Hi. Newbie here. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's posts. This site helped me figure out a fuel problem on my 89 f250 a few months ago. I have searched for edge related topics with no success.

My question is this. If I put an edge juice with attitude in my 2001 F350 7.3 PSD, what other mods are a necessity to not damage anything. My truck is completely stock with approx. 106000 miles. I have been told I MUST put a new exhaust on it, as well as other things.

I use the truck for work, and would just like something simple like the edge products to increase economy and horsepower. I do alot of towing.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

1- Pyrometer (exhaust gas temperature) gauge. MUST - even before the exhaust so you can monitor. Oh, boost and trans temp gauges are cheap compared to the pyro.
2- exhaust - 4-inch+, turbo back
3- improved intake - AIS with fender sleeve (expensive but excellent), 6637 (cheap, old-tech, but very effective).

 

Okay, not must but SHOULD -

1- trans temp gauge
2- large trans cooler.
3- shift improvement (cheap - Sonnax kit, BEST - BTS Valve Body)

 

Alright - now my opinion comes into this. Some people are very happy with their Edge products. I wasn't. My recommendation (my opinion only) to get the best towing power/reliability improvement for your purpose:

1- get a set of gauges - you really must have pyro and trans, just add the boost gauge for cheap fun. Doesn't cost much to add this one to the other two.
2- get a good 4-inch turbo back exhaust. A 5-inch system will sound better, look better, but will not improve performance and will cost $100 more.
3- the 6637 Kwik filter mod (on a budget, about $25), or for the best AIS WITH sleeve ($250 or so).
4- BTS valve body, Trucool trans cooler, external filter. The Sonnax kit costs only 1/4 as much as the BTS, but in this case, you really get what you pay for.
5- contact Jody Tipton at DP Tuner and, for $75, you can get a PCM flash (no chip or $400 tuner necessary) and, with his 40hp tow tune, you'll get more power, less smoke, and better fuel mileage with lower EGT than the Edge Evolution 60hp tow tune (in my experience, based on my truck). Also, shifting and torque converter lockup are much better than stock and MUCH better than the Edge tranny shifting. Of course you must NEVER let a Ford Dealer reflash your PCM or the tune is gone and you'd have to pay to have it reflashed.
6- take the money you saved on a tuner and, if you do your own work, buy some diagnostic software for your truck that does a LOT more than any tuner for reading codes, or, if you don't do your own work, you can use the money for something else.
7- and, get an engine oil bypass filter. Done properly, it will allow you to extend oil changes to 20,000 miles or more, and extend the life of your engine.

My opinions are based on my research, reading, and experience and in no way represent the opinions of FTE, the sponsors, or anyone else - unless they agree with me.

 

You definately want to install gauges, air intake such as Ford AIS, compressor wheel and 4" exhaust and maybe some transmission enhancement such as Banks Transcommand.

 

the Edge Juice/Attitude comes with gauges (exhaust thermocouple, and reads off MAP sensor, but it does not have a trans. temp gauge. dont know what you're going to do there, unless you have a manual.

 

I wish I could recommend the Transcommand, but I can't. Considering the high price, the BTS (or Factory Tech) valve body will not only do a better job for less money, but will enhance long-term reliability. I have no experience with the Transcommand - but other members of this forum have. I'm sure someone will be happy to share their experience. Someone here can answer why the Transcommand really is not the best solution to shifting issues. Of course, if you have a manual trans, this becomes a moot point.

In fact, before you buy anything, ask around. Do some research - and don't believe just claims by the product manufacturers. Some products have been used with great success by members of this forum, others are either worthless or trouble prone (or both).

 

Lots of products available for the auto trans besides the Transcommand, you are right. The Transcommand does not effect shift points only increase pressure electrically so the depth of its benefits are limited to how much can be done electrically. Not effecting shifting I think is a good thing. Many programmers and other devices effect shifting of the auto trans and some times in an undesirable way. The Transcommand is simply one option to improve clutch apply without having to go inside the trans.

 

Wow. You guys really know your trucks. I guess its not just a matter of putting a chip in, like alot of people say. I am not a mechanic by any means, so this all sounds really difficult. I should maybe bring it to a performance diesel place to do some mods. It all sounds pretty expensive too. Maybe too much just to save some fuel and add some ponies.

Maybe I should just find some cheap and easy mods that even a guy like me can do.

Thanks guys. This forum has got to be the best on the net, for any topic.

 

OH, NO! DON'T DO THAT!

Seriously, the diesel performance places will give you better performance. Usually, they will give you a fraction of the gain for a multiple of what you need to spend.

Really - quick anecdote - Boss has a 6.0. Runs like a scalded ape, at least after the turbo spools up. If we raced from a stop, he would have just gotten into 2nd gear when my 7.3 was staring at the finish line. NOT because mine makes more power, but because his high-tech turbo's variable vanes are stuck. The turbo lag is 6 to 8 seconds before it starts moving.

Ford dealer says "No codes, so nothing is wrong. Test drive it? Why would we do that. The computer says nothing is wrong with it." (No lie, no exageration )

The local "performance diesel" place drove it and said, "Yup. We can fix your problem." And handed him an estimate for $2,800, including exhaust, intake, a $1,600 chip (?), and other things. But he didn't have any money in there to fix the real problem.

Moral - the dealerships are generally incompetent. Most mechanics (including performance diesel mechs) are also incompetent. If you want something done right (and are not absolutely certain about the competence and honesty of a mechanic), you need to do it yourself.

Many people here will be happy to lend advice - someone may even be near enough to lend a hand - but I can't promise that!