Buying a Programmer
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
Buying a Programmer
I dont spend much time over here in the 6.0 section, and i dont know much about the 6.0s either, so i figured ask the experts what to do.
That being said, my friends grandpa owns a '03 f-250 KR. He gets like 15 mpg(if i remember correctly), and wants to increase the mpgs some. So i mentioned that if he got a programmer he could increase his mpgs maybe by 4(which he drives enough to make it worth it to buy one).
But im kind of hesitant to tell him its ok to put a programmer on it, due to problems it might have once put on. After reading the article on FTEs project 6.0, ive been thinking about having him get a SCT 3 with the econo mode installed. Since the most he will ever tow is probably 6500lbs, and he doesnt want to go fast, we will probably order it with just the econo mode.
The other thing im worried about with installing the programmer, is gauges. If the truck only had the econo mode on it(not race,tow, etc.) would i need to install gauges so he could watch EGTs and boost? Or is this tune mild enough that it not really important to have gauges?
Thanks
That being said, my friends grandpa owns a '03 f-250 KR. He gets like 15 mpg(if i remember correctly), and wants to increase the mpgs some. So i mentioned that if he got a programmer he could increase his mpgs maybe by 4(which he drives enough to make it worth it to buy one).
But im kind of hesitant to tell him its ok to put a programmer on it, due to problems it might have once put on. After reading the article on FTEs project 6.0, ive been thinking about having him get a SCT 3 with the econo mode installed. Since the most he will ever tow is probably 6500lbs, and he doesnt want to go fast, we will probably order it with just the econo mode.
The other thing im worried about with installing the programmer, is gauges. If the truck only had the econo mode on it(not race,tow, etc.) would i need to install gauges so he could watch EGTs and boost? Or is this tune mild enough that it not really important to have gauges?
Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,901
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It is my opinion from doing a LOT of Forum reading, gauges are needed even if you don't have a tuner. The three main vulnerabilities are:
1. Stuck turbo vanes and overboost (head gaskets).
2. Low fuel pressure (damaged injectors).
3. Towing and/or racing and not cooling down EGT's before shutting down (damaged turbo bearings).
1. Stuck turbo vanes and overboost (head gaskets).
2. Low fuel pressure (damaged injectors).
3. Towing and/or racing and not cooling down EGT's before shutting down (damaged turbo bearings).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,901
Likes: 3,617
I definitely agree. However even 2 mpg increase will pay for a tuner in a reasonable time.
I am averaging "long term" at 16.5 mpg. Recent performance seems to be around 17.5 mpg. I am very observant in my driving - anticipating lights to minimize stops, taking routes to reduce stop-and-go traffic, etc. I also have been driving apprx. 65 (maybe even a little under) rather than 70 on my work route. I put 20,000 miles a year and it all adds up.
Bobby82490 -
If the 03 F250 owner gets 15 mpg overall, this isn't too far off from what should be expected from these 7500-8500 lb workhorses!
I am averaging "long term" at 16.5 mpg. Recent performance seems to be around 17.5 mpg. I am very observant in my driving - anticipating lights to minimize stops, taking routes to reduce stop-and-go traffic, etc. I also have been driving apprx. 65 (maybe even a little under) rather than 70 on my work route. I put 20,000 miles a year and it all adds up.
Bobby82490 -
If the 03 F250 owner gets 15 mpg overall, this isn't too far off from what should be expected from these 7500-8500 lb workhorses!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
Yeah i have told him that for a truck being as heavy as it is and on 35" tires, that he get pretty decent mileage... better than my truck gets.
He also drives his truck alot, so a tuner would pay for itself in a short time. But from what i have read and what you said, i am hesitant to tell him its ok to install a programmer.
Maybe ill shoot DP-tuner a email to see what they think about this.
He also drives his truck alot, so a tuner would pay for itself in a short time. But from what i have read and what you said, i am hesitant to tell him its ok to install a programmer.
Maybe ill shoot DP-tuner a email to see what they think about this.
