[updated:LAST EDITED ON 30-Oct-02 AT 11:30 PM (EST)]I just bought a 2001 crew cab 4X4 with the powerstroke and 15k miles, I also just purchased a used hypertech power programmer. Im not sure if it is the best choice but I can see a noticable difference. What is your opinion on this vs. for example the diablo chip. Also what kind of difference would putting an exhaust on it do? Thanks

FYI- My truck sits on 35's and im not sure if the speedometer is even calibrated right, I also tow a 26 foot toyhauler that I am guessing weighs around 9000 lbs when all loaded

 

Hypertech makes a good product for the Powerstroke. It has one program verses two that the Superchips Microtuner and Diablo Delta chip has. The Hypertech gains about 40-45 HP, verses 54HP for Delta's low setting and 60HP for the Superchips low setting. For a used product you didn't make a bad purchase considering the bang for the buck. Dollar-wise for a new tuner the Superchips wins and for switch versatility the Delta wins. Keep it and enjoy the power.

A turbo is basically an exhaust driven fan/air pump. Anything you can do to reduce pressure on the outlet side of the turbo will help the turbo spool up faster, resulting in more horsepower. Imagine blowing up two balloons with the same amount of air. One balloon has a big Mac Donald's straw attached to it, the other a tiny coffee stir straw. Let the air out of both. The coffee straw balloon will take longer to deflate the same amount of air. Hope that makes sense... :-)

For a stock Power Stroke an exhaust make a difference. For a chipped or tuned Power Stroke the difference is even more dramatic. Also, because the hot exhaust is evacuated faster past the turbo the turbo blades do not assorb as much heat. Basically, you get lower EGTs which is a big plus for fuel economy and longevity. With a 45 HP tune EGTs aren't a huge concern but it doesn't hurt to know the temps are lower. :-)