My buddy's son bought a '01 ford 4x4 with the powerstroke. Yesterday, when we were talking, he mentioned it gets very poor milage and wondered if one of those aftermarket programmers would help. I told him I can see where it could help, but, I really don't have experience with computer programmers since I drive a 12 valve Cummins. I mentioned I'd see what I can find out and which one is recommended for the '01 powerstrokes. So, would his son stand to gain any milage increase with the addition of an aftermarket computer and which one would be recommended? Also, I told him I'd try to find out about "known problems" with that truck...so, what are the "known problems" with that truck and the '01 powerstroke? Any info is appreciated since I know he'll end up being the one throwing money at it for his son...I can almost hear that conversation beginning as I type this. I figure if I can get him some info up front, he won't be too surprised later. Thanks!

 

From my family/friends experiences with the 7.3 really not much you can do to help with the fuel economy. Programmers don't help, usually the opposite but the extra power is nice.
Balanced, matching injectors and a tight transmission could increase the fuel economy though.

MikeyB

 

What is he getting for mileage? The 7.3's can get decent mileage. Before putting a programmer on(they don't really help that much), I would try to figure out why the mileage is so poor. Are there any modifications that affect aerodynamics or are the tires larger than stock? Are the brakes dragging or is there a bad bearing? Is the engine running right?

The most common failure on that engine is the cps. Ford just did a recall on it. Many people actually carry a spare on and a 10mm(I think this is right) wrench in the glovebox so that they can change it. Changing one takes like 5 minutes if know what you are doing.

 

Thanks, I'll let him know it might not be worth it for him to invest in a programmer for strictly economy. I did tell him he might see slight gains if he lets it breath better...intake/exhaust. I think he's just trying to help his son out, but, doesn't want to dump a ton of money in something that isn't his and is worried about when does the investment pay for itself. Thanks!

 

Here you go, http://www.quadzillapower.com/produc...aider_xzt.html


I have had several 7.3 p/s, and have used banks and Edge products. A friend of mine is running this Quad with no problems what so ever.

I believe it is your best bang for your buck.


Tim

 

Tell him to get onto www.powerstroke.org my brother in-law bought a 96 F250 powerjoke, tease him constanly about it and smoke him out everytime we visit . They have a lot of things that you can do to them on the cheap, although it doesn't have nearly the same results as the 12v. I know there was one that you could take a BB and put it in the fuel pressure something or other and it will raise your fuel pressure going to your injectors, kind of like the 3'rd gen's raising there rail pressure. It was all on the website just do a search for free mods and you'll find plenty to do to it. Just don't expect the results like we get on or trucks.

 

Most guys like the TS performance chip or SCT livewire for the strokers. It is not going to get better fuel mileage for him. Is the truck a six speed or automagic? I would say intakes and exhausts go alot farther in the old strokers than what is have given to my new Dodge.

There is a couple of Go through the basics. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, alignment is true, brakes aren't dragging, clean air filter, fuel filter, etc. Since it is a 4wd, double check and make sure your front hubs are free and not stuck.

Next start looking for problems. Boost and/or exhaust leaks are common culprits. It's best to remove your intercooler boots and inspect for cracks. Clean them off and reinstall them nice and tight. There are 6 total, so don't forget about the two under the turbo running to the intake manifolds. As for exhaust leaks, check the manifolds and up-pipes for any signs of soot. If you see soot, you have an exhaust leak.

Do you have gauges? It's really helpful if you have boost and EGT gauges to monitor what your engine is doing.

You can also physically inspect the turbo. Remove the intake tube leading up to the turbo. Check the compressor wheel for nicks or sanding. Also grab the shaft (not the blades) with your fingers and wiggle it around a bit. There should be no play side to side or in and out. If you have excessive play, or the compressor wheel looks shot, then you need some turbo R&R.
write ups on poor fuel mileage and some things you can do for the Strokers.

Hope it helps,

 

I know the downpipes on those need to be changed they have some funy bends. My buddy put a intake and exhaust on his with a superchip and i know he has seen better fuel milage with it!

 

On the 7.3l powerstrokes, A Dp tuner is by far the best tuner for the 7.3. By switching over to single shot injectors you will pick up 2-3 mpg. Single shots are in the 94-97 powerstrokes. Stock Single shots flow 90 cc of fuel. The super duty (99-03) 7.3 are split shot injectors. The split shots flow 140cc. Bying a good set of stg 2 single single shots (180cc) will put you around the 400rwhp range with the supporting mods ( dp tuner, intake, xaust) and give you a solid 2-3 mpg .

These motors are pretty good with hardly any issues other than the normal oil leaks and cps problem which there is a recall for now.

 

Thanks for all the input. As far as I know, his kids' truck is bone stock. I did mention to him to pay attention to how much his kids' foot is in it, too. I suspect a lot of the milage problems are due to a heavy foot...his son is no more than 18 yrs old and it's his first truck. I would imagine that at least he checked over the truck pretty good for his son...he owns and operates several "heavy" front loaders from john deere(the type that when the tires get replaced, the tires are brought in on a flat bed) and understands the importance of maintaining the equipment for their business. Anyways, he's not entirely ignorant of diesel engines, he just doesn't have the time to screw around with them to learn more than he needs to know to keep them runnig all the time.

Once again, thanks for all the info and I'll pass it on to him when I see him tomorrow.

 

I used to pilot a '01 Stroke 2wd. I bought the truck with 41k on it and sold it at 99k. When I sold it, the truck got me abotu 18 on the highway (20 if I didn't drive fast) and about 15 in town. This was with a ZF6 manual, Edge Evolution programmer, 4" MBRP, HPX pipe, and boost fooler. If I would have kept it, I would have gone with a custom chip.

There are also other things that I didn't do that would have helped, such as the cleaning the fuel filter screens, intake, turbo, etc.