Micro-Tuners, controllers, chips, stacking? Someone please help explain the difference as I hear these terms on this forum a lot and don't understand them. Bottom line, I want something that I can easily install and uninstall that will improve my mileage, power, and not kill the tranny. I have an 04 PSD 6.0 crew cab short bed. Thanks

 

You want to know what works real good, and won't kill the tranny? STOCK, LEAVE IT ALONE. I have the same truck as you, I pull A 8000# trailer and I can go over any hill doing 70 plus MPH. Some will tell you the extra HP of A tuner won't hert anything, I don't beleave that to be true, MORE HP = MORE WEAR AND TEAR.

 

I agree with what you're saying, a lot of it depends on who is in control of the gas pedal. That being said, I'd still like to know what you can do with a programmer, stacking, etc. Thanks again.

 

first off, i would reccomend a set of gauges. they are basically mandatory for anything other than stock. i believe even stock trucks should have them. i would look at a set of 3 gauges- boost pressure, exhaust temp (pre-turbo) and transmission temp. most users have those three gauges mounted on the left a-pillar where it is easy to see without taking your peripheral vision off your lane. i would also recommend a quality 4'' exhaust system to help lower the exhaust temperatures. lower temps= longer engine life. plus they sound a helluvalot better than stock. the 6.0 sounds even more like a jet than my 7.3. these two items should be left on the truck. the stock intake system on these trucks is awesome, i dont think it is worth the $400 or so for an aftermarket system that flows a couple more CFM's.

the difference- a fueling box, such as the Edge Juice system is only there to add fuel to the mix. however it does it's job very well, it is efficient and it makes great power. if you want the ability to add power without actually installing a chip or fueling box (that stays on the truck), i would look at a tuner. Superchips is coming out with a new tuner (i believe it is called XCAL II, not sure) that should be even better than the 1700 series they have out now. what you do, is plug the tuner into the diagnostic port under the dash. load the program of your choice. you can even adjust the transmission shifting settings. then unplug the tuner and store it in the glove box or where ever. there is no visual evidence of a power adder. a chip is basically a device that fools the ECM, gives it false readings, and it adds power by more fuel. it stays on the truck. stacking is a term when two power-adders are "stacked" on top of each other to make even more power. if done incorrectly, it can hurt the engine and only blow a ton of black smoke. an aspect of a power adder is that they advance the furl injection timing in relation to piston movement. if two devices are used in conjunction that both advance timing, it can make it too advanced and it is just asking for trouble. Superchips is good, you can get custom tuning on top of a chip or fueling box, that you can customize to your likings.

a great thing about the tuner- if you have to take the truck into the dealership to get work done, just hook it back up again, load the stock program back on the computer, and it will show no evidence at the dealer of a tuner.if they question the exhaust and gauges, it should just show them that you are a enthusiastic owner that wanted gauges to keep the engine in safe settings, and the exhaust to let it exhale better.

good luck.

 

Excellent info. I think a Superchips (any other brands?) is the road I want to go down. I have a 4" exhaust (magnaflow) already and an AFE air intake. Does anyone have issues with the tranny and this much "potential" power?

 

"Stacking" is usually done with a power enhancer (fuel box, chip etc.) and a transmission reprogrammer (SCT Excalibrator etc.).
That way you get more power, AND the transmission shifts at the correct point to use the power, and not eat its insides.

 

So do you need to stack with a programmer such as a SUperchips? I thought the SUperchips changes when the tranny shifts.

 

Best thing to get for your truck --- a good grade of fuel 45+ cetane. I run 51 cetane from the pump. Outstanding power. hate it when I have to use 40 cetane.

 

No, only a fuel module requires seperate transmission programming to shift correctly.

 

That statement shows nothing but a pure lack of knowledge on its behalf.

 

NO, just been there done that. And work on trucks for 20 years.

 

All things in moderation. But if your here there is no such animal. Get what you like and want and be happy

 

I had the Superchips programmer on my 2004 6.0 and didn't like it. It felt like it barely added any power at all, even on the high performance program. I was disapointed because the Superchips programmer worked well on my '02 7.3. I have a Bully Dog programmer now, and I think Edge makes one also.
-Derek

 

I have the Superchips MT on my 03 F-250.

I think that it works quite well. Stock the truck turned a 16 s flat 1/4 mile. With the tuner set to HP mode I turned a 14.33 s 1/4 mile with 10 more MPH at the trap.

I get better fuel mileage to boot.

When towing I use the Tow Safe mode and that's worth quite a bit better mileage and better driveability on the hills and in general.