My dad wants to upgrade his 2000 F-250, he already has B&B exhaust, and AFE stage 1 intake(as stage 2 wasnt out when he got it). I am telling him that he needs more power, but he doesnt want a chip because in his words, "he doesnt want to be the guinnea pig for their product" becasue for some reason, he thinks that the chip companies are just individuals programming products and not testing them. Also, he is afraid of screwing up and messing his whole trucks computer up. I told him to get a short throw shifter, and I think he might.
Anyways main questions:
1) Does anyone reccomend a certain brand short shifter?
2) What chip has the best reputation and is easy to install?(He is not looking for a huge load of power)
3) Does he need gauges, if so what besides EGT, I told him having a boost gauge would be cool, but I am also thinking oil pressure.
4) Does anyone know about a lowering kit for this truck, I think that it would be cool to lower it and put on nice rims .(it is a 4X2)
5) What else am I missing?


I know this is a lot, but as he does not like to take advise from his son, maybe a few more opinions will help.
Also, he never has nor never will be a very good direction reader. So the simpler the better.

 

Gauges first!!!! Get a pyrometer(EGT's), Boost (turbo output), Tranny temp(auto tranny) and or water temp. Tuners are also a great option if he does not want a chip, easy to use install and change tunes for those not ready for a chip yet.

Fire Rooster

 

Ok, yea, it is a manual, so the tranny temp gauge wont be necessary. What would you reccomend for a programmer? Is that one of the ones you plug into the diagnostic port?

 

Yes that is what, a programmer is. I recommend one of three, the Diablo Predator, the superchips micro tuner (SCMT 1705), or the edge. Stay away from the hypertech. I personally have the Predator and I really like it. It also serves as a diagnostic code reader as well.
Fire Rooster

 

As far as I know there is only one short shifter on the market, it's made by BD.

 

I saw the BD too. I will tell him about the predator. I know these are a lot of questions, also ,what about turbo upgrades? This probably wont happen soon if ever, and I dont think that he wants a ball bearing either. what is the best of brand gauges?

 

The wicked wheel is a nice impeller upgrade for the turbo, works well with any modded truck! As for the gauges, you cannot go wrong with the autometer, and a piller mount pods

 

For gauges I like the ISSPRO EV series. I think they are about the best match for the factory dash gauges. I got mine from www.dieselmanor.com .

 

I have seen new turbo housings and other components made by banks, what do you think of these?

 

The new turbo hosings are nice and work well; however they are expensive. The wicked wheel will help with the same improvments as a new housing at a fraction of the price. Do a search on Turbo stutter and you will understand what I am saying.

Fire Rooster

 

Thank you all, I have searched on the net, and found a set of shakles that lowers the rear, but how hard is it to lower the twin I beam front suspension on this thing?