Notices
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DP Tuner

Performance Chips

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 24, 2004 | 09:52 PM
  #1  
johnroung's Avatar
johnroung
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Question Performance Chips

Recently acquired my first Big truck. Heard that a performance chip can improve both mileage and horsepower. Looking at the Quadzilla Stealth and the Bully dog and edge products but am confused over which really perform and also whether changes to exhaust system are required. I don't have a heavy payload--less than 4,000 lbs with trailer. Not much of a mechanic so i need something relatively straightforward to instal. Any advice???
 
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2004 | 10:10 PM
  #2  
wildbill1963's Avatar
wildbill1963
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
A programmer is what you need. Look for the Diablo Predator or Edge as the 2 best out there. I am not sure about the Quadzilla.

As for exhaust, all you need is to upgrade the muffler to a more free flow type. The Walker 21470 is a good cheap option.
 
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2004 | 10:25 PM
  #3  
psdpower's Avatar
psdpower
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
From: Forest Hill, MD
Do the foundation first, intake , exhaust, and gauges. You will be happier with your truck if you do these first then a chip or programmer. Gauges are mandatory if you are going to tow with a modified truck, even if it is a small load. You need at least an EGT ( exhaust gas temp ) gauge to be safe towing with a chip or programmer. A boost gauge and a trans temp gauge ( if your truck is an auto ) are a good idea too. As far as intakes, I like the Tymar, www.tymarperformance.com , but there are many other options. The same with exhaust, I built my own 4" turbo back system, but there are many options in a very large price range.
 
Reply
Old Dec 24, 2004 | 10:57 PM
  #4  
barebackjake's Avatar
barebackjake
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 0
From: STEPHENVILLE,TX!!!!!
i second getting the gauges intake and exaust. altering the programming can heat things up real quick even empty. i would go with the tymar intake and downpipe he has great stuff at good prices i like the edge programmer if your looking that route and the ts chips if your going to a chip. nice thing about the programmers is you can pull codes with it. but the chips you can switch on the fly like when theres a dodge you gotta smoke.....
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2004 | 06:45 AM
  #5  
johnroung's Avatar
johnroung
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Performance chips/exhaust

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like they came from guys with experience.
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2004 | 07:47 AM
  #6  
IB Tim's Avatar
IB Tim
FTE Leadership Emeritus
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by johnroung
Thanks for the responses. Sounds like they came from guys with experience.
Welcome to the only family Ford Truck site, on the net. As you can see the members in this forum are very knowledgeable about these trucks; they will eagerly help you…with your question.
To insure a better understanding of how FTE operates, please read the guidelines, and the READ FIRST notes in each forum you choose to visit. I'm sure you'll find plenty of reading and information to surf though.
Enjoy FTE and Happy Holidays
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2004 | 09:29 AM
  #7  
wildbill1963's Avatar
wildbill1963
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by johnroung
Recently acquired my first Big truck. Heard that a performance chip can improve both mileage and horsepower. Looking at the Quadzilla Stealth and the Bully dog and edge products but am confused over which really perform and also whether changes to exhaust system are required. I don't have a heavy payload--less than 4,000 lbs with trailer. Not much of a mechanic so i need something relatively straightforward to instal. Any advice???
Let me add to my original post a few things.

Once you start adding a chip or programmer, you really to conisder several things:

Gauges are an atmost priority. Drive by the gauges, and not your gut feel. You need an EGT (Pyrometer), pre-turbo to watch for engine Cyl heat. A tran temp gauge (for Auto only), and a Boost gauge (Optional) to monitor turbo boost. Also, think of a place where you want to mount them. Several options are available. I am using the Pillar 3-gauge mount.

If you an Auto tranny, a tranny kit known as the Sonnax Valve/Tricumulator Springs, helps firm the shifts and prolong life of the clutches.

If you are planning on running Boost (Typically most Chips/Programmers do) higher than the limited stock of 17 lbs and over the 24 lb mark, you need to fool the MAP sensor. You can use a boost relief valve to fix that problem.

This is a great site. Of all the sites I go to, its the most friendly, and well educated.
 
Reply
Old Dec 25, 2004 | 02:25 PM
  #8  
444dieselrod's Avatar
444dieselrod
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
Originally Posted by johnroung
Recently acquired my first Big truck. Heard that a performance chip can improve both mileage and horsepower. Looking at the Quadzilla Stealth and the Bully dog and edge products but am confused over which really perform and also whether changes to exhaust system are required. I don't have a heavy payload--less than 4,000 lbs with trailer. Not much of a mechanic so i need something relatively straightforward to instal. Any advice???
Just so we are all on the same page, and out of curiosity, what year is your truck, and what are the specks of it??? then we can realy tell you what your can do for mods.


Diesel Rod
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 25, 2004 | 07:28 PM
  #9  
johnroung's Avatar
johnroung
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
specs-- Ford Truck-- Performance chip

ford F350 7.3 Diesel 4X4 2001 model year- automatic--- about all info I have
 
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:17 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE