FordExcursions.com Forums
Sheboyganjohn
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• Sheboygan, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/14/2005 |
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• 38 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:3/17/2005 18:10 |
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I just found out that I was off a bit on my trade in loan amount by the tune of $1700 over so I have a check coming back from the dealer. IT"S TIME TO PLAY! (even though it is my wife's daily driver)  Here is what I am looking at. I have a 2001 7.3 that is stock as far as I can tell. I am putting new shocks and a sway bar on it already. From everything I have read so far, the right exhaust and progammer can not only boost performance but can also increase fuel milage and make the whole thing a bit quieter. I have also seen that some of the programmers can monitor engine and tranny functions which would be great since the X will be towing a 8000lb travel trailer. Here are my questions:
1. What should I do for exhaust and what should I expect to pay (ordering it and doing it myself). Are the kits on E-bay any good or is there something particular I should be looking for. Remember it is the wife's daily driver so I don't want it to sound like a mac truck and I don't think she would be too happy with a 5" hole hangin' off the back.
2. Can these programmers monitor trany temp, boost, exhaust temp etc. by just plugging them in or do I need to add more sensors to the truck? Am I better off running regular gauges for this?
3. If I am not getting into the throttle on a regular basis will the stock tranny hold up with the mild or economy boost on most programmers?
Last if you read anything above and don't know what the heck I am talking about, that is most likely because I don't know what I am talking about. I have now officially been a diesel man for five days. Let the learning begin.
2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install) |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:3/17/2005 18:47 |
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I love talking power mods especially with Diesels 
Exhaust system wise I'd go with the 4" MBRP "XP Series" T-409 Stainless Steel Exhaust and a 3.5" downpipe which altogether will come around $500-600,I'd stay away from Ebay retailers unless you know them and have done biz with em'
Now if you don't want to spend that kind of money but want the same performance I'd highly suggest the Walker Big Truck Muffler which is a directt replacement for the performance/MPG choking stock muffler,it runs about $60 shipped and most any experienced muffler shop(non-Midas) will cut out the stocker and weld up the BTM for about $40-50,check my photos of the BTM installed on our X.
Programmer wise the hottest ticket right now that does it all is the Edge 7.3L Juice Module with Attitude Monitor,it'll monitor Exhaust Gas Temps,Boost & engine RPM's,the attitude will set you back about $720
The Edge Evolution is another top notch progrmmer which runs a good $379 shipped.
If you're going to be towing I'd upgrade the stock tranny fluid cooler to one from a V10 Excursion as they have like another 20% cooling surafce area and is basically a direct bolt-in.
I've towed all over the place with the programmer in tow mode but after I did the intake,exhaust and fuelie mods I set it at performance and kept the speeds under 70 and 2,000 RPM's for best mileage.
Anytime is a good time to learn about these engines,post up as often as you like and no matter how simple the question may be you'll get lots of feedback from everyone 
Bill
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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Eddie Henson
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• Cordova, TN, USA |
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• Registered on 12/8/2004 |
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• 122 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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 Posted:3/17/2005 22:04 |
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Hey Sheboyganjohn,
Check out this website- www.usdieselparts.com They have a package deal that may be right up your alley. I am seriously considering it myself. The package consists of an Edge Evolution programmer, MBRP turbo back 4 inch exhaust, and K/N FIPK filter kit for around a grand and I think free shipping as well. As for monitoring the different parameters, you will have to install a separate set of gauges but that is still cheaper than the Edge Attitude monitor with the same results. You may also want to consider a Factory Tech valve body from Dieselsite.com so you can leave your shift points at stock setting with the programmmer. Good luck 
Eddie Henson
2000 Ford Excursion XLT 7.3L PSD
203 degree Thermo; Factory Tech valve body; CCV mod; HX mod; Rancho RS9000 shocks; Shimmed FPR @ 67; Walker BTM; Evans NPG Coolant; Dieselsite Coolant Filter Kit; Dieselsite Heater Shutoff Valve; Zoodad Mod; WeatherTech In-channel Visors; Acetoned Badges; PSD Badges; Landyot's Gen II Radius Rods
"If you don't like America, Get the hell out !!" - John Rich |
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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:3/17/2005 22:12 |
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| Quote: | | I just found out that I was off a bit on my trade in loan amount by the tune of $1700 over so I have a check coming back from the dealer. IT"S TIME TO PLAY! (even though it is my wife's daily driver) Here is what I am looking at. |
You lucky dog! $1700 of play money...here we go:
| Quote: | | 1. What should I do for exhaust and what should I expect to pay (ordering it and doing it myself). Are the kits on E-bay any good or is there something particular I should be looking for. Remember it is the wife's daily driver so I don't want it to sound like a mac truck and I don't think she would be too happy with a 5" hole hangin' off the back. |
I went with a Hypermax 3.5" downpipe and 5" exhaust. It's loud. Your wife will not like it at all. Make sure the muffler you get actually muffles the sound.
