Gryphon on a 7.3L

[cleatus12r]

In addition to what DJ mentioned, which is very true, if the Gryphon retains the same reflash "capabilities" as the Edge Evolution, then you won't have maximized operation anyway.

Just to clarify, the way the programmers operate depends 100% on which computer code you have in the truck. Say for all intents and purposes you have a MRT2 box code. This code is awful for most any situation; especially driving (catch my sarcasm?). If you get a programmer, you are still stuck with the retarded MRT2 shift strategies but now you only have more firm shifts and torque converter clutch lockup along with more power.

A chip alleviates all of the problems associated with the .....um.....stupid ideas that Ford programmed into their transmission shift strategies by allowing the tuner to use a more user-friendly base code that doesn't suck WITHOUT having to change the entire PCM.

[muns53]

Renyren,

Disclaimer: I don't know anything about the code issue that Cleatus mentioned.

But, to offer you a different opinion, I bought the Gryphon over the Phoenix for three main reasons: I didn't want to buy and install separate guages, it has the ability to read and clear engine fault codes and it comes with a pyrometer. (Plus, I like a lot of the other "extra" features in the programmer.)

I monitor these 4 parameters on the Gryphon constantly: Tranny temp, Engine oil temp, Turbo Boost and Exhaust Gas Temp (pyro).

I'm very happy with the 65Tow tune for heavy-duty towing and the 80HP tune for everything else. I don't find it onerous to sit in the driveway for two minutes to reprogram if I want to go out on a towing mission that requires the 65Tow.

FWIW, the intake/exhaust mods are easy to do and well worth the trouble. I did the "Tymar/Zoodad" intake myself and had a local mechanic friend put in a 4" turbo-back exhaust from Diamond Eye. I never see high EGTs.

Good luck with your decision!

[muns53]

Forgot to mention, from my own research, it appeared that the Gryphon with Bill's custom tunes (and the included pyrometer) was much cheaper than the buying a chip, 3 guages, a guage pod, and code reader reader software separately.

[soutthpaw]

I think you can get a scan gauge II that will work on the 7.3's for about $150 and it will monitor all the factory available variables. It will read and reset DTC's Too not sure about the diesels though. Also some of us old school guys just prefer dial over digital gauges.

[renyren]

Muns53 having the all in one package is what got me interested in the gryphon. I was told it is the same tunes that they put on the chip. How is the driveability and responsiveness since the gryphon was installed? Did you get the 65, 80, 100 setting? I am not opposed to doing seperate gauges and a chip but why if I don't have to. Have you tried the 100hp setting? Did your MPG improve at all?

[muns53]

Ren,

The tunes are the same in the programmer as the chip. However, the tunes that come with the programmer are factory Edge tunes. So, you want to order 3 of Bill's tunes to download. I originally was running the 65Tow, 80Performance and Fuel Sipper. Now, I have 65VeggieTow, 80Diesel and 80Veggie. (I run my Ex on filtered waste veg oil.)

I was having fun with the stock tunes, then when I downloaded Bill's tunes, I was REALLY much happier. More power, better shifting, better fuel economy.

My Ex got about 12.5 mpg when it was stock. I did the Tymar/Zoodad and 4" exhaust and that went up a couple mpg. Then, I installed the Vegistroke and veg oil does a little lower mpg than diesel. Then, I got the Gryphon and they went up a lot... then even more on the custom tunes. So, right now, on veg I average 16 mpg town / 18-19 mpg highway on veg. (And I slam it all the time, just to smoke it up and toss the Ex around.) On diesel that should be 2 mpg higher - and I believe pickups get better mileage than Excursions. So, if you're burning D2 in a pickup with the same mods as me, I guess you should be averaging 18-20 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg highway.

Talk to Bill about the power levels, but I decided to stick with the 80 because longevity on my motor/tranny was the most important thing to me. I don't know if that's valid thinking, but that's where I'm at for now. I admit, I am curious about the 100/120 HP tunes though... maybe someday, I'll do more with my motor (injectors, head studs, big oil, turbo, and hotter tuning), but for now, I'm good.

FYI - last time I ran my 0-60 time on the 80 tune (with 40 gallons of veg and 10 gallons of diesel and three passengers), it was 7.2 seconds. Don't really know how that compares to other folks, but I'm pretty happy for an 8,000 lb truck.

[Diesel Rookie]

I was going through the same issue when I was looking for a programmer for my truck (2003 7.3L).

I chose the FU2 package and am very happy. I did install a gauge pod one the pillar and am very happy. For me the analoge gages are easier to read than my buddies digital (that is only my opinion).

I also find it very convienient to be able to switch on the fly. I have been doing a lot of landscaping lately and hauling between 9-10,000 lbs of rock and concrete in a dump trailer and being able to switch between tow modes at the landfill once unloaded has been convenient. Plus sometimes it is fun to put it in 120HP race and smoke the imports.

I also like the flexibility of the chip over the gryphon for its retuning ease. Bill just sends you updates or new tunes and you can load them from home.

I currently run

1. High Idle 1100RPM (great for warmup or getting the ac going)
2. 80HP daily driver
3. 80 HP fuel sipper
4. 65 HP tow
5. 25 HP tow
6 120 HP race

I am seeing 16-17 HP around town and 19-20 on the freeway depending on driving conditions.

[renyren]

Sounds like your truck is a daily driver. I will only put about 5000 miles a year on my truck and will mostly use it for camping with our trailer or going to the snow. I am just not sure I would switch back and fourth between 6 positions. I was hoping there would be more responses from actual people running the gryphon.