7.3 Performance Upgrades ?????
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7.3 Performance Upgrades ?????
Recently I purchased and installed, through my diesel mechanic, an Evolution Programmer for my 1997 Ford 7.3 Turbo Diesel. Additionally, I removed the problematic stock "pinch pipe" turbo exhaust and replaced it with an aftermarket Bully Dog exhaust pipe. I also installed a K&N air intake system and removed the muffler from the exhaust system.
My intent was to add greater hp and torque that I feel is necessary to achieve better highway speeds with my 1997 F 350 4X4 Crew Cab 7.3 Turbo Diesel with my Caribou Camper (4,000 lbs.) and my North River Jet boat (6,500 lbs.) attached.
Admittedly, I haven't changed and run the truck at the highest program setting yet, however I have traveled at both the "Tow & Race" levels and must truthfully say that other than a noticeable re-scheduling of the transmission shifting, I didn't feel the hp and torque ability had changed at all. Most hills were still a challenge and I wasn't able to go any faster than I did when it was stock.
Any thoughts?
Jim
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My intent was to add greater hp and torque that I feel is necessary to achieve better highway speeds with my 1997 F 350 4X4 Crew Cab 7.3 Turbo Diesel with my Caribou Camper (4,000 lbs.) and my North River Jet boat (6,500 lbs.) attached.
Admittedly, I haven't changed and run the truck at the highest program setting yet, however I have traveled at both the "Tow & Race" levels and must truthfully say that other than a noticeable re-scheduling of the transmission shifting, I didn't feel the hp and torque ability had changed at all. Most hills were still a challenge and I wasn't able to go any faster than I did when it was stock.
Any thoughts?
Jim
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Louisville
If only things made as much power as was advertised... Apparently the injectors in our trucks are a major bottleneck when trying to make big power. Mine has some of the common mods and is stronger/faster, but not like I would hope. I have learned that keeping the RPMs up keep EGTs down when towing, especially uphill. And higher up in the RPM range - there is plenty of power. My truck has 4.10 gears in it, making towing easier but slower.
If you need to feel like your parts and $$$ did something then get a full set of gauges and monitor the EGT, trans temp, boost, and MPG. Then undo each modification and monitor the truck in stock configuration...
If you need to feel like your parts and $$$ did something then get a full set of gauges and monitor the EGT, trans temp, boost, and MPG. Then undo each modification and monitor the truck in stock configuration...
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From: minneapolis, ks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Louisville
The factory muffler and cat are also restrictive pieces, if you havn't already deleted these parts...
The exhaust is my favorite mod because of the sound. But there are other benifits too, and no drawbacks unless you get a visual emissions inspection.
The exhaust is my favorite mod because of the sound. But there are other benifits too, and no drawbacks unless you get a visual emissions inspection.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Carson, Washington
I have read on here that our mufflers are a straight thru type. So is there any benefit to removing the muffler and running a straight pipe in its place? Eventually I will be going with a full 4" from the downpipe back with a new 3" downpipe.
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From: minneapolis, ks
Originally Posted by MPlayer
I have read on here that our mufflers are a straight thru type. So is there any benefit to removing the muffler and running a straight pipe in its place? Eventually I will be going with a full 4" from the downpipe back with a new 3" downpipe.
Luke
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: SHELTON, WA
seriously
you have the exhaust.
make a diy intake.
get some gauges and
throw a set of stage 1's in your truck. you will have more power than you need then.
trust me!!!!
give bdp a call. i use em and love my injectors. best upgrade you can buy hands down!!!!!!!
you have the exhaust.
make a diy intake.
get some gauges and
throw a set of stage 1's in your truck. you will have more power than you need then.
trust me!!!!
give bdp a call. i use em and love my injectors. best upgrade you can buy hands down!!!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Perkins, OK
Originally Posted by 1997F-350
seriously
you have the exhaust.
make a diy intake.
get some gauges and
throw a set of stage 1's in your truck. you will have more power than you need then.
trust me!!!!
give bdp a call. i use em and love my injectors. best upgrade you can buy hands down!!!!!!!
you have the exhaust.
make a diy intake.
get some gauges and
throw a set of stage 1's in your truck. you will have more power than you need then.
trust me!!!!
give bdp a call. i use em and love my injectors. best upgrade you can buy hands down!!!!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 134
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From: Perkins, OK
Originally Posted by the weez
Curious about the Stage-1's. How much will they add to the performance, assuming I already have all the other common mods.
How much time for a typical install?
How much time for a typical install?
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 318
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[QUOTE=1969fordguy] I have learned that keeping the RPMs up keep EGTs down when towing, especially uphill. And higher up in the RPM range - there is plenty of power. My truck has 4.10 gears in it, making towing easier but slower.
I've got 97 c/c 4wd E4OD with 4:10. I tow a 27' trailer aprox 12000 lbs and have trouble on hills. When you said keep RPM's up, how high are you talking? Do you manually down shift your automatic trans? I haven't got gages yet, so not sure what EGT's I might be hitting. I have Tymar 3-4 dp with 4 kittyless exhaust, open element intake, and am using Superchips programmer.
I've got 97 c/c 4wd E4OD with 4:10. I tow a 27' trailer aprox 12000 lbs and have trouble on hills. When you said keep RPM's up, how high are you talking? Do you manually down shift your automatic trans? I haven't got gages yet, so not sure what EGT's I might be hitting. I have Tymar 3-4 dp with 4 kittyless exhaust, open element intake, and am using Superchips programmer.