FordExcursions.com Forums
RussellExcursion
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• Los Angeles, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 4/4/2005 |
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• 33 posts |
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 Posted:11/22/2005 18:15 |
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A question or two on purchasing a chip:
1. Most people suggest the "Edge" chip. I have a 2002 Ex, 7.3L, and would like to get more power out of her. How easy is it to install and to whom should I take it to for installation if I live in Los Angeles?
2. Drawbacks: I'm not a hot foot and would only see me using the lowest power setting, but is there any danger to the transmission if I get that chip installed? I do not tow with the Ex.
3. Aside from getting a KN airfilter, what other performance suggestions would you guys recommend?
Thanks,
Bowden |
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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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• 2,229 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:11/22/2005 21:08 |
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Bowden,
There are several chip options available. It sounds like you need more than stock performance, but nothing outrageous. The Edge Evolution might be a good choice for you. Here's an article on it:
http://www.supermotors.org/vehicles/articles/edge-a1-1.php
This simply plugs into the diagnostic port underneath the dash. No installation necessary so no need to bring it anywhere to have it installed.
Addressing the transmission:
Running synthetic transmission fluid (I recommend Amsoil), an external transmission filter, and a Factory Tech Valve Body will help prolong your tranmission's life, with or without a chip.
You should NOT however run the valve body with the Edge Evolution programmer -- the Edge Evolution (and several other chips) increase transmission line pressures for firmer/crisper shifts. The school if thought is to go the route of an aftermarket valve body and find a chip that doesn't touch the transmission line pressures. Other, more expensive Edge chips offer this option, as to Quadzilla and probably a few others, none of which I've had experience with.
Regarding air filters & intakes:
I started out with a K&N panel filter (to replace the factory panel/paper filter). I ran this for over 150,000 miles without problems. I've since switched (as of about 1 month ago) to an AFE Stage II intake & their Pro-Guard filter. Here's an install article:
http://www.supermotors.org/clubs/fordexcursions/installs/install_11/index.php
I'm only on my 3rd full tank of diesel since the install, and unfortunately with the gas stations moving to a blended diesel for winter around here, I won't have any concrete results on mileage increases until the weather warms up next year. It does however provide more power from 1500-2200 RPM from my observation (using the "seat of the pants" method). It's an easy installation. It'll run you about $450-500, though.
The last thing you will definitely need if you get a chip is aftermarket exhaust. Increasing the power with a chip will produce higher exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) and you need an exhaust system that is larger in diameter to help reduce EGT's. I have a Hypermax exhaust system which is a 3.5" downpipe and a 5" diameter exhaust w/ muffler. If you do not address your exhaust system and go ahead with a chip, you run the risk of melting your turbo. It is also highly recommended to run aftermarket gauges with a chip so that you can monitor your turbo boost, exhaust temperatures, and transmission temperatures.
This probably creates more questions than answers, so ask away. 
-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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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:11/22/2005 22:51 |
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Hi Bowden,
I would suggest going with a Jody Tipton chip. Apparently, the guy is a programmimg genius with the 7.3s and can set you up with any type of program to suit your needs. The guy is getting some excellent reviews on other sites that I frequent. Check out his web site at www.dp-tuner.com. As for the exhaust, I installed a Walker BTM (Big Truck Muffler) on my Ex back in the summer. The sound is not that much different than the stock muffler. Although I don't have first hand knowledge of this, I have read several posts of that muffler lowering your egt's 150-200 degrees. Cost around $50-60 and another $30 or so for install by a muffler shop. I would also recommend, as Eric stated, a Factory Tech Valve Body for your tranny. [b]BIG[/b] difference in shifting over the stock unit. Plus if you get this, and you decide on a Jody Tipton chip, he can taylor the program so that it does not affect/change the shifting by bumping up the line pressure. As for air, the Ford AIS system gets my vote. It is built by ford and installed on some of the later model diesels (04 and up, I think). Provides excellent filtration plus better air flow over the unit currently installed on your X. I think Powerstrokeshop.com sells them for around $200. Lastly, get some gauges. Egt, Tranny temp, and boost seem to be the most common. Hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Modding  
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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