Pimpx to replace SD
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,768
Likes: 2,420
What I am reading, you say you have stock fuel and ignition systems but you are running PiMPx..What system do you run currently. I am not saying it's impossible, but there can't be many people that can get a stock SD system to run your parts efficiently. Could you make a tune to work the stock parts? I suspect you could.
To be clear, my understanding is that the OP wanted to know if by swapping the stock fuel system to a PiMPx that it will add a bunch more power. I will admit, maybe how I read it was not what was implied. My answer is not really. Sure, it could add more power, but additional items will be needed to allow more air to pass through the engine. If you have SD, my understanding, it is limited [in stock form] to compliment the additional add-ons you choose. Could you use a Quarterhorse/Tweecer to make it work? Sure. Could you use PiMPx to make it work, sure.
As for MAF or SD being better?
To be clear, my understanding is that the OP wanted to know if by swapping the stock fuel system to a PiMPx that it will add a bunch more power. I will admit, maybe how I read it was not what was implied. My answer is not really. Sure, it could add more power, but additional items will be needed to allow more air to pass through the engine. If you have SD, my understanding, it is limited [in stock form] to compliment the additional add-ons you choose. Could you use a Quarterhorse/Tweecer to make it work? Sure. Could you use PiMPx to make it work, sure.
As for MAF or SD being better?
I don’t know what a PiMPx fuel system is so you’ll have to fill me in.I am using PiMPxs (allows batch or sequential injection) and what the OP is looking at is the Stinger Performance PiMPx (batch fire only). Yes, the limiting factor is the OEM PCM in both SD and MAF forms with mass air along more modifications before reaching that limit. I ran the 302 with a bigger cam, Scorpion 1.7 roller rockers and GT40 heads with a Ford Motorsports MAF conversion kits which used a Mustang A9L PCM.
According to Stinger, you can run a mass air meter as an input to their computer but it isn’t necessary.
Last edited by My4Fordtrucks; Nov 18, 2025 at 10:58 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,768
Likes: 2,420
You’re still confused. Speed density absolutely can support some mods.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
First of thanks for the comments and now I have a little better understanding of things. Here's were I'm at, we don't use this truck much but have decided to fix it up and get her going again. My main ranch truck is a 2019 F350 single wheel with a 6.2L this is what we do the majority of our pulling with. We also have 2024 F250 6.7L for long hauls. I'd like this old truck to be as capable as the 6.2L so will eventually need more power. I hate to start buying parts then realize I need ECU mods. I also know this is a 30 yr old truck and the computer could go out tomorrow. Sounds like the best bet would be to get the PiMPx if I want to eventually go for 350 or so hp. I wouldn't buy one just to buy one but I can start planning knowing what I'll need. Making 350-375hp with a 351 looks fairly easy it's just the stock tuneability that keeps you from it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 999
I have acknowledged that I have not experience with SD, but it is well know it can't handle a lot of mods. What the OP is shooting for, I don't think the stock factory software can address. If you are saying a stock SD computer [without tuning] can handle upgraded heads, cam, exhaust, intake, and injectors, then I will acknowledge that I am wrong.
If I was the OP and the goal was having the mods that he desires, the first step would be to handle the fuel/ignition issues before I purchase all the items.
Again, I am not a lawyer that can thread the needle to use words that will explain my thoughts exactly. I am not confused, I know what I am thinking is 100% right. I just do not have the time/effort/skills to post a comment that will pass the Supreme Court scrutiny. I understand that people can/will poke holes in my statements to find where I am wrong. I'm ok with that.
Last edited by 1Butcher; Nov 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
A build like the one in link is what I'd like. Not sure if I'd build or buy as that would just be a matter of how much time we have. I like the PiMPx because it would replace the stock ECU and I could get rid of some emissions related codes but something like a Holley sniper set up might be the way to go?
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 999
My Tweecer has eliminated everything you desire. Yes, mine is MAF but my understanding, it can do SD too. Same with Quarterhorse. If you don't speak computer talk, it can be very frustrating. I know, I've gone down that road all too often.
As for building or buying, when I was researching my 408w build, I looked at what was offered and thought to myself, there is no F'n way I was going to spend $10k on an engine. Well, I am way past that number and all I got are parts and a huge machine shop bill.
My take is building is more expensive than having it built. Building is long term better because you know every thing that happened and you know who to blame when it is not working right. Try to blame a professional is kind of difficult.
Time spent now researching will save you a ton of money in the future. Question everyone's opinion and wrap your head around what people are saying. Many opinions are just that, but opinions tend to be based on some facts.
As for building or buying, when I was researching my 408w build, I looked at what was offered and thought to myself, there is no F'n way I was going to spend $10k on an engine. Well, I am way past that number and all I got are parts and a huge machine shop bill.
My take is building is more expensive than having it built. Building is long term better because you know every thing that happened and you know who to blame when it is not working right. Try to blame a professional is kind of difficult.
Time spent now researching will save you a ton of money in the future. Question everyone's opinion and wrap your head around what people are saying. Many opinions are just that, but opinions tend to be based on some facts.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 56
From: Kentucky
It's doubtful that he would get away with running all of the mods that you listed, but he may get away with running a fair bit of modifications while still using the factory speed density computer. He will never get the full benefit of the parts that he puts into the motor if he doesn't have a way to tune it, though. The same thing can be said about MAF and OBD2. If anyone was to come out with an ECU that would tune your motor for you, tuners would go out of business.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,768
Likes: 2,420
The term 'some' is the issue. I believe the OP's wishes are not considered 'some'.
