new to powerstroke!

[jpkrwl]

Hey guys! I've been lurking around on here a little while searching and reading and trying to figure out the right setup. This is my first Ford and first diesel! Now my question is...... is it ok to run an edge programmer or something like the bully dog? Or is it bad for the motor and such? Also, would the included "gauges" with the programmers be good enough to use? Its an '02 with the 7.3, bout 149k on it. 4inch lift with 35's. I use it as a daily work runner, family hauler, and plan on towing the jeeps to some events finally! I'm not looking for an insane increase in power (hell, stock makes me happy) but definitely want real gauges to monitor whats going on. So if they work well enough to read whats going on, and if the increase in power is good, are they worth the cost? Or am I going about it all wrong?? Sorry for all the questions that probably every noob asks but I havent a clue and feel stupid! I've always been into building Jeeps, gas Jeeps! But this seemed like the most knowledgeable group out there!

[rjreidhead]

i have been reading the the 6 postion chip is about the best. i had and edge evolution programmer in my 99 superduty and it was the best out of all of them but i had the 6 speed manual. i hear the edge is a bit rough on the autos. i tried them all, banks, superchip, quadzilla, bd, edge, ts. edge worked great but kinda affraid of the auto. i always ran the hottest setting and my temps would stay decent most of the time.

[jpkrwl]

just wondering if the "gauges" on the tuners are accurate enough too or should I stick with real analogs? Also, will straight piping the exhaust help or hurt?

[dieselcrawler]

Quick list:

DIY intake/6637 air filter... best bang for your buck, cheap, quick, easy to install, GREAT filtering, GREAT CFM air flow

Straight pipe the exhaust, no need for larger than stock untill you're pushing over 400 HP, other than sound/exhaust tone reasons. Personally, I think it's fine, with the welder in the garage, and a few feet of 3.5" exhaust pipe, it takes me about an hour to 2 hours to let it breath.

Gauges at any point, I use Auto Meter brand, EGT, boost, and trans temp, and prefer the mechanical trans temp with the thermocoulple probe in the trans pan, not the electronic one. A little more diffucult to install, but more accurate gauge in my opinion.

With these supporting mods, you're ready for a good tuner. I like DP Tuner, have one on both my trucks, and plan to replace the Edge Evolution on the Excurion with a DP when I can. Others like TS chips/6 pos switches with tunes by Wildman, Beans, PHP, and others. Do your research, talk to the people burning the chip for you, get what makes you comfortable. I've had great interactions with Jody at DP Tuner. And you can get up to 16 tunes on his chips, not limited to 6.

Don't be shy, check out the 7.3 general area, lots more traffic there, and the Excursion is the same as the trucks aside from the long body, so there's lots of pertinent info there for you.