Pulled the exhaust manifolds off with the intention of installing gaskets. Now waiting on new manifolds as I found there was more then just a mating surface leak...but going to make the best of it and get the BD Power replacements. Anyway, the 12 year old back pressure tube fitting decided it was too rusty to rotate independently of the tube so I have one more part in the scrap heap...

So here's the question. On an '03 with a later PCM flash (BP sensor not used), is there any other purpose for that sensor, or am I better off just capping off the new manifold?

 

It's used as part of the Vref, so you would need to put it back.

What strategy are you running on your PCM?

 

I don't recall off top of my head which strategy, only that the truck was in many moons ago and was flashed for the EBP workaround.

Out of curiosity I'd love to know the rest of the story, but decided to side with caution and simply cough up the $38.22 for an 8" tube. I'm far too busy this week to worry about that on a $2k plus set of projects for the truck. Thanks so much for the reply!

 

My truck was flashed years ago with this but I'm not sure the EBP doesnt still have some input:
"2003/04 Computer Programming Recall 06E17:
Truck built before 9-29-03 are being recalled to have the computer reprogrammed. The reason for this recall is to correct fuel injection timing during cold operation, EGR valve control, lack of power, check engine light illumination (P02263 or P0299), hard starting and rough running concerns related to Exhaust BackPressure sensor corrosion. Other symptoms not listed in this recall, but which could occur, would be excessive smoke, turbo control and surging at idle or cruise. The new update eliminates the EBP sensor input to the computer. The exhaust backpressure will now be inferred/calculated using other sensor signals. Trucks should be reprogrammed using versions 41.8 or 42.1 or higher.
After this reprogramming, the truck should be test driven, the computer checked for a codes and the codes cleared (even if none are present), the key cycled on for five seconds, then turned off twice, then the engine started and allowed to idle for 5 minutes at operating temperature to allow the computer to relearn the EGR valve closed position value. This is to prevent erronious codes or driveability sysmptoms related to the EGR valve an turbo performance. Broadcast Messages 5452, 5529.
You should notice an increase in turbo cycling closed/whistling at idle and at stops. This is normal, and is to help keep the variable vanes from sticking."