I have never been satisfied with the power of my stock '97 PSD. with an E-4OD and 57,000 miles. I thought there was something wrong with it so I took it in for a full diagnostic check including a run on a dyno and everything checked out to specs. I have read the search posts until my brain hurt and decided on either a Bullydog or Evolution programmer. With the help of a dealer and distributor, (they sell different brands) I chose to go with the Edge Evolution, an EGT. and tranny temp. Gage. I'm not a hotrodder and just want a little more power when towing a 11,000# trailer. My original reason for a programmer was so I could revert to stock when not towing but have been talked out of that idea as being unnecessary to ease strain on the PSD and tranny. My thought is, the two gages are the important ones and if the truck is running well there is no need to monitor the fuel pressure or boost. If the EGT is installed before the turbo what is the danger of metal chips blowing through? Is post turbo safer and still reliable? So, do you guys think I'm on the right track for my needs. A comment was made on a search post about disconnecting the batteries for about 15 minutes when installing a programmer. Is there any advantage in doing this?
It's a lot of questions but I promise not to bother you guys again on the subject. ............ ....... Thanks much....

 

Two other things that are manditory for towing with a programmer is a 4" exhaust to let all the extra exhaust heat out and a big air filter like a Tymer or Napa 6637 to let all the extra air in.
Other than that it looks like your doing your homework.
Pre turbo is always more accurate. Somebody (forget who) said that the thermocouples these days are more reliable so we don't really need to worry about destroying the turbo.

 

One other thought........your engine is still under a good part of it's warranty. You might want to reconsider a programmer at least until your warranty runs out.

 

He's got a '97.

 

Sorry......scanned over it too fast........never mind.

 

i'm soooo glad i'm not the only one who has done that...! LOL..!

 

How did it do on the dyno?

I completely agree that upgraded intake and exhaust is the #1 priority for a tow rig, especially one that will with augmented power.

Pre-turbo is the best place for the thermocouple. Don't worry about metal shavings, the vast majority of them are going to fall in your face, and the few that don't will blow right through the exhaust housing without issue. You can always grease up the drill bit to catch any little bit that does get inside the pipe if you are really worried about it.

Your programmer will have the ability to read and clear codes. If you run that operation prior to loading the programmer it accomplishes the same thing as disconnecting the batteries....but it's not a requirement either way.

I'd call your assessment of the boost and fuel pressure gauges accurate...but they sure do coma in handy when the truck is not running right.

 

It's supposed to be turning out 230 HP. I'm a believer in larger exhausts. I put them on both of my 360 gasser pickups just from the exhaust pipe back and noticed a difference but scrapping a perfectly good exhaust system in the PSD and spending $5-600 bucks to replace it hurts a bit. I thought about putting one of Kwik's intakes on but figure there wasn't much advantage getting more air in if I couldn't get it out. There's a place here in Mesa called The Mad Hatter muffler shop that did my other trucks and have a pretty good reputation. Maybe I'll go see what it will take to do the job. ...... And by the way, Cookie, please don't use the words "when the truck is not running right" when referring to my truck ... I don't particularly wanna hear that kinda talk........ .. ..
Thanks again.

 

Haha...sorry about that

I think at the very least you should replace your down pipe with a 3" or 3.5" DP that is actually round. The squashed flat stock down pipe is very restrictive.