OK so I recentled was relocated to Alaska. Great thing about it is the Military pays you pretty good when you decide to move your own stuff. so as I am waiting for the second half of this money I am making a list of things I need to do and things I would like to do. Truck already has the bullet proof egr Things i'm needing to do are heaters for winter definatly the remote start and eather the scan guage or insight. Also wanting to do bumbers and some aux lights along with upfitter switches. Also belive the FICM is on the way out the the door. Starting to get some of the symptoms I have read in many post from others. So some of my Questions would be: what remote starts do you all preffer thinking a 2 way to verify it is started. I know most of you preffer the scan guage but looking at the insight and it is expandable for EGR probe and turbo timer. Is it of great importance to have a turbo timer on these trucks? Now on to the FICM who recomends what and has any one tried the new bullet proof diesel one? Oh yea and coolant filters who has and reccomends what? Also if any one has any more ideas that could I should probly do? Thanks again.

 

Alot of alarms have remote start and turbo timer and are 2way upto a mile

They have steped to the next generation and go anywhere on your cell phone if you can afford it

I have a Python it has all that stuff remote start is nice pager works good if alarm gets set off it pages the keychain so I know it also gives the info on the keychain why it set alarm off so Vibration no biggie but if the door is open or somehow its running I can go to it FAST

Oh ya it has Timer so it can start and run for set time then turnoff and will keep doing it all on its own so every couple hours or whatever i will start and run 15min or however long I want and then shut off and repeat

My alarm has Alot of stuff Im shure Im missing stuff Google (Directed Electronics) they do python and viper all them top brands

I run SGII cuz im cheap but it monitors more than Edge does
Id buy AE before Edge but my main goal is to keep truck running

 

Thanks for the input on the alarm have installed a few of the viper kits and was leaning that direction. what is the AE you refer to?

 

Riffraff Diesel: AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle

My alarm did have a glow plug delay too

If you get an alarm take advantage of the free install its pretty invollved

the guy that did mine took him 6+ hours to install it and he did it every day

 

1) I have a Compu-Star 2 way remote starter with alarm and have had it in the truck since new. I cannot say anything bad about it as it has not messed up once in the 7 years I have had it. They also offer a turbo-timer but it gets complicated with the the starter systems.... it requires the parking brake be on etc.... and that's not something I typically use. I would recommend using the turbo timer on the Edge Insight CTS as it is extremely easy to instal and simple to use/program. NOTE: I do recommend a turbo timer for an extra safe-guard to help the life-span of your turbo.

2) I use the Edge Insight CTS (for monitor only.... not programming). I also like it's expandability options and it offers the ability to monitor EGT, Fuel Pressure, add a turbo timer and many other things. Add to this the fact it is extremely easy to read, use and program and I think it is a great choice. I will be coupling it with an AE Ford Bundle Kit from Riff Raff further down the road when funds allow but for the time being it does everything I need it to.

3) The FICM question... in my opinion Ed at ficmrepair.com is the guy to go to... he rebuilds them to better than new and can throw a tune on it for you. Everyone on the forum(s) raves about his work and I have seen mixed reviews on some of the other guys out there offering the same services. I would stick with Ed... NOTE: An awesome F.I.C.M. doesn't mean anything if you can't look after it so put in some good batteries and a DC Power alternator to look after those batteries... it's like a train, if the alternator isn't looking after the batteries you will loose batteries and from that you will fry a FICM... it get very expensive if you factor batteries in at $400 a pop and a FICM in at $1100 a pop. With a factory alternator with regular batteries you can plan on replacing batteries every 2-3 years, so do it right and start off with a great alternator... I speak from experience here! lol

4) Coolant Filters.... You're gonna get a million different suggestions on this one but in my opinion I think that Innovative Performance Research makes the best kit hands down. It is a high flow kit that utilizes a bigger hose (to capture bigger particles as well as smaller particles) and it has a re-usable stainless steel screen that allows ease of cleaning rather than replacement. See for yourself here;

IPR High Flow Coolant Filter Ford 6.0


If you have not done it yet there is a great write up in the "Tech-Folder" at the top of this forum on how to do a CCV Re-route.... I have had to replace tons of Cac Boots (mostly the little angled guy after the turbo) and this will save you some $$ in the long run and it is an easy mod to do yourself. I also got my new cac boots from Riff Raff Diesel and apparently they are a bit better than factory.... time will tell! Go through the tech folder cuz there are TONS of little upgrades you can do that are cheap and very effective. Only you know what you are going to be doing with your truck so take what you want from folks and apply it to your application.

I notice you mentioned you were going to Alaska.... I installed an Espar Diesel heater in my truck in case power is not readily available to plug into for the winter and that little devil has been a godsend on several occasions. They are expensive but if you are working out in the bush they are awesome to have! You can set the time it goes on in the morning and that way you do not have to let your truck idle long to warm up (idling is bad for these trucks). You can basically start the truck with your remote starter and go outside to a toasty warm, heated cab! I have used mine in -49 farenheit weather with no problems at all!

Good luck!