To chip or not to chip?

[texas_psd]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2003 F-250 CC FX4 with the 6.0L PSD (build date Jan 2004). She has 153,000 miles and has had ZERO problems. The only repairs have been a replacement alternator at 40k miles and the HFCM sensor replaced at 55k miles. Other than that, she's been an awesome truck. Starts at every turn of the key and gets 16 mpg with a 30% cty/70% hwy mix.

So two questions:

1) Would you put a programmer on this truck? Why or why not? (I know about the 6.0L gremlins, but the mod bug may have hit. )
2) I can get a Hypertech MaxEnergy brand-new for $300. Is this programmer any good? And is this price good?

Thanks in advance for all of the input and advice.

[Tony V]

Ok Im not super good on 6.0's but I do know get a SCT and you will be completely satisfied. Im not sure on price of them, but I know you will love it. About your headstuds that might not be a bad idea to look into anyways.

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

i would not hesitate to put a tuner on that truck.... the key is watch your gauges so you will need to purchase some of those as well..

and no i would not put a Hypertech on it.... the only thing i suggest for a 6.0L is a custom tuned SCT with innovative tunes

-Raul

[Lubbockguy1979]

The issues with the 6.0 are in my opinion caused by the egr system. Almost every head gasket issue I have read or seen is related to a egr cooler and oil cooler failure. With that being said I see no reason to put a tuner on the truck at all and I run a sct xcal2. I would stress getting gauges of some sort digital or analog. If you are worried about the 6.0 gremlins remember no fill ups as 11pm and don't get water on it.... Just kidding. The best prevenative is to get a coolant filter. This will remove the junk in the cooling system that stopps up the oil cooler. Remove the egr cooler and install a delete kit. This will eliminate a cooler failure and if and when you have a head gasket problem install arp studs.

[texas_psd]

Thanks for the input, everyone. After doing some additional research, I think I'll do exhaust and gauges first. Maybe delete the EGR while I'm at it.

[mudrunninpig]

Originally Posted by Raul@Stealth Automotive

i would not hesitate to put a tuner on that truck.... the key is watch your gauges so you will need to purchase some of those as well..

and no i would not put a Hypertech on it.... the only thing i suggest for a 6.0L is a custom tuned SCT with innovative tunes

-Raul

+1

[Gear Jammer]

Keep it stock.

Unless you got DEEP POCKETS

[Ryan Rønning]

Another for the SCT and gauges!

[03f250stroke]

Originally Posted by Gear Jammer

Keep it stock.

Unless you got DEEP POCKETS

i agree with that man, if you are looking to put a programmer on it just the hell of it then i would say leave it stock

[jamstoyz]

i say get a custom tuned sct. its about the same price as the superchip. the custom tunes are safe as long as you dont beat the heck outta your truck. your truck in stock form can break if you beat on it. once you get a sct on it, youll never run a stock truck again.