I have a 2003 f350 6.0 with 200,000 miles it has a coolant filter,scan guage 2,flushed coolant system and run elc,updated ficm,blue spring mod,ipr egr delete,updated turbo drain,and factory exhaust with the cat and muffler deleted. I was trying to get opinions if it would be safe to run a sct tuner on my truck? I would just use the tunes that come with the tuner until I can afford the srl tune. I do have the scanguage 2 to read Oil and ect temps but I don't have a fuel pressure guage or a egt guage also I never tow heavy. So what does everyone think safe or not safe?

 

I use the SCT iTSX on my 05 Excursion. I also have a mostly stock engine (do have blue spring, Cold air intake, coolant filter, oil bypass filter, MBRP turbo back exhaust).

I run the SCT tunes, but normally stick to either the 50hp or 65hp tune that came with the tuner. I don't tow heavy, but I do often tow things. If I am planning on towing anything over 4000 lbs then I go down to the 50hp tune. Other than that I leave it on the 65hp tow tune. There are two more higher hp tunes I could use, but since I have the factory head bolts I don't want to risk anything needlessly. Though I have run those tunes for a short time just to see the difference.

As with many mods, I think it all depends on how you drive the vehicle and what preventative/regular maintance you do. So I would not be scared to get a tuner and run whatever tune you want, given that you don't try to blow the doors off every time you go to the corner store.

 

The SCT canned tunes are fine on a non studded truck, I have been running the 65HP tow tune for a couple of years and have not had a problem.

 

Guess I'll be the stick in the mud. There are many threads here and on other sites where the poster put a tuner an a stock truck and had issues. Some of it has to do with How you drive, what kind of shape the truck is in when you installed the tuner, and which tunes you run, but to flatly say it's fine is a little misleading.
If you run a tuner without studs you should start a savings account for repairs or at least prepare your anus for the expense of head gaskets and studs at a later date. It may not happen, but it certainly could and does happen.

 

I'll give you that but it also happens on an non tuned, non studded engine as well, it doesn't matter what has been done to the truck if you miss treat it and neglect the maintenance you will have problems regardless. From my personal experience the canned tunes from SCT are just fine for a non studded truck and from things I've read im not the only one with this opinion.

 

I'll let you know, I bought a sct x4 and custom tunes for a non-studded truck. I can see where it could end up needing work done . It is soooo much fun and a totally different truck with the tunes, it is like it woke up a beast. But I can see where parts could be stressed. I watch my boost and egt's and fuel pressure. It is either I stud it, or buy a 6.7, cause man it is nice.

 

Do the warnings against tuners for stock trucks apply to the FICM upgrades(atlas 40)??

 

Absolutely not! You would notice better starting and maybe 1-2 mpg increase