1997 F350 crew cab

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Aug 22, 2001 | 01:07 PM

cowens

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1997 F350 crew cab

I recently bought a 97 f350 crew cab long bed with a 460 automatic. Anyone out there have anything similar or have any good advice on possible problems or pit falls of this truck.

Thanks,

Chad Owens
Springfield, MO

Aug 23, 2001 | 10:12 AM

webguyrich

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1997 F350 crew cab

The engine makes plenty of torque, but if you are looking for more performance, may I suggest a K&N air filter, remove the air baffles which are between the throttle body and the air box, and go with an aftermarket catback system.

If you really want to go all out, check out the Banks Torque Tubes headers. We put a set of these on our '95 460 and love 'em! They give us better fuel economy and increased low end torque.

We also added a Banks TranCommand transmission module to our E4OD. This is a must if you will be towing. It completely changes the shift characteristics of the E4OD. It sneses the load being pulled and automatically adjusts TC lockup and shift firmness.

A larger throttle body is always good. BBK makes some great TB's for the 460. The only problem is price, I believe they run a little over $300.

Also, if you decide to get a new throttle body, look into a new MAS, you'll need to be able to provide the new throtle body with the air it's looking for.

Thats all I can think of for now. Have fun with the truck!

Rich

Aug 23, 2001 | 10:40 AM

cowens

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1997 F350 crew cab

Thanks for the response, what kind of gas mileage did you get bone stock and then what kind of increase did you see by adding the K&N air filter, etc. I am getting around 10mpg towing and 12 empty right now. I thought about a diablo chip to get better mileage but I don't want to have to burn premium fuel at the premium price. Anyway, I was just curious what kind of mileage other trucks might be getting with the 460.

Thanks,

Chad

Aug 23, 2001 | 12:58 PM

webguyrich

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1997 F350 crew cab

I believe I was getting about 8 mpg prior to the upgrades and now about 10 mpg. I attirbute the lower economy to the 410 rear end I have. I have a very heavy foot too! :-)

Aug 28, 2001 | 12:15 PM

cowens

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1997 F350 crew cab

good info from Rich but I'm curious if anyone including Rich, knows how much horsepower and mileage increase I would see by adding just a K&N air system, and just a new exhaust system w/ 3" pipe. Maybe there is a web site somewhere with these kind of test statistics and I just havn't found it yet. I just want to get the most increase for the amount of bucks I spend.

Thanks,

Chad

Aug 28, 2001 | 08:44 PM

SMOTU

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1997 F350 crew cab

On my '89 460 F250, 5 spd manual, I did the K&N Air Filter, removed the horns on the air intake collector and a cat back system that a muffler shop manufactured. Don't know about horsepower increase but noticed a definite improvement towing 8000 lb.s of 5th wheel. Mileage went up from around 11 solo highway to a little over 13, (4:10 gears), up from 7 to 9 towing on flats. Was pleased with the good improvement at minimal cost

Aug 28, 2001 | 09:22 PM

SMOTU

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1997 F350 crew cab

WebGuyRich:

How do you like the TransCommand? Thinking of doing one on my 2002 F350 diesel to try to save the 4r100 trouble down the road. Will be some max GCW towing with this rig and looking for someone that has installed this device.

Thanx in advance for your input.

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Aug 29, 2001 | 08:48 AM

webguyrich

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1997 F350 crew cab

So far, so good, I love my Transcommand. Not only has it firmed up my shifts, but it also locks up the TC sooner, this is all done by boosting the hydraulic pressure inside the the trans. The part I love about the Transcommand over similar products, is everything is automatically adjusted on the fly. The module seneses your load and adjusts itself accordingly, no more adjustments in the cab (like trailer brakes aren't enough all in themself, let alone just driving the rig).

They are very easy to install also. I think I installed mine in about 20-25 minutes. The hardest part was getting the three wires out of the factory trans wiring harness at the trans. If you are looking to improve the quality and characteristics of your E4OD or 4R100, I highly recommend it.

Rich
(No I'm not a Banks salesman, just a satified customer.)