7.3 Programmer Question

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Dec 18, 2010 | 12:11 PM

68rs327

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Joined: Dec 2009

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7.3 Programmer Question

I am wanting to get a Programmer for my 1999 F350 Dually 4x4.
I am wanting a programmer to help improve Fuel Economy and Power Improvement. What is the best Programmer to do both these for the money. I have searched, but don't want to buy the wrong one.

Thanks guys.

Dec 18, 2010 | 12:23 PM

woodnthings

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Joined: May 2010

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From: Snohomish, WA

Well before you add any power you really need gauges to keep an eye on the critical items like EGT and transmission Temperature on an Auto truck. Most also put in a boost gauge too. When you add a tuner or programmer you run the risk of causing damage from the extra power the programming offers.

Clay at Riffraff Diesel can hook you up with a good set of gauges for an affordable price.

There are many choices out there, but I decided to go with a DP Tuner F-6 in my truck. I had run a Superchips tuner, but had issues with it and decided to go with a highly recommended tuner from a company that supports it's customers.

I have a few tunes on mine, but the one I use the most is the 80 HP Econo tune. It does really good for mileage but also has a good amount of extra power when I choose. I have gotten as much as 20.23 MPG hand calculated on mine running the highway. Normal MPG is closer to the 18 MPG range as I tend to have "fun" when I drive it.

Last edited by woodnthings; Dec 18, 2010 at 12:24 PM. Reason: spacing issue

Dec 18, 2010 | 12:28 PM

snakedoc

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From: AL, Reform

there are several good one like php that i would like to get one day.

Dec 18, 2010 | 01:01 PM

PaysonPSD

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Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 9,549

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From: Payson, AZ

I would go with a vendor that can offer live tuning. You can get some good tunes now and when the time, occasion and money are available get live tuning. Since you are in KY and Jody of DP Tuner is in GA I would go with DP Tuner. Jody goes around the country live tuning and he may even be live tuning near you next year. Contact DP Tuner and discuss your options. They are very, very accommodating.

Dec 18, 2010 | 01:10 PM

clintbonnie

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Ardenvoir, Washington

Like my Diablo Sport Predator Programmer U7170 programmer.. For the money, it is a great product IMO.. Works without a problem on my 99 ..

Dec 18, 2010 | 01:22 PM

tdpower

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Joined: Dec 2008

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Bully dog rocks! I even saw one in the classified section.

A chip would be better like others have said but there are some decent programmers out there as well.

Dec 18, 2010 | 05:00 PM

kx450frider617

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Joined: Nov 2009

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I have a hypertech and it is pretty good for an all stock truck. But sadly my truck isn't stock anymore so the programmer kind of messes up the shifts etc. But for a entry level tuner that is safe, the hypertech is pretty good on stage 2. However, DP tuner is going on mine shortly if that means anything. As of mpg, I am getting around 20 on stage 2 which is +80hp I think. dont qoute me. My truck is a f350 4x4 CC LB, 100k miles, 5" lift on 34" A/T tires, 4" turbo back exhuast etc etc, but the kicker is I have a full suncoast transmission and billet torque converter with a higher stall speed and the truck just does not run good on stock tuning but on the stage two setting it runs perfect just when towing the shifts are out of synch. Shifts way to early etc etc but that is with a full aftermarket tranny. The hypertech doesn't tune the tranny but the DP will. Sorry for going on and on, just trying to give some input that might be usefull later on down the road.