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7.3 X Questions
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Mark Peterson
• Big Lake, MN, USA
• Registered on 12/29/2004
• 25 posts
Posted:4/10/2011 20:20
Hello, I posted earlier looking for advice on our 2001 X PSD 7.3. I really would greatly appreciate some more input. We drive our X for family use only (soccer, gymnastics, grocery getting etc.) It's our only vehicle. We just recently had some friends give us a gift of Superchips 1705 Tuner, and a K&N Air Filter. We installed them last week. We do not use this vehicle for towing or racing or hot rodding. What stage would you recommend setting the Superchips tuner to ? I've read a few things but honestly respect your opinions. I enjoy this site.

Mark Peterson
Mark Peterson
• Big Lake, MN, USA
• Registered on 12/29/2004
• 25 posts
Posted:4/10/2011 20:25
Hi, I also wanted to add, we are really looking to get the best mileage and long term use out of this Vehicle. We replaced the tranny @ 100,000. We now have 47,000 on the new Tranny. Thanks again gang!

Mark
MountainWestDiesel
• Mountain West, WY, USA
• Registered on 2/25/2011
• 95 posts
Posted:4/10/2011 20:50
Mark,
Like you, I use my Ex for mostly running the kids to school, grocery getting, and running my dogs (2 Great Danes & a German Shepard) to and from places. I recently installed a Banks Power System on my 2005 Ex. (see my Ex's stats on my profile)

If you want to take advantage of the "superchip", by setting it to an economy mode, then the instructions that came with it should have the setting requirements already laid out. If not, call the manufacturer. This could be one of those after market products that just increase HP & Torque... with little regards to the stock motor settings and capabilities...

You have a decent air filter in the K&N... your next step is a more efficient exhaust. Also, a new intercooler would help the 7.3L breath easier... May I suggest looking into the research on www.bankspower.com Gale Banks is the Charlie Daniels of diesel technology... I personally am a Banks Power advocate... after several months of research... I feel his products are the clear choice... therefore... the Big Hoss Bundle is now assisting my 6.0L PSD... and with settings 1 - 6... all i have to do is touch a button... and I go from economy to tire roasting goodness...

Remember... Diesels need a lot of cold O2 rich air.... to breathe in ...and a nice large efficient exhaust to exhale it all... a superchip... is an incomplete fix my dude... Banks will cost you some money... but you can by the individual components separately... and bit by bit... you will have all that is required to make that 7.3L beast run efficiently... and last a long time...

Hope this helps...

-Chris
MountainWestDiesel

As for your tranny... there should be little problem... that being said... I have no idea what type of power increases that superchip you have brings to bear on your motor... Once again... check w/ the manufacturer...
aklim
• Hartford, WI, USA
• Registered on 2/20/2006
• 133 posts
Posted:4/10/2011 22:05
I would dump the superchips on ebay and see who buys it. Take the money and get a more customized program instead of "One size fits all.

For a program, it will cost you$75 if you want to just flash your ECM. See dp-tuner dot com. Or you can get a chip with up to 16 slots to put different programs. All of them will be set up to what you want.

As to the K&N, without getting into specific users who said what. there have been issues with the filter. Go search on say Powerstroke Network or Ford Truck Enthusiasts, and several others.

I would disagree with Mountain West about Banks stuff. Should you want to make changes, you might find that you can't. I can change my injectors and have the program re-written for it. Should you buy into the Banks system, I don't believe you can simply send the chip back and have it set up differently. IOW, take it or leave it. You are married to the system. I haven't heard of anyone sending it back for a recalibration should they have a different turbo either.

I would first get gauges. Many vendors sell an set that you can install easily. I'm not sure why Banks would put his pyro post turbo but I would put it pre-turbo since people have done measurements and found that there is about a 300 degree difference between pre and post turbo. Problem is that the difference is NOT linear. I would prefer to see what the engine is doing and the closest you can get to the engine is to check the EGT at the manifold. Do this BEFORE doing any modifications so you can see what each mod is doing and also do diagnostics, not to mention stopping the engine should it start to get out of hand.

If you live in a salt area, get a T304 Stainless Steel exhaust. Otherwise aluminized will be fine. There are many reasonable brands like say MBRP, for example.

