Hey everyone
I got my 99 Powerstroke f-250 XLT extended cab, short bed about 4 monthes ago, when i found out i had a job that would require a 40 mile commute each direction everyday, so this truck sees anywhere from 80-100 miles a day (depending if i go hunting after work ).
Anyway we bought it at a local dealership used, it didn't even have a sticker on it or was even cleaned yet, when we found it. We started to haggle price and argue over the value of my old truck and all that, and eventually got this 99 with 22,000 miles for somewhere around 22,000 bucks.
Well I have been driving it daily, and with winter approaching i got a new set of tires, and am keeping about 400-450 lbs of weight in the far back part of the bed.
My question is this, since x-mas is fast approaching, what would you all recommend for upgrades? Although I would love to burn the tires off every light and run over a rice burner, I don't quite think that is what I need. It sees occasional off-road use and the 4x4 gets regular use. Mostly I am just looking for milage (with the old firestone steeltex's that came on the truck, on trips it would get 18-19, and the work commute it would get 16 or so. With these newer tires, it gets 17 on long trips, and about 15-16 on the daily commute)
anyway, mostly milage, and sure horsepower would be nice too
Being new to the diesel world, about the only company I know is Banks, and I have been consiering getting their stinger package.
Would these upgrades seriously hurt the engine longevity?
Any other companies I should consider?
Unfortunately Ed McMahon hasn't came to our door yet, so I am still on a budget, of probably prety close to about a $1000, less is better, but ya know
I think that is about it, I am looking forward to posting here and getting to know some fellow diesel owners

 

Easiest upgrade is to get a SuperChips Microtuner. I use my 01 PSD Excursion as my commuter vehicle. 135 miles a day round trip. Before the tuner about 17 was all I could muster, she is now getting between 20 and 21 doing 68-75 mph. Economy depends a great deal on keeping the RPM below 2K and not dusting every bow tie and goat or riceburner that gets next to me at a light or toll booth. I too am on a limited budget, but when I can I will add a Banks downpipe and exhaust. But the SCMT is a great addition. I will reprogram when I'm pulling the 32' trailer. It is fun to watch the face of someone, when that X pulls away from them.....

 

I was looking at a micro tuner, the newer one, not bad for price either, about 340, which is EASILY within my budget
That is a very possible buy, along with a high performance air filter, and then an exhaust. I am just testing the waters, being new to all this, better to know the field before I jump and lock myself into something.

 

I just received my Superchip Microtuner. All I can say is it is the best "instant" upgrade for the money.
I would highly recommend it!!!! BTW you can purchase one through MOTORHAVEN ....this site's on line store for $325.00. Its the best price around.

 

thanx for the info looks like motohaven is the cheapest around
I am also scouring ebay for the 1705
After doing some research (instead of working )I think that seems like the ultimate upgrade for a little money with a lot of results
my only question is, are there any negative effects on engine longevity, or negative effects on any parts?

 

Can't go wrong with replacing the airfilter/intake on the truck.
I have the AFE unit and noticed a drop in EGT temps of about 50 degrees.

 

should i consider getting the gauges?

 

Gauges are nice , make the truck look racey as well.
I would say that every PSD truck should atleast have a boost and a EGT gauge. I stuck a volt gauge in mine becasue i like to see what acc. pull what kinda voltage.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-Nov-02 AT 01:36 PM (EST)]this may sound really, dumb, but i guess the only dumb questions are those you don't ask, so what does EGT stand for and what else would the gauges measure, it seems like there are three mentioned, EGT, and then 2 others, what are they?


oh yeah where would be a good place to look at these, or buy them
right now

 

Exhaust Gas Temperature