I’ve been looking into possibly adding a tuner for my ’04 Excursion. I’m interested in recommendations from other users who have experience with these products. My main goal is to increase my fuel efficiency/save money. I do not tow frequently. Our Excursion is used for carting around the family.
A product called the Triple Dog GT Diesel Gauge/Tuner (40420), made by Bully Dog, was recommended to me.
I have a few questions:
1. Is it a good product?
2. If not, is there another product/brand that is better? (or are diesel tuners not recommend period)?
3. What are the risks associated with using a diesel tuner? Engine damage? Transmission damage?
4. Does the install/settings initialization have to be completed every time before driving? Or can settings be saved?
5. Is a Banks system a better product?
6. Do I need to install an enhanced filter kit (e.g. K&N) as well?
7. I’ve read the Triple Dog won’t work if the DPF (diesel particulate filter) has been removed. Is this true?
8. Is there a difference between a tuner and a “chip”? Or are these terms used interchangeably?

 

SCT is a better option then the BD in my opinion.

SCT started out supporting Ford only in its early days. BD was primarily Dodge/Cummins. BD is hard on transmissions. IIRC they do not play with the shift points. Call SCT and talk to Tech support. Buy an Scan Gauge 2 and an SCT.

If you use to hot of a tune without mods, bad things will/could come your way with a 6.0L Risks are what you posted. Head gaskets, tranny issues etc.

You can load/unload custom tunes. Tuning is not permanent.

The stock air filter flows a ton of air. Some have had good and bad results with after market air filters.

Others will be along to correct me or reaffirm....

Good luck with the search.

 

Moving this over to the 6.0L PSD forum where the experts can help you spend your money the right way!

Stewart

 

You will want to get an odb2 gauge, scangauge2 is popular and works great. New blue tooth enabled apps for apple ios is also getting popular.

The cuatom tuners are better at preserving your 6l and trans.

You need to make sure you have no issue lurking wirh the oil cooler or ficm. I will be getting my ficm repaired and the atlas40 tune added by ed @ficmrepair.com he is also a sponsor of our site.

 

Do your tuner after the gauges, then you won't be wondering what all that power is doing to your engine. I would recommend sct with custom tuning after you know how far($$$) you want to go with tuning.

 

Did a transmission shop recommend that tuner to you?

Id go with gauges, and then an SCT with tunes from either Innovative or Gearhead automotive. Best out there, and tunes for trucks without studs

 

We have a product called the Infinity that is a monitor, datalogger, and tuner in one. It will monitor generic and Ford enhanced parameters, datalog, read/clear DTC's, hold an unlimited amount of our custom tunes, and much more. You can check it out HERE if you are interested.

Let me know if you have any questions about it. I would be happy to help you out.

 

get you some gauges first an for most. a scangauge 2 from autozone is a good one to start with.

you by no means want a bullydog programmer for your EX. i had one on my truck an at half throttle i thought it was going to rip my transmission out when it shifted.

get a SCT tuner an if you want more than it will give up out of the box then get some custom tunes.

i have a SCT tuner now an i love it.

just my advise.