Give DP-Tuner a call for your tuning of the PCM. You tell him what you want the truck to do and he can send you flashed ECM if they have a core unit. Plug it in and if you don't like it, send it back and you are out shipping. Thing is, with this, you can tell him what you want it to do. If you like it, get say the F6 chip where you can have him email you a tune and you load it. Also with a "Try before you buy" feature. After 10 cycles, if you like it, pay him and the release code will be sent to you. His computer programs are much more customizable. So if you like the trans to shift firmer, you can tell him and he will do it.

For the Trans, get a Brian's Truck Shop Valve body and a larger cooler from a 6.0L truck, It has more than adequate cooling.

This is by no means a complete list but it should get you started

01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS Air Filter system, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. Billet thermostat housing
aklim
• Hartford, WI, USA
• Registered on 2/20/2006
• 133 posts
Posted:4/10/2011 22:05
I would dump the superchips on ebay and see who buys it. Take the money and get a more customized program instead of "One size fits all.

For a program, it will cost you$75 if you want to just flash your ECM. See dp-tuner dot com. Or you can get a chip with up to 16 slots to put different programs. All of them will be set up to what you want.

As to the K&N, without getting into specific users who said what. there have been issues with the filter. Go search on say Powerstroke Network or Ford Truck Enthusiasts, and several others.

I would disagree with Mountain West about Banks stuff. Should you want to make changes, you might find that you can't. I can change my injectors and have the program re-written for it. Should you buy into the Banks system, I don't believe you can simply send the chip back and have it set up differently. IOW, take it or leave it. You are married to the system. I haven't heard of anyone sending it back for a recalibration should they have a different turbo either.

I would first get gauges. Many vendors sell an set that you can install easily. I'm not sure why Banks would put his pyro post turbo but I would put it pre-turbo since people have done measurements and found that there is about a 300 degree difference between pre and post turbo. Problem is that the difference is NOT linear. I would prefer to see what the engine is doing and the closest you can get to the engine is to check the EGT at the manifold. Do this BEFORE doing any modifications so you can see what each mod is doing and also do diagnostics, not to mention stopping the engine should it start to get out of hand.

If you live in a salt area, get a T304 Stainless Steel exhaust. Otherwise aluminized will be fine. There are many reasonable brands like say MBRP, for example.

Give DP-Tuner a call for your tuning of the PCM. You tell him what you want the truck to do and he can send you flashed ECM if they have a core unit. Plug it in and if you don't like it, send it back and you are out shipping. Thing is, with this, you can tell him what you want it to do. If you like it, get say the F6 chip where you can have him email you a tune and you load it. Also with a "Try before you buy" feature. After 10 cycles, if you like it, pay him and the release code will be sent to you. His computer programs are much more customizable. So if you like the trans to shift firmer, you can tell him and he will do it.

For the Trans, get a Brian's Truck Shop Valve body and a larger cooler from a 6.0L truck, It has more than adequate cooling.

This is by no means a complete list but it should get you started

01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS Air Filter system, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. Billet thermostat housing
MountainWestDiesel
• Mountain West, WY, USA
• Registered on 2/25/2011
• 95 posts
Posted:4/11/2011 00:16
Mark,
What aklim is saying is a whole lotta BS, as well as off the mark on your desires. You start messing with performance diesel injectors, you will need new ARP head-studs and head gaskets installed to handle the pressure of the performance diesel injector. Lots of money $$$$. In addition, performance injectors are $$$$, about $2400, plus installation. Lots more money. You want to get the best performance out of these type injectors, you will need a fuel system, about $700 plus installation. To make all these work, get ready to purchase a larger turbo, $3,000 plus installation. Now you are well over 10K plus worth of work! Not to mention:

"We do not use this vehicle for towing or racing or hot rodding". Aklim missed your intended end-state, plus he has no Diesel Stats.

Banks systems are designed for stock applications. You won't have to modify one thing! These are complete bolt on stock applications, that require no modifications. CHECK THE WEBSITE. You will make your diesel 100% better.

The line of BS he is telling you is if you intend to race your family truckster... You want to fix your diesel's performance and economy stats...? go w/ a Banks System... you want to take advice from Amateurs, listen to those whose stats only include Polaris toys.

