Hey guys I'm looking into adding A porgramer or chip to my truck. I know from reading other posts that this subject has been talked about lots. I do not want to start anything but I truly do not know anything about truck computers nor car computers for that mater. I was at A 4x4 shop today and they sugested A Hypertech Max tuner. What do you think? Sam

 

Do LOTS of reading and research on this site. There are a lot of guys on here that know a LOT about what programmers and chips work and what ones don't.

I can't help you much on a 7.3, I have not experienced a lot of aftermarket gear on them.

If you need any help on any of the mechanical/electrical systems on the truck, I can help you - I'm a Ford dealer diesel tech.

Welcome to the site and best of luck with your search.

FWIW - I would try and avoid tuners that involve sanding the PCM board down and installing in the side of the PCM - I have seen that style of tuner cause a LOT of problems.

 

The hypertech pluges into the Diognostic port under the dashboard. I'm just trying to get A feel on what everyone thinks of it.

 

if it was me i would not waste the money on any over the counter tuner. do it right the first time and get a custom tuned chip. there are many to coose from and no wrong choises. what works for some may or may not work for you. im really happy with my wildman but next im thinking about trying beans or swamps.

 

I hear you! I'm not looking to set any land speed records though. Just A little better fuel mileage and better towing. I've allready spent way to much on her now. I want to order A new GT 500 Shelby mustang in A couple of mts. Can't spend all my cash on the truck now can I. LOL.

 

Wether your looking at cost or not, get custom tunes. Its made for YOUR truck. An off the shelf one is just that, off the shelf that will work on anything. Think of it like medicine. Theres over the counter for everybody, but specifically for you you get a perscription. Your truck will thank you in the end.

 

Where shlould I go to find one? What brand names? Exctera. Just the enitials you guys use do not cut it for me. I need to know brand names.
Sam.

 

There are a lot of dealers on this site that can help you out with whatever you need. A lot of them have banner ads at the top of the page.

Hope this helps!

 

I have run about every tuner and programer out there for the 7.3, from Superchips, hypertech, bullydog... to TS style chips with DI, TS, TW, DP, Elite... I am running Swamps right now and love it. They are powering most of the fastest 7.3's out there...

What are you looking for to begin with... Just a little boost in power without really doing much, or are you looking for more?

First thing you need to do is get some gauges, Pyro, boost and tranny temp. Then a good intake and exhaust system and your good to go.

 

The only issue with installing chips on the PCM is when

A. People do not remove all the silicone and then have contact issues...
B. People going guns out on it and removing all the tin...
C. People messing with the chip with the keys in the ignition...

If your going to install a chip for the first time you have to remove the PCM and clean the J3 port... very easy and takes all of 30 minutes...

BUT... before you do anything, unhook the batterys and remove the keys. I do not unhook the batterys anymore, but after about 30 chip installs, you just learn your way.