I'm about to spend a little money on the rig. I've got 2 choices and it's either Exaust or a Tuner. Which first and why?

Bone stock 09/04' build 350, srw (3.73) CC, lwb Fx4. My end goal is better econ. and towing. Nothing more. I don't race or have a need to blow black smoke. This is my daily driver and I plan on keeping it as long as it'll hold up for me. (I had my last truck for 10 years).

 

I didn't vote because I didn't see the choice that I would recommend. I would actually say gauges, exhaust, then tuner. The reason for that order is that as a person that tows an awful lot, I believe even if you have a totally stock truck and no intention of adding a tuner, you need to have accurate gauges to monitor your vitals, particularly the tranny for a tow er and you just don't get that with the factory gauges. Do gauges, then exhaust, and then get a set of custom tunes.

 

I went with the exhaust first. Gauges are always a good investment if you tow or not so keep that in mind(especially with a tuner). I personally would do gauges first or at the same time as a tuner. Hope you have some fun.

 

I went exhaust then tuner. However, I wholeheartedly agree with Tex on the gauges, exhaust, then tuner. One of the most important gauges is an EGT gauge (pyrometer) as it can let you know when you're getting close to frying your pistons. (provided you keep your eye on it.) A definite must have before you put in any tuner. Next would come the exhaust (turbo back) because it will reduce your EGTs by upwards of 50 to 100 degrees. This will help offset the increase in EGTs brought about by the tuner you add last. Have fun.

 

I read a lot of people get the tranny temp as well.

 

My choice wasn't there either. Gauges, head gaskets(you'll need them with the tuner), exhaust then tuner.

 

I would also throw in there an EGR cooler and EGR delete after the tuner.

 

AAAAAhhhh yes, studs and egr delete, how could I forget those. I'm sure the OP is going what happened I was just thinking of two mods, that's it. Unfortunately, for one of those upgrades to do it right it does cost.

 

For my vote..I say tuner first...then gauges,then exhaust.The tuner (from the right place) will put a smile on your face,and also help the tranny shift much better,which in turn will help out its life overall,IMO.I personally needed a tuner right away to deal with the sluggish shifts ford wants for us,not me..I like them crisp!

As for "needing" studs for a tuner,that all depends on how "hot" you go with the files.I run studs,but yet..I can also run the hotter files.When I didnt have the studs,I waited to run the hottest files

 

Exhaust FIRST. It NEVER hurts. Then studs. Then a tuner. read.....alot of the threads. There is alot to be said for a tuner. And alot to be said against one. You can learn a great deal here in these forums. Start counting how many folks have had head, head gasket and stud problems. I did it was more than 1/2. But if you count the folks who have had problems after thay upgrade the head studs....its real close to 00.

 

I would not advocate tuner then gauges. You can do a lot of damage to your truck with a tuner without having gauges. Shoot you can damage a stock truck and not even realize it if you don't have gauges to show what she is doing. I would strongly say get gauges first.


Not totally true. You could need studs right now and not know it. Unfortunately you really don't know until you start playing around with tuner's and the like(or really stressing the engine even in stock form). However, he is correct on the fact that if you want to run hotter tunes you will need studs, but that isn't the only reason that you could need studs.

 

First off,with all due respect mr tex...he was asking for opinions,and that was/is mine.Second he asked a specific question,and as many others above me have also stated...guages would be needed.We can get critical to the exact timing of "when" he adds gauges,but then were splitting hairs.The thread starter already note that they would indeed be required.
For conversations sake tex,I say we can realistic on the obvious,but Im glad you brought it up for those not fully understanding the importance of them.

Now..as for doing damage to a stock truck,your simply stating the obvious which can be applied to any motor vehichle,two,three,4wheel,etc...


Not totally true.If you need studs now,then there is an issue FORD needs to resolve,and a tuner will only emphasise the issues..good point tex.I dont think I've ever read of a bone stock truck "needing" studs..not yet at least.But what do I know,I may wrong about that...I sit in the woodworks just readin most the time.

IMO,I say depending on where you go for a tuner,there is no reason why you can't speak with that tuner for milder files,towing files,tranny files...until the time comes for the hot files,when the truck is ready for them.
Like stated,I say tuner first.There's no reason not to benefit from the tranny settings alone.Im sure we can split hairs on how one's truck can have issues over an other,with or w/out a tuner,yada,yada,yada...this was simple poll


Ok,thank you.Yes,there are others tex,we/I know your knowledge bro.This was a simple poll

 

1. Exhaust
2. Gauges!!
3. Tuner

My next step is a new tuner... My new Quadzilla Commander is a pretty cool answer to the gauge question!

 

Actually they have had head problems especially with the 03-04 trucks(which the OP I believe stated he had) and people have numerous times have had to have headgaskets replaced, unfortunately they don't tend to machine them flat(if the warpage isn't that bad) and it'll just have problems later on even if the person studded the head. I believe Ford has a certain margin of error with regard to flatness of the heads and there have been cases were trucks have not had the heads seated correctly and have indeed had headgasket problems and their trucks were bone stock. You are correct in that is indeed a ford problem, but just like there are well made trucks, sometimes they drop the ball and the bad ones get through. Second, while most of what I had said might appear to be obvious to alot of people on here, I don't know what his knowledge is and I can't just assume what he knows or doesn't know(neither can any one on here, it's called the fallacy of intention, rather he intended to do the supplemental mods that we suggested or not, he didn't mention them so we don't really know if he is aware of them or going to do them).

The OP didn't say anything about gauges or noting that they would be needed. As far as I can tell, he only posted once in this thread and nowhere did he mention he was going to do gauges or asking about them and having nothing else to go on I had mentioned that he needed them.

 

If by mistake I thought the thread starter posted,then Im sorry for the miscommunication.


As for you tex...its a true shame you feel the need to feed your ego here,..now...with me...in someone else's poll.If your looking to pick a fight,GO ELSEWHERE,Im not going to tollerate that.FYI tex...Didnt I already praise you with your knowledge?..dont answer that.I have a high opinion of you,lets leave it there.

I will be the better man,and let this go,for your craving to take this to debate,with what you think is a "newbie".

OK,some stock trucks need studs!
I simply wanted to participate in a poll,give my opinion...BUT.
Im not going to sit here and nit-pick like your choosing to do.I guess tex has spoken!he's right,hes always right...gauges first..why on earth would anyone consider anything different,its not like opinions are welcomed..with some,or something.

my last reply to this,Im sorry to the thread starter,it was only my opinion.Whatever you choose bro,I hope you enjoy it,best fo luck