Perhaps Ken Payne has the time for a few answers.
I need just a little info. to make up my mind.
Vehicle is 1999 econoline 15 pass super duty E350. 7.3 Turbo Diesel.
most seats have been removed for 2000# cargo, and vehicle use is 80 percent highway, of which 75% is towing 4500 to 5225 (highest load) lbs.
It appears that the PCM is located in the engine compartment near the left firewall behind/along side the radiator resovior.
If this is it, would have to partially drain the radiator so to remove the resovior for access. Am I on track?
Next, Diablo advertizes a #4100 chip for 1994-2000 Econolines, on their website, $389.00. No idea as to rating.
Do however know of the 50HP Super Chip, and the Diablo 54/110 chip, $369. and $360. respectively, but do not state for 7.3 in the van. Would the difference in vehicle weight of a F and E be a consideration, if any? Also, perhaps more engine compartment space in an F series vehicle could provide increased natural or operation cooling than an E series, where space is at a premium.
Do the Super Chip and Diablo Chip "insert" in addition to the regular computer, or does the original have to be removed? If either performance chips are removed, will original computer continue with original program?
My idea, is that when making trips to and from Florida, I drive betweem 65 and 75 mph, in overdrive and with cruise. There are about 15-20 small hills within the 1200 miles, where the vehicle downshifts very near the top of the hill if at 65 mph. Thought that with chip, HP would get me over the top, maybe with all or all but a couple. I don't really want to get involved installing a pyrometer, or larger exhaust. An air intake modification would not be a problem, ie: a different filter media.
The vehicle has 52K miles on it, and towing highway mileage presently is in 15-17 MPG range depending on speed.
Any tips or ideas relating to my use would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

This weight will limit you to the 50/54 HP chips unless you go with a bigger exhaust system.

Yup. I've got factory shop manual docs I can fax if you need them.

To remove it.... yes, but not to read the PCM code. You can use a mechanic mirror (on the end of a flexible rod) to read the code.

The PSD van uses the same chips as the PSD truck and PSD Excursion. HP rating is the same.

I don't have specific chip tow specs for the E-series. I can find out....

The biggest factor is how quickly exhaust heat is removed.

They plug into an external port and override the stock program. Nothing is removed from the original ECU.

The dyno charts I have show there's an HP increase across the entire RPM range. Around 2500 RPM it gets just barely over stock and then above that RPM it pull ahead again. If you go with the 54HP chip you won't need to worry about the larger exhaust or pyrometer.

Most, though not all, 54 PSD applications will show a slight increase in mileage. In the last month I've chipped two PSD vans (this is why I have pages from Ford's PSD van manual) with good results.

Ken Payne
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Ken, thanks for a load of info.

With every van I purchase, I always get the complete set of shop manuals with the wiring diagrams. I can tell you that with my differental, my towing limit is 10k lbs.
I raised the van hood first thing this AM. The PCM is actually fastened to the inside left fender sheet metal, with the connector faceing to the left front headlamp, and directly behind a very tight fitted radiator expansion/recovery resovior. Impossible to read numbers anywhere without at least removal of the resovior mounting screws, but was able to read the following off the PCM just prior to where the harness plugs in.
Ford-PUB6181
IOM 110 SAEO
F7TF-12B5599-A
8J05-S
BRASI
*482UP38W*
Do these numbers give a clue as to the chip needed?
I was also searching for the external port you mentioned, but was unable to locate. Is it located under the harness plug which is held in place with two screws? This HAS to be the PCM, about 5" x 6" x 1-1/2" thick silver/gray metal.

Does anyone make a clamp on HEAT SINK that could be attached to help dissapate additional unwanted heat from the exhaust?

Thanks again for your consideration.