gauges needed?
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gauges needed?
Depends who you talk to, but if you call bullydog, I've spoke to people there who say you don't need gauges for their 6 position chip. I have a 97 7.3 automatic, and he said you will only gain additional 65 horspower max. so no gauges neccesary. Everything I've heard on fte says you do,
What is the you guys opinion on this???? THanks Jeff
What is the you guys opinion on this???? THanks Jeff
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
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From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Originally Posted by jcab
Depends who you talk to, but if you call bullydog, I've spoke to people there who say you don't need gauges for their 6 position chip. I have a 97 7.3 automatic, and he said you will only gain additional 65 horspower max. so no gauges neccesary. Everything I've heard on fte says you do,
What is the you guys opinion on this???? THanks Jeff
What is the you guys opinion on this???? THanks Jeff
They must want to sell you a new engine as well!
Playing in the Dirt
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,302
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From: Southwest Georgia
Gauges are a good idea even if you do not have any upgrades. It lets you monitor the engine. You don't see farm tractors or over the raod tractors without gauges. So why not gauges on your truck. Helps you spot a problem before it becomes major and you have to replace and engine. I know that gauges have saved us several tractors over the years.
Just my 2 cents.
plowhand
Just my 2 cents.
plowhand
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145 hp on a1997??
You might get 145 hp on a newer psd, but most programmers and chips won't add that much to 1997obs diesel. Corrrect me if I'am wrong, Thnaks Jeff
Originally Posted by strokin_it7.3
bullydog's 6 position chip only adds 65hp? 
just goes to show how much junk that is!
YES, gauges are a necessity when adding power!
most 6 position chips can go up to 145hp.
just goes to show how much junk that is!YES, gauges are a necessity when adding power!
most 6 position chips can go up to 145hp.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2001
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
Originally Posted by plowhand
Gauges are a good idea even if you do not have any upgrades. It lets you monitor the engine. You don't see farm tractors or over the raod tractors without gauges. So why not gauges on your truck. Helps you spot a problem before it becomes major and you have to replace and engine. I know that gauges have saved us several tractors over the years.
Originally Posted by jcab
You might get 145 hp on a newer psd, but most programmers and chips won't add that much to 1997obs diesel. Corrrect me if I'am wrong,
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: CentralEastern Utah
Just for an example of the need for gauges...... with all the stuff on my truck(in the sig) except for the chip I could hit 1300 deg towing fairly easy. Now with Tony Wildmans help its even easier!! LOL Got to get a intercooler installed. If your planning towing on a regular basis get the gauges. I guarentee you'll wished you did it sooner.
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Hi All
On my 97 7.3 PSD, I have a SuperChips Tunner/Programer. I have three modes. 1. 40HP Safe Towing Mode, 2. 50HP Towing less that 6,000 lbs. 3. 80Hp, guages advised. There were no big increases on the 97's, now this same SuperChip on a 99 or newer will add 125HP, Dan
On my 97 7.3 PSD, I have a SuperChips Tunner/Programer. I have three modes. 1. 40HP Safe Towing Mode, 2. 50HP Towing less that 6,000 lbs. 3. 80Hp, guages advised. There were no big increases on the 97's, now this same SuperChip on a 99 or newer will add 125HP, Dan
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: South Texas Coast
Originally Posted by Dan Ryan
Hi All
On my 97 7.3 PSD, I have a SuperChips Tunner/Programer. I have three modes. 1. 40HP Safe Towing Mode, 2. 50HP Towing less that 6,000 lbs. 3. 80Hp, guages advised. There were no big increases on the 97's, now this same SuperChip on a 99 or newer will add 125HP, Dan
On my 97 7.3 PSD, I have a SuperChips Tunner/Programer. I have three modes. 1. 40HP Safe Towing Mode, 2. 50HP Towing less that 6,000 lbs. 3. 80Hp, guages advised. There were no big increases on the 97's, now this same SuperChip on a 99 or newer will add 125HP, Dan
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
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As far as gauges go most folk argee the 1250* is the hottest you want to hit now whenI put the gauges in my compleatly stock truck ..I was able to hit 1200 easy just pulling on to the freeway.not even gunning it.. You will be amazed at how hot you truck can get even when it dose not sound like it is working hard.. getthe gauges you wont regret it.. J
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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What are the minimum gauges you recommend? I have a 97 F250 crewcab four wheel drive with an automatic transmission. I just bought it and am not sure if it has a chip or not. I will be towing 90+ percent of the time. I am guessing but I would say the weight is about 3000 pounds. Also what brand(s) do you recommend and are there any particular paramaters I should look for? I say minimum since money is tight right now. Thanks, Ed
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 261
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From: North Carolina
Minimum gauges for an automatic are 2, EGT (exhaust gas temperature) or pyro gauge and transmission oil temperature gauge. Many people also get a boost gauge. The big 3 gauge companies are, Autometer, Isspro and Diprol. All about the same, just a matter of personal preference and what you want them to look like in your truck. I went with the Isspro because I thought they were the closest to the gauges already in the truck, they are full sweep (270*) and they are back lit verses side lit. Just click on many of the site sponsors on the left of this web page. Many of them carry gauges. Good luck shopping.