXCURSION, PSD, XLT Premium, 4X4, Medium Wedgewood Blue,14.1" rear LCD video monitor, skyjacker shocks & stabilizer, v-codes in front and pro-comp AAL in rear, Hellwig rear anti-sway, C-Bet'r convex mirrors, factory remote start, daytime running lights, Hidden Hitch front, s&b intake, mbrp 4", edge evolution with built in gauges, 305/70/16 bfg at's, 195,000
Thanks Justin, I really appreciate the help. I checked out your website, you have a very nice product. I'm going to give the Evolution a go and see how I like it. Give me at least a year and I'll revist and think about some of your tunes. Just can't spring that amount of cash right now.
No problem, let me know if you ever need any help or have questions.
I have to say I did consider the lower priced edge with monitor but decided to hold off until I can get the set of nice gauges I want a DPtuner . I've done a lot of reading and talking to people. I have found by word of mouth and experience that the edge works best for the GMs....
I have to say I did consider the lower priced edge with monitor but decided to hold off until I can get the set of nice gauges I want a DPtuner . I've done a lot of reading and talking to people. I have found by word of mouth and experience that the edge works best for the GMs....
If the Edge doesn't work as I hope, it will at least be a nice set of gauges. I don't need performance, I need economy. If I really was looking for a programmer to take to the track, it'd definitely be a custom tunes.
My Evolution CS is set to arrive tomorrow, I'll be sure to update on my first impressions. I'm pretty excited for it, even if it doesn't work as planned, it will be a pretty cool device.
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