First post on my 97 PSD

[netman]

I have a 97 F 250 PSD 4x4. I am pulling a 23' all 3/16 alum plateboat for commercial fishing. I would like to begin making some advances in performance but thinking of mpg's too. I have done the diy intake and looking at the exhaust right now. I have done some searching and have questions about the cat delete and/or the muffler delete pipes.
If I would go to a straight pipe would that help with the mpg? From what I have seached the straigh pipe will help the motor breathe but I'm concerned with the fuel econ.
Thanks
Randy

[trevor95f350]

It should not hurt mileage at all having it straight piped. diesels do not need back pressure like a gas motor does. You should look into a custom TW chip if your looking for more power and econ

[Matt P]

straightpiping can only help your fuel economy

[cndrm]

Yeah, letting the motor breathe freely won't hurt mpg's at all. (if anything, it'll help a little) The downfall is the sound. You'll love it.

The only thing I would say, is research your local/ state laws about straight piping, as it may, or may not be legal.

mike

[netman]

In regards to the delete pipes which ones would you suggest for best fitting and where should I get it. I plan to check with a local muffler shop but if that don't work I will order the sections and put them in myself. I stopped at a couple of 4x4 shops in my area yesterday and when asked about the delete pipe sections they grabbed the catalogs and started flipping pages.
I appreciate the replys and I'm taking steps to install a chip. I will need to study up on the chips.
Any personal use info on the TW chip?
Thanks
Randy

[cndrm]

Randy, Personally, I'd steer clear of the 4x4 shops, and go to an exhaust shop. If you're going to an "exhaust shop", then to be perfectly honest, you don't "need" to order an exhaust from anywhere. Most any self respecting exhaust shop, could EASILY fabricate a custom exhaust for you. I think about the only thing you might really "want" to order, would be the DP (down pipe). A 3" DP isn't too expensive. Here's a link to one.
Diamond Eye 3" Down-Pipe Kit 94-97 7.3L Ford (Aluminized) | Exhaust Components | 94-97 7.3L Power Stroke | Ford Power Stroke | Diesel Power | Performance Truck Products

Intake's are a different matter. Do your research, and make a decision. All in all, they're all pretty pricey. Many folks, myself included, went/ go with the "DIY" intake. (usually around $50-$60 bucks, instead of $200+) Here's a link to a DIY intake thread, with quite a few pics.
DIY INTAKE

As for the chip. I don't yet have a chip. But when I get one, It'll be a TW chip. They're available from quite a few places. And once you get the chip, you can always change the tunes you get. And, in case you upgrade anthing else on your truck, you can always send the chip in, and get it reburned, to take FULL advantage of any upgrades.

mike

[Goose]

since your towing and going to be adding stuff a good startin point would be gauges boost pyro and trans i know it seems stupid but it will save u

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Most exhaust shops cannot mandrel bend 4" pipe and doubtful they can sell a custom one for the price you can buy one. You could also gut the cat..just doing that and nothing else should get you 2mpg more..did on my '97.

[netman]

Thanks for the replys and the help. I did the DIY intake a few days ago and looking for the delete sections now. Soon as I get the exhaust done I'm looking at the chips and seen some good reports on the TW. With winter coming on I gotta get the GPR replaced as last winter Ol' Blackie did not want to fire up so easily.
I just did the front end to wit the ball joints,u joints, brakes, shocks. She sure drives alot better now. On to the rear end this week.
Thanks again
Randy

[trevor95f350]

Sounds like your making a good start. But for sure get gauges if your gonna get a chip. And maybe if you start making more power look into tranny upgrades