A chip is just that... a chip. It fails to increase air intake, air cooling, and exhaust. These are the 3 Pillars of Diesel performance and economy. These chips alone do nothing more than provide a little more horsepower, and nothing more. Picture yourself taking steroids that make you run faster, and then running with a plastic bag over your head. That is what a chip does for you.

Your diesel has to be able to breathe my dude. You want fuel economy... get the Banks system. You can monitor everything w/ the Banks iQ... You can pick and choose the gauges you want to monitor... The iQ can recalibrate your speedometer in the event you change summer to winter tires that are different sizes ...it can even serve as a GPS and an MP3 / movie player... for those long family trips...

Trust me brother... but further more... look into a Banks System yourself... Gale Banks has R&D on all his systems, he has stats on all his systems, and he will send you free of charge what the various systems / components that he sells for your 7.3L PSD, and how they will affect your vehicle.

-Chris
MountainWestDiesel
Mark Peterson
• Big Lake, MN, USA
• Registered on 12/29/2004
• 25 posts
Posted:4/11/2011 05:11
Thanks a ton guys.

Mark
aklim
• Hartford, WI, USA
• Registered on 2/20/2006
• 133 posts
Posted:4/11/2011 05:36
Quote:
Mark,
What aklim is saying is a whole lotta BS, as well as off the mark on your desires. You start messing with performance diesel injectors, you will need new ARP head-studs and head gaskets installed to handle the pressure of the performance diesel injector. Lots of money $$$$. In addition, performance injectors are $$$$, about $2400, plus installation. Lots more money. You want to get the best performance out of these type injectors, you will need a fuel system, about $700 plus installation. To make all these work, get ready to purchase a larger turbo, $3,000 plus installation. Now you are well over 10K plus worth of work! Not to mention:

"We do not use this vehicle for towing or racing or hot rodding". Aklim missed your intended end-state, plus he has no Diesel Stats.

Banks systems are designed for stock applications. You won't have to modify one thing! These are complete bolt on stock applications, that require no modifications. CHECK THE WEBSITE. You will make your diesel 100% better.

The line of BS he is telling you is if you intend to race your family truckster... You want to fix your diesel's performance and economy stats...? go w/ a Banks System... you want to take advice from Amateurs, listen to those whose stats only include Polaris toys.

A chip is just that... a chip. It fails to increase air intake, air cooling, and exhaust. These are the 3 Pillars of Diesel performance and economy. These chips alone do nothing more than provide a little more horsepower, and nothing more. Picture yourself taking steroids that make you run faster, and then running with a plastic bag over your head. That is what a chip does for you.

Your diesel has to be able to breathe my dude. You want fuel economy... get the Banks system. You can monitor everything w/ the Banks iQ... You can pick and choose the gauges you want to monitor... The iQ can recalibrate your speedometer in the event you change summer to winter tires that are different sizes ...it can even serve as a GPS and an MP3 / movie player... for those long family trips...

Trust me brother... but further more... look into a Banks System yourself... Gale Banks has R&D on all his systems, he has stats on all his systems, and he will send you free of charge what the various systems / components that he sells for your 7.3L PSD, and how they will affect your vehicle.

-Chris
MountainWestDiesel


If it took that much, sure. What I told him is modular. He can go as far as he wants. Tell me he can do that with Banks that you sell. What if he don't like the way it shifts? Will YOU or Banks reflash it to cater to that? I didn't need head studs when I added different equipment. Nor did many others. If you wanted to install them for free, sure. For the 6.0s, they are a problem.

No, I didn't. If he was hot rodding, I'd have suggested a different trans, for instalce. What I told him will work for however far he wants to go. Gauges are good for diagnostics and monitoring. Your chip can be as mind or more suited to your purpose. Banks has great marketing and great R&D. None of the stuff he sells is what he used to get trophies with. My excursion has towed at max a 10K trailer. I haven't raced it yet. What diesel stats are you looking for? My car is a 99 E300 Turbodiesel that I have had a program written to the ECM. My Ford Excursion has the following mods: 01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. 203* thermostat and billet housing.

