SCT TSX w/IDP Tunes or Spartan?

[Shoalwater]

Not trying to start a dick measuring contest here. I just can't decide on which one to get. I read great things about both. I am really more interested in the MPG more than the power, keeping that in mind,I have a couple of questions for those that own them. Do the SCT w/IDP tunes and the Spartan have transmission shifting adjustments with the tunes? If I go with the spartan is it worth getting the 275 and 310 tune if I am only after fuel mileage? Also one other unrelated question, is it worth the money, time, and effort to change out the down pipe to a 4" from Powerstroker67? Just thought of one more. I am about to order one of Powerstroker67's DPF/CAT delete pipes with whichever tuner I decide on, should I order it with ceramic coating? I thought ceramic coating was to keep the heat in the pipe, won't this increase EGT's? Thats it, sorry for rambling. As always I appreciate all the help.

[08stroker250]

Both are great tuners. The DashDAQ that Spartan offers is much nicer than the SCT TSX. The tuning that Eric at Innovative provides is very good though. Both companies write the tunes with TCM tuning. The TCM tuning from both is excellent. Stock transmissions are able to hold 500+ horsepower and 1000+ ft lbs of torque with both tuners tuning. With my experience, you will get the best fuel mileage with the higher tunes, and I don't think there are too many people here that will disagree with that. I daily drive with the Spartan 275 tune and I see 15.5-17 mpg mixed on just about every tank.

The downpipe is a great upgrade for guys looking to do some competition here and there with their trucks. If you never plan on running your truck at the race track or pulling track, then I wouldn't worry about the downpipe upgrade. I can't really give you any information on the Powerstroker67 pipes because we don't carry them. I did have one on my truck for quite a while and I was really impressed and pleased with the quality of the pipe. Mine was not ceramic coated though. The ceramic coating will help insulate the exhaust, and at the same time it will give it a really nice look for a long time. EGT's post turbo are not an issue on these trucks, so insualted delete pipes are not going to cause the EGT's to be a problem.