Is a Hypertech programmer Safe for 04'?
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Is a Hypertech programmer Safe for 04'?
Just bought my first diesel, a 04' w/109,000 miles. Runs great, 16-17 mpg, but of course I want more towing power. My question: is it safe to run a aftermarket programmer like a Hypertech with this truck? It's stock other then air intake. Thanks in advance.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
For a 6.0 Ford diesel you want a flash programmer that tunes the transmission also. SCT or Spartan Phalanx is what I would recommend. You won't really be happy with the Hypertech if you compare it to the SCT.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lubbock
The stock intake will support over 500hp first off. The next main reason is the stock intake will filter 97-99% of the dirt (donaldson says 97% ford claims 99%) donaldson is the intake manufacturer for ford on these trucks. The aftermarket filters are known for dusting turbos. Also the claims that they make for hp and tq are above the rpm power band that a 6.0 will see. Where the gains are iirc are in the 3500rpm area and typical tuner on a stock truck the only time you will see that kind of rpm is at your shift points. So basically there is not much of a gain for 200-300 bucks. Most like me will say spend that money somewhere else like on a exaust or a good quality set of gauges to monitor what the truck is doing. Sure gauges don't make it faster or get better mpgs but they can help diagnose problems early and keep you from over doing it.
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So I should adios the airaid? I've always increased the intake and exhaust with good results............on gas trucks.
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I really appreciate the input, I don't want to waste $. My local custom exhaust center (owner is a long time drag racer) tells me to leave the exhaust alone, that I need the volume the stock muffler has. He did give me a name of a local diesel tuner, but I found it odd that a exhaust shop would try and lose a sale......he must believe in what he is telling me.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
Personally I would adios the exhaust before I redid the intake (if you already have an Airaid). I don't know why the exhaust guys insist that you need backpressure in your tailpipe. It's not a gas burner and there are NO sensors from the turbo back. The EBP sensor is in the drivers side manifold before the turbo. 3.5"/4" turbo back is what is recommended. The larger exhaust will help with EGT's, especially if you run a programmer.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Pilesgrove NJ
At your milage I would also suggest you think about a coolant filter. At 91k my oil cooler was almost completely blocked by block casting sand. Had to replace the cooler and the egr cooler. Egr cooler is now plugged by a freeze plug so no more exhaust gas into the induction system. Coolant is now a clear golden color.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
At your milage I would also suggest you think about a coolant filter. At 91k my oil cooler was almost completely blocked by block casting sand. Had to replace the cooler and the egr cooler. Egr cooler is now plugged by a freeze plug so no more exhaust gas into the induction system. Coolant is now a clear golden color.
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Pilesgrove NJ
Its a stainless steel one so should be pretty reliable. I do not work the truck very hard, only pull a 6000lb boat occasionally and then on level ground.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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a 4 inch exhaust w/ 3.5" down pipe. with out a cat and a good or no muffler should come 1st. the stock exhaust would be good for a gas engine but is inadequate for a diesel. the stock muffler may look big but its very restrictive. you want a SCT tunner w/ custom tunes. the others wont change the tranny shift points and can kill your transmission. The 6.0l should have head studs with any thing more then a 40hp increase. so your looking at big money to do a tuner right. Gauges are a must to watch EGTs and a tranny temp gauge if towing. The aftermarket intakes do not filter very good. If you have the stock intake chuck that airade. The stock filter is great and is more then adequate for anything the 6.0l can handle.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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because the 4" pipe mite rattle on the firewall is what iv herd on here. My truck is still stock but if done alot of reserch. I will be doing Studs, oil and coolent bypass filters 1st, exahust 2nd, then SCT w/ custom tunes, egt,and trany temp gauges 3rd.