Looking to get a chip-programmer. 20 04 x 6.0l 4x4 all stock, towing a 30' puma TT want some advice on all the differnt makes out there. ty

 

Don't do it! If you have to, use an SCT with a custom tune. If you are using it to tow good luck, set aside some $$ for head gaskets!

 

Good advice.

I am by no means an expert.

But I have been intensely interested in tuning my 2005 6.0 Excursion
pretty much since the day I took delivery, in Sept. of 2004, some 63K
miles ago.

I am very, very glad I decided on a "wait and see" attitude.

I don't tow heavy, but do go miles and miles off-road and into the hinterlands.

I have done many many hours of internet research on tunes.

I am getting close to taking the plunge.

In my opinion there is nothing to consider except SCT with custom tunes.
I will go with Matt at Spartan, but there are a couple others (innovative)

I will EXPECT to be putting out the $3K or so for ARP headstuds, or, if I am
lucky, will get the dealer to put my headstuds in under warranty if I buy them ($500).

I have decided that I want to realize more of the potential of the 6.0, and it is severely handicapped by the EGR crap and the factory programming.

As near as I can tell the 6.0 can really be a beastly strong motor with great mileage and bullet-proof reliability with the right tune, headstuds, and an EGR delete.

All well within reach and as near as I can tell worthwhile.

My two cents.

_____________________
Quietman
www.roenation.com
2005 EXCURSION Eddie Bauer edition 4X4 PSD
4" FabTech lift/level, Bilstein $$ mono-gas shocks, Rancho Steering Stabilizer
Silverstar 9005 fog and H13ST headlights + wiring mod to run high beam and fogs together,
BFG 315/75/16 AT KO's on Factory Mags, 22" front and 18" rear rain-x wipers,
LANDYOT Generation II Radius Rods, Ford factory hood insulator, Movaje Pin-Striping

 

I agree with quiet man, the best programmer for the 6.0 is SCT custom tunes from matt at spartan diesel. All the people in the 6.0 forum love them. Also u will have to go with the ARP headstuds. The 6.0s current setup will have a heard time withstanding a programmer, exhaust and intake with out floating of the cylinder heads.

 

http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/performance-chips/61A3576A0A0.aspx

 

The previous ad reminded me, make sure when you get an SCT that it includes the custom programming that makes it work so well. Just buying an SCT with the "canned" or "factory" tunes is not at all what you want.

If you call a place like Spartan they will sell you an SCT with the exact, much superior and especially safer tune for your truck than just buying a generic SCT with the "canned" tune.

You can then get updated tunes via email for no or very little additional cost.

That is what you want. The tunes and the ongoing technical support are what you want, the SCT itself is just a tool to install them, and doesn't come with the "good stuff" by itself...and you don't want to have to pay twice...

...all this being said, it may be that the ad above includes custom tunes from Spartan or Innovative or similar, the price is the same, just make sure first...

 

--plain-n-simple

 

if you're looking for nothing more than better towing performance, leave it stock...even a custom tune may only add 40-60 HP or so...the tranny shifting is MUCH better with a custom tune..

if you want to have some fun, then get an SCT w/ custom tunes from Innovative Diesel...that's after you get

1)gauges(at least boost, tranny, pyro)
2)better exhaust

head gaskets may fail, even on stock trucks...if you know that there is that risk, and are willing to accept/fix it, then you will have one HELL of a truck...

you really have no idea what you're missing...

 

i would suggest sct tuner with custom tunes from eric or matt