Wasn't there one that would screw up the torque converter and make it unlock way too early? What is the best handheld one for an 01 Excursion with the 7.3? IIRC, Superchips and Diablo also double as a scanner. That would be awesome to have a unit that programs well and can function as a scanner. Any recommendations? TIA

 

I just got the Edge Evolution after months of searching and I am very satisfied with it. It is small. easy to use. Quick, you dont even need to read the manual. And the results are very noticible. $350. and it has a scanner which tells you the error code and what the code means on the readout. It does leave any info on the computer which is detectable by ford service. Very satisfied.

 

bluerage, what truck did you have? Reason I asked is that some have mentioned that there is an issue of the lockout of the torque converter for certain years.

 

This thread got me thinking since I have an 01. Specifically post #6

 

What about the SCT Exclabrator 2 from DP-Tuner?

 

I read that very same thread, as well as, anothers suggesting something else. That's why I bought an SCT X-Cal 2 from Discount Power Parts. They had a group buy going on not too long ago and they really offered a great price I'm not allowed to post. At the time, my tranny had died and a Ford reman was put in. (big mistake, next time I'm going aftermarket) I needed and wanted something that would work well with my tranny, give me a good amount of power, and was upgradable. The Predator was ruled out, and I thought that was the only one what was updatable. That was until I spoke to Larry over at Discount Power Parts. It turns out the SCT X-Cal 2 is updatable via USB (instead of Serial on the predator), Ford specific (meaning Fords only), and if I wanted I could have a custom file sent to me and saved on my tuner. With the X-cal 2, you get the best of both worlds (chip and tuner). The standard shelf files are good as it is, but Jody Tipton or one of the other 7.3 gods can create a custom file for you, e-mail it to you, and you're on your way. All they need are the answers to a few questions and your PCM code. The best thing about it, is that it's Ford specific. Explained, it means that they only work with Fords and that they take certain model year changes into consideration when they tune. This way, you don't have any issues with certain model years and you get the best performance out of it. As far as what I run, I normally run the "Performance" tune which is 80hp/135ft lbs. of torque (rwhp). I normally see about 17.5-18.5 mpg around town (the way I drive) and 19.5-21 mpg on the freeway. This is with the stock exahust with an Aeroturbine 4040 welded on and an AFE Stage I intake. Once my tax return gets in, I'm getting a 4in MBRP system that should get me some more power and mileage. If you're looking for some good, honest advice, you should give Larry a call at 724-462-3669. He's got a used X-cal 2 for sale at $299, that's way lower than the price we got on the group buy. Normal price direct from SCT is $479, so if I were you I'd get down on that. You can always return it if you don't like it; but I seriously doubt you'll hate the X-cal2.

 

I'm sorry it took me a while to respond back, I have a 2002 excursion with the 7.3 powerstoke... no problems with the tranny... one thing that i don't understand is that growing up I liked to modify my cars and learned that as power increased with add on's my MPG's decreased... now i have a diesel truck and added power but my MPG's have gone up...?

 

Here is one for you bluerage. Everyone said my mileage would decrease going from 3.23 to 3.73. Well, it actually held the same. This was in my heavily modded 91 Firebird. Seemed that it would keep the engine happier being in a slightly higher rpm range according to Lingenfelter Perf Engr.

 

I think I am going to DP-Tuners for my tune. Talked to them and they recommended first a set of gauges, then I put my exhaust in and BTS valve body then the tune.