2001 7.3 Powerstroke help
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: Jacksonville, FL
2001 7.3 Powerstroke help
Hey guys,
I have been over in the 150 boards for a while, but we recently picked up a 2001 7.3 F-350 to use for hauling the new boat around. With the boat weighing about 11,000 lbs loaded, the truck surprisingly has to struggle when pulling it. I know everything there is to know about tuners for the 150, but I really don't know which way to go for the diesel. What would y'all recommend for this truck to get the most safe towing power and torque possible. For right now I am only looking to add a chip/tuner, not adding anything else (exhaust, new turbo, etc). Hope you guys can help me out, and I look forward to getting some more power in this beast!
I have been over in the 150 boards for a while, but we recently picked up a 2001 7.3 F-350 to use for hauling the new boat around. With the boat weighing about 11,000 lbs loaded, the truck surprisingly has to struggle when pulling it. I know everything there is to know about tuners for the 150, but I really don't know which way to go for the diesel. What would y'all recommend for this truck to get the most safe towing power and torque possible. For right now I am only looking to add a chip/tuner, not adding anything else (exhaust, new turbo, etc). Hope you guys can help me out, and I look forward to getting some more power in this beast!
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Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Right Coast
The first thing you need hands down is a set of gauges. NEVER EVER add more fuel without being able to watch the EGTs first. You will need an EGT gauge mounted preturbo, boost gauge (0-30psi), and a trans temp gauge (if its an auto). The most common, and IMO best place to mount them is in an A pillar pod. You can get a complete gauge set and pod for about $300. I suggest www.dieselmanor.com for any Isspro gauges. If you don't mind spending more the DiPricol Optix gauges are very nice.
As for adding power I wouldn't waste any time with a programmer or a module. They don't do alot for a 7.3L compared to a flip chip. For the 7.3L a DP tuner chip is the way to go, and actually costs a hair less for a 4 pos chip than a programmer. This will run you about $400ish. If you want to go uber cheap you can send your PCM to Jody and he'll reflash it with one of his programs. You'll only ever have 1 program, but its $75. The downside is if you take your truck to the dealership they won't be able to read your PCM, and if they reflash it then you're back to square 1. Get a 4 pos chip with a stock, 40tow, 80 economy, and either 120 race or high idle.
You can make your own intake for under $50. If you want fancier like I did then you can still do it for under $70 (better filter media). An intake and exhaust will do wonders to help the trucks performance. It won't really make any more hp, but it will make the turbo spool MUCH faster. Additionally it'll keep the EGTs much lower. A good turbo back 4" exhaust is about $400-500 depending on options. I built my own for around $275.
As for adding power I wouldn't waste any time with a programmer or a module. They don't do alot for a 7.3L compared to a flip chip. For the 7.3L a DP tuner chip is the way to go, and actually costs a hair less for a 4 pos chip than a programmer. This will run you about $400ish. If you want to go uber cheap you can send your PCM to Jody and he'll reflash it with one of his programs. You'll only ever have 1 program, but its $75. The downside is if you take your truck to the dealership they won't be able to read your PCM, and if they reflash it then you're back to square 1. Get a 4 pos chip with a stock, 40tow, 80 economy, and either 120 race or high idle.
You can make your own intake for under $50. If you want fancier like I did then you can still do it for under $70 (better filter media). An intake and exhaust will do wonders to help the trucks performance. It won't really make any more hp, but it will make the turbo spool MUCH faster. Additionally it'll keep the EGTs much lower. A good turbo back 4" exhaust is about $400-500 depending on options. I built my own for around $275.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,101
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From: Orlando
I was asking the guys at Sniper some questions about mods for my parent's 2001 F250 7.3. They basically said what powerstroke^ said. If you're going to be towing(which you are) it wouldn't be safe to add a chip without first doing intake and exhaust work, so your exhaust temps don't go dangerously high.
As powerstroke recommended, get some gauges to moniter EGT and boost, so you'll know "where you're at." Good luck
As powerstroke recommended, get some gauges to moniter EGT and boost, so you'll know "where you're at." Good luck