As an FYI, the downpipe is a PITA to swap. I took my X to the local exhaust guy that I've taken all my vehicles too and I ended up giving him a hand with it. To save money, you can just replace from the downpipe back with a 4" exhaust system. 5" is a little extreme if you're not running a big HP setup all the time.
| Quote: | | 3. If I am not getting into the throttle on a regular basis will the stock tranny hold up with the mild or economy boost on most programmers? |
I ran my X for 80,000 miles with a chip before the trans died. You should definitely do something with the trans. Factory Tech has valve bodies and torque converters. I would start with a valve body at the very least. Torque converters are also a weak point with these transmissions...but the cost of one and the labor to put one in will take a huge chunk of change out of your play money.
| Quote: | | Last if you read anything above and don't know what the heck I am talking about, that is most likely because I don't know what I am talking about. I have now officially been a diesel man for five days. Let the learning begin. |
No worries! We all start somewhere. It may have taken you this long to realize you needed an Excursion in your life, but now you're on the right track!
The chip will make a huge difference...you will love it. Your wife will be able to cut off several seconds on her trips to the store!!!
-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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Sheboyganjohn
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• Sheboygan, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/14/2005 |
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• 38 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/18/2005 07:22 |
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Well I doubt I will have the whole $1700 to play with since the wife asked if I was done when I got the shocks and Hellwig on order. I told her I was looking at exhaust and she thought I was nuts to replace a perfectly good exhaust system.  If I can keep everything under a grand in the end I might have a chance. I was looking on the net some more and found that DPP has a decent price for an exhuast system. I was thinking of the Edge evolution, but I don't know if that can measure the exhaust temp and tranny temp with-out extra gauges.
You have my interest on the tranny valve body. How is it to swap one of these out? Is this something that can be done at home or am I looking at a trip to the shop for it? It also said to avoid the programmer shift improvements with it. Can the Edge Evolution bypass the shift changes?
The more answers I get the more questions I have.
2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install) |
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JohnBoy
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• DFW, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 9/3/2002 |
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• 972 posts |
• 2 Vehicles
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Posted:3/19/2005 07:42 |
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Delete this post...
2005 6.0L 4x4 Eddie Bauer Ex
2003 6.0L 4x4 Limited Ex - traded in (BooHoo )
"The Republicans should back off and let men marry men, women marry women, and legalize abortion. In three generations there would be no Democrats." |
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Sheboyganjohn
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• Sheboygan, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/14/2005 |
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• 38 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/19/2005 12:13 |
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I have been doing more reseach and it looks like I should put in a set of gauges first, EGT, boost, and trans temp. So here is what I am looking at all together:
Exhaust 4" turbo back. (looking at MBRP stainless)
Gauge set stated above
Trans. valve body (link in previous post)
A programmer (most likely the Preditor since you can leave the tranny stock and do live monitoring).
Now a few more questions. Any info on gauge installation. The wife would freak if I put a pillar pack on so I think I will put the under dash mount set under the little cubby hole. Where do I run the wires, how do I hook them up?
Next with the reseach I have been doing I noticed that many people have had problems with a harmonic sound problem with the aftermarket exhaust. Could I hear from some people that are running a MBRP system if they notice anything different over stock while inside the truck.
I think I am getting back up there in money again, but the wife is softening a bit on more mods.
2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install) |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/19/2005 13:37 |
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John,Here's a new overhead gauge pod which may something to think about as it'll be more outta sight outta mind than the A pillar gauge pod.
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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Sheboyganjohn
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• Sheboygan, WI, USA |
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• Registered on 3/14/2005 |
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• 38 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/21/2005 17:08 |
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I showed the wife the three choices and I was right about the A pillar pods  but she did like the over the mirror one. The big question for me is how do you run the wires for the overhead stuff? I am not too keen on the idea of taking apart the whole head liner since I have never taken one apart before, unless of course it is much easier then it looks.
2001 7.3 PSD 4WD X.
Rancho 9000X all the way around with rear Hellwig
Pyro, tranny, and boost overhead gauges
Predator programmer.
Magnaflow 3 1/2" down pipe 4"back T-409 SS (waiting on install) |
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CHPMustang
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• Plano, TX, USA |
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• Registered on 7/24/2002 |
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• 1,800 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:3/21/2005 19:16 |
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John actually the gauge pod adheres right to the windshield and the wiring will route over the forward part of the headliner and down inside the channel of the A pillar.
If you were in the area I'd install the gauge pod and wiring for you,perhaps there's another Excursion/Superduty owner in the area that could lend a hand.
Dropping the forward part of the headliner isn't that big of a deal,for the most part remove the visors,overhead console and A pillar.
Bill
Bill
2002 Excursion XLT-P 4x4 7.3L Powerstroke Diesel
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