Upgrade Chips for Powerstroke

EdOrlando · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 03:47 PM

I have been reviewing the upgrade chips and programmers for the Powerstroke. All seem to claim increase in torque and some increase in gas milage.

Does anyone have any real experience with these especially for towing? Is there a gas milage improvement.

Currently I use a 2002 Excursion with the Powerstroke to pull a Pace 24' trailer that weighs about 7500 lbs loaded. I get about 9.5 mpg at 70 mph. Most of the milage is in Florida. There is not a lot of steep climbing and the Excursion has no torque issue. Not sure about the Rockies. Would like to see mpg improvement.

Ed

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 04:33 PM

I used to work with a Ford "heavy line technition" he said the chips do some bad things. I wish I could be more specific, but I don't touch diesel, the smell alone makes me sick.

vbdig · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 04:46 PM

I have a 2000 Ford F-350, before the chip I was getting 16 mpg with no load. Now I am getting 19.6. Towing my 4000 lb boat my mileage is 15.9-16.5. I also installed a 4 inch exhast system to aleveate back pressure and heat build up. Almost everyone I know that has a powerstroke has installed chips, and I have never heard of a problem yet. Actually, it isnt even a chip, you get a programer that plugs in under the dash to a existing port. 5 minutes later after following the prompts on the programmer, you have 80 horsepower more. I never even opened the hood. When I went in for warranty work ( an oil leak), I just reprogrammed it to the factory specs. Summary? GET IT!

CHRIS POTTER · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 05:20 PM

Are they available for a 94 Powerstroke, and, if so, who might the supplier be? Have ample torque, but a little more, and better mileage would be nice.

ls1ac · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 08:44 PM

You could try looking at TTS.
The Turbo Shop in CA.
www.ttspowersystems.com
Steve Cole

Monster · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-2003, 11:35 PM

Finally, a refreshing thread (I've been getting more than a little disapointed with the recent "Cobra Talk" posts.

I've been doing the same investigation for my PSD (that truck talk for Power Stroke Diesel

) and There are quite a few options out there. Single chips which boost the HP, multi-bank chips which provide selectable programs for different HP gains (60-80), and the programmers which plug into the data port and reprogram the existing programs for trans pressure, shifting, timing, etc . I have been unable to find a true head to head comparison of these different types of "chips" so that I can figure out what's what and which is best for me. I'm leaning toward the programmer for ease of use, but I don't know if it does as much as one of the multi-bank chips. BTW; I've only heard good things about customer satifaction after installing the chips, I've seen no negative comments.

more info out there???

thanks,
Mike "monster"

Slither · #7 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 12:01 AM

I tow my 28' enclosed Haulmark trailer with my 2002 F-350 Crew cab dually 4x4 PSD. I'm not sure how much the trailer weighs with the Cobra in it.The truck ran just fine stock. But no, I needed a chip. I installed the programmable Superchip into the computers memory. It helped the power some and increased the mpg slightly. Then, Western Diesel came out with the "shift on the fly" chip. You simply twist the knob located on the dash from "stock", then to "50"hp, then to "75" hp and the last stop is a whopping "100" added ponies. If you use the truck in any other selection than "stock", it messes with the trucks overhead computer. So the only way to check the true mileage is the old fashion "math" way. The more hp you dial in, the hotter the hydro carbons get. The boost will go way up too. It also controls the transmission. Shifts are much crisper. I also added the Western Diesel complete exhaust system from the motor all the way back. I also tow a 3800 lb. boat and trailer and the truck doesn't even break a sweat. The advantage is to crank it up for inclines and turn it down for cruising the flatlands. Good luck!

DAVID GAGNARD · #8 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 05:00 AM

Ed;

I was recently (this week) was at a shop where there were 4 Ford Diesel pickups there with owners,2 F-350's and 2 F-250's,all 2001 or newer.....They all had installed either chips or the programmable unit....They all reported at least 2 to 4 mpg increase with an increase in hp and towing capacity.... The F-350's tow large cattle trailers loaded and the F-250's towed campers and car haulers....All the owners said they would never drive their trucks without the chips as the increase was very substantial....They were all very happy with the results and highly recommended the programs and chips to anyone with a diesel......

David

EdOrlando · #9 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 05:42 AM

Thanks all for the replys.

David - Is it possible to find out what Make/Model of chips/programmer they were using. I tend to like the programmer but not really sure there is a difference. I also like the option of different levels as Slither discusses.

Ed

James Baldwin · #10 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 11:01 AM

I use a Superchips tuner (#1705 I think) in my 2001 4x4 F250crew cab. Before the turner and Banks monster exhaust, I was getting 14.5 in town and now I am getting 17.8-18 consistantly.

Even pulling my car in an enclosed trailer I got 16.5 averaging about 60-65 mph.

The power increase is also incredible. The best $311.00 I have spent (programmer cost).

keithw · #11 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 12:00 PM

Hi Ed,

I'd do what James said and get the programmer. It's a hand held unit and let's you tune for max milage or max power. I talked with him the other day and he was really high on it.

Your Bud,

Keith

DAVID GAGNARD · #12 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 12:02 PM

Ed;

I'll see the guys next week again and get the info you asked about.....

Did remember a couple of things; One guy with an F-250 had the 3 stage programmer,but said he rarely used the third stage as he did not like the way his automatic trans. shifted,but did have a lot more power,one guy with an F-350 just had the "chip" and was very satisfied with it.

I'll check back with them and let you know what brands they were using....

David

EdOrlando · #13 (**permalink**) 03-14-2003, 02:32 PM

James - Did you do any comparison before the Banks Monster Exhaust. What did that cost?

