I've been reading alot on here about tuners and It seems to be the best way to go is with a Xcal 3 from Spartan Diesel. I just upgraded my exhaust to 4" Turbo Back with no Cat so hopefully Exhaust temps wont be an issue. But I have a few questions on the tuner. I understand it reprograms your PCM with a new file but does that device have to stay plugged into you Diagnostic port or is something that you download in then pull it back out. Also what is the best way to get ahold of Matt @ Spartan so I can figure out some pricing for 2004 F250 6.0L. One last thing is there any other advantages to the X Cal besides being able to lay down some rubber? Thanks for all your help.

 

Also one other thing I forget I'm going to need to get some gauges to. What is the best kind to get and how hard are they to install.

 

The Xcal doesn't stay plugged in. You plug it in, flash the computer, and unplug it. Best gauges for an 04 are EGT, Tranny, Boost, Fuel Pressure. Your indash gauges are nothing but glorified idiot lights. You might want to consider water/oil temp. There are lots to add, but the first 4 I listed are the most important--IMHO. You can email matt@spartandieseltech.com or call him at 828-606-3263

 

If his came with a boost gauge, that one seems to be pretty accurate, atleast between my two seem to be reading the same, the only distinct differance is the range of display, I like the aftermarket full sweep 60 psi one better then the ford, but they seem to run fairly close to one another. I would be comfortable in suggesting unless he plans on turbo upgrades to swap the boost out for water temp.

 

OP has an 04, and the boost gauge was not installed by FMC until the 05 trucks came out. So as Tim said for the OP's 04 and boost gauge is recommended.

 

Good thing I added that "if it came with it" in there.

 

I'd add the oil temp gauge before I'd add the water temp. It's more critical. Laying rubber isn't the prime reason for a tuner. Performance and better fuel milage is, not necessarily in that order.

 

I really say it depends on where your priorities lay in what you deem critical or not. I understand the pro and con arguments for both, but to me the water temp is more useful and thus to me more critical then oil temp. However, once again I do understand those that are the pro oil temp over water temp people as well, so don't think I'm saying that oil temp isn't a valuable one to have, just not one that meets what I consider my needs. So really if your considering one over the other and you can't or don't want both then choose which one you think would be more useful to you. However, as far as what the OP should have(now that I know his doesn't have the boost gauge) then it should be egt, tranny temp, and boost; I don't think anybody would dispute the pressing need for those three.