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headstud question

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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:35 PM
  #1  
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fordf3502007
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headstud question

hey guys i have a 2007 Ford F350 with 11800 miles on it. Im looking at getting the superchip flashpaq and the economy tune is 80 horsepower. If install 80 more horsepower in my truck what are the chances of my head gaskets blowing. also what would be the estimated increase of boost. i dont run my truck hard when i drive, it shifts usually between 2000 and 2500 rpms. i have gauges and i just installed a mbrp 4" turbo back with a cat delete pipe. the most boost i have seen with my truck was 22psi and the average is 15.thank you.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 08:50 PM
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MIKESANDS
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Beware!

There is NO ECONOMY tune on the Superchips Flashpaq, they list one on their website but it's really a performance tune with a higher tow rating. Don't get this tuner with hopes of better mileage, it's a waste of money!

I don't believe the issue with tunes is the hp rating, it's the "means" at which they produce that power. I actually have a Superchips Flashpaq, truck runs ok nothing to brag about. I have run both the "Performance" and "Tow Performance" tunes, they will recommend the "Performance" tune for mileage.

Check out ///FLASHPAQ/// Welcome to Flashpaq.com! before you buy! there are several posts (including mine) about an Economy tune advertized and NOT supplied!
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:27 PM
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albran
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Most people will probably tell you to install studs before you tune OR to budget studs, gaskets and maybe heads if you tune before studs.

The SCT tuner seems to have the best reputation on this board but most of those seem to be on studded motors.

I did a search for you on "tunner"
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...php?do=process

and another on "headgasket"
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...php?do=process

Personally I'm saving for studs and then a tuner.

ab
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 10:45 PM
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3000 FPS
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From: S CAL
I am with albran saving for head studs then the tuner.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 07:24 AM
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tex25025
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Originally Posted by fordf3502007
If install 80 more horsepower in my truck what are the chances of my head gaskets blowing.
Well I hate to break it to you, but with this trucks you could have warped heads now and not know it til later and quicker after you put the tuner on there. That has lead to some misconceptions I believe that tuners caused most of the headgasket problems out there.



Oddly enough you'll actually get better mileage with the higher hp tunes if you are able to manage it properly(which is tough). I would suggest going with custom tunes(particularly with Spartan, but as you can tell with my siggy I'm biased) as that gives you more run to play around then what the flashpaq can do for you. Your chances of actually the tuner causing your head problems is reduced greatly with custom tuning. Also when the modding bug gets you(and don't think it won't) you'll be able to change those tunes to accomodate for your new upgrades(those that are relevant to the tunes of course) and with the "off-the-shelf" tuners you can't do that.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 08:39 AM
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Tex

Hello Tex

I would like to discuss towing preformance with you.

Paul

k4ja@k4ja.com
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 09:08 AM
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tex is there anyway that i could look at my truck and see if the heads are warped.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 10:46 AM
  #8  
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3000 FPS
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From: S CAL
Originally Posted by fordf3502007
tex is there anyway that i could look at my truck and see if the heads are warped.

If your heads were warped already you would be seeing compression in the coolant. If you want to know get one of the kits that checks for exhaust gases in the coolant.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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tex25025
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Originally Posted by fordf3502007
tex is there anyway that i could look at my truck and see if the heads are warped.
Pressure testing is what we use on our tractors and have used it for the older trucks to see about head warpage. There would also be outward signs that you could have. You could check on the degas bottle to see if you have any splatter round the cap. Also when your under load while driving you may hear a high pitched whistle that would mean that pressure is being released from the degas bottle. Pressure testing in my experiance has been pretty reliable.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by tex25025
Pressure testing is what we use on our tractors and have used it for the older trucks to see about head warpage. There would also be outward signs that you could have. You could check on the degas bottle to see if you have any splatter round the cap. Also when your under load while driving you may hear a high pitched whistle that would mean that pressure is being released from the degas bottle. Pressure testing in my experiance has been pretty reliable.
Tex, have you heard a high pitch whistle when you pull the mirrors out to tow? I just took my truck and trailer out the other day and heard a faint high pitch whistle after a certain speed. I think it is the air hitting the mirrors and creating a vortex or something. My truck ran great temperatures and no puking or spitting of any kind from the degaus bottle and no smell of coolant as before. This was the first time since I had the gaskets replaced that I towed the trailer and the engine fan did not come on.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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tex25025
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Originally Posted by jmaskew
Tex, have you heard a high pitch whistle when you pull the mirrors out to tow?
No, I haven't heard the whistle only when the mirrors were fully extended. When I had head problems I heard the whistle after startup and then after I would get up to a certain speed it would stop until there was a load on the engine, but it didn't matter if the windows were extended or not.

Originally Posted by jmaskew
I just took my truck and trailer out the other day and heard a faint high pitch whistle after a certain speed.
When you were at the speed was the truck under load? Going up a hill or working itself more then just pulling a trailer on completely flat terrain or were you pulling alot of weight?

Originally Posted by jmaskew
My truck ran great temperatures and no puking or spitting of any kind from the degaus bottle and no smell of coolant as before.
Your temps can be within normal operating temps even with blown headgaskets unless your completely ******* it(that includes engine temp as well, I know because after I knew I had head problems I was always looking that that gauge, even more so then the road(scary but true) and it didn't spike like I thought it would with losing coolant).

Originally Posted by jmaskew
This was the first time since I had the gaskets replaced that I towed the trailer and the engine fan did not come on.
Who replaced ur heads? Ford or an aftermarket place? Did they check for flatness and either machine or replace the heads(if you don't do that then even studding the engine won't be enough to prevent future head problems)?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 04:34 PM
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jmaskew
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Tex, Ford Country in Henderson, NV replaced my gaskets. The tech checked the heads and also did a pressure test after he was finished to double check. This dealership is a great place to take diesels. On my way home today I leaned out and extended my mirror and heard the whistle then I pushed it back in and the whistle was gone. WHEW! I was a little nervous for a minute! I also picked up a WIX 89070 coolant filter at Car Quest for $12.04 after tax. I will be changing that this weekend and if I find anything interesting I will post some pictures. Sorry to have Hijacked this thread for a minute!
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 04:40 PM
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tex25025
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Originally Posted by jmaskew
On my way home today I leaned out and extended my mirror and heard the whistle then I pushed it back in and the whistle was gone.
Does sound like it's related to the mirrors. I just don't know what that could be right off the top of my head, but that doesn't mean much. Were you able to get studs or did you just use the factory bolts?
 
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Old Apr 4, 2008 | 04:53 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by tex25025
Does sound like it's related to the mirrors. I just don't know what that could be right off the top of my head, but that doesn't mean much. Were you able to get studs or did you just use the factory bolts?
They installed the factory bolts. The Tech said if I had the ARP studs he would have installed them. I just couldn't be without my truck for that long. If there is a next time I know they will install the studs. I have just over a year left on my warranty. I hit 31 PSI on the boost for a split second a few weeks ago on accident, this is what my face looked like when I did it . Other than that instance I keep my boost under 28 PSI so I'm not too worried about lifting the heads.
 
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