I have a 2002 PSD 4x4 f250. I have had it since 119k, it now has 152k. It has been well cared for since new. The oil is just a little brown after 3500 miles. I have recently started pulling 20,000 once per week about 35 miles. I don't want to shell anything, and so far it does the job well. Mods include: 4 in. turbo back exhaust, k&n filter and superchips flaspaq which I leave set on tow/performance. I am considering a ATS stage 2 transmission, ball buster turbo and 40 hp injectors. Question #1: Albeit I drive easy, will this new combo be reliable?, #2- with 152k an I spending wanton money or is this truck really good for 300k?, #3 I interested in power and dependability, will this combo safely and dependably handle it? Thanks so much for the input!
Stampede PSD

 

I run Lucas additives in the trans, crank, fuel and rear. Auto tranny that shifts great. I also run 35 inch goodyears. I am really hoping for advice on the injectors turbo and tranny on what are good brands to go with and what could I expect for performance. The truck mostly sees daily driving, but towing is it's reason for existence.
Thanks again,
Stampede PSD

 

Sorry to see you slipped through the cracks on here. First, we have a 99 - 03 7.3 section located a little further down the forum listing where you will find much better info regarding your engine questions.

Second and most important, you need to check out your intake closely. If you have a K&N drop in filter (fits in the factory air box), remove the lid from the filter and inspect for any signs of dirt or dust in the lid or tube running toward the turbo. The factory air box isn't the best design, and when coupled with the drop in K&N, there have been some dusting issues.

As for question #1, if you're looking for more power, most people here would recommend you ditch the Superchips and invest in DP-Tuner, or since you're a Texas local, Tony Wildman in Fort Worth. Those guys will make your truck run circles around the superchip. Just make sure you have a set of gauges to monitor things, which is important for longevity. If you do nothing else, at least get some gauges to monitor boost and exhaust gas temperatures so you don't hurt your engine (even with the off the shelf superchip)

I can't really answer question #2 definitively since I only have 269k on my truck, and I haven't hauled 20k lbs. in at least 2 weeks. But if you'd like to re-phrase your question about realistically getting close to 300k on these trucks, then that's an easy yes.

Also, Lucas isn't everyting it's cracked up to be. At least keep it out of your oil. It may cause the oil to foam slightly, which isn't good on the injectors.

 

please post some pics of your rig!
good luck!~

 

I am surprised. All the mechanics I have spoken with say that anything Lucas puts their name on is worth it. What would you run in the oil to give extra protection?

As for the tuner, Superchips or not. I am not looking to race or sled pull necessarily, I do like the extra power, but want to be safe too. I am putting a pyrometer in with the new turbo. I have landed on the BD thruster turbo, ATS stage 2 and the afe dryflow intake. Any thoughts?
Thanks again,
Lusty

PS. I'll get some pics soon.

 

Don't run ANY oil additive, high pressure oil is used to fire the injectors and some additives cause the oil to foam, which gets air in the HPO (high pressure oil) system and plays hell with your injectors. If your auto trans is still healthy and working good, you could consider just upgrading the TC (torque converter) instead of the whole trans unless you've got the $ burning a hole in your pocket. A TC from a 6.0 is a good upgrade and around $200.
Ditch the Superchips and get a DP Tuner or TW chip- they custom tune their chip for your truck, you can get multiple tunes as well so you can have a fuel-saver tune for every day driving, a tow tune for when you haul, a go-fast tune for when you feel like playing, and tunes to help warm the truck up. Much better value for the $ than a programmer like superchips. As far as reliability you should be fine, these trucks tend to hold their own up to around 400hp, then you're in dangerous turf. One thing not on your list is a good set of gauges- pyro, trans temp and boost are what most of us run, at the very least you should get a pyro and trans temp. Good luck, welcome to FTE, and stick your head in the 99-03 7.3 forum for more tips and advice.

 

I don't use any additives in my oil, I just change the fluids regularly. I do run a additive for lubricity in the fuel. If you want to learn about oil check out this link What about Additives? Check out his home page, he's got lots of info there and several videos that tell you more then you ever dreamed of regarding oil.

The advantage with one of the other chips is they can fine tune the program based on different turbo's, injectors, etc. so you get the most out of what you're doing to the truck. You might call Tony and talk to him to get a better idea of what tunes might suit you better http://www.totaldieselperformance.co...lts.asp?Cat=68

Drop by the 7.3 section here. You'll get lots of input on what mods to do. Don't forget about adding a valve body or transgo kit if you have an auto tranny, to handle the extra power.

 

I have a trans gauge already and will be installing an autometer pyrometer when I install the turbo. As for the tranny, I thought about just replacing pieces(torque Cov, valve body shift kit) but figured for not much more money, I could put a tranny in designed for hard use with a superior warranty(3yr- 150000miles). I also need to spend something on the truck for tax purposes or buy a new one, and we all know that a tranny is cheaper than $50,000.
Thanks,
Lusty

 

You've got me curious. Where do you know that can build for hard use and not void their warranty for you running a chip, upgraded turbo, etc? The closest tranny shop to us I know who will actually dare you to try and break his tranny is Brians Truck Shop (BTS), but he's in Arkansas, and I think his tranny's are around $4500 now.

Many of the guys down in the 7.3 section have a BTS tranny, and there have been no issues with them. Even for the trucks putting down over 400 hp.

I've read too many stories about these great warranties not being honored because the addition of a chip to the truck (even if it was there when they did the install) voided the warranty.