I just bought an 01 [I believe] E-350 with the 7.3 with 18000 miles. It is a former ambulance with a smallish utility box. This truck is in beautiful shape and seems to run good but I think my V-10 Excursion would hand the diesel it's *** the way it is now [stock]. I am a trim carpenter so this truck is perfect for me, well almost. It needs some more power and maybe a little firmer shifting.
I am new to diesels but have driven an 02 4wd dually with a chip and a downpipe and a new Duramax and both of those have tons of power to me. I would like to get close to the 02 with the few mods he had. First is there anything I should be concerned with on this truck not being driven much in it's life. And next what kind of chip/programmer should I get. Will a chip also control the shifting? How about the exhaust/downpipe. Should I change anything else ?
Is there anything I should be looking out for maintenance wise that I need to keep an eye on or that I should change while this truck is still like new ?
Is the Shell Rotella synthetic a good oil choice ? I picked up a Motorcraft filter. I would love to hear some ideas and tips.
I am feeling bad because I don't think this truck has ever been this dirty, 2 days of driving in the melting snow of WNY. I think the Firemen always kept this truck spotless.
Thanks Dave

 

I always suggest 7.3L PSD E-Series and metal tank F-Series (F-550 and F-650) guys drop the tank and take a look:

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

 

First thing you should do it get it checked out and make sure that everything on it is running as it should. Chipping and modifying an engine that is not @ 100% is not the thing to do.

 

Custom Tunes link in my signature will answer many questions - until you are ready for the rest.

 

Tugly
that was some great reading, along with some of the other links I read along the way. Heads spinning and my eyes hurt from all the reading. Thanks

 

Tim I have a rear mount tank on mine, it appears to have a drain plug in the center. This is a former ambulance with an aluminum 10' utility body not a side mount tank. I think as soon as the snow melts and I can get to my shop I will pull it in and drain the tank to see what I got. Thanks Dave