FICM Reprogram

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Aug 24, 2014 | 06:37 PM

SuperDutyDoug

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FICM Reprogram

Hello all,

I have a 2003 6.0L with the original FICM. I see no problems with the FICM, either by reading the voltages or by how the truck performs. I am wondering, however, whether it would be worth my while to have the FICM reprogrammed. For one thing, the truck was serviced at the dealer in 2005 or so and I suspect the FICM was reprogrammed. I don't have a way of confirming this, but I am left wondering if the FICM is hindering the amount of power gain I get from my Tow Tune from Innovative Diesel.

So here is the question - what factors can guide me to decide whether to go with the economy FICM tune or the Atlas 40 tune? I don't tow heavy, and I do have an EGT gauge. The truck is 100K miles with no studs and no known issues. I know the Atlas 40 tune will increase my EGT's, but by how much and under what conditions? At cruise? Running unloaded up a mountain grade @ 70mph? Or only if I try to tow 8K lbs?

I am always leery of doing something that will reduce longevity, and I don't want to have to watch the EGT gauge like a hawk.

Your experience and comments are appreciated.

Doug

Aug 24, 2014 | 06:51 PM

Edogsf350

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Joined: Oct 2012

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From: Jerome Idaho

it was my understanding that the atlas 40 helped with lowering egt? or is it just safe for towing?

Aug 24, 2014 | 07:07 PM

78fordman

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Jefferson, Iowa

The Atlas will raise egts. I have it but I do not have a egt gauge. It does not raise overall cylinder pressure, making it safe for stock tty bolts.

Aug 24, 2014 | 08:38 PM

Edogsf350

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Joined: Oct 2012

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From: Jerome Idaho

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78fordman

The Atlas will raise egts. I have it but I do not have a egt gauge. It does not raise overall cylinder pressure, making it safe for stock tty bolts.

do you tow? and do you worry about egt?

Aug 25, 2014 | 02:30 PM

FordFamily6

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Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 68

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From: Central TX

I dont have an EGT gauge (yet) but my understanding/experience is that with stock exhaust the Atlas 40 is fine. I ran that for a year no problem, pulled my 6500lb TT occasionally. The higher hp Atlas tune requires aftermarket exhaust. You can reach out to Ed @ ficmrepair.com for in depth Q&A on Ficm. The atlas 40 was best upgrade i've done to this point, may send it back for bigger Atlas tune now that I have aftermarket exhaust. Unfortunately I cant provide data on the temps, but a lot of folks on here have the Atlas tune.

http://ficmrepair.com/FAQ/index.htm

Last edited by FordFamily6; Aug 25, 2014 at 02:35 PM. Reason: Added link

Aug 25, 2014 | 05:23 PM

9228.bobcat

Cargo Master

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,283

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From: missouri

Can't go wrong with the Atlas 40

Aug 25, 2014 | 08:20 PM

wildcat421

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Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 471

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From: Laporte , Indiana

I have the atlas 40 tune on my 06. It is my belief that they suggest having an egt sensor if you tow over 8,000lbs and have stock exhaust with the atlas 40 tune. I have EGT guage and 4" turbo back exhaust with no kitty. I tow 10,000lbs and egt temp never goes above 1200 degrees and I have pulled that 10,000lb load over 1,100 miles. Not sure where it would be with stock exhaust.