My biggest issue now is my transmission......BTS. No buddy has got the tuning down for that.

 

Big fan of DP trans tunes here as well. Behaves like I was doing the rowing, just faster and without sneeze delays.

BTS is maybe expecting OEM tune? Brian can help with that issue.

 

Brain has tunes?

 

Jumping in on this thread as I've just stepped into the diesel world. I bought a 2003 Excursion with the 7.3. It has an Edge Evolution CTS2 tuner and gage monitor, but I have read some "stay away from Edge" stuff, and was wondering if I should just keep using it, or move to something else? Anybody have any bad news about the Edge I should know about. If I change I'm currently can't decide between the DP or the Hydra... Mostly looking for a bit of pickup and good tunes for max fuel economy daily driving. I may get a DP or Hydra anyhow just because they are shift on the fly, and I can still use the CTS2 as a gage monitor. Any thoughts or guidance. It has an air intake with high flow filter setup on it, not sure of brand but it is not an open design, it seals to the hood well, and I don't see high IAT's, but other than that it's stock. Thanks for any input for the newb.

 

Hi Arkrumm. Welcome to FTE!

If you’re happy with the way it shifts and runs then I say keep it.

If it shifts too hard or you’re looking to change up tunes quite a bit then I recommend the Hydra.

The Hydra hardware is supported by many tuners. So you can try “custom” stuff from various guys. It also has free access to the PHP library of tunes (for stock injectors).

DP hardware is stuck with DP tuning. So if you don’t hit a home run with them then you’re stuck.

 

Thanks RacinJason. I'm a prior F-150 owner, and have had a couple Full Size Bronco's, one of which is the '90 I currently have. But this is my first Diesel, so having a good time researching. The truck definitely shifts harder than I would like when I really get on it, but for now it's ok, I have only tried the tow tune, I need to try the others and see how they are, but may go with the Hydra if I don't like it. I also like the shift on the fly aspect, with the edge it's about a 7 to 10 min process to change tunes, so changing back to the tow tune every time I want to tow the trailer will be more of a pain...

Hmmm... So many options! haha.

 

Arkrumm,
Yeah shift on the fly is the way to go when you’re ready. The Hydra is only $300 when using the free tunes so won’t break the bank completely. Way nicer than a flash tuner! If it’s shifting hard then you may want to do this change sooner than later.

Be sure to do some research on cleaning the PCM connector before tackling the job. You have to get ALL the silicone off, even between the solder. But you also don’t want to remove any of the solder...

I’m using an old CTS monitor for some gauges. Not sure what setup you have but you’ll need EGT, boost, and fuel pressure separately or buy special sensor add-ons for the CTS. I have Auto Meter for fuel and boost with the pyrometer sensor in the CTS.

Check out the tech folder at the top of the our sub-forum. It has a wealth of information. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-7-3l-psd.html

You may want to consider starting a thread to detail your truck and share some photos... the guys around here love photos! This way we can give better suggestions based on your current setup and goals.

Two warnings
1- PMS is a hard addiction. (Powerstroke Modification Syndrome)
2- We love to spend other people’s money

 

Two warnings
1- PMS is a hard addiction. (Powerstroke Modification Syndrome) Yes it is!
2- We love to spend other people’s money Yes you do!

 

Damn it, you convinced me... I think I'm going to get the Hydra, shift of the fly is too good compared to this edge thing. The shifts on the one I have now are only hard when I am really on it, driving "normal" it shifts fine, but if I jump on it the shifting is hard and not where I want it to be. I was already planning on getting the EGT on the CTS2, I already have boost as one of the points, not sure if fuel pressure is available on there or not.. I think I'll pay the $10 bucks and get all the tunes loaded, and go from there, but maybe it's best to download what I want from the PHP library of tunes?

What's the easiest way to get the PCM code? I have tried to look with a mirror but haven't been able to find it yet.. Doesn't appear the PCM is super hard to pull, but trying to find an easier way if I can.

Guess I'll have to find out how far I have to remove it for California smog as well....

I've got to get some more pictures and make a post. So far I've got oil, transfer case, and transmission fluid and filters all changed (no filter on the transfer case obviously), going through and checking things out, but so far super happy with it. I'll have to start digging into tech folder, currently trying to decide what I want to do with the coolant...