Phoenix questions

[chad01crew]

I am new to the world of diesels. I have an 01 sd ps with a 6spd. What is the difference with the tow tunes? I will do a lot of towing with the truck, about 9k-11k. What tunes should I get? Just want to make it the most driver friendly and need the truck live for a long time. The truck has 4" exhaust, ais intake and egt and boost gauges.

[ChuckD]

25 tow (heavy)
40 tow (moderiate)
65 tow (light)

[Robert6401]

First, let me applaud you for getting the 6 speed, I wish I had the foresight to do that when I got my truck. I just ordered a chip for my 2003 with 25 tow, 40 tow, 80 tow, 80 Daily Driver, and 100 performance. I really only wanted my chip to help with towing my 14,000lb 5th wheel, but I knew that once I saw what the chip could do I would wish I had a performance tune, so I went ahead and got one.

[chad01crew]

Thanks. But what is the difference between the 80 tow and 80 performance? I don't have have shift points to move. I don't want to have two tunes that do the same thing for me. I will also be doing a lot of driving with the motorcycles in the back so I need something that can help with mileage.

[Robert6401]

Well, I won't be able to answer those questions myself until I get the chip and install it. I'm sure there are others on here that can explain it though. Also, if you haven't already, check out this website:

1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Lots of good info there specific to 7.3L Fords.

[ChuckD]

Driving habits make more effect on mpgs than a chip.

[Power Hungry]

Originally Posted by chad01crew

Thanks. But what is the difference between the 80 tow and 80 performance? I don't have have shift points to move. I don't want to have two tunes that do the same thing for me. I will also be doing a lot of driving with the motorcycles in the back so I need something that can help with mileage.

In the world of "hand-shakers", the tune selection becomes a bit less creative because of the lack of transmission tuning. In the grand sense of things, getting an 80 HP Performance tune and an 80 HP Tow tune would not be a total waste on a M/T but it would certainly have a reduction in perceived difference.

In a nutshell, tuning goes like this:

• Tow - Moderately aggressive throttle curve, slight increase in low boost fueling
• Daily Driver - Conservative throttle curve, no change in low boost fueling
• Performance - Moderately aggressive throttle curve, moderate increase in low boost fueling
• Racing - Aggressive throttle curve, aggressive increase in low boost fueling
• Extreme - Aggressive throttle curve, maximum increase in low boost fueling

In general, few people will go with both an 80 HP Towing and 80 HP Performance or Daily Driver. We usually recommend to spread them out a bit to take advantage of the selectability of the switch.

I hope this helps answer your questions.

[Robert6401]

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

In general, few people will go with both an 80 HP Towing and 80 HP Performance or Daily Driver. We usually recommend to spread them out a bit to take advantage of the selectability of the switch.

Bill, this makes me question having ordered the 80 Daily Driver and 80 Tow tunes on my Phoenix. Should I tell you now that I want to go with something else since you haven't sent me my chip yet?

[Power Hungry]

Entirely up to you. It's not unusual to go with calibrations of the same HP rating, I just tend to prefer a bit of a spread myself. If you'd like to make some adjustments to your power levels, I'd certainly be happy to adjust your order. Just let me know what you decide.

Thanks.

[Robert6401]

It seems like I have read that the smoke tunes can be kind of weak unless you move up to big oil. Is that true? I think a smoke tune would be fun, but only if it really works.