Thor's Hammer
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Thor's Hammer
So... Stinky needed a stretch, and BrandonT71 needed some AE data on White Pearl (2002 CC LB – a ship), about an hour and a half from my home. I paid Brandon a visit (after his wife gave clearance) on a warm Sunday afternoon... carputer in hand. We did the usual link, log, and let 'er rip to spy on the inner workings of his 7.3L with about 190K miles. After a little data review and recall of the ride, Brandon posed the question: "So, how far am I from 100%?" Oh gawd... people are reading my stuff and taking me seriously. Now I have to be extra careful what I say. We formulated a plan to address a couple of weaknesses in the truck, but it is overall in excellent condition. He chose wisely... more wisely than I did two years ago. Brandon went on to say that he just wanted to make sure the truck was reliable for the family and tuning might be a hurdle with the wife... so it's not a priority.
With the preliminaries out of the way, I offer to give him a ride in Stinky {this is the cue for the snickering}. I figured on running the tow tune, because that's about on par with a 60 HP tune with stock injectors. Brandon expressed approval as he noted that he can really feel a difference. I then felt a little sassy and told him I haven't tried my live-tuned race tune yet: "I don't know what's gunna happen, but let's give it a try." Brandon... oddly enough... didn't protest. In hind sight, he should have. I rolled into it with the hopes of sparing my tires premature wear... but that was an exercise in futility. Right away my RPMs seemed a little high for the acceleration we were getting, and my first flash of thought was maybe I needed some transmission adjustments on that tune. I looked in the passenger mirror to make sure I wasn't conjuring a cloud out the coal conduit, and it was just an appropriate race-tune haze (thanks Cody). Stinky felt like a soggy diaper (a little squishy in the rear) at the torque converter lockup, but I stayed in it for a few more seconds. I asked Brandon if that was in line with how his company 6.7L moved, and his reply was "I don't know, I've never driven it empty"... so at least Stinky moves better than a 6.7L bogged down with tools. Oh well - I'll look into that mystery later. I looked in the rearview mirror while decelerating – "Oh crap!" We returned to the testosterone test run – it was well-marked. So THAT's what happens when a Thor'd Ford is floored.
Upon our return to Brandon's home, we conducted a few 4X4 tests on White Pearl and talked a bit about his future plans... but the tone had changed. He started asking about how soon I think he'll need injectors and he contemplated vices he could quit to free up some money for a PMS fund. His wife is simply going to kill me. Brandon was pragmatic before Stinky and I arrived, now he's permagrinned.
With the preliminaries out of the way, I offer to give him a ride in Stinky {this is the cue for the snickering}. I figured on running the tow tune, because that's about on par with a 60 HP tune with stock injectors. Brandon expressed approval as he noted that he can really feel a difference. I then felt a little sassy and told him I haven't tried my live-tuned race tune yet: "I don't know what's gunna happen, but let's give it a try." Brandon... oddly enough... didn't protest. In hind sight, he should have. I rolled into it with the hopes of sparing my tires premature wear... but that was an exercise in futility. Right away my RPMs seemed a little high for the acceleration we were getting, and my first flash of thought was maybe I needed some transmission adjustments on that tune. I looked in the passenger mirror to make sure I wasn't conjuring a cloud out the coal conduit, and it was just an appropriate race-tune haze (thanks Cody). Stinky felt like a soggy diaper (a little squishy in the rear) at the torque converter lockup, but I stayed in it for a few more seconds. I asked Brandon if that was in line with how his company 6.7L moved, and his reply was "I don't know, I've never driven it empty"... so at least Stinky moves better than a 6.7L bogged down with tools. Oh well - I'll look into that mystery later. I looked in the rearview mirror while decelerating – "Oh crap!" We returned to the testosterone test run – it was well-marked. So THAT's what happens when a Thor'd Ford is floored.
Upon our return to Brandon's home, we conducted a few 4X4 tests on White Pearl and talked a bit about his future plans... but the tone had changed. He started asking about how soon I think he'll need injectors and he contemplated vices he could quit to free up some money for a PMS fund. His wife is simply going to kill me. Brandon was pragmatic before Stinky and I arrived, now he's permagrinned.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 201
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From: Ellensburg, Wa
Still grinning buddy! Just read the post to the better half, she got a real kick out of it, especially the inclusion of her name for the truck! Think she might getting "on-board" with a little "White Pearl" wowifacation!
As to the name of truck, its a pirate thing...I see some window decals in the near future! Looking forward to the next time, maybe I should come your way next time.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: ellensburg
You were in town playing around and didnt get a hold of me rich?
Oh Brandon, we need to meet I guess. Didnt realize I have another PMS fueled truck in the area. I'd say I'd be willing to come give you a ride in mine, however it currently does not have a rear driveline, so it is getting gently used.
Next time you need AE data, just give me a call. I can see Hungry Junction out of my front door!
Oh Brandon, we need to meet I guess. Didnt realize I have another PMS fueled truck in the area. I'd say I'd be willing to come give you a ride in mine, however it currently does not have a rear driveline, so it is getting gently used.
Next time you need AE data, just give me a call. I can see Hungry Junction out of my front door!
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From: Ellensburg, Wa
You were in town playing around and didnt get a hold of me rich?
Oh Brandon, we need to meet I guess. Didnt realize I have another PMS fueled truck in the area. I'd say I'd be willing to come give you a ride in mine, however it currently does not have a rear driveline, so it is getting gently used.
Next time you need AE data, just give me a call. I can see Hungry Junction out of my front door!
Oh Brandon, we need to meet I guess. Didnt realize I have another PMS fueled truck in the area. I'd say I'd be willing to come give you a ride in mine, however it currently does not have a rear driveline, so it is getting gently used.
Next time you need AE data, just give me a call. I can see Hungry Junction out of my front door!
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Palmer, the number I have for you on speed-dial doesn't work... so I couldn't reach you. I was out for a test drive in Plain and I just did this impromptu. PM your number again, maybe the file transfer was corrupted when I got my new phone.
Paul Harvey was one of my many inspirations... and so was Car Talk. I miss those broadcasts.
I really appreciate the positive feedback.
Paul Harvey was one of my many inspirations... and so was Car Talk. I miss those broadcasts.
I really appreciate the positive feedback.