ShoMe
St. Louis, MO
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Joined: 04/28/2004
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I've got a 2001 Ford SD 7.3 diesel.
Has anyone change computer chips to get better mileage and have you been successful?
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rickjo
SW New Mexico
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Joined: 01/20/2007
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Sorry my reply is not about any success I have had (yet) but in researching this possibility, I have concluded that a reprogramming system is the way to go, not chip changing. That way you can restore the original settings, try different programs, etc.
Most of the brands swear they can improve mileage among other choices. Your 7.3 doesn't have to worry about overheating a turbo, (right?), so should be a snap to install.
A lot of the diesel web sites have way too much info on experiences with reprogramming.
Rick
2004 F-350 4WD Crew Cab Dually w/ Airlift air bags, Luverne brush guard, side steps and splash guards.
2007 LanceMax 1181 loaded, wider aftermarket custom mattress (driver's side locker omitted).
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goodcruisin
Greenwood, IN
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Joined: 04/17/2007
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I had an '01 Excursion with the 7.3 PSD in it. I purchased a DiabloSport Predator reprogrammer. I seen about a 2 mpg increase with the economy/tow tune-up installed. It costs around $370.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
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campermama
Ramona, CA, near San Diego
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I just got the Smarty Sr for my Dodge (see signature), I love it! Got my power back after putting on bigger tires, reacal'd my speedo, and am getting better gas mileage, at least 2 -3 mpg better!
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie package,CTD,4x4,5speed,long bed
2008 1055 Lance Camper
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BoosterBob
Huntsville, AL
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I chipped my '96 PSD along with a new exhaust system and open-style air filter. Mileage with TC went from 10 to 12, power went from merely adequate to Warp 6. But mileage was not the reason for the chip, just a side benefit. This said, I would not recommend a chip for mileage or performance if the truck's warranty is still in effect, smog checks are required in your state, or if you are not prepared to do the chip installation yourself or any of the other items recommended with the chip, especially EGT gauge. The factory has prepared the truck for the best compromise of performance and longevity for 99% of their customers and if anything is done outside the factory parameters, the operator must be vigilant so as to not break something. Chipping a diesel engine for only mileage will probably produce a real dog. I suspect the same for the gassers. Better to alter your driving technique and not the computer program if mileage is the goal.
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wcjeep
Tacoma, Wa
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Joined: 04/11/2008
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With any chip/programmer you need gauges first. Recommend boost/EGT. If auto tranny you'll need a gauge for that also. Gauges are also very handy for a stock truck when it comes to trouble shooting.
Friend has a Superchip on his 02' 7.3l PSD. Seems to like it. Owning a Dodge I don't keep track of Ford upgrades.
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Crumm
Fairbanks Alaska
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Joined: 03/01/2007
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rickjo wrote:Your 7.3 doesn't have to worry about overheating a turbo, (right?).
Wrong. The 7.3 PowerStroke has been turbo charged since 1994.5 and intercooled from 99' until they changed to the 6.0.
Give DP-Tuner a call if you want to gain a few mpg. http://www.dp-tuner.com/
96' F350 PSD with smoke added, Airbags, Trailmaster SSV shocks, 315/75R16 Toyo M/T, Centering guides.
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rickjo
SW New Mexico
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Crumm wrote:rickjo wrote:Your 7.3 doesn't have to worry about overheating a turbo, (right?).
Wrong. The 7.3 PowerStroke has been turbo charged since 1994.5 and intercooled from 99' until they changed to the 6.0.
Give DP-Tuner a call if you want to gain a few mpg. http://www.dp-tuner.com/
Sorry, my bad. Gauges are a good idea for nearly everyone then.
Rick
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exakguide
SW Washington
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I put a dp tuner in mine also.I run a 2000 powerstoke. I went with 4 settings. stock, 40hp gain, 60hp gain and 80hp gain. I get the best milage increase running the 80hp gain, about 2mpg. You deffinetly need a egt if you are going to run any tuner or chip. I can run the 80hp setting most of the time except when pulling long steep grades and then I have to back off to the 60hp setting. I did a lot of research befor I got the DP Turner and found on the diesel forums for Fords it is considered the best.
2000 F250 diesel,Jody Tipton chip, SuperSprings,Timbrens 2000 10'8" SnowRiver camper
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LameExcuse
Renton, WA
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Joined: 09/04/2007
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wcjeep wrote:With any chip/programmer you need gauges first. Recommend boost/EGT. If auto tranny you'll need a gauge for that also. Gauges are also very handy for a stock truck when it comes to trouble shooting.
Friend has a Superchip on his 02' 7.3l PSD. Seems to like it. Owning a Dodge I don't keep track of Ford upgrades.
I agree! Gauges are a must!
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