FordExcursions.com Forums
Paul Otis
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• San Ramon, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/7/2005 |
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• 9 posts |
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 Posted:2/19/2005 11:43 |
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I recently purchased a 2001 Limited 7.3L. I use the vehicle as my commuter rig and family hauling and to tow our boat. I log about 30k miles a year . The vehicle is totally stock. I'm looking into gaining some performance - both power and mpg. without getting too carried away and without compromising engine life - I need to keep this X running a long time. I'm not looking for any big radical changes. Looking at Magna exhaust and tuner, banks power etc. Any suggestions on easy to install in the driveway systems that will meet my needs? I know this is a pretty general open question, but I'm not to sure where to start. Thanks. |
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Hawkeyes
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• St. Paul, MN, USA |
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• Registered on 12/3/2004 |
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• 43 posts |
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Posted:2/19/2005 13:08 |
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| Quote: | | I recently purchased a 2001 Limited 7.3L. I use the vehicle as my commuter rig and family hauling and to tow our boat. I log about 30k miles a year . The vehicle is totally stock. I'm looking into gaining some performance - both power and mpg. without getting too carried away and without compromising engine life - I need to keep this X running a long time. I'm not looking for any big radical changes. Looking at Magna exhaust and tuner, banks power etc. Any suggestions on easy to install in the driveway systems that will meet my needs? I know this is a pretty general open question, but I'm not to sure where to start. Thanks. |
Paul,
I'm a relatively new X owner myself. I managed to quiet my X substantially and gain about 3-4 mpg without removing a bolt. I did it by cleaning my engine and adding a fuel cleaner/stabilizer. Auto RX
http://www.auto-rx.com/pages/DieselApp.htm
will free up the rings from any long-term carbon build up, while removing varnish and sludge from inside the block (including injectors). This is a MILD cleaner, designed to gently but thoroughly clean as evidenced by the amount of time one leaves it resident.
At the same time, I started adding Stanadyne Performance Formula
http://www.stanadyne.com/dsg/dsg_dfa.asp
http://www.stanadyne.com/dsg/showfile.asp?id=1295
and FP60 fuel additive to each tank of fuel.
http://www.lubecontrol.com/
After improving the power and fuel economy (went from 11.5mpg avg to 15.0mpg avg in town, cold weather!) I added a Factory Tech Valve Body to improve shifts & trans temperature.
http://www.dieselsitetoo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=251
Next is a 4" exhaust, better air intake, and then a mild chip (50-60 HP).
Hope this is helpful - call or email if you'd like more specific info.
Hawkeyes
Hawkeyes |
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E. Long
 
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• Subscriber since 1/1/2001 |
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• Atlanta, GA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/23/2001 |
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• 2,228 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:2/21/2005 20:28 |
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| Quote: | | I recently purchased a 2001 Limited 7.3L. I use the vehicle as my commuter rig and family hauling and to tow our boat. I log about 30k miles a year . The vehicle is totally stock. I'm looking into gaining some performance - both power and mpg. without getting too carried away and without compromising engine life - I need to keep this X running a long time. I'm not looking for any big radical changes. Looking at Magna exhaust and tuner, banks power etc. Any suggestions on easy to install in the driveway systems that will meet my needs? I know this is a pretty general open question, but I'm not to sure where to start. Thanks. |
I would start with an aftermarket exhaust setup and an aftermarket air filter/intake. The problem with going with a chip is the transmission. If you tow, and if you don't plan on any modifications to the transmission to accomodate the extra HP/torque, you will certainly shorten the life of your transmission. I ran a fairly hot chip with no tranny mods and toasted my trans at 87k. Ran a chip for 82,000 miles. I do not tow. It's just a daily driver that sees 30,000 miles per year (135k so far).
As far as exhaust goes, there are typically two components: downpipe and exhaust/muffler. I have a 3.5" downpipe and 5" exhaust. Downpipes can go as large as 4" in diameter. For your case, I would go with a 3.5" downpipe and 4" exhaust.
When it comes to mufflers, you will want to listen to other Powerstrokes with aftermarket exhaust. The turbo creates a fluttering sound that some people don't like. It is very evident with my 5" exhaust and free-flow muffler. Here are some pics/videos/sounds of my exhaust setup:
http://www.fordexcursions.com/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=9&s=12983#content
As for air filters and air intakes...I simply have a K&N replacement panel filter. AFE (Advanced Flow Engineering) makes a nice "stage 2" kit which replaces your factory airbox. http://www.afefilters.com
For additional product ideas, see these two sites:
http://www.dieselinnovations.com
http://www.dieselsite.com
-Eric
'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going |
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Paul Otis
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• San Ramon, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 1/7/2005 |
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• 9 posts |
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Posted:2/22/2005 14:06 |
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Eric,
Thanks for the good info. You haved helped to validate some of my concerns regarding chips and programmers on what is mostly a stock X.
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