Has anyone owned or used the superchips performance programmers on a turbo diesel? They look good on paper, and in theory, it would seem that Mr. Ford and the others would have to "vanilla-out" their set ups out of the factory...but then make it possible to "fine-tune" on particular needs... Like when I am towing nothing at all and just driving the vehicle as would differ from when I have the vehicle loaded, pulling the boat over the mountains..... Thoughts among our owners please???
Superchips for Turbo Diesels
- Thread starter Byrdman
- Start date
Anita Marie
New member
Byrdman, DeNag has chipped his Ford F250. I know he has some good insites.
Mighty Bite
New member
Thats ....... C - O - L - D !!!!, Fred.
Anita Marie
New member
Your right, I think I will edit that post, sorry.
Fred
Fred
Byrdman,
There are several great web sites for turbo diesels, hopefully DaNag has the best ones for a Ford. www.turbodieselregister.com may have some info on Fords but it is mainly a Cummins based site. You can usually find quite a few discussions regarding performance chips on those sites as they are a popular addition, as are exhaust brakes.
One word of caution, be careful of how either a different chip or an exhaust brake addition affects your warrantee. Most manufacturers have one or two vendors that the manufacturer has approved but those vendors products tend to be the more "tame" versions.
On a side note, the last I had heard, the fastest truck record on the salt flats is currently held by a mid-size pickup that they shoehorned a turbo diesel into. Bet that baby has one heck a "Superchip"!
"Chivita" Dave
There are several great web sites for turbo diesels, hopefully DaNag has the best ones for a Ford. www.turbodieselregister.com may have some info on Fords but it is mainly a Cummins based site. You can usually find quite a few discussions regarding performance chips on those sites as they are a popular addition, as are exhaust brakes.
One word of caution, be careful of how either a different chip or an exhaust brake addition affects your warrantee. Most manufacturers have one or two vendors that the manufacturer has approved but those vendors products tend to be the more "tame" versions.
On a side note, the last I had heard, the fastest truck record on the salt flats is currently held by a mid-size pickup that they shoehorned a turbo diesel into. Bet that baby has one heck a "Superchip"!
"Chivita" Dave
I have the Edge Juice Attitude module on my Duramax/Allison and it makes a world of difference. http://www.edgeproducts.com/ford.html
I can dial in 40-150 hp and up to 350 additional ft/lb of torque on the fly. Towing my 8,000 lb 5th wheel up the Grapevine grade north of LA, I did it in level 2, which gives a modest 60 hp increase but gobs of torque increase, and it never dropped out of cruise control set at 65 the whole way up, though it did drop out of overdrive twice.
Blowing away Powerstrokes and Rambos is a piece of cake, but if one is just looking for a nice gain in power and great reliability, staying in level 1 or 2 is fine. Edge is programmed to protect the transmission first, power second, so it's always monitoring the Allison as well.
Warranty issue? It took me 20 minutes to remove it and all traces of it when I had to get a power steering pump replaced. Got it done before the tow truck even arrived....
I can dial in 40-150 hp and up to 350 additional ft/lb of torque on the fly. Towing my 8,000 lb 5th wheel up the Grapevine grade north of LA, I did it in level 2, which gives a modest 60 hp increase but gobs of torque increase, and it never dropped out of cruise control set at 65 the whole way up, though it did drop out of overdrive twice.
Blowing away Powerstrokes and Rambos is a piece of cake, but if one is just looking for a nice gain in power and great reliability, staying in level 1 or 2 is fine. Edge is programmed to protect the transmission first, power second, so it's always monitoring the Allison as well.
Warranty issue? It took me 20 minutes to remove it and all traces of it when I had to get a power steering pump replaced. Got it done before the tow truck even arrived....
Anita Marie
New member
Mark, I am trying to be nice but...Rambo!!
World's fastest pickup truck
World's fastest pickup truck
Anita Marie
New member
OK, we have had the Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha discussion, I guess it is time to have the Cummins, Powerstroke, Aluminum heads discussion, again. :wink
Sneaks":5wrzbykf said:
Hey - I ain't got no Rambo delusions! I do have the 7/70 warranty and no aftermarket chip.