What I understand is that my Excursion is a F250. I am not sure if the exhaust is the same as was your F250.

Ed

Naja · #14 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 07:41 AM

Ed -
I have a little older diesel than yours - '96 F-350. It was listed as having 215 hp (on the valve cover). I haul my Cobra in a 32 ft., enclosed gooseneck (40 ft. overall) from Houston to CA to UT (over the Rockies), etc. I am running at Ford's rated maximum combined capacity of 20,000 lbs.

I'm more interested in getting a little better gas mileage than saving an hour on my trip, so I don't go 70-80 mph - more like 60-65 (yah, I'm that da*%# slow guy).

I got a '50-60 hp' (mild increase) programmable chip (I think Superchip) put in my engine about a year ago. Before, with an empty truck (no trailer), I could get 20-21 mpg on the highway, and about 17 around town. With the loaded trailer, I got 11-16 mpg, mainly depending upon steep hills and headwinds. I didn't think that the towing performance was too bad, but a good headwind really knocked it out of me (steep grades not as bad).

After the chip, I noticed a significant difference in acceleration capability, pulling up hills, and a little difference into the wind (I have a 6.5 ft. high trailer - interior - so I have less frontal wind resistance than most trailers). I haven't hit strong headwinds, yet, but I get 13-17+ mpg with the trailer, and about the same as before without the trailer. I haven't had the 'truck only' out for a long highway drive, so I don't know if I can get over 20 mpg, but I suspect it would be better.

Problem is: If you use the increased hp, you use more fuel. The question is: Does that increase in power allow you to use less fuel to cover the same distance? I notice that I don't have to put the accelerator as far down. That should translate to better fuel economy.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Frank Newman

cabo · #15 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 08:04 AM

Ed I recently installed a chip in my powerstrock. I'm a contractor and haul a large trailer with tools, etc. I will get the information on the fine company for you. He drives a beautiful Pantera by the way.

James Baldwin · #16 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 08:50 AM

Ed,

I got a discount from the SEMA show on the Banks stainless 4" Monster exhaust. It ran $535. I have a few sources and the cost is about $585-605 depending on length. List price is approx. $695 plus any necessary extensions

As for comparison... Yes, I am starting a business here in Dallas and was researching the different manufacturers. The two I felt had the quality I was looking for were BullyDog and Banks.

I like Banks for the fit & finish quality and research they have to backup their products. I also like BullyDog because they are a bit more cutting edge on the development while still possessing a good fit and finish in their line.

The Banks Excursion kit is not identical to the F250/350. The part no. for the Excursion (7.3 ltr.) is # 48653 (if I remember correctly). Banks has recently switch to a larger 4" coninuous diameter for the Excursion so you should see them hitting the stores in your area, soon.

VERY IMPORTANT... The 4" exhaust is not just a performance enhancer, it is madatory for any performance upgrade that is above 75hp. You cannot cool the turbo fast enough with the stock exhaust system.

Good luck

bittentoo · #17 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 09:30 AM

I have a 99 Powerstroke that I pull a 29' fifth wheel travel trailer and sometimes even a 19' boat (tandum towing). Decided to "chip" it and started looking at all of the different chips and programs for the PSD. You will have to check them out carefully and decide what you want the "chip" to do. Some are made for better mpg and towing and others are for hot rodding. You can't have both or you will burn up your turbo.
Some of the chips make a lot of HP but when you look at all of the data on them you will find that in order to make lots of HP, it takes a lot of fuel and boost, and that leads to increased turbo temps.

With that said, I did decide to "chip" mine after a lot of research. I chose the Superchip Programer. It has 2 different programs to choose from. A 60 hp for all around better towing, power and mpg (and is carb certified), and a 80 hp for hot rodding.
I have been very happy with mine. I have the 60 hp program loaded in mine and it does great. More power (as if the psd needs more), improved shifting and my mpg stayed the same. It increased the boost from 21 psi to 25 psi and turbo temp doesn't go past 1125 F. It might have improved my mpg a little but I wind up "gassing it" more often!

Most of the "chips" recommend that you install turbo and trans. temps. and a boost guage. They also recommend that you install a K&N air filter and 4" exhaust to reduce the back pressure from the added boost and fuel. Again, this is to keep from burning up your turbo! It melts at 1175 F I think.

I did all of the above. Installed the "A" pillar guage set, Magna Flow exhaust, and K&N filter. Looks great and runs great!

southernfriedcj · #18 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 04:08 PM

You need to watchout for ultra high exhaust gas temps. I found a website that compared all availible products, and most of them produced exhaust gas temps that were above manufacturer's recommondations. I'll see if I can find it and post a link.

Slither · #19 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 04:26 PM

Actually, after adding one of these "chips", the exhaust system and all the gauges, you learn to drive the truck by using the exhaust gas temperatures. When using the selectable power knob with the Western Diesel setup, you can dial in how much power you need or don't need for any given situation. Obviously the harder the truck is driven, the hotter the exhaust gases get. I do recommend the Western Diesel products.

EdOrlando · #20 (**permalink**) 03-17-2003, 10:05 PM

I have been busy this weekend with 2 daughters, 10 and 15, in a tennis tournament and just got on to see comments.

The replies have been great. I really need to think about these.

I am not interested in hot rodding for sure. When I finish the Classic, all the hot rodding I need will be in the trailer.

My main interest is in gas milage and do I need more hp if I get into the mountains?

It sure does appear that I need an upgrade in chip/programmer and exhaust.

Regards to All