Hello, I was out doing research on chips to add to my truck when I stumbled on this website. After reading for a while I was so impressed I decided to join.

Maybe one of you has some good advice for me.

I have a 2000 F350 Lariat DRW LWB 4x4 4.10 and 7.3L Powerstroke of course. My first was a similar 1997 SRW.

Well the mileage in the 2000 sucks compared to the 1997. I now get 14 if I keep it under 2000 RPM but was getting 17 in the 97 no matter how I drove it. Maybe it is the dually that is getting me.

I currently have 66K miles on it and tow a 27' gooseneck horse trailer from time to time. Actually now only towing a few times a year.

I would like some advice on what I can do to improve performance/mileage. Chip maybe? Also I read a little about watching exhaust temps. Maybe I need to have a guage installed as well?

Thanks Bunches
Tamie

 

Tamie,
Welcome to the site! Great to have you onboard. I think the difference in mileage you're seeing is because your dually has 4.10's in it. I'm guessing your old SRW had 3.73's in it.... that's what my 03' F-350 SRW has. You also have more "rolling resistance" with the dually. There's so many mods you could do to your truck! But I would recommend starting with gauges - trans temp gauge, turbo boost guage, and a pyrometer(exhaust temp) gauge. You can run dangerously hot even with the truck in stock form when towing or romping on it. Then I'd suggest an intake. The stock intakes can leak causing dust to get to your turbo and beyond. I'd suggest either the Ford AIS or the Tymar. The AIS is made by Ford and is a replacement for the existing stock setup. I have this intake and went with it because my truck is under warranty - other filters will void your warranty. It flows much more air and filters way better. The Tymar is an open element and filters and flows very well. You'll hear your turbo whine much more with the Tymar. The Tymar is probably the cheapest route to go. Of course there are others out there, but these two are probably the most tried and true that are used on this site. Then I'd suggest an exhaust. Something 4" turbo back. There's a ton of options there. Then I'd get the tuner or chip. You can do the tuner or chip before you do exhaust but the they will make your truck run hotter so that's why gauges are so important. Just make sure when you're towing that you have the chip in the tow setting. I have a Superchips tuner and it has two settings.... 60hp "tow/haul" safe mode and a 80hp setting. I almost always run the 60hp setting because the truck is most efficient on that setting. My mileage did go up slightly and the truck just simply runs much better. If your trans is automatic and you do a chip or tuner and since you tow often I'd suggest doing the Sonnax valve and tricumulator mod to your tranny. It's a cheap mod and it gives you slightly firmer shifts since the valve and spring increase line pressure causing quicker shifts which also reduce slipage and wear. It will help your trans hold up better to added horsepower. Any more questions just let us know.

 

Thanks so much for the quick response. I have been stuck to this forum all afternoon. So much great info. Actually my 97 SRW was also a 4.10. And this truck never ran quite like that one did. I am at 66K miles and I keep thinking it will break in at any time. It drives a little like my 97 did when I took it to Albuquerque(high altitude). I am wondering if this one just needs some adjusting. I bought it new in Dec 99.

Also after reading so much about heat concerns and gauges I am concerned that I could have damaged something in the past by driving it hot.

Any advice on how to find a good trustworthy diesel mechanic that can help me out with some of these things?

 

What he said. If you are under warranty, the mods you can do will be low, because most mods void your warranty. If you're not, here is the order you should get your mods...exhaust gas temp, tranny temp, and turbo boost gauges...Tymar air intake about $110...4 inch turbo back exhaust system about $400...Sonnax valve and Tricumulator mod about $40...chip/tuner about $400... from here you can go where you want to... propane injection, nitrous injection, performance turbo, and even twin turbos

 

No longer under warranty.

Sounds like gauges are first !

What is envolved it adding the guages? I have seen what they look like when you use the molded pillar mounts.

 

Are these installed prices? I know the Microtuner is about 400 and I can probably do that myself. The other stuff I may have to hire out.

And how about the gauges? What should I expect to pay for those installed?

I prefer to know what I am talking about before I hire a mechanic so they can't fast talk me.

Thanks so much for your help.

 

The gauges are relatively simple to install.... it just takes some time to wire everything. Drilling into the "Y" pipe was the most difficult and that was pretty simple. Well, actually the hardest part for me was tracking down the pressure line needed for the boost gauge because the 6 feet Autometer puts in the box wasn't nearly long enough. I'm sure there's some good FTE guys and gals in your area that would be more than happy to lend a hand. You can do the Superchips tuner blindfolded practically. It just plugs into the port under your dash.

 

Just give me a shout when you get ready to do these mods. I have done them all and would be happy to lend a hand. You can do pretty much all of these in one day if you want. Great way to learn a little more about your truck while your doing it. Good luck

 

Great Guys, I really appreciate the advice. Yesterday I called a place here that does the installs and they said about $400 for the three gauges with pillar mount and then $68 per hour to install. Said it would be 2-3 hrs of labor. Then he said he also had the SCMT for $392 and would install it for free. I tried not to laugh at that one.

I am down around San Antonio. Know anyone out this way that might want to make a few bucks helping me install this stuff when I get ready?

 

defintely think about doing the gauges for yourself the instuctions are easy to follow and you will need just entry level mechanical ability and it is a good way to start to get to know your truck . I did my in a hotel parking lot away from home when i bought the truck because i didnt want to tow home without the gauges only three hours with limited tools you can do just take it easy and slow. I did it before i found this website, you are lucky now to have any of your questions answered right here!!! Good luck

 

You can get the guages online with the pillar for well under $400. You can get gauges from MotorHaven (our site's main sponsor) or elsewhere online. I have AutoMeter gauges and love them.

 

Gauge option:

http://www.egauges.com/default.asp?Cart=

 

I have dpricol gauges and there are easy to read and they are green backlit to match 99 dash.

 

Hey tamietiger 67 I live south of you down in Corpus let me know if you get stumped ordered my gauge pod now im procuring the gauges it is a snap just gotta get creative and take your time and it will be a sanitary install!!

 

So do these gauges come with instructions? I mean good instructions. You say entry level mechanic skills. I did tune ups on my old mustang in high school and worked on lawn mower engines but that was long ago and I know nothing about what is under the hood of my truck. Not to mention I am under 5 foot and can't even reach the air filter without a ladder. LOL

I suppose though with the support of the nice folks on this site I might can take it on. I really have learned so much since I found this site. I sit here and read for hours. I love my truck and the thought of being able to work on it myself does sound pretty cool.

Looks like there might be a few of you not too far away incase I get myself in too much trouble. I just shutter at the thought of going to a local garage without a reference. I really think the ones that are so inclined will try to take advantage of me because I certainly don't look like the sort that would know anything about my truck.

Maybe I should post some pics of my truck.

Thanks so much