Okay, so far I've pretty much had ALMOST 20K miles worth of trouble-free towing across the U.S. - I LOVE this truck!

Today, I got the "latest" reflash as I have a build date of March '03...and previously I had all the little annoying issues with idle, sporatic power loss and weird shifting/downshifting in tow mode...thought it might be time to take a whack at the issues with the latest flash.

I change my oil every 5K miles, new filter and changed the fuel filters at 15K like a good boy...I even drain out the water separater from time to time...usually when I change the oil.

I keep Chevron Delo 15w-40 in it, with a factory oil filter.

I just realized today that I have yet to change the air filter!

I'm not a big fan of these flow meter devices that manufacturers put on the air boxes...I just change the darned thing from time to time...but this filter is OVER $100 from the dealership!!

Of course, the guy at the dealership says, "Lord knows what you'll get with one of those aftermarket thingeys...and the warranty won't cover you."

Yeah - B.S.

SO, what air filter do I order?? I don't necessarily want one of those fancy cold air intakes, etc. - just a replacement paper or whater filter for now. If it gives me 300more HP and umteen-zillion ft. lbs of torque, so be it...but you see my point, I just want a decent, and reasonably priced replacement filter.

On that note, is there a good oil filter out there in lieu of the Motorcraft one?? I have to praise my local Ford dealership as they sell the Motorcraft ones for $23 due to the "competition" out there - just bought one today in plans for my 20K oil change.

I have considered a Diablo and have read that I need to have an October '03 or later flash, might want to get a pyrometer gauge, and definitely want to change to a bigger downpipe for the 100HP mode.

SO, I got the reflash...now where should I start??

I don't want to blow $1K on upgrades, nor am I committed to getting a Diablo either...but is there any HP/mileage gains in getting a different downpipe??

I know, this topic has gone FIVE different directions so far...but I'm so new to the PSD market and some info. I'm getting is confusing!

BACK to the airfilter - what is a decent replacement, and WHERE do I order it from? ...Motorhaven?? I found what seems to be a $49.95 replacement filter that needs cleaning now and then...is this okay?

I will likely continue buying the $23 oil filters from the dealership, until one of you claims there's a better way/product.

How easy it is to swapout the downpipe with an "upgraded" one?? Is it worth doing that alone for HP or mileage gains?? ...of course I would couple this with a pyro gauge install, being that it would be senseless to put the pipe in without utilizing the convenient "bung" for the probe.

Lastly - WHAT should I expect with this latest flash?? My truck certainly hauled the mail before, will it still GO?? It was raining like mad all day in Virginia Beach, so my drive home from the dealership was uneventful.and traffic would NOT allow for a boosted run.

Thanks for the time and patience you've apparently invested in this incessant ramble...your "two cents" and experiences are welcomed here and will definitely be a basis for this newbie to build upon.

 

Welcome...
I have the Diablo and LOVE it even in the +65hp mode, much less the +100HP...
but if the Superchips is as good as it seems so far - go for it...
50 more hp is 50 MORE HP !!!!

I don't know of anyone that says they have it...
but motorhaven has a 30 day trial so you can try it !

And DO get your stuff from the sponsors of this site - Motorhaven is a good group of people and can take care of you !


I still have the stock filter @ 24k miles, but did get a turbo back exhaust that woke up the truck with the predator...

good luck and have fun !

the new flashes will bring down your truck a bit... but either programmer will wake it up PLUS a bunch !

 

Racecarhauler, let us know how the new flash works on your truck.I have an 03' March flash right now,and have been wanting to get the Superchip tuner.However I need the latest flash,the one you just got.Like you, I haven't had any big problems with my truck and have 9000 miles on my truck. I would appreciate your feedback so I can make my mind up if I want to reflash my truck. Thanks , Jeff

 

Racecarhauler,

This is a quote from the dieselmann's web (intellidog.com) page about the factory filter.
"To provide better air volume into the engine, the 6.0 uses a Donaldson PowerCore air filter. This is a new filter design comprised of parallel rows of triangular cells. Alternating rows are sealed at the fresh air or the engine end of the cell. Air enters an open cell at the fresh air side, but has to pass through the media to an adjacent cell to go on to the engine. The air cleaner housing and element are one piece. To remove the air filter from the vehicle, I have found it is easiest to remove the two screws securing the coolant expansion bottle to the cowl so there is enough room to disconnect the mass air flow sensor assembly from the air cleaner. There are two spring latches at the top and two tabs at the bottom. Once the MAF sensor is out of the way, disconnect the air inlet from the air filter--again, two latches and two tabs; and remove the air filter from the engine compartment.
Info on the PowerCore air filter can be viewed at http://www.donaldson.com/en/engine/s...ary/001220.pdf
(Requires Adobe Acrobat)."

You may want to stay with the factory filter as it is suposed to be a very good unit. Just my $.02

Hope this helps