Best programmer?

[jguzman75]

I have used the Superchips programmer in my X for quite a while now and it really does make a difference over stock. My dad and brother use the same one and I am wondering if I am getting the quoted 110 hp extra. Which ones are the best? Thanks.-popcorn

 

[whatabudro]

****In my opinion:

The 110hp is quoted as a gain on the smallest horsepower rating on the early superduty 7.3's. I believe this was 215 horsepower, I may be wrong but it's irrelevant to the point which I'm about to make. The tuner you have, like many others, works on the 1999 to 2003 model 7.3 powerstrokes. Here's where they get away with some marketing hype. The 2003 model came from the factory with 250 hp, 35 more horsepower than your 2000 model with 215. The only difference (horsepower wise) between the two motors is the factory programming on the ECM. So the only trucks that really see the the 110 hp improvement are those that were rated 215 to begin with. The way it works is the factory program is saved and the tuner program is written in its place. Since there are no mechanical parts that give a horsepower advantage to the later model trucks, once you remove the factory program and install the tuner program the different model trucks all go back to a level playing field. Which means the 250hp trucks are really only getting a 75hp increase over their stock program.

Now that that's out of the way I'll say this.

• A tuner is a program specially burned to improve your trucks performance, but done in a way that can be removed and installed easily. The programs are often very generic and do not take into consideration any modifications you have done to your truck. Most also give you the ability to read and clear DTC's.
  
• A chip is the same thing as the tuner but but not as easy to install, but can give you the option of changing settings on the fly. The chip however does not offer you the ability to read and clear DTC's. A chip can be written to recalibrate your speedometer for larger tires, and you can customize your shifting also. A chip from Jody or Tony will make much more power than a tuner will, and will do it safely if you monitor your gauges.
  
• Two of the powerstroke world's best "chip" programmers are Twildman and Jody Tipton. Tony does not have a website that I know of but can be reached via pm on this board. Jody Tipton has a site www.dp-tuner.com where you can see what he offers. Jody also offers this which is a good choice if you want to stay with a tuner type setup.

 

[MUDWHISTLE]

215 was the 94 to 96 rating wasn't it? 97 was 225 (thats what my tag says) and 99 was 235, as well as 2000, then 01 was 250 (Had a friend with one) and 02/03 was 275, Or would a F550 HP rating have been different in 02? cause I know the one I had at work that said 275 on the VC tag. and I had a friend who bought a 2003 7.3 auto that had a 275 rate tag on the VC?

 

[95_stroker]

MUD,

You are correct on the 94-97 hp's and the 99-00 as well. I'm not sure what the 1's,2's and 3's were rated at but 275 sounds right....

But again on the claims of 110 hp....... I'd like to see raw dyno data to back SCMT's claims up cuz I dont buy it. If you can gain an additional 30-40 hp at the wheels with a SCMT I would be surprised.

 

[whatabudro]

Yep that sounds right Mud, my bad.

 

[pdt1081]

But again on the claims of 110 hp....... I'd like to see raw dyno data to back SCMT's claims up cuz I dont buy it. If you can gain an additional 30-40 hp at the wheels with a SCMT I would be surprised.

I believe they can claim 110hp at the flywheel. Factor in the parasitic power loss from the drive train and it is a lot less than that at the wheels.