Would like honest suggestions about tow vehicle issues

[handirifle]

I wonder if each brand chip has a prefference for a particular brand vehicle?

 

[dodge man]

Check into EFI Live. Its a fairly new thing and they will program it on Fords, Dodges and Chevys. Its kind of custom tuning and they usually put 3 or 4 programs for your truck, such as mileage, towing, all out power, etc.

 

[handirifle]

Ok thanks, will do some chip research.

 

[newbury]

- what's efi live and fords?
All I found at EFI Live site was dodge and gm.

 

[dodge man]

I could be wrong, I thought they did Fords but it could be for GM and Dodges only. They only do certain years also. I own a 2004 and they don't tune them yet.

 

[sacmarata]

Ok thanks, will do some chip research.

The only chips in my 94' Cummins is Grippos BBQ.

Everyone talk about the Dodge falling apart around the Cummins but thats not been my experience. Ive got close to 340k miles and the only probs ive had was the obvious TC and tranny upgraxe required when I doubled stock HP and a steering box replacement that I believe was covered under warranty. Maybe a fuel pump around 170k mi, a starter at 290k mi and thats it other than. Rakes and wear items.
I did fix the killer dowel pin but that was preventitive.

 

[nwltruck]

I have ran nothing but Quadzilla on 3 of my 4 diesel Fords. I ran a PDQ Eliminator for a few weeks but it had too much power and I could see it was a grenade waiting to blow.

Chris

My friend has not had any problems with the quadzilla chip that I know of, he just can't seem to get the mileage. As far as different brands liking certain chips that is definitely the case. I tried a banks on my Cummings and couldn't get it to work, but have talked to guys that love banks on Chevy. From all my research I found edge to be one of the best for 5.9 common rail. My experience with edge is why my dad put one on his Chevy. Just be careful on what you get, there are some out there that can cause big problems. I have heard night mare stories of melted pistons, blown injectors, and run away engines.

 

[Peacock]

Keep in mind that no diesel should be modded without and EGT gauge. Without it you have NO clue as to heat being put into the pistons.

 

[Degolyerent]

Keep in mind that no diesel should be modded without and EGT gauge. Without it you have NO clue as to heat being put into the pistons.

I agree with that for sure, and for automatic trans. they should have a temp gauge also. A cool trans. is a happy trans.
John

 

[handirifle]

OK that reminds me of another question I had. Why is it so important to monitor EGT on a diesel, but I have never heard of it on a gasser? What is a NORMAL EGT range and what is too high?

 

[Peacock]

OK that reminds me of another question I had. Why is it so important to monitor EGT on a diesel, but I have never heard of it on a gasser? What is a NORMAL EGT range and what is too high?

'Turned up' diesels are adding more fuel. Also timing and boost are altered.

More fuel equals more heat. They can handle it pretty well up until they melt the pistons. Most guys shoot for 12-1300 or under. This is pre-turbo.

 

[handirifle]

'Turned up' diesels are adding more fuel. Also timing and boost are altered.

More fuel equals more heat. They can handle it pretty well up until they melt the pistons. Most guys shoot for 12-1300 or under. This is pre-turbo.

Does this mean the temp is measured before the turbo, or before turbos were used? Why isn't it important on gas engines? I've seen race cars with the exhaust pipes glowing red. Even the Ford EcoBoost pipes glow red under heavy load, why does it make a difference?

I can understand the more fuel more heat, but gassers use the same principle as well. I would guess the gauge is to protect the turbo? If so how come they don't worry gas turbos? Or should they be?

Thanks

 

[Peacock]

In the manifold before the turbo is a more accurate reading of combustion temps.

Gas engines are also sensitive to high EGT's. The difference is that many diesels spend pro longed times at high load. One that has been turned up is often running double the boost pressure and much more fuel.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Sorry, I meant the upgrade to the 330hp, not the truck.

My bad...
Programmer 400
Exhaust 400
Gauges 400
This was in 2005 so prices will be different...

I run the programmer in the 330 mode...
This was done after opening up the exhaust and intake...
When pulling my 10K fifth wheel camper up Black Mountain in NC the temps never got over 1100 pre turbo...
This is running 55 mph up a 4 mile 7 degree grade...

 

[handirifle]

Ok thanks for the egt info. Thanks Turbys. Much less than I thought it might be. Even in '05 prices. Figured you went injectors, pump, yada yada.

What year was your 7.3?

I will have to revisit the Fords. Looking at the under 100k '06 Dmaxes around here they are going from slightly ununder 30k to slightly over. A bit more than I was hoping to pay. My trk is worth about 17 so I dont want to double that for another.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Ok thanks for the egt info. Thanks Turbys. Much less than I thought it might be. Even in '05 prices. Figured you went injectors, pump, yada yada.

What year was your 7.3?

I will have to revisit the Fords. Looking at the under 100k '06 Dmaxes around here they are going from slightly ununder 30k to slightly over. A bit more than I was hoping to pay. My trk is worth about 17 so I dont want to double that for another.

My 7.3 was built in 03...
Ford introduced the 6.0 later in the 03 model year...

 

[Fi-Q]

As far as LLY & LBZ, I don't remeber exactly, but if you search on dieselplace, you'll find the info. It is a one letter diffrence somewhere along the 8th caracter in the serial number in the windshield. I was looking for that when shopping 2 years ago. I guess I got a sweet deal then at 23500$ for a 4x4 SLT 3500 DRW with 97 000 kms then !! Bought it in a hughes GM dealer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

'Turned up' diesels are adding more fuel. Also timing and boost are altered.

More fuel equals more heat. They can handle it pretty well up until they melt the pistons. Most guys shoot for 12-1300 or under. This is pre-turbo.

I have my Ford 6L setup to defuel at 1260.

Chris

 

[handirifle]

Chris
Did you have to do the "mods" to cure the 6.0 issues, yourself? I am referring to the studs, egr and whatever else their main issues were? Or did you not have any problems?

 

[sd455dan]

Ahh, come on, you can try.

The only prob I have with the 12v is around here they all have 200k + on them. I know they live longer, but its the rest of the truck. If it were just me, it would be a project, but the misses wouldn't have it, soooo.

i will stand up and throw in my 2 cents for an 03 -07 common rail
my HO 5.9 - last tank 21.5mpg just passengers all highway but mines the 6 speed manual, if you can find a clean version with low miles AND the modded AUTO trans and add the pressure gauge and the upgraded fuel filter kit, for $16k - $24 k you would be in good shape I really like how the straight 6 Cummins pulls when hooked up to a heavy trailer that's when it just seems to shine...