The Right Tuner For My '02 7.3???
 

Hey everyone,

I am looking for the right programmer/display for my 2002 Excursion.:5:

I have already tried the Edge New Evolution unit and I found it to have some problems in regard to my truck's performance.:booo:

I now have the SCT Livewire tuner and am using the three programs it comes with. They are decent, but at WOT, I still get codes, it defuels, and many of the features don't work for me.:booo::booo:

Is there a "finished" product out there that has perfect tuning, won't set codes, won't defuel, and is upgradeable with my future mods???:ouch:

Please help. I am losing faith in modding this thing!!:argh::sos::madd:

The Edge is probably the most common out there and performs well. Sounds like you may have other issues going on. If you're throwing codes you need to find out which ones they are and install the proper sensor fooler's. The factory tuning is going to defuel no matter what box or programmer you run. The only way to by-pass the defueling is to use software that gives access to the fueling tables. In addition to that you will have to get a built tranny if you over ride the defueling or you will end up buying a new one. If you're not getting access to all the features there is either something wrong with the tuner or your year model doesnt allow the changes.

i have the Edge w/attitude on my 01 F350, the only time I'll get a code is if I put it on 5 on nail it. you can override the de-fueling on mine If I remember correctly but I'm afraid of messing something up. I don't want to spend money for a trans right now

I appreciate your comments. I gave up on Edge because they took so long in returning to my issues. Each new program had more driveability issues than the last.

I get the following codes with either Edge or SCT:

P0603 -- no one cares (KAM)
P0238 -- Boost Sensor A Circuit High
P1249 -- Wastegate Steady State Test Failure

I also got a code with Edge that it could not read it would dsiplay "???" on the screen.

I now get (with SCT), in addition, U3700 as well. I can't figure out what that is supposed to be.:3:

It was my understanding that the programmers were supposed to be configured to handle more boost therefore making a "fooler" unnecessary. It was my understanding that SCT's included tunes would make this all work for me. I only have a cold air kit and exhaust!!:madd:

The worst part is that I can't get a straight answer as to what is wrong. Even people with Excursions have chimed in and seem to not have the same issues -- or any.

Does anyone know if there's a different CAL ID that I should consider flashing my PCM with to get better results?

You could get a custom chip from someone like Diesel Innovations, DP Tuner, Tony Wildman, TS Performance, etc... that you can upgrade for whatever mods you want as well as get it programmed to your liking, but you'd have to get some gauges for monitoring. You're also gonna need a boost fooler.

That's my point. I paid big $$ for something that doesn't even work out of the box. Sure I could just keep throwing money at it, but what's that worth of the original tunes don't work for me?

Oh, and BTW, Livewire IS a display that shows EGT, Boost, etc....:gj:

Thanks for the input...

SCT's latest is that they're working on it. I am not sure what that means so I'll be in touch with them tomorow.

the livewire is nice -- and I think you can get some custom tunes for the livewire..

BUT -- you NEED a boost fooler NO MATTER WHAT tuner/chip you have on a 7.3 IIRC.

who did ya buy it from and if they do custom tuning, you should contact them for some custom stuff b/c the factory "out of the box" tunes on ANY aftermarket tuner, WILL NOT be crazy and override all the safety features of the original system

edit: ooops - double post

I bought it from PMT Diesel and they've sent me to SCT to figure this all out. I am not all that impressed with that either.

As for a boost fooler, I have a DRV++ from Dfuser that's not on the truck right now. I had that on the truck when I used the Edge New Evolution programmer and it did nothing for the situation.

I don't mind considering a boost fooler but I don't understand why the tuning can't work around that.

Thanks:wacko:

I'm running the Hypertech Hyperpac on my 02 F350. It works very well and monitors every system reliably. The power settings aren't all that aggresive however...max setting (stage 3) is 100+hp. I haven't had any problems with the unit but have had several questions for the guys at Hypertech with regards to it working with other mods. They were great to deal with and even sent several other "ideas" for the truck.
Overall a great programmer/monitor, but it is a little big.

Other mods include: 5" Magnaflow exhaust, afe stage 2 cold air intake, 4" Pro Comp Suspension lift, 35" Toyo Open Country MT's, BD Tourque power torque converter, etc., etc.

I have a friend with the same truck (01), and he installed the Edge Attitude with Monitor...nothing but problems...codes, codes, codes, runs rough, etc.

Hypertech may not put out the most power, but the swear you can run it while towing up to 16,000lbs and not generate dangerous EGT's. I've hauled my travel trailer, with quads, etc. on max setting without any incident. Oh yeah, my mileage on the max setting according to the trip computer on the highway at 70mph = 22mpg

I'd check it out.