Fed Ex delivered the Phoenix chip today and I got it installed - sorta nerve wracking not having done anything like that before...but, after reading the minimal instructions, looking everything over, and a quick call to Kenny (KT Performance), it all went well and the self imposed stress was, as usual, unnecessary ...

Just a heads up to anyone getting a six position chip - you will need to cut, saw, or drill a slot in the rear of the plastic case that holds the PCM for the switch wire to go thru, not a big deal but something that wasn't mentioned in the instructions...neither is how to remove the switch **** (5/64 allen) for mounting ... and be careful to not let the switch's position ring loose it's place when it's apart or you won't have all the positions or may have too many...not hard to keep in place if you don't drop it or bang it around without the lock nut (9/16 or 14mm) in place. You can just let the switch hang out of the dash in the opening by the steering column but you'll need two hands to switch positions - not good while driving - which means you need to pick a spot in the dash to drill a hole to mount the switch or get a bracket to mount to the dash that holds the switch - I mounted mine in a bracket along side the trailer brake controller.

Since I had to disconnect the batteries, I took that opportunity to really clean the connections and even put it on the charger for a little while to make sure they were fully charged. I started the engine and switched thru the positions (except anti theft) to see if anything was amiss but all was well - whisper mode idled down and the others went back to normal idle activity...after killing the engine, I tried the anti theft and it worked also (motor turns over but won't start) ... hopefully the other positions have their proper connection and will operate as intended as well...

I'm really looking forward to my next drive to see how it changes the performance... ... I'm anticipating a big wide grin!

 

And so another case of PMS begins...

 

I give my vote to PHP. Really woke my truck up and for the price you can't beat it

 

I am quite satisfied with my PHP Phoenix chip as well. I have more power than I need and my average mpg is still in the 16.5-16.9 range which seems to be just slightly higher than I got with my Bully Dog programmer. In my case, PHP does a MUCH better job managing EGTs than the Bully Dog did and has a bit more power in the economy setting and WAY more power in the performance settings... The PHP tow tunes are exceptional, which is what I was really wanting so I would recommend them for anyone who tows.

 

After having the issues I had with the Edge Evolution I had decided to order a DP tuner but they were a little out if my price range right now. I got, what I think, was a good deal on a TS 6 position chip, $240 shipped. I ordered it with stock, 50 tow, 75 tow, 100, 140, and anti theft. The 50 tow setting feels considerably better than the edge did on the 60 setting. The 75 and 100 settings will sure get up and go! I haven't even tried the 140 setting yet cause I'm a little scared of it! Lol. My question is what would I benefit by spending twice the money on a DP tuner? I'm not trying to say that they are not worth it but I can't imagine it making my truck perform any better than it does now, but then again I'm still a noob on the PSD!

 

I've had no issues with my DP, going on 70,000 miles with it...

 

Well, I couldn't wait any longer...took it out for a spin to see what the differences would be;

1.) Stock - runs just like stock - imagine that...
2.) Whisper - drops RPMS to about 500 to quiet it down...
3.) 80 HP Daily Driver - provides more pedal response and seems to change shift points and maybe shift feel slightly.
4.) 100 HP Performance - this one let's you feel it! She'll scoot on down the road...pick up from 60mph cruising is great...shift point and feel is changed as well...pedal response is greatly increased...this one let's you know it has some power and may make you want more...but I'm gonna try to stick with this one to satisfy my power hunger to be on the safe side...
5.) 65 HP Tow - you can tell it changes the shift points and feel and has more power over stock but I haven't towed with it yet...
6.) Anti Theft - turns over but won't start...

My initial impression is positive...although not as much of a change as I had imagined it would be easing off from a standing start...except in 100 HP Performance...but I don't want to drive in that one for economy's sake...

I'm a light footed driver and the biggest difference using the 80 HP DD compared to stock is that it takes a little less pedal to get the same results - which is good ... now, if the fuel mileage will just pick up...

This was just from a 20 mile run starting and stopping in each setting and also seeing how it would accelerate from 60 up (to 85) in 80 DD and 100 HP Performance...yes, it was just a quick drive and I'm anticipating a better appreciation for it as I drive more...if I can just resist the urge to use that 100 HP Performance setting!

Many thanks to Kenny Thompson at KT PERFORMANCE ...

 

I went with Tony Wildman tunes and truck runs great.
http://www.totaldieselperformance.com/Default.asp
I might try Matt at Gearhead when I change injectors.
Gearhead Automotive Performance

 

If I ever changed from Bill's tunes I'd like to try Tony's or Matt's as I believe you could not go wrong with any of the three

Like it's been said before "Pick your pony & ride"

 

Glad to hear you like it. The 100 hp tune is my favorite to drive but my gas mileage does not seem to be as good. Don't forget to let your truck warm up fully before you have to much fun.


Trader.......



Just kidding, have a good Christmas....

 

Edge and 7.3 shouldn't be in the same sentence for performance. They make good product but for the money you can have a set of gauges and a good custom chip for the same price. I've ran PHP tunes and won a cts evolution. Ran it for two days and took it off. Smokey tunes and loud injectors. IMO to much timing and lag was bad. the product was great. I ran the 100 HP performance most of the time and was happy. If you want the cts platform check out the gryphon cts PHP offers. Gives you the function of the edge with much better tunes suited to your truck.

 

Sorry ran the 100hp from PHP and was happy. Can't edit on mobile.

 

Most of us do not run an off the shelf tuner. The custom tunes that many including myself have listed will write tunes for your truck and any mods you may have done. That way you get the most for your money. They also seem to be a little easier on the transmission.

Just to make your shopping a little harder, here are some more links to some of the best tuners around.
Power Hungry Performance - Feed your hunger for POWER!
7.3L Power Stroke Bean's Diesel Performance Chip - Custom Tunes - Electronic Performance - (1999.5-2003) 7.3L - Power Stroke
www.elitedieselengineering.com - 6PositionchipwTunesbyTadd
Custom tuning
If I left anyone out, sorry. Please feel free to post up your favorite.

 

Just a quick note of clarification, there is a distinct difference between on the fly tuners and programmers. Programmers actually reflash the PCM changing the settings in your computer. An on the fly tuner, at least for the 7.3l adjusts your injector oil pressure. Oh, and with my 7.3l excursion with edge juice with attitude, AFE stage two intake, and 4 inch exhaust I get over twenty four while cruising at 65.

 

I like my PHP gryphon CTS. I tow a lbs trailer keep egt down, when I'm not towing i just use the 65 tune and work good for go and get mpg. Love having the backup camera function of the CTS it helps when i hook up the trailer without help and really nice at night time it only a cheap 30 ebay camera but it works great.