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Old 08-30-2015, 12:10 PM   #1
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7.3 and Hills

I love the van, but going up hills is getting old. Went on a quick trip this weekend and found myself slowing down to 45/50 on moderate grades. It was hot outside(100+). I am turning overdrive off and sometimes shifting into 2nd. I see diesel trucks towing passing me like I am standing still. It seems I have plenty of power, but heat is causing my CTS to go off. It is a 2003 with the semi-float rear. Not sure on gears. Just thinking:

1. Do I need to re-gear the rear axial?
2. Vent the hood?
3. DP tuner?
4. Learn to love the view?

My CTS gauge is set to beep at 1220 EGT.

TexGX

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Old 08-30-2015, 12:39 PM   #2
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

The 7.3L simply doesn't have much power. It only makes the same HP as the 4.6L, so you should expect it to slow down in the hills.

That said, it has lots of potential, but better flowing exhaust is first and foremost. If you don't get the exhaust heat out, you risk damage by adding more power. Plus, better breathing on its own will give you a little more power. The fact you are seeing high EGTs but still going slow means you need more air through that thing.
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Old 08-30-2015, 01:13 PM   #3
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

No problem with my 7.3 here in the Mtns. Exhaust has been opened up and i have an Edge tuner/guage. As long as I get the rpms up sooner at the lower parts of the climb it'll do 55ish comfortably until it gets real steep. Been running it in Stock mode a bunch the last few weeks too. Think Teton Pass steep...
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Old 08-30-2015, 01:54 PM   #4
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

Thanks for input. Now which exhaust? Or do I find a custom shop?

TexGX
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Old 08-30-2015, 02:06 PM   #5
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

No idea what's in mine. Came with it. Definitely is an oversized and looks like a straight thru muffler w/ no cat
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Old 08-30-2015, 02:16 PM   #6
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

re: Exhaust - Be VERY careful to avoid the dreaded drone which can be created with exhaust mods.

Rear Axle - if untouched from the factory, check the drivers door sticker for the axle code. You can do a web search for the ratio associated with that code.

Tires - size matters, what are you running now?
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Old 08-30-2015, 02:23 PM   #7
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

I am running 285/75/16, so not super large. I will look up rear gears.
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Old 08-30-2015, 02:59 PM   #8
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

Quote:
Originally Posted by TexGX
I am running 285/75/16, so not super large. I will look up rear gears.
That's big enough that 3.55 might be a tad too tall. Should be a good match with 4.10's.
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Old 08-30-2015, 06:16 PM   #9
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

Ok. So if I start with exhaust and change gears, that would help. I found the 4 inch diamond cat turbo back exhaust. Price on exhaust seems cheap($300). If I change gears, then should I had a locker while in there?

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Old 08-30-2015, 08:13 PM   #10
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Re: 7.3 and Hills

Quote:
Originally Posted by alta825
As long as I get the rpms up sooner at the lower parts of the climb it'll do 55ish comfortably until it gets real steep. Been running it in Stock mode a bunch the last few weeks too. Think Teton Pass steep...
I had to purchase a '95 F350 4X4 CrewCab yesterday to tow a vehicle back from Mesquite, NV on I15 where there are plenty of steep grades and very high temperatures. Downshifting early and staying in the power band was the key to maintaining speeds up hills.

I got 15 mpg and might just have to keep this truck - like I need another vehicle.
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