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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

Tune for Plowing?

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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:26 AM
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Tune for Plowing?

I recently picked up a '97 f250 that came with a plow. It already has the gauges, dp/exhaust and intake. The PO was running the edge programmer... that was interesting trying to get it to program back to stock.

Any how, it's been awhile since I've been a part of the 7.3 world (superduty being last). But I would imagine DP tuner's F-5 chip is still the way to go? I was looking at just getting stock, hi-idle no ebv 1100, 80 hp tow, 60 daily, 120 race. What about plowing? Would the towing work or would stock be best for that? I guess it isn't to important as I won't be plowing more than 3 driveways each snow fall but I figured I would ask!
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:30 AM
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Here in the OBS world more people run TS style chips with custom tunes. TW and gearhead seem to be the most popular right now but most people are happy with whichever tuner they choose.

DP is still popular, just more popular in the SD circle.

Cant help ya on plowing. We dont get that much snow here
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:30 AM
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The f5 is still a great way to go. However, the cheaper and just as reliable way to go is a custom tuned TS chip. 6 tunes all on the fly. As far as what your best tune for plowing would be, i don't see why light tow wouldn't work fine.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 11:42 AM
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Do we have a recommended supporting Vendor for the TS chips?

Also could someone point in me the direction of recommend mods for the OBS 7.3s.. I only owned one a few years ago and I remember doing EBV delete and a bunch of other little things that seemed to help. I'd like to start working on these as well!
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 01:08 PM
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You can take your pick, honestly. Many tuners have good tunes. Here is some reading for you as far as the options go.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rogrammer.html

Recommended mods are generally the same thing for most new trucks. 6637 intake to replace the stock setup. Riffraff Diesel: RDP 6637 Filter Kit
After that, exhaust is your next step. The downpipes on these trucks are HORRIBLY restrictive. You can take your pick of brands, Diamond Eye, MBRP, etc are all good brands. In my view, exhaust is exhaust. 3 inch down pipe is about all you'll be able to fit without some serious work to the firewall. After the DP, you can go 4 inch or 5 inch for better flow. Before you install a chip, I'd recommend a good gauge setup first as well to keep an eye on your EGT's, tranny temp, etc.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Ford4Life7.3
You can take your pick, honestly. Many tuners have good tunes. Here is some reading for you as far as the options go.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rogrammer.html

Recommended mods are generally the same thing for most new trucks. 6637 intake to replace the stock setup. Riffraff Diesel: RDP 6637 Filter Kit
After that, exhaust is your next step. The downpipes on these trucks are HORRIBLY restrictive. You can take your pick of brands, Diamond Eye, MBRP, etc are all good brands. In my view, exhaust is exhaust. 3 inch down pipe is about all you'll be able to fit without some serious work to the firewall. After the DP, you can go 4 inch or 5 inch for better flow. Before you install a chip, I'd recommend a good gauge setup first as well to keep an eye on your EGT's, tranny temp, etc.
Thanks for the info, however I already have the exhaust, intake, and gauges

Chip is next i suppose! Then I would assume fuel system work? (transmission is already built).
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by ech0sh4y
Thanks for the info, however I already have the exhaust, intake, and gauges

Chip is next i suppose! Then I would assume fuel system work? (transmission is already built).
Ah, well never mind. Thats where putting your mods in your signature comes in handy. What power level are you shooting for?
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 05:57 PM
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For plowing I'd say a 40hp tow
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 08:23 PM
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As for power level, I am use to driving/towing in a DP tuned (air/exhaust modded) superduty. So something similar to that would be great! I guess I was looking at doing mods that will keep this 7.3 happy and healthy. Not really looking to make huge power! If anything can help it run smoother, last longer, and get more power I am all for it! haha
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 08:25 PM
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I guess I should also add, this isn't a daily driver. I am going to use it to plow a few driveways and some misc plowing on the lake (sturgeon spearing). I also tow a 4 place snowmobile trailer, and a car hauler with a samurai. Sometimes I town my buddies CJ too. So really nothing horribly large! Plus it will be the Menards/Lowes delivery truck!! Have to justify the purchase to the wife ya know
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 08:58 PM
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I'm a bit confused on pricing of these TS Chips... TW and Gearhead have the chips and tunes listed for $465, while if you do a google search for Ts chip, you can find them for $250-300 with tunes on them? What is the difference? I'd try to support the vendors that support FTE but for that price I am not sure it's worth it!
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 09:01 PM
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TS sells the chip with their generic "box", one size fits all tunes. TW, PHP, Gearhead, the like, take TS chips and put the tunes they write on them. Theres also custom tuning, where they modify the tunes to fit your specific setup/needs. More info can be found in that same link i posted earlier.
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 09:12 PM
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If that's all you are using it for then you can send the PCM to DP Tuner and have a 40 or 60hp tune put on the PCM for about a 100 bucks
 
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Old Nov 10, 2013 | 09:45 PM
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DP tuner it is. I've had three of them and loved them all. Hopefully he knows his stuff with OBS 7.3s! I should probably stop with modding ideas right now. Christmas is coming, wifey might not like our checking account balance to be too low haha
 
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Old Nov 11, 2013 | 12:15 AM
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Personally, I'd run a tow setting. Nothing too extreme. The way I see it, the tow setting is designed to be safe when the truck is working hard. I don't see how towing would be much different than pushing snow. When the motor is working under a load, it doesn't know if the weight is in front or behind it. I'd just make sure your air supply is suffice and maybe a bigger trans cooler. You said the trans is built, but heat is a killer of all things. I'd invest in a pyro because I noticed that the autos like to shift into higher gears and lug (unless you plan on shifting manually). All in all, I'd do the tow tune, intake, exhaust, pyro, trans cooler and focus more on driveline upgrades. Plowing is hell on trucks. Good luck!
 
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