97up-list-digest Tuesday, July 21 1998 Volume 01 : Number 158



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and Newer Trucks and Vans
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In this issue:

FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?
Re: FTE 97up - Gas mileage 5.4 ?
Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?
Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?
Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?
FTE 97up - Re: Leather care
Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?
FTE 97up - Super Duty
RE: FTE 97up - Re; Towing
FTE 97up - F250 Superduty Engines: mileage and performance?

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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 08:26:26 EDT
From: MRoadarDOJ aol.com
Subject: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?

Several recent posts have discussed the installation of computer chips in
brand new trucks.

- -If these chips actually perform as advertised with enhanced performance and
better gas mileage, why doesn't Ford use them? Seems that Ford engineers
would want to tweak the best possible performance from its own vehicles.

- -If the chips raise the RPM redline and increase top-end speed, wouldn't this
trash the warranty as far as Ford is concerned?

- -If you are going to use one of these enhanced chips, wouldn't it make sense
to at least break the engine in using the stock chip before using one that
increases RPM redline, etc.?
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 07:51:54 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Gas mileage 5.4 ?

Vehicles over 8500 GVW don't get EPA rated for mileage. Most people are
telling me 13-14 MPG for normal farm driving (lots of stops starts and idle
time). For comparison the June 1997 Issue of Trailer life compared the 5.4L
(in a F-250 S/C LD with 3.73's) to a 5.7 Vortec and a 5.9L Magnum the
results were:

Ford 17.5 MPG empty 7.9 towing
Chevy 17.3 MPG empty 8.1 towing
Dodge 15.9 MPG empty 7.5 towing

This is pretty common to the differences I've seen. Dodge is usually about
1-2 MPG lower and Chevy is usually about the same, but actual numbers seem
to vary greatly by driving style. I've heard anywhere from 9 to 20MPG
empty.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Vaughn
To: 97up-list ford-trucks.com
Date: Sunday, July 19, 1998 3:44 PM
Subject: FTE 97up - Gas mileage 5.4 ?


>
>Hi all,
>
>Does anybody know whats average mpg for
>the 99 F250 Superduty 5.4 4x4??
>I'm getting the 5 spd. manual trans, so
>it should be a little better than the auto trans.
>But I can't find any listing of average mpg for
>this truck.
>I'm just curious.
>
>Thanks
>Vaughn


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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 10:43:01 -0400
From: "jmc.chartier"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?

MRoadarDOJ aol.com wrote:

> Several recent posts have discussed the installation of computer chips in
> brand new trucks.
>
> - If these chips actually perform as advertised with enhanced performance and
> better gas mileage, why doesn't Ford use them? Seems that Ford engineers
> would want to tweak the best possible performance from its own vehicles.
>
> - If the chips raise the RPM redline and increase top-end speed, wouldn't this
> trash the warranty as far as Ford is concerned?
>
> - If you are going to use one of these enhanced chips, wouldn't it make sense
> to at least break the engine in using the stock chip before using one that
> increases RPM redline, etc.?
> == FTE: Uns*bscribe and posting info www.ford-trucks.com/faq.html

There is always room for improvement. The new 5.4 puts out at least 15 more hp
than its predecessor. Why didn't Ford tweak the 5.4 sooner? I no longer question the
reasoning behind major car manufacturers, I just learn to live with it. As far as
breaking in a motor it would be prudent to do so. As far as warranty concerns you are
correct.

Kindest regards

Jean Marc Chartier

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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 11:05:57 EDT
From: KWkM3 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?

In a message dated 98-07-20 08:27:35 EDT, you write:


and
better gas mileage, why doesn't Ford use them? Seems that Ford engineers
would want to tweak the best possible performance from its own vehicles.>>

Not true. The fuel and spark curves arent as aggressive as they could be. With
a chip you will need to use premium fuel. Ford engineers dont have all out
performance on their minds when programming the stock cpus.


this
trash the warranty as far as Ford is concerned?>>

No. The only way a warranty will be voided is if the replacement chip is the
cause of a part failure.


sense
to at least break the engine in using the stock chip before using one that
increases RPM redline, etc.?>>

It wont make a difference. You are still the one with control of the
accelerator.
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 11:10:26 EDT
From: KWkM3 aol.com
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?

In a message dated 98-07-20 10:47:15 EDT, you write:


15 more hp
than its predecessor. Why didn't Ford tweak the 5.4 sooner? I no longer
question the
reasoning behind major car manufacturers, I just learn to live with it. As
far as
breaking in a motor it would be prudent to do so. As far as warranty
concerns you are
correct.>>

Actually it puts out 25 more horsepower,260 from 235. This is the result of a
cam change,different port job on the heads,1mm larger exhaust valve,i think a
lower manifold change and different fuel and spark curves. Im sorry but you
are wrong about the warranty concerns.

Harry
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 08:13:51 -0700
From: "Harald"
Subject: FTE 97up - Re: Leather care

The best stuff to get is a brand called Lexol. They make leather cleaner
and also a conditioner. I got this information from a professional leather
guy. I use it on my leather couches at home (my 99 F350 XLT has cloth
seats).

