Superchips Microtuner and Guages
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New User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Superchips Microtuner and Guages
I have an '02 F350 4X4 PSD. I recently purchased a Superchips Microtuner and love it. I only use the tow setting when pulling my 5th wheel (GVRW 9750 lbs) and use the middle tow-performance setting when I'm not pulling the 5th wheel. I have never used the highest setting. I currently do not have guages. My truck is stock except for the tuner. My question is how many of you with a similar setup have guages and have ever seen your exhaust temps get too hot and had to back off the pedal? I guess my point is I wonder if I really need the guages. If my exhaust temps will never get above the max safe temp based on what I am running then why do I need guages? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix, AZ
Absolutely! Get the pyrometer minimum. I guarantee that you are getting into some high EGT ranges with the tuner at any horsepower.
You really need it if you run the tune and pull.
There is no built in EGT temp default or shut down on your PSD and if you exceed the danger EGT zone of 1300 degrees, well, its Cherynobl part II.
Get a 4" exhaust while you're at it.
You really need it if you run the tune and pull.
There is no built in EGT temp default or shut down on your PSD and if you exceed the danger EGT zone of 1300 degrees, well, its Cherynobl part II.
Get a 4" exhaust while you're at it.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 83
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I have the SCMT, 4" exhaust, and gauges. I would have to agree with heatstroked. If you jack up the hp with the SCMT and keep the stock 3" exhaust, that means more hp/more heat going through the same size exhaust, which could be trouble. As heatstroked says, around 1250-1300* is when the turbo blades will get brutally hot and flatten out, and then it's adios. To me, I think it would be more important with your set-up to get the bigger exhaust first, and that would guarantee that your egt's would go down with the SCMT set at any setting, and then go to gauges. One other issue which you didn't mention was air intake. These PSD's need to breath and have expansion from both sides (intake/exhaust). I have the Severe Duty AIS, and I was pleasantly surprised with the increase in throttle response. It definitely sucks in more air now than with the stock box. There are plenty of 4" exhaust systems out there that will work, as well as air intake systems (Tymar, K & N, AFE, etc.). I've probably opened up Pandora's box for you. Sorry 
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 211
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From: Reno USA
I use the 60hp setting on the tuner and have the guages. Prior to installing a AFE cold air induction systm and a flow through muffler I would get the temps up to 1200-1300 degrees even on flat land from time to time when towing my 5th wheel. Now with these two items I seldom get over 1200*. So to answer your question, yes, get the guages. It could save you from a large repair bill.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 83
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heatstroked, I love my Severe Duty AIS, but then anything to replace the stock airbox is an improvement. The throttle response is even quicker than it was before, and the air intake is going to the front of the grill and not the side wheelwell. One of the tabs on my box snapped off, so I replaced it with the AIS. I looked at my turbo blades while I had the intake hose off, and it was crystal clean. I had read posts where some people were getting tired of the high pitched turbo whine with some of the other intakes, and the AIS not only doesn't have that, it actually tuned down the stock whine of what there was of it. It is money well spent.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix, AZ
Thanks Lucca,
I feel this is the only sensible alternative at this point for me with 75K left on my warranty.
However, replacement filters are a bit pricey, huh?
I feel this is the only sensible alternative at this point for me with 75K left on my warranty.
However, replacement filters are a bit pricey, huh?
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Yes, the replacement filters are high, but like others say, the price of a dusted engine is #@%&*. What I need to know is how often do they need to be changed and/or can they be cleaned/washed like other filters and put back in. Do you know ? The other reason I got the SD AIS is because I might be moving to the Phoenix, AZ area, and with the dust content out there, I felt the AIS would do a pretty good job.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 100
From: Phoenix, AZ
Filters are disposable. Not-reusable.
I read somewhere, that the filter is good until the "filter minder" pops out. I haven't received mine yet so I am not sure what it states in the instructions. 15K-20K? depending upon environment.
I have seen the filters on e-bay for about $65.00.
I read somewhere, that the filter is good until the "filter minder" pops out. I haven't received mine yet so I am not sure what it states in the instructions. 15K-20K? depending upon environment.
I have seen the filters on e-bay for about $65.00.
