Thanks in advance for your advice. I’m new to the 6.0 and computer controlled vehicle systems, but have lots of experience with the older trucks. I have a 04 F-250 FX4 with auto trans (09 03 build) with 10k miles on it and I want to do some upgrades to get some more power out of it, without putting to much extra wear on the engine.

First of all, does anyone know of this shop, or can recommend a good shop in CO C-Springs area? http://www.discountdieselperformance.com/ I have access to a shop with most of the basic tools (can’t be to picky when you are in the AF), so I need a shop to do some of the advanced projects for me.

I was thinking of putting a real oil pressure, boost, and manifold EGT gauges, a catback exhaust, and an EDGE Juice with attitude monitor (take care of some of the gauges) on the truck, and possibly an intake. Please let me know if anyone has had problems with the EDGE, or if there is something else out there you feel is much better.

Thanks

DeesO

 

Hi DeesO,

Welcome to the 6.0 forum. Please do take some time to check out the Forum Stickies - those threads with the red Read First text pinned to the top of the forum page. There's a welcome sticky, a tech folder, and a couple for the Superchips Microtuner and Predator tuners - the two most popular tuners. You'll find hours of good reading in there.

Personally I have the Superchips Microtuner or SCMT for short. I also have the X-Monitor gauge package - you can see photos of it in my gallery.

I'm very pleased with the SCMT. In high performance mode it dropped my 1/4 mile ET from 16.0 s stock down to 14.33 s and tacked on an extra 10 MPH. I don't race the truck but wanted some kind of benchmark for the gains.

Mostly I got the SCMT because I tow a 30' toyhauler that's typically loaded to around 10,000 lbs. With the tuner set to the tow safe mode I'm seeing a nice improvement in fuel mileage and general driveability. The EGTs while unloaded or towing are quite reasonable on my truck and I couldn't be more pleased.

The difference between the SCMT and Predator tuners versus the Edge is that the Edge is just an inline fueling box between the PCM and the motor - it does nothing for the tranny. The SCMT and Predator actually reprogram the PCM (engine's computer)and TCM (transmission's computer) and are reported do do a better job overall of safely increasing the power output of the truck.

The X-Monitor gauge package monitors EGT, Boost, and Tranny temp and also records the max value of each since the last reset. There is an alarm feature where the display will blink if any of the three exceed your user preset alarm threshold. You can also add the optional CES module. The CES is their cool engine shutdown system. It talks to the X-Monitor and will keep the truck running if the EGT is above your specified shutdown temp. It also adds an audible alarm to the visual one of the X-Monitor. That way if you're towing a heavy load up a big hill with your foot in it really hard and the EGT or Tranny temp get too high, you'll hear it with having to keep watching the gauge rather than the road.

My exhaust system is stock and I've had no problems with EGT or power - I have one of the lowest ETs recorded on the timeslip page BTW (see link at top center of web page) - so I'd go for a tuner and the gauge package first.

When you do get ready to buy some upgrades, do click on the red "PARTS SHOP" link at the upper right hand side of the web page. That's a link to MotorHaven, our site sponsor. And if you do find the FTE site helpful - which I think you will - you might also consider joining Club FTE.

So once again, welcome to FTE. You'll find lots of helpful folks here.

Daryl

 

I agree, SCMT has left me with many smiles and bald tires. I love watching the bowtie in my rear veiw mirror!!!! The best part about SCMT is the ease of programming back to stock for your warrenty work.