What mods do I need...
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
What mods do I need...
My truck is a bone stock 1997 F-250 4X4 auto with 3:55 gears and 140000 miles.
I bought it to tow a 6000 lb boat and trailer. I want to get it setup for towing, right now it dose ok but it needs more power and better shift points, it won't kick down past 40 mph and this is with OD off. I don't want to go crazy with mods but I was thinking about doing the chip thing. What mods should I do before I install a chip?
Mike
I bought it to tow a 6000 lb boat and trailer. I want to get it setup for towing, right now it dose ok but it needs more power and better shift points, it won't kick down past 40 mph and this is with OD off. I don't want to go crazy with mods but I was thinking about doing the chip thing. What mods should I do before I install a chip?
Mike
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
Sounds like a good start. Don't forget to add gauges so can monitor what's going on.
Since you want to tow things, EGT and tranny temp gauges are a good idea and you might as well throw in a boost gauge, too.
Since you want to tow things, EGT and tranny temp gauges are a good idea and you might as well throw in a boost gauge, too.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
Forgot the most important part... the gauges! You'll definately want those. I didn't use a pod, I made a alum box that fits on the floor between the shifter and center console. I don't like the added blind spot. As far as gauges I'm running autometers, they are pretty good.
Yes, the shimming the FPR is the fuel pressure regulator. A BB is the perfect size, just take before and after fuel pressure readings to make sure you don't go too high. I'm running 75 psi and hear it's about borderline. The 14.7 mod is a resistor put inline with the ICP, tells PCM it needs more HPO to build more fuel pressure. I'll try to find the link, but if you use the search forum function you'll find lots of mods and good directions. Coon's way makes it easy to swap resistors, some trucks like different sizes than others.
Yes, the shimming the FPR is the fuel pressure regulator. A BB is the perfect size, just take before and after fuel pressure readings to make sure you don't go too high. I'm running 75 psi and hear it's about borderline. The 14.7 mod is a resistor put inline with the ICP, tells PCM it needs more HPO to build more fuel pressure. I'll try to find the link, but if you use the search forum function you'll find lots of mods and good directions. Coon's way makes it easy to swap resistors, some trucks like different sizes than others.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 4
From: Brandon, MB
Yup, what they said! Definitely guages. The FPR shim easy and cheap. Also, the EBPV brake is a really cheap and helpful mod for pulling. Mind you, with an auto, you'l have to do the TC lockup thing too. Myself, I'd go with the chip, but that's up to you. Do the intake, exhaust, and guages first. Oh yeah, cat delete is a really good one too. (can be real cheap if done right)
Definitely guages. The FPR shim easy and cheap. Also, the EBPV brake is a really cheap and helpful mod for pulling. Mind you, with an auto, you'l have to do the TC lockup thing too. Myself, I'd go with the chip, but that's up to you. Do the intake, exhaust, and guages first. Oh yeah, cat delete is a really good one too. (can be real cheap if done right)
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 419
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What exhaust manufacturer do you recommend? Looking at going with a 3in or 4in exhaust system. Already have no Kitty but stock down pipe. I've heard MBRP is a good system.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
varmintboy54, I know that's a lot to swallow. If its only a 6k boat, don't worry about everything at once. If you only do one thing, do the 6637, downpipe and straight pipe. That alone makes a world of difference. Then take it one mod at a time, all good suggestions above! I will say one thing though, the heavier the load the more you need a EGT gauge. When I tackle the mountains with my 15k 5er and get into a real hard pull the guage I watch the most is the EGT gauge. The higher it goes up the less I push on the old throttle.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info, this sounds like good info for a good start. I do want to run a chip being it ties everything together and makes it all run smooth...
I like the Idea about the 6637 air filter mod, cheep and effective. I have heard the stock down pipe is very restrictive and needs to be changed. Will removing the cat cause any problems going thru emissions? Going to do some searches on all of the suggestions you guys made. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find some how to's here that show hows it done.
Mike
I like the Idea about the 6637 air filter mod, cheep and effective. I have heard the stock down pipe is very restrictive and needs to be changed. Will removing the cat cause any problems going thru emissions? Going to do some searches on all of the suggestions you guys made. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find some how to's here that show hows it done.
Mike
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 20,419
Likes: 197
From: AZ
Thanks for the info, this sounds like good info for a good start. I do want to run a chip being it ties everything together and makes it all run smooth...
I like the Idea about the 6637 air filter mod, cheep and effective. I have heard the stock down pipe is very restrictive and needs to be changed. Will removing the cat cause any problems going thru emissions? Going to do some searches on all of the suggestions you guys made. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find some how to's here that show hows it done.
Mike
I like the Idea about the 6637 air filter mod, cheep and effective. I have heard the stock down pipe is very restrictive and needs to be changed. Will removing the cat cause any problems going thru emissions? Going to do some searches on all of the suggestions you guys made. Thanks for all the info. Now I just need to find some how to's here that show hows it done.
Mike
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Just ordered the 4"Diamond Eye exhaust off of ebay and I am going to the auto store for a filter. I read people are using a 45 degree PVC elbow from Home Depot but where can I get a metal one ?
Mike
Mike
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
Likes: 40
From: Newport, WA
For the 45 deg. elbow try Schucks or Napa, or a big rig truck store.
Where in WA state are you? Only parts of the state require emissions testing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,818
Likes: 1
From: Avilla, IN
riffraff diesel performance has a good kit.