For those that have a 2002 7.3 PSD, if you could take all of the info you have learned through the school of hard knocks, what would you do to your 7.3 starting over, if anything?

1) Leave it alone for reliability reasons???
2) Would you go with a chip or programmer and which one?
3) I know gages are a min. requirement, but what would you do to manage EGT's? - larger exhaust - Stainless, Alumn coated, dual, single, BTM, down pipe size, etc.
4) Transmission changes worth while??
5) Last but not least, budget, how much would you save by not doing the same mistakes over again or is there anything that the cost is too great for the performance gain??

I know this is a lot to ask, and it will hit a nerve if someone felt the pain of doing something wrong or foolish, but I figure if you can't be a roll model, than at least be a good example, right?

Thanks, obviously I'm starting out and considering mods at some point.
I would really appreciate learning from the experiences of others, and would be greatful to those who help me avoid potential mistakes, that ultimately cost a lot of money when I blow up my engine.

Thank you for any help.

 

These are a few of the mods I've done to my "02". It is a daily driver with 70K on it now. Was at the dealer once at 12K for a pinion seal leak, fixed under warranty. I run the stink out of it and it has never let me down once, not even a hiccup. No leaks no oil useage, no tranny issues, works just fine.

There are a lot more mods you can do but this is what has worked for me so far.

1. Gauges-tranny-boost-egt's
2. Larger downpipe or a 4" exhaust minimum (straight piped duals are best)
3. Jody Tipton 4 or 6 position chip
4. Overboost regulator
5. (new tires..hehehe)
6. CCV mod
7. AIH delete
8. AIS or other intake
9. Zoodad mod
10. Overboost regulator
11. Coolant filter
12. Tru-cool tranny filter
13. Oil Guard bypass filter
14. Stainless Steel High pressure cross over
15. Gut the EBPV
16. ITP Regulated fuel system
17. Harpoon the tank and pre-pump filter
18. ATS housing
19. Magnefine tranny filter

 

1. no
2. chip (better not say) more power, safer for PMR motors
3. ehhaust- 4" no muffler or cat, larger exhaust side on turbo or new turbo
4. yes if you want it to live
5. take your time and make the right choices, only changed from one brand chip to another

 

I have the 2002 in my gallery. I have done most of the mods that Heatstroked has done,(with his help obviously) and my truck has 50,000 miles on it with no issues.