Which tunes for me?

[Robert6401]

I know this is a question that gets asked a lot, but I hope y'all don't mind me asking it again specifically for my application. I have read through just about every thread and have gotten some great information but am still a little unsure about which tunes would work best for me. Here we go......

I have 2003 F250 7.3L CC SB FX4, leveling kit with 285/75/16 tires. The truck is not a daily driver, but does get driven a few times a week usually on trips that are at least an hour one way - mostly highway, with a little city, I'd say 80% highway, 20% city. Right now the only so-called "performance mods" would have to be a 6637 intake. I am running stock exhaust including the muffler, but no cat. I do have EGT, Boost, and Tranny gauges already along with a 6.0 tranny cooler.

I do tow heavy. I have a 5th wheel camper that checks in at just under 14,000lbs when loaded. I also do some lighter towing of my tractor and a few cars now and then, but mostly just the camper.

I live in South Carolina, in the middle of the state, so no significant hills. But I do tow the 5th wheel up into the mountains of NC and TN fairly often.

I have been dragging my feet for years on getting a tuner because I was concerned about breaking my truck. But I get a good feeling about PHP's products and I am also beginning to get bored with my truck and I need to do something to it so I don't go looking to replace it.

So I was thinking I would need:

25hp Tow - for towing the 5th wheel all over
40hp tow - for towing the other trailers and possibly the 5th wheel on flat ground
80hp DD - for general daily driving unloaded.

How would these workout with my current truck (mainly concerned about not having an aftermarket exhaust)? Any reccomendations are appreciated.

Oh, does the chip come with a stock tune free of charge?

EDIT: OK, I just saw where the Stock and Anti-theft Calibrations are free, so nevermind on the last question.

Thanks for the help

Bob

Here is my truck and camper:

[Driximus]

Originally Posted by Robert6401

Oh, does the chip come with a stock tune free of charge?

EDIT: OK, I just saw where the Stock and Anti-theft Calibrations are free, so nevermind on the last question.

Thanks for the help

Bob

They are Free if is true is it to late to change my Order?

[nelstone74]

I think the plans you have for your truck are good. I had the same concern about a chip and my truck (a 97 dually). I am less familiar with the exhuast on the super duty to say one way or the other on the aftermarket exhuast.

You are way ahead of most by having the guages already. I did it like you and went with the guages first then started to turn things up. I was surprised to see that I could get EGT way over 1250 with the truck stock. Then I did some exhaust work and I am sitting pretty (until I see what the PHP will do.) I suppose I need to get the rest of the parts and install my intercooler. I think that you will be fine, get it ordered.

But to sum this rambling story up, with the guages you have you will be able control what is going on with your truck, most damage is done with the right foot (too fast, too long). for an extra layer of protection you could start sampling your engine and trans oil and see what is going on there, I think it is like one more guage to watch

[nelstone74]

You could add a performance tune, just in case you have a buddy that got a cummins or a duramax that you need to show off a little with.

[johnpaulgolf]

Hey Robert I think the easiest thing to do is a muffler delete ... from what I understand their is no reason for a 4" exhaust until you start upgrading other big money things ... the biggest downfall to our exhaust is that the backpressure from the muffler is to much ... maybe someone will chime in to confirm or say not so much ... I am going to do a muffler delete SOON ... bbl ... going to order the pipe

I am going with the PHP "FU" alot of tunes to choose from and change when needed at home on your time ... 6 positions in the truck and like 15-20 for " "FU" future upgrades ""

[Robert6401]

Sounds great guys, thanks for the input. I am not opposed to straight-piping the truck if I get the chip and the temps seem to run a little hotter than I'd like. I just don't want to try to bounce a $300+ exhaust system off the wife at the same time I am trying to convince her to let me spend the money on a chip - I don't think it would go very well. Nelstone, I am surprised to hear that you could get over 1250 degrees with a stock truck. I can just about hit it with mine when I'm towing my 5th wheel in the mountains, but I have to be really pushing it up a hill.

That FU setup does sound pretty nice, but I think I will be fine with the Phoenix. I just want to make sure I get the tunes that would be most useful for me. I am thinking of adding the 65tow or 80tow for when I tow my little 30 hp Kubota around, that setup with trailer and all is probably about 5000lbs.

Thanks again for the help guys.

[nelstone74]

you have to remember that stock the OBS truck has a smashed flat down pipe, Once that was changed it made all the difference. Also I was towing loads of hay, gvw 30K and it catches a lot of wind 10' wide and 12' tall.

[Driximus]

Originally Posted by johnpaulgolf

Hey Robert I think the easiest thing to do is a muffler delete ... from what I understand their is no reason for a 4" exhaust until you start upgrading other big money things ... the biggest downfall to our exhaust is that the backpressure from the muffler is to much ... maybe someone will chime in to confirm or say not so much ... I am going to do a muffler delete SOON ... bbl ... going to order the pipe

I am going with the PHP "FU" alot of tunes to choose from and change when needed at home on your time ... 6 positions in the truck and like 15-20 for " "FU" future upgrades ""

I just deleted my Muffler works great lasted a long time. I think im gonna go to 4" just to do here but not sure when. I did notice a significant decrease in my EGTS also.

[Robert6401]

Alright,

So after doing a lot of reading and mulling it over I am leaning towards the following tunes:

Stock
25 Tow
40 Tow - for towing the 5er on flat ground
80 Tow - for towing small trailer and tractor
80 Daily Driver
100 Performance

You guys see any issues with this based on my current setup?

Is there really any reason for me to call and aggravate Bill and Cory? I think I have gotten the answers to my questions here in the forum and don't see any need to bother them unless there are some questions I'm forgetting to ask.

Thanks.

[cleatus12r]

Sounds good to me, Bob.

That's probably what I would go with.