Speaking of the warranty, when we bought that rig we left there under the impression that a service contract was part of the deal. Then after a year with no service coupons, despite a couple of earlier phone calls, my wife is told by both the dealer and Chrysler that the warranty package they sold us did not include the service. They're fault, my fault, I don't know. But I gave the owner of the place a call, and he said that a dissatisfied customer should never be part of the deal, and that the coupons would be sent to me. There are 28 coupons worth $49.95 apiece, so do the math. That makes the warranty pretty inexpensive. I would buy another rig from Lynwood Dodge.
I know. I know. I'm a mechanic and should change my own oil, but I'm old and tired and I don't want the hassle of getting rid of three gallons of used oil. Besides, they do a great job of washing the truck, and it's only a three block walk to Englund Marine!
Chips are good, watch your warrenty. Most chip sellers will tell you their chip won't void the warrenty but if your tranny goes out, good luck. Big truck engines are reprogramed all the time, The problem with installing the chip is that you will still have a Ford, sell that rascal and get a Volvo 
Mighty Bite
New member
Hey Fred,
Re-edit that first post. "C - O - L - D" is really COOL! At least I thought it was a great line and we don't want to lose any of those! Keeps everyone awake.
Mike, speaks well for Lynnwood Dodge to give you the service coupons.
Ditto for you for reminding them.
Re-edit that first post. "C - O - L - D" is really COOL! At least I thought it was a great line and we don't want to lose any of those! Keeps everyone awake.
Mike, speaks well for Lynnwood Dodge to give you the service coupons.
Ditto for you for reminding them.
Check out http://www.bankspower.com/
They are the best for added power and performance
They are the best for added power and performance
Thanks All.. Have sent DaNag and email, and will look at these other souces. Getting an overall of about 15.8 in the city, and will take her on the road later this week to Mt. Juliet/Nashville for my 1st highway road trip. The little gauge on the console on the roof indicates about 19.5 to 21 mpg on the interstate at about 69 mph...but, I only have a stretch about 3 miles so far and that is simply not good enough for a measure. Will refuel prior to leaving Montgomery, and top back off in Mt. Juliet when I get off the Interstate, do the same on the reverse trip, just in case there is more up or down hill effects going either way, then that is the best I can figure for now. Just like it is isn't bad for as heavy of a vehicle it is...and the mixed capabilities of being able to tow 11,000. Thanks!
Sorry for the delayed reply, been out of town for a few days...dang, missed Fred's smart-a$$ reply... 
RE tuners/chips/Ford Powerstrokes - all of my personal experience is with the 7.3. I have no first-hand knowledge on how well they work on the 6.0's, but from what I've read, I'd be more cautious using them on that engine, for a few reasons.
First, the 6.0 runs hotter than the 7.3, as many folks who have installed EGT gauges will testify. An EGT gauge and 4" exhaust update is a must in any case, but you may find yourself needing to keep your foot out of things when under load with a chipped 6.0.
Second, the stock 6.0 has significantly more HP/torque than a stock 7.3. I'd question the need for a chip for strictly power reasons; most reports I've read on the 6.0 indicate it does a fine job un-chipped.
Lastly, there have been numerous reports of Ford not honoring warranty claims on chipped 6.0's. I'm sure it all depends on the particular claim, i.e. what component failed, but unless one cares to be dishonest (by removing chips/programs prior to dealer visits), one needs to weigh the risk of a denied warranty repair. Even if the chip/program isn't responsible for a component failure, you could be in for a fight if Ford thinks otherwise - and their pockets are probably deeper than most of ours. I've read several accounts of folks being stuck with $7K+ repair bills that would have otherwise been honored had they not chipped their 6.0's.
The 7.3 is an entirely different story. First, most of them are out of warranty, or close to it. Second, they've been around much longer - the tuners and aftermarket companies have quite a bit more experience in safely increasing performance on them. Both of my 7.3's are chipped, and the difference is pretty amazing - not only from a power perspective, but from a driveability one as well - the chips typically modify shift points in addition to the big performance gains. As is the case with any chipped diesel, your tranny will take the brunt of the power increase. If you don't abuse your new-found power, the stock tranny will probably hold up fine. If you are "right-foot heavy", plan on about $3500 to make your tranny bullet-proof.
