Depends who you talk to, but if you call bullydog, I've spoke to people there who say you don't need gauges for their 6 position chip. I have a 97 7.3 automatic, and he said you will only gain additional 65 horspower max. so no gauges neccesary. Everything I've heard on fte says you do,
What is the you guys opinion on this???? THanks Jeff

 

bullydog's 6 position chip only adds 65hp? just goes to show how much junk that is!

YES, gauges are a necessity when adding power!

most 6 position chips can go up to 145hp.

 

They must want to sell you a new engine as well!

 

Thread moved to the 94-97 Diesel Forum.

 

Gauges are a good idea even if you do not have any upgrades. It lets you monitor the engine. You don't see farm tractors or over the raod tractors without gauges. So why not gauges on your truck. Helps you spot a problem before it becomes major and you have to replace and engine. I know that gauges have saved us several tractors over the years.

Just my 2 cents.
plowhand

 

You might get 145 hp on a newer psd, but most programmers and chips won't add that much to 1997obs diesel. Corrrect me if I'am wrong, Thnaks Jeff

 

Very well said. I agree completely.

You are correct. Chips on the OBS trucks can't add any more power than about 75 HP. The stock injectors simply don't flow enough.

 

Just for an example of the need for gauges...... with all the stuff on my truck(in the sig) except for the chip I could hit 1300 deg towing fairly easy. Now with Tony Wildmans help its even easier!! LOL Got to get a intercooler installed. If your planning towing on a regular basis get the gauges. I guarentee you'll wished you did it sooner.

 

Hi All

On my 97 7.3 PSD, I have a SuperChips Tunner/Programer. I have three modes. 1. 40HP Safe Towing Mode, 2. 50HP Towing less that 6,000 lbs. 3. 80Hp, guages advised. There were no big increases on the 97's, now this same SuperChip on a 99 or newer will add 125HP, Dan

 

In a few words higher injector flow rate and an intercooler on the super duties allows the 125HP (or so the claim) increase.

 

As far as gauges go most folk argee the 1250* is the hottest you want to hit now whenI put the gauges in my compleatly stock truck ..I was able to hit 1200 easy just pulling on to the freeway.not even gunning it.. You will be amazed at how hot you truck can get even when it dose not sound like it is working hard.. getthe gauges you wont regret it.. J

 

yeah i agree get guages my truck could easily hit 1250 with out the stacks and even with 'em and the pump isn't turned up that much

 

What are the minimum gauges you recommend? I have a 97 F250 crewcab four wheel drive with an automatic transmission. I just bought it and am not sure if it has a chip or not. I will be towing 90+ percent of the time. I am guessing but I would say the weight is about 3000 pounds. Also what brand(s) do you recommend and are there any particular paramaters I should look for? I say minimum since money is tight right now. Thanks, Ed

 

Minimum gauges for an automatic are 2, EGT (exhaust gas temperature) or pyro gauge and transmission oil temperature gauge. Many people also get a boost gauge. The big 3 gauge companies are, Autometer, Isspro and Diprol. All about the same, just a matter of personal preference and what you want them to look like in your truck. I went with the Isspro because I thought they were the closest to the gauges already in the truck, they are full sweep (270*) and they are back lit verses side lit. Just click on many of the site sponsors on the left of this web page. Many of them carry gauges. Good luck shopping.

 

I have just have pyro and trany in my truck.. if you are towing alot Put in an extra trany cooler too!!! the trany gauge has saved me a few times.!!