It is a '97 F-250 HD with the 351 (speed density not MAF). So far I have upgraded to a Flowmaster 40 with duals and the K/N intake. Both helped liven up the truck quite a bit in the acceleration and passing departments. I'm now looking to firm up the shifts. I do a lot of in-town (30 - 40) driving and the tranny wants to shift too much. I also plan on doing quite a bit of towing with it.
What are my options and what would be my best course of action, a chip or tuner?

 

Pig Pen Jr., I have the same truck except with a manual and its a 1990, what K&N did you put in, just the filter or the FIPK? did it improve performance and mileage? i have a flowmaster 40 with duals as well, and a drop-in K&N.

 

I installed the entire FIPK. Performance as far as throttle response improved quite a bit. MPG have not changed, but I have not had it out on a long hi-way trip yet, just in town 30 - 40 MPH driving.

 

I forgot, the FIPK is loud too. On my truck anyway. When you start it up it sounds like a shop vac is under the hood for a couple seconds. It is also loud when you kick her down. Normal driving and just idle I don't hear it though.

 

FIPK and exhaust have no bearing on the chip or tuner. Which you get depends on you.

If you want to be able to switch tunes quickly, or will need custom programming in the future, go with a Diablo chip.

If you want a code reader, go with the Superchips.

 

How many program options do you get with the tuner? I really only need one for everyday driving on 87 octane and one for towing on 87 octane. Also, with the tuner can you calibrate for different size tires if I go bigger in the future?

 

The tuner has:

87 octane -- virtually no power gain. Its for transmission tuning.
Premium towing
Premium no towing

Read up the various topics in this section, the tuner has been covered in detail many times and I'm unable to type long responses due to my 12+ hour work days --- I'm swamped.

 

Thanks, looks like a tuner is exactly what I want. I can set it for 87 DD and then tune it for 93 towing when I tow. Power is nice, but at 30 - 40 mph in stop and go traffic it don't do anything but waste gas.

Thanks for the response I know your busy from reading through posts and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer. You the man.

 

I just got my tuner and I love it so far. It was worth if for the shifting along.

 

Pig Pen,

Disconnect the battery for 30 minutes and then reprogram it for 93, non-towing. After 100 miles in this position, then start checking mileage.