Based on my 7.3 experience, I'd go with a chip over a tuner. While more difficult to install, they offer several benefits. First, the programs just seem to be better; virtually everyone who has compared a tuner program to a chip will verify they get more power, with lower EGT's as compared to a tuner. Secondly, it's handy to have multiple programs; I have my daily driver program which is fairly aggressive, but I can switch back to a safer tow program at the flick of a switch.
Best site I've found for Ford Diesel info - The Diesel Stop. Much more info has been written there than we'll ever address here. Best Ford diesel performance vendor I've dealt with is Jonathan at Swamp Donkey - he's very knowledgeable and helpful, and has good pricing to boot.
RE tuners/chips/Ford Powerstrokes - all of my personal experience is with the 7.3. I have no first-hand knowledge on how well they work on the 6.0's, but from what I've read, I'd be more cautious using them on that engine, for a few reasons.
First, the 6.0 runs hotter than the 7.3, as many folks who have installed EGT gauges will testify. An EGT gauge and 4" exhaust update is a must in any case, but you may find yourself needing to keep your foot out of things when under load with a chipped 6.0.
Second, the stock 6.0 has significantly more HP/torque than a stock 7.3. I'd question the need for a chip for strictly power reasons; most reports I've read on the 6.0 indicate it does a fine job un-chipped.
Lastly, there have been numerous reports of Ford not honoring warranty claims on chipped 6.0's. I'm sure it all depends on the particular claim, i.e. what component failed, but unless one cares to be dishonest (by removing chips/programs prior to dealer visits), one needs to weigh the risk of a denied warranty repair. Even if the chip/program isn't responsible for a component failure, you could be in for a fight if Ford thinks otherwise - and their pockets are probably deeper than most of ours. I've read several accounts of folks being stuck with $7K+ repair bills that would have otherwise been honored had they not chipped their 6.0's.
The 7.3 is an entirely different story. First, most of them are out of warranty, or close to it. Second, they've been around much longer - the tuners and aftermarket companies have quite a bit more experience in safely increasing performance on them. Both of my 7.3's are chipped, and the difference is pretty amazing - not only from a power perspective, but from a driveability one as well - the chips typically modify shift points in addition to the big performance gains. As is the case with any chipped diesel, your tranny will take the brunt of the power increase. If you don't abuse your new-found power, the stock tranny will probably hold up fine. If you are "right-foot heavy", plan on about $3500 to make your tranny bullet-proof.
Based on my 7.3 experience, I'd go with a chip over a tuner. While more difficult to install, they offer several benefits. First, the programs just seem to be better; virtually everyone who has compared a tuner program to a chip will verify they get more power, with lower EGT's as compared to a tuner. Secondly, it's handy to have multiple programs; I have my daily driver program which is fairly aggressive, but I can switch back to a safer tow program at the flick of a switch.
Best site I've found for Ford Diesel info - The Diesel Stop. Much more info has been written there than we'll ever address here. Best Ford diesel performance vendor I've dealt with is Jonathan at Swamp Donkey - he's very knowledgeable and helpful, and has good pricing to boot.
Anita Marie
New member
Smart a$$ comment, you know that I have total respect for Ford owners. My only problem is I usually only get see them in my rear view mirror. :wink
Thanks for the feedback... Power is fine, I was just thinking that the MAY HAVE been a way for better fuel economy when not towing.... It aint all bad now, particuarly with the comfort of this ride, but why get high 15s in city and 19 on highway if you could boost each by a few gallons. Think I'll be just leaving her as shipped from Mr. Ford.
I have had a couple of Dodge diesels. The first had a TST torque plate (for '96), and the second (2000) has an Edge box. Edge is okay but I have greater trust in TST (a little more money). They make a nice difference and shouldn't hurt anything if you don't race on it.
I should note I have standard shift.
I also have an PacBrake kit on the 2000. I took it off the 1996 when I sold it. It is terrific - but probably only for the standard. It will make your brake pads last forever (but remember to take them apart and great the pins, even though the pads look good.
Dave
I should note I have standard shift.
I also have an PacBrake kit on the 2000. I took it off the 1996 when I sold it. It is terrific - but probably only for the standard. It will make your brake pads last forever (but remember to take them apart and great the pins, even though the pads look good.
Dave