I have a 97 ford with a 7.3 powerstroke. On a recent trip to wyoming I discovered I need a few more horsepower to pull some of those steep passes. I love my truck and would hate to sell it. Is there a programmer anyone can recommend? I have been doing a lot of reading, but I need some help to sift the wheat form the chaff. Any replies will be seriously appreciated.Marla
Posted 2014-02-03 9:24 AM (#157322 - in reply to #157264) Subject: RE: programmers
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
I'm not the expert on programmers, but I can tell you my experience. I programmed my 2008 Chevy HD and with the tow tune where the factory towing limits were not reduced. Two hours into my trip the turbo temperature went out of sight. What happened the exhaust temp exceeded specifications "overheated". If I would have been pulling an incline I would have melted the turbo a ~5K repair. I don't have a tune in my truck any longer.
Posted 2014-02-03 10:41 AM (#157323 - in reply to #157264) Subject: RE: programmers
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
1997 is getting along in years... May be hard to find a programmer for a Powerstroke that far back. They were 7.3 IDI engines, everything changed in 1999... How many miles on this engine?
Posted 2014-02-03 2:31 PM (#157327 - in reply to #157264) Subject: RE: programmers
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by Marla on 2014-01-31 3:01 PM
I have a 97 ford with a 7.3 powerstroke. On a recent trip to wyoming I discovered I need a few more horsepower to pull some of those steep passes. I love my truck and would hate to sell it. Is there a programmer anyone can recommend? I have been doing a lot of reading, but I need some help to sift the wheat form the chaff. Any replies will be seriously appreciated.Marla
I have owned, used and played with quite a few of the 94.5 to 97 Powerstroke diesels in the past years. What I have found that works great to wake these trucks up with out breaking parts it to first start with an exhaust system from the smashed downpipe back to let the truck breath better. The in stall an aftermarket air intake kit (I used only the S&B Kits) Then I install a TS Performance chip to really wake it up....These chips are a simple plug in unit that has a turn knob you mount on or in the dash so you can adjust your power as needed. The ones I order have a stock, high idle, 50hp, 75hp and a 100hp and anti theft... The 75hp setting work the best in these trucks for towing (but aftermarket exhaust system is a must).The TS Performance chip can either be bought direct from TS Performance.com or ebay, as far as the exhaust system the only part I buy is the downpipe off of ebay the use my local muffler shop to do the rest of the work for me. The chips run around $250.00/$300.00, the down pipe is around $100. or do some research on ebay for a complete system around $350.... either way is WAY cheaper than a new or newer truck!I usually spend about $800. to $1000 on these truck I do for myself and makes a world of difference on them.
Posted 2014-02-03 4:48 PM (#157328 - in reply to #157264) Subject: RE: programmers
Location: Texas
The transmission is the weak link in these trucks. Add much torque and be prepared for some expensive torque converter repair. I replaced more than a few when I was running the early powerstrokes.
Posted 2014-02-03 7:30 PM (#157332 - in reply to #157264) Subject: RE: programmers
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 522 Location: Tucumcari NM
The reason I like this truck so much is that I am only 5'1." tall. This seat fits me. I am kind of anal about that. If the seat is uncomfortable I am not going to drive it around the block no matter what is under the hood. I spend too many hours behind the wheel. The Dodge's are the worst as far as comfort, although I love the cummins engine. I am not a hot dog and don't care a hoot about being the baddest rig out there. I just want to get to where I am going. I would love to find a rig with a cummins engine backed up by an allison tranny. This ford has 80,000 miles and has been very dependable. Thanks everyone for all the input.
programmers
