Diesel Power Programming: 100 More Power Stroke Ponies In 5 Minutes
Heavy haulers-people who tow big boats, 5th wheel trailers cabover campers and such-swear by modern diesel-powered trucks. They tow a load up the grades much faster than gas rigs, getting significantly better fuel economy too.
Diesel performance is a relatively new phenomenon. Today, diesels are making impressive power from the factory, and the performance aftermarket has tapped into even larger gains. Best of all, many diesel power upgrades are easily installable by the do-it-yourselfer.
"Chips"
Products that reprogram or recalibrate the engine-management system appeared for gas engines about a decade ago. First came chips to upgrade the ECU (engine control unit computer), followed by hand-held programmers that downloaded the factory information and replaced it with more aggressive software.
Diesel equivalents are available now, their main difference being that potential gains here are significantly higher: The average gas-engine hand-held programmer might add about 15 HP to a small-block V-8, and diesel applications can increase output by 100 or more HP. The entire process takes approximately five minutes.
It's amazingly easy to reprogram the average late-model diesel. For demonstration purposes, we used an Edge Evolution programmer on a 2002 Excursion with the 7.3L Powerstroke.
The Evolution offers three different power levels for the 7.3:
- Tow: 60 extra HP/100 lb-ft of torque with minimal exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increases.
- Race: 80 HP/160 lb-ft for additional non-towing performance
- Extreme: 100 HP/250 lb-ft of non-California-emission-compliant power
While adding power, the Evolution also modifies transmission shifting and raises the speed/rev limiters. Plus, the programmer performs diagnostic and performance functions. It can retrieve, display, explain, and clear Check Engine trouble codes, saving trips to the dealer. Should dealer service or warranty work be required, the Evolution can be used to easily restore the factory programming. And to document performance gains, the Evolution can capture 0-60 mph and 1/4-mile times. The Evolution can also display vital engine information to help the driver avoid engine damage when towing heavy loads: transmission temp, oil temp, RPM and exhaust backpressure.
Edge also offers an Evolution programmer for Ford V-8 gas engines in addition to underhood performance modules for newer Power Stroke, Duramax, and Cummins engines. Diesel power-tuning has never been easier.
Where to buy
You can purchase the Edge Evolution from the following SuperMotors sponsor:
Installation
Extra towing power is only five minutes and a few finger-clicks away.
With the ignition switch off, plug the Evolution into the diagnostic port. The Edge logo will appear.
Use the arrows and ENT buttons to select the desired function: to add power, retrieve trouble codes or capture performance times. The up arrow (^) and ENT buttons select Power Programming.
The display describes a key ON-OFF sequence, then the factory programming downloads onto the Evolution for storage. Ford trivia provides entertainment.
Next, select and enter the desired power level. For demonstration purposes, we chose the non-towing/non-emissions Level 3/Extreme.
Precautions and disclaimers are displayed when choosing Extreme programming. Edge Products recommends installing an aftermarket EGT gauge whenever stock power is increased.
The display details another key ON-OFF sequence, then the Edge power programming starts to upload to the vehicles' ECU. The process takes about three minutes.
Following another key ON-OFF sequence as described on the Evolution display, programming is complete and the cable can be disconnected. Store the Evolution in a safe place-it stores the factory programming.
The Evolution's diagnostic feature allows the unit to read, describe, and clear engine trouble codes. This Excursion was trouble-code-free.
Performance data can be captured by connecting the Evolution to the vehicle's diagnostic port.
Select 0-60 or quarter-mile times.
Our 7,000-plus-pound 2002 Excursion with a K&N cold-air intake, aftermarket 4" exhaust and Extreme-level Evolution programming was able to turn a best 0-60 of 7.3 seconds following this 7.5 run. With an ideal launch (no tire spin), we feel it could be as low as 7.1-faster than a Mercedes CLK320.
Source
Edge Products
1080 S. Depot Dr.
Ogden, UT 94404
(888) 360-3343, (801) 476-3343
www.edgeproducts.com
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