I bought my dad's 97 psd with 186k on it back in July, he had put a 4 in. Magnaflow exhaust on it from the DP back ( no converter ). I replaced the air filter with the 6637 retro that I've read about on here. Here is what all he did to it.

- rear main seal replacement
- 1 waterpump
- oil every 5k
- transmission severices

What I'd like to know, is what can I do to it to keep the long life that he's allowed it to have so far. I'd like to gain some mpg's as well as some hp. Any suggestions ? chip, programmer etc... I'm not looking to make it into a hotrod !!

Thanks..

 

Welcome to FTE and congratulations on being a PSD owner. That truck is just getting broken in. Just don't abuse it and it will last a long time.

On the exhaust system, did he replace everything behind the turbo or just up to the downpipe? If the factory downpipe is still in there get it out now. Your truck will love you for it. Going to a synthetic oil will help your mileage a little. Good driving habits are the biggest thing you can do though.
Ther are a ton of opinions about tuners and chips. I have a Superchips 1705 tuner and it has worked really well for me. Others use different brands or they use chips and they are happy with theirs also.
There are several easy and cheap mods you can do also-FPR shim, 10K mod, EOT mod, they all work.
Before you start any real mods though, spring for the gauges. If you are going to melt a piston or turbo, you won't know until it's already happened without gauges.
Also check your fan clutch frequently- it can rob some mileage if it has problems. Some people go to electric fans to increase power and mileage. Propane injection is good for helping mileage and power also.
Too many choices, I know. Just be careful, it gets addictive.

 

welcome to FTE. You will learn much here.
I agree a new DP (downpipe) is the first thing I would do. Then gauges, at a minimum a pyrometer gauge. It can be had from hewitt for $125 including the thermocouple and all wires. By then PMS (powerstroke mod syndrome) has set in good so just hang on and post often here.

As far as the chip thing I have a TW chip and absolutely love it and it gets better MPG than stock. But you can do some other stuff for more HP like the c00n 22K mod. It is very cheap but you need that pyro gauge IMO.

What is funny here is that you asked about chips/tuners and in the same breath you don't want a hotrod. Well my friend you may already be infected with PMS but just a carrier at this point. Live free and let it out.

 

We just had a rep from Superchips come give us an info session about the cortex. The biggest difference with this chip is that it offers a 2 year powertrain warranty. You can find it here: http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/performance-chips/61A3685A0A0.aspx

 

Toughbuiltford, It appears that the Cortex is not available for my 97 PSD.

bodabdan and Neal, thanks for the info, the exhaust is from the DP back.

Let's keep the info goin'...

 

Definately start with the new DP. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

You are right! Ooops. These programmers will work with your truck: http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/performance-chips/20A50211A1.aspx

 

My best mod yet.
Waste Vegetable oil fuel system.
Here is one supplier / installer, Goldenfuelsystems.com
Free fuel makes all the mods worth it and free.
Also looking to use our WVO to make biodiesel that way I don't have to pay anything for petroleum.