That is pretty true. What you forgot to mention is that you CANNOT modify one thing. Hence, buy it, you married the item and it's family. You can make power only along his lines.

Absolute rubbish. My truck, unless someone stole it, has not seen a track yet or a sled event. If you want to worship Banks, go for it. There are others that will make a more modular system and for less money. But hey, it's his money. I have seen numerous people that have gone with Banks ad been happy UNTIL they bought something else. Banks is great if you want to throw it in, run it and never will fool with it. Most people that start that way have ended up with wanting more. That is where the problem comes in. There is no "more".

Depends on what you want. I go to ride ATVs and am in dusty areas so I got an AIS. Some have used a 6637 filter at the end of the hose. Unless you change your housing to say an ATS ported housing or maybe a GTP38R turbo, the snout is still 3 inches. The 6637 will let it breathe for a lot less money. It isn't sexy nor does it come with a sticker but it works. You have AFE and other brands.

BTW, wasn't the 6 gun basically a rheostat designed to fool the ICP sensor into thinking the pump wasn't producing enough pressure and forces it to crank up the pressure? Sounds like turning the distributor a couple degrees.

01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS Air Filter system, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. Billet thermostat housing
aklim
• Hartford, WI, USA
• Registered on 2/20/2006
• 133 posts
Posted:4/11/2011 05:39
BTW, Mark, check out the other boards I mentioned. Ask them and you are likely to get a bunch of "I went with Banks but saw the better side of the road.".

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum31/

http://powerstrokenation.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

BTW, my Excursion is 01 and it doesn't need head studs yet. For the 6.0, it probably is a weak point,

01 Excursion. Gauges with AIH Delete, AIS Air Filter system, CCV Mod, 4' MBRP, BTS Trans, 6.0L Trans Cooler and Intercooler, DP-Tuner F6 chip, ITP In Tank Mod and Boost Annihilator, Diesel Innovation's Regulated Fuel kit, BTS Big Oil system, GTP38R Turbo with 1.15 A/R housing and BDP Stage II AC injectors. Bilstein Shocks with U code front and A code Rear. Billet thermostat housing
MountainWestDiesel
• Mountain West, WY, USA
• Registered on 2/25/2011
• 95 posts
Posted:4/11/2011 06:57
Aklim...

Mark wants economy... not a mix of parts from here, there and everywhere... that were never designed to work together... notice where in his post he said his budget is LIMITED

I gives a damn about what you have on your ride... it means jack and sh*t to me...

Focus on what help was asked for... E-CON-O-MY.

Economy means more air in - more air cooled - and more air expelled...

Banks had exactly what I needed... More Air in, more air cooled, and more air expelled.

Show me another manufacturer that can bring a complete bolt on system to the level of a Banks Bundle. Also... He can choose to purchase this bundle 1 piece at a time... which may be a more feesable way for him to get what he wants out of his 7.3L

To add to the efficiency and convenience of my Banks System, I have a computer monitor that I can use to change from economy - to tow - to performance at the touch of a button... ...and all of a sudden, ...I can do all three things, without having to buy any of that extra crap you got danglin on your mobile... All I would need is a Banks torque converter, and the Banks Brake... for towing anything bigger than my Harley...

The Banks system resulted in better gas mileage...

It was the exact fix I needed... Economy when I travel, & Towing & Performance when / if I need it

Get gauges...? Why...? So Mark can monitor EGTs while towing nothing...?

Banks is plug and play...

It fits better than any crap you are spewing...

He is not interested in making his Ex a Hinze 57 mod...

Why waste his time having him send the chips in the mail to some butt hair smokin aftermarket amateur to re program...?

really ? really ?

Air intake... inter-cooler... and efficient exhaust...

That's what Mark needs there My Dude ...efficiency... not a lot of aftermarket trash...

My 6.0L will only need head studs if I choose to upgrade the injector performance... Don't see this happening... because I would need a performance fuel system, and a larger Turbo to get all the gains that the increase injectors would bring to bear...

Banks... you simply are not worthy
Ford Excursion Forums > Ford Excursion V8, V10, and Powerstroke > Powerstroke Excursions
7.3 X Questions
Thread Statistics:     Users to Post: 3   |   Total Posts: 32   |   Total Views: 9070
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