I have a 2000 F-350 PSD DRW and thinking about purchasing a 1700 microtuner for the tow mode only as I will be pulling a 10K fifthwheel. I will also be installing a exhaust brake that uses the ebr ( ? ) valve behind the turbo and probably a set of gauges. Do I really need to upgrade to a 4" exhaust or will the stock 3 1/2" be sufficient? While not trying to be cheap the $$$ signs are really starting to add up. Was thinking of watching my gauges and if required later changing my exhaust later.

 

its a good idea to get the exhaust with the tuners or chips, especially since you will be towing. Having said that, I ran my predator for about 4 months before i got my exhaust and while the temps got high, they were managable with the right foot adjuster. I never really towed anything very heavy. 10,000 will probably make you consider the exhaust. Best advice is just to keep an eye on your guages, they will tell you ultimately if you have to have the exhaust now or can wait..

 

I can't overemphasize how important gauges are. You can push 850 to 900 just kicking it onto an onramp with no chip wirh the exhaust. Pulling with a chip and stock exhaust you could be looking for trouble.

 

thats the ebpv valve (exhaust backpressure valve)

are you buying it or building it yourself

 

Keep in mind that any exhaust upgrade gives you cooler EGT's - so yes if you have gauges you could get away with a stock exhaust. But seeing you're gonna be towing a lot of weight - you are gonna have to baby it to keep the exhaust temps safe. My suggestion is to upgrade to a 3.5" downpipe and 4" exhaust and get the most out of the new power that the tuner can give you.