Harald

>
>Date: Sun, 19 Jul 1998 14:07:15 -0700
>From: Andrew Chung
>Subject: FTE 97up - Anyone with good advice on Leather
protectants/cleaners?
>
>I have recently purchased a '98 Ford Explorer Limited with the leather
>interior. I don't know if the leather is treated at the fatory or I should
>treat it myself. This is my first vehicle with a leather interior and I
>want to try and keep it in good shape. There are so many products out on
>the market that I have no idea which products work well and are worth the
>money and which ones are total garbage. Any advice would be appreciated!
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>
>------------------------------>+------ Ford Truck Enthusiasts - 1997 and
Newer Trucks and Vans ------+
>| Send posts to 97up-list ford-trucks.com, |
>| List removal information is on the web site. |
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 13:27:45 -0400
From: "jmc.chartier"
Subject: Re: FTE 97up - Replacement Chips?

KWkM3 aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 98-07-20 10:47:15 EDT, you write:
>
>
> 15 more hp
> than its predecessor. Why didn't Ford tweak the 5.4 sooner? I no longer
> question the
> reasoning behind major car manufacturers, I just learn to live with it. As
> far as
> breaking in a motor it would be prudent to do so. As far as warranty
> concerns you are
> correct.>>
>
> Actually it puts out 25 more horsepower,260 from 235. This is the result of a
> cam change,different port job on the heads,1mm larger exhaust valve,i think a
> lower manifold change and different fuel and spark curves. Im sorry but you
> are wrong about the warranty concerns.
>
> Harry

Harry,
If you want to split hairs the warranty would only be voided if it is proven
a warranted component failure was caused by the addition of an after market
product. My chip boosts hp by at least 14 hp at the top end and I am told 20 hp
at midrange. If the clutch or the transmission goes they could spend years in
court arguing that the extra hp caused the clutch to fry or something in the
transmission to fail because the engine should have stalled but it did not
because of the chip. Or maybe my power steering lets go sooner because the
engine can now rev to 6500 rpm. So everybody go out and add a chip but be
prepared to face the consequences.

Kindest regards

Jean Marc Chartier

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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 12:38:25 -0500
From: "Union Auto"
Subject: FTE 97up - Super Duty

Just got a truck flier from Ford. It lists several things of Interest.

1. Vertical CG: For customers wanting to have a higher CG rating Ford has
reevaluated and recertified Super Duty's CG for F-250 R/C Box Delete is now
17.6" above frame (all Super Duty's were previously 12") and F-350 SRW
Chassis is also 17.6" all other Super Duty models are now 24". This allows
for more weight to be located higher in bins or booms.

2. 5th Wheel ride height: Super Duty 4x4's may be lowered by using the 2wd
rear suspension parts allowing more clearance for 5th wheel applications.

3. 108" CA availability: Fontaine Manufacturing Company has been authorized
to do ship through 108" CA conversions (code 31F-D9E).

4. Aft Axle Fuel tanks: For some bodies the aft axle fuel tank must be
deleted and is replaced by a 19 Gal midship tank. It may be replace to
increase capacity to as much as 34 Gal. Tanks can be obtained from Transfer
Flow (1-800-442-0056)
A second solution is to attach Bodies further back on the frame. This
allows the Dump body to be increased by 12" and uses the standard 37 gal
tank and a second midship tank may be added (34 Gal) for a total of up to 71
Gallons.

5. GAWR will be changing on Super Duty F-series. Previously Rear GAWR
could vary according to model and equipment. At this time a running change
is underway to make a fixed GAWR for each series.
Front GAWR will also increase on many models. Previously built trucks
GAWR will not be changed.

6. F-650 and F-750: Look for a preview of the new Super Duty F-650 and
F-750. (next issue aprox 2 months) With GVWR's of up to 33,000 LBS, they
complete the line-up from Light trucks straight through to medium Duty Also
look for new equipment on the F-800.

Nathan Bernard
Union Auto, Inc.
Union, IA 50258



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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 14:20:38 -0500
From: "Beaman, James"
Subject: RE: FTE 97up - Re; Towing

Alan Wilson wrote:

> This may be a dumb question but what are Trailer Brakes and how much do
> they
> cost?
>
Trailer brakes are brakes on the trailer wheels, usually actuated
electrically by the tow vehicle when its brakes are applied. A brake
controller is usually installed under the dash and with it the driver can
control the delay of the trailer brake application after the tow vehicle
braking, the braking power, and can use a button on it to apply the trailer
brakes only.

James Beaman
james.beaman lmco.com
Houston, Texas
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Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 22:43:32 -0700
From: "Mark Chidlaw"
Subject: FTE 97up - F250 Superduty Engines: mileage and performance?

Does anyone have information -- personal experience -- about what fuel
mileage I can expect with either the 5.4L or 6.8L gas engines or the 7.3L
diesel engine in the F250 Superduty, 4x4?
Is the diesel performance really worth the $4000+ extra if I don't do much
heavy towing and my slide-in camper weighs only ~1000lbs?
Is there much of a fuel mileage price to pay for the added power of the V10?
Any other personal experience comparisons of the various engine/rear-axle....

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