I have an early '99 with the Banks Six Gun module, Monster Exhaust, Big Head wastegate actuator, and a replacement K&N filter, and just wanted to add a Big Hoss Chip. Any recommendations on which level to order? I guess I'd like the Six Gun L1 setting to be the "safe zone" for towing a 9K lb trailer a few times a year. Any suggestions?

 

The six Gun Module doesn't have a tow safe setting on it??? I couldn't tell you what level to get, I was just curios about the six Gun Module.

I can say if you have all that stuff on it, why keep the factory box with a K&N, it will still leak, get a napa6637 filter, you will realy feel it with the six gun Module.


Diesel Rod

 

Thanks for the quick response Diesel Rod,

It does shut the fuel off, but I just wanted a conservative setting on the Big Hoss chip, but decent power on L6.

Regarding the airbox, I'm currently sitting on the fence between a Ford AIS(with Diesel Power Products Mod) or K&N FIPK2.

 

The NAPA filter is your most economical (=cheapest) way to go. However, if you must have a pre-built system, I would go with the Ford AIS. Just steer clear of the K&N. They tend to let more of the smaller particles of dust through than most filters.

I personally went with the NAPA filter and am not disappointed at all. Install was easy. I'm also running a Six-Gun stacked with a Predator (2000 F-350). 4" Exhaust from the DP back, ccv mod, wastegate disabled. Even with the Six-Gun on Level 6 and the Predator on the 100hp setting, my post-turbo EGTs have yet to hit 900* with an empty load seeing nearly 25psi of boost. EGT's do stay lower on the L1 setting. Although, I haven't yet pulled a trailer with both chips installed, so I can't tell you what a safe zone may be for a Big Hoss module

 

POST TURBO 900*!!!!!! Thats still like 1300* preturbo.

I could hit 800* post turbo, then when I moved it pre it will hit 1150* and only at 20 psi, I would look at a preturbo probe, almost hitting 900* post turbo kind scares me. plus I dont like the slow inacurate readings post turbo either.


Diesel Rod

 

I'm looking to get a pre-turbo EGT probe sometime in the spring. Since I don't have a shop or garage big enough to hold the truck (she's 22 feet long), I have to do all my work outside. And it's just been too darn cold lately to be working on it outside.

Also, I did say I have yet to see 900 post turbo. It's only been as high as mid 800's. The only time it get's that high is coming onto the highway and having to accel from 20mph to 75mph and I've got it pinned. But it only stays there for a second or so. The rest of the time is runs mid to upper 600's when I'm on it and 400-500 cruising on the highway.

For the time being, I'm just going to keep my right foot off the floor a bit. Although, that is tough to do at times.

 

Thanks jtharvey and 444dieselrod,

I'll start saving for the AIS. I've read in some brochures and other forums that it's ok to max the egt at 900 post turbo, even though I haven't seen it past 800 like jtharvey.

Anyways, jtharvey, were you satisfied with the power gains stacking the Predator with the Six Gun module? What I really wanted to know is if you do stack chips, whatever brand that's compatible with the Banks Six Gun module, how much more h.p. and torque goes up? I'm not too sure how it works, but if I order a level 3 or 4 programmed chip, is it correct to assume that you're adding more power with the module, than without it?

 

I am extremely satisfied with the power gains of stacking the two different types of power modifiers. I had a Hypertech (came with the truck whenI bought it) stacked with the Six Gun before I got the Predator. The Hypertech was pretty worthless. I couldn't tell it was working. I did notice a big difference when I installed the Predator though. I think the Predator made a bigger difference than the Six Gun did. But, I haven't run the Predator without the Six Gun, so I don't know how it would be on it's own.

As far as I know, Banks claims that the Six Gun is compatible with all aftermarket tuners and chips. Banks also states that the Six Gun adds 60hp and 160lb-ft torque. However, I'm not sure how much they add if you already have a chip or programmer adding about the same amount. You will be adding more power with the Six Gun installed than without it though, no matter what other chip/programmer you choose.

The Six Gun doesn't re-map the fuel curves on the factory computer like a Predator or SCMT. I think it will work similar to the 10k mod. The only thing it connects to is the MAP sensor and the plug going to the HPOP; yes the same plug that you use for the 10k mod. Granted, it probably would have been cheaper for me to just do the 10k mod, but I like the adjustability of the Six Gun plus it provides boost and EGT readings. It also has an alarm function on it that will monitor your EGT's and boost, and if either of them reach a limit that you set, it will de-fuel to keep something from having a melt down.

My only complaint about the Six Gun is that I cannot read boost and EGT at the same time since there is only one line on the screen; you have to choose which you want to see. But, since I plan on adding a pre-turbo EGT this spring it's something I'm just going to have to live with for the time being. I also plan on adding a traditional boost gage and moving the Six Gun from the pillar mount to the dash. The Six Gun gets its boost readings electronically off the MAP sensor, so if it begins to go bad I may get some weird or no boost readings on the Six Gun.

 

Any chip or programmer that you chose is stackable with the six gun. The problem (if you want to call it that) will be that with a chip installed the six gun will be less effective.

Lets say that right now your six gun produces 75 horsepower on level six. If you were to stack it on a Big Hoss level 4 (75 HP) chip, you will not have a total of 150 horsepower. Instead you'll find that the six gun is now only capable of an additional 25-35 horsepower....and if you put it on a level 5 chip it will become even less effective.

 

Thanks Cookie88,

I guess I'll just leave her alone for now. There is a noticeable gain in power, and based on reading other forums, your input is spot on. I just wanted more power with reliability, both engine and trans, and I guess that what's Banks is all about. I had a ride in a friend's 6.0, and just wanted a similar seat of the pants acceleration without taxing the motor and trans.

 

In that case, you need the chip. A 7.3 with a good strong chip will leave a stock 6.0 in it's wake.

 

Thanks for your input cookie88,

However, I'm confused. Will adding a chip on top of the Six Gun module be worth the "bang for the buck", even if a Big Hoss chip is set at level 3? I just want to know if an additional 20 h.p. and 400.00 bucks is worth it for the chip.