[cleatus12r]

Originally Posted by MtPaul401

I've been reading great things about PHP chips on the Powerstroke forums and have been thinking seriously about the phoenix 6 position chip. I need some info, since the chip thing is greek to me.
I have a late 99 F350 powerstroke with an automatic. Mods that came with the truck are:
Banks big head turbo
Banks stinger plus chip
Banks transcommand
4" exhaust
I added:
diy Napa 6637 intake
HPX crossover line

This is my daily driver for work and I somtimes haul some heavy loads, up to 1800 lbs or so. I tow rarely, maybe 6 or 7 times a year just a camper, probably weighs under 5000 lbs. So you likely won't need a dedicated towing tune as long as you have a minimum of a pyrometer or EGT gauge (I don't see that listed in the modifications you have.)

My questions are (possibly dumb but...):
any problems from having the Banks chip in? No. The Banks programming on the Stinger kit hasn't hurt anything.
can I just put the by pass plug in the trans command and call it good?I've had good luck with 3 trucks by using the bypass plug but I have HEARD that it doesn't always work to simply install the plug. The best you can do is try.
I'm currently getting around 16 mpg around town, about 17 on the hwy, will I see gains with this chip? I'd like to get better, of course, if possible which is one reason I'm looking.17 is pretty dang good. There may not be much room for improvement in that department.

I was looking at the available tunes and thinking about this setup with probably 4 settings for my budget:
Stock or modified stock You will definitely get a modified stock program if you have a 99.5 truck. The programs will be based on a better PCM code than you have now unless you specify otherwise.
80 hp light tow - I'm assuming that would work for hauling..Unless you have (or plan on having) a pyrometer, I wouldn't get the 80 tow. Exhaust gas temperatures can get mighty high in a hurry with an additional 80 HP on tap. I'd recommend the 65 HP towing anyway.
65 or 80 daily driver My opinion on this matter is that you will be happier with the 80 HP program since the two will run so much alike in daily driving situations that you might as well go with the 80 HP.
maybe 80 or 100 hp performance I suggest the 100 HP program. If you don't get it, you will wonder what it's like. You MAY end up daily driving in the 100 HP program anyway if you like the way it drives compared to the 80 HP daily program....it's all personal preference. Back when I was driving with other tuners' calibrations, I would always leave the truck in a towing program because the shifting is more to my liking.
which one of the last two work best on the highway? See above; it's personal preference.

If it makes a difference, I live in Montana so have some mountain driving.Welcome to the forum. Where are you located? If you're in the south-central area, maybe I can give you a call and I can give you first hand experience with some of Bill's tunes.

Thanks for your help.

See replies in RED.