Tuner recommendations 7.3 Powerstroke

[SLACKER]

Thanks!.....The previous owner installed a 4" Diamond Back exhaust and had an Edge in it (He removed the Edge before I took possession..long story)
This motor has 155K on it (which many say is just broken in for a 7.3) but I would rather err on the side of caution in terms of trying to add more horsepower or torque. I find myself driving it with the "Overdrive" off a lot and would like a tune that would offer me a "Tow" type feel .......
jim

Originally Posted by KTMRIDER

I ran the Edge on my last van with the 7.3. Mainly bought it for the gauges but I normally had it set on the mid level. It definitely woke up the motor but I felt like it shifted like hell and was hard on an already fairly week tranny. I just altered my driving habits by letting off the gas before it shifted if I was getting on it. Overall I liked the gauges and the power. Edge has a module for improving shifting but I could never get a clear answer if it worked on the vans.

If you are after power improvement and the Guages the Edge works. If you don't care about guages you might consider custom tunes.
Eric

[SLACKER]

Thanks!.......As always this Forum is a wealth of information!.....I hope nobody minds the fact that I am no longer an SMB owner!

Originally Posted by rallypanam

Other threads on this very topic here:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ner-17192.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ner-10767.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...e-it-7223.html

[SLACKER]

Although Agile "rebuilt" my transmission, I believe it was done as stock with the exception of the Torque Converter being an aftermarket Billet. I do have extra gauges (Trans/Egr/Engine temp) and have seen the EGT go up as high as 1300 F on long hills. Trans cooler already added as well as a new OEM radiator and clutch fan. I am trying to be proactive and ultimately hope to do a South America trip. Trial run will be a few months in Mexico this winter with plans to return to USA afterwards to sort things that come up
Jim

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Your welcome.

I will say I do also have an upgraded transmission, a larger transmission cooler (a 6.0L trans cooler,) and I have an EGT monitor. There can be consequences to upping the HP of an engine so I took steps to minimize most risks.


Herb

[JoeH]

Originally Posted by SLACKER

Thanks!........The Diesel mechanic in San Diego (Al Provencio) recommended the PHP as well.
Did you see much difference in your transmission performance?
Jim

Yes, shifting is the primary reason I've been experimenting with tunes. The IDP tunes shift crisp and firm but the power comes on with the light bulb effect. The power on the Gearhead tune was more linear but the shifting was atrocious. After two revisions I gave up on it and tried Chris's SPD tune from TSD. The change was primarily to spool up a bigger KC 1.5 turbo and the shifting was very smooth. But, he didn't have much experience with vans and couldn't get cruise control or the odometer to work. Lastly, I tried PHP and their tunes are not as smokey and the shifting is almost as clean as IDP. Overall, it's the tune I like the most. Besides the 80HP tune I have a tow tune and one that is basically stock. All turn off the EGR and pair well with the Atlas40 FICM tune.

I think custom tuning is worth it just for the transmission tuning alone.

[allenl]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Your welcome.

I will say I do also have an upgraded transmission, a larger transmission cooler (a 6.0L trans cooler,) and I have an EGT monitor. There can be consequences to upping the HP of an engine so I took steps to minimize most risks.


Herb

Is there a thread with details on your tranny upgrades? I'm interested.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by allenl

Is there a thread with details on your tranny upgrades? I'm interested.

I'm afraid not, because it was done by an earlier owner. I have a transmission built by Brian Thompson (BTS Transmission located in Arkansas), back when he actually owned the same 7.3 Excursion that I now own.


Herb

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

I'm afraid not, because it was done by an earlier owner. I have a transmission built by Brian Thompson (BTS Transmission located in Arkansas), back when he actually owned the same 7.3 Excursion that I now own.


Herb

Street cred that's grandfathered in! Nothing better.

[JoeH]

When my transmission goes I'm taking it to John Wood. John Wood Automotive - Services

[Abitibi]

Ive too had my 7.3 ambo done at Agile and I'm running DP Tuner. Mine is a bit lighter (slightly under 10,000) and I run 35's with 4.10 (I should have gone 4.56!)

The 80hp is great aside from one small annoying issue that I'm not sure it's only on mine or the same for everyone else (it hesitates at 35 and 55mph) but regardless, it now drives like a gas engine. Throttle response is amazing, power is great and the only time my egt goes above 1200 is on long Hill so I just switch it on the hill mode and it helps.

For climbing safely, I'd suggest you slowdown to 50-55mph and switch off the OD. It will raise your rpm and lower the egt below 1000...

Hope this help!

Cheers
David

[Dirk Mitchell]

The truck I wished I never would have sold was a 1999 Superduty Crewcab shortbed with a 7.3 I bought it with just under 100k on it and it was stock. I redid the front end with all Moog parts and then changed the turbo and exhaust from front to back, 4in all the way. I ran an Edge Chip (link to mine) on it and was really happy with it. It ran up until 250k miles when I sold it and it is till running great. I see it around town every now and then and it makes me mad I sold it. A good tune makes that motor come alive for sure, mine definitely shifted better had better MPG and more power for sure. It had a built E4OD though so a different trans than your running.