I have acknowledged that I have not experience with SD, but it is well know it can't handle a lot of mods. What the OP is shooting for, I don't think the stock factory software can address. If you are saying a stock SD computer [without tuning] can handle upgraded heads, cam, exhaust, intake, and injectors, then I will acknowledge that I am wrong.
If I was the OP and the goal was having the mods that he desires, the first step would be to handle the fuel/ignition issues before I purchase all the items.
I have acknowledged that I have not experience with SD, but it is well know it can't handle a lot of mods. What the OP is shooting for, I don't think the stock factory software can address. If you are saying a stock SD computer [without tuning] can handle upgraded heads, cam, exhaust, intake, and injectors, then I will acknowledge that I am wrong.
If I was the OP and the goal was having the mods that he desires, the first step would be to handle the fuel/ignition issues before I purchase all the items.
The PiMP computer is also SD so that rules out your assumption that mass air is needed to run better heads and camshaft.
What fuel and ignition issues? The aftermarket computer allowed me to use bigger injectors but other than that, I have stated several times that I am using the stock fuel and ignition systems on my 408.
A build like the one in link is what I'd like. Not sure if I'd build or buy as that would just be a matter of how much time we have. I like the PiMPx because it would replace the stock ECU and I could get rid of some emissions related codes but something like a Holley sniper set up might be the way to go?
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
I took the truck to a tuner since I couldn’t figure it out. I’m going with operator error but I couldn’t figure it out. Whenever I tried using autotune it seemed to run worse but I am not a computer person. The explanation from the tuner on what he did and what you can do with the program went right over my head.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 999
A build like the one in link is what I'd like. Not sure if I'd build or buy as that would just be a matter of how much time we have. I like the PiMPx because it would replace the stock ECU and I could get rid of some emissions related codes but something like a Holley sniper set up might be the way to go?
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
I spent months to find an engine that I could rebuild. I lucked out and found one a couple hours away that was sitting in some water at the wrecking yard. They said it turned over, so I knew it was not seized. I purchased it for $250 [I think] and gutted it when I had time. It was perfect for what I was doing. Sadly, the only part that I will be using is the block and a few brackets. I swear, once I get done, everything will be recycled.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 56
From: Kentucky
MAF and speed density are fueling strategies. The PiMP (Megasquirt) is an ECU which can run either MAF or SD and others. The tuning is definitely tricky to figure out, but fun to play with at the same time. Some people are about addicts with it and others hate it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 999
I am not an addict, but when you finally figure something out and it works, I swear it feels good. Especially when you refuse to ask a question and just keep researching and trying to figure it out yourself. When I finally got my E4OD dialed in, I drank two ice cold beers to celebrate the win. 
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 108
Likes: 15
I've deleted the air injection and all associated parts on this truck. Also deleted the EGR which I may add back. I bought the plug for the EGR but it still has CEL on. I also took the cat off and did flow through 3" muffler with 3" in and out. The engine has 146k on it and runs great so I'd probably build it or send it in to be rebuilt. I looked into just doing a cam and maybe GT40 heads but don't think I'd be happy with the results and would end up spending more later. I just want a reliable engine with some pulling power. I'm sure I could figure out the tuning but once I got it set would probably leave it alone. I pretty much only want to do it once.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 845
A build like the one in link is what I'd like. Not sure if I'd build or buy as that would just be a matter of how much time we have. I like the PiMPx because it would replace the stock ECU and I could get rid of some emissions related codes but something like a Holley sniper set up might be the way to go?
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp11-f...-engine-385hp/
I would build an EFI spec engine for EFI, not a carburated spec for EFI.
For the amount of money a PimpX is, I'd spend that on a better named brand like Holley.
For the price of a PimpX, you can save 50% and buy MegaSquirt and wire it yourself. Your paying twice as much for their claimed "PlugN'play".
I am not an addict, but when you finally figure something out and it works, I swear it feels good. Especially when you refuse to ask a question and just keep researching and trying to figure it out yourself. When I finally got my E4OD dialed in, I drank two ice cold beers to celebrate the win.
I've dialed my trans in mechanically. Haven't had to fine tune it yet, no need. Wanting a firmer 2nd gear shift, will be drilling out the 2nd gear calibration plate hole soon. Then I can dial in with the tuner.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 845
I've deleted the air injection and all associated parts on this truck. Also deleted the EGR which I may add back. I bought the plug for the EGR but it still has CEL on. I also took the cat off and did flow through 3" muffler with 3" in and out. The engine has 146k on it and runs great so I'd probably build it or send it in to be rebuilt. I looked into just doing a cam and maybe GT40 heads but don't think I'd be happy with the results and would end up spending more later. I just want a reliable engine with some pulling power. I'm sure I could figure out the tuning but once I got it set would probably leave it alone. I pretty much only want to do it once.
I did an intake, cam and long tube headers, ported stock E7 heads, runs fine with SD, a little bit of a rough idle, easily fixed with IAC plate adjustment kit.