New to the forum and diesel truck world. My previous pu was a Dodge 1500 Ram Off Road Edition (5.9 liter -stock).
I then made the move to a diesel. Purchased a privately owned and immaculately maintained and professionally serviced 2008 F350 SD, 6.4 l Lariat. Every option, 20" polished Ford rims etc. Never seen towing, snow plowing anything like that. I knew the individual. Very sucesssful local businessman. Has like 2 or 3 other F250's as workhorses (they even they look immaculate).
What I didn't realize was the fact that this was the first year of the new emissions for diesels. Stupid stupid idea (I know EVERYONE agrees). Anyway enough said.
When I spoke to my local Ford Service Manager and "discussed things" (i.e increasing mileage through dpf delete kits and tunes) he said most of the guys who own these trucks do similar mods. In fact they service many of them (under warranty). That being said I started my research. Brands (Gale Banks, SCT, Bullydog, Edge and Spartan). Spartan always stood out with better features etc..
I called Spartan this afternoon and spoke to Angela (very cool individual, very,very helpful). She put me on to another guy in my area who will do the work (remove dpf, install tune, replace all sensors and catalytic gasket). Spartan highly recommended this man. Called him. Again very, very helpful guy. He said, by far Spartan is the best unit on the market. He indicated he has tried them all. After I described to him my primary reason for the decision to explore a "tune" (I'll call it for the lack of a better term) was increased gas mileage first and foremost, and second the ability to pull my powerboat. He said the best choice also would be the 210 tune for my purpose.
I like the fact that Spartan is undetectable by Ford diagnostic equipment. Unit (console) is physically of better quality (aesthetics, durability). Unit can be used as a monitoring device (in vehicle permanently) or used to set tune and removed. Company supposedly has great service.
Over the next few weeks I'll complete my research and make a final decision. I just know that when this guy told me that if I'm ever towing my boat and the filter goes into regen mode it is loosing alot of power. Maybe less pulling power than my 1500 (gas) Ram. When I heard that I thought to myself that is where the buck stops. I know this has probably been said a thousand times before, but what were they thinking of when they designed this filter/emission system!!!?????? How can you say this thing is more emissions friendly when it burns particulate w/ diesel fuel and then blows it out a tailpipe for like 10 -40 mins.? Do people (engineers) actually get paid to design systems like these?
Last question I've always had is ----what color should the smoke that exits your tailpipe be during regen anyway? White, white and blue-ish?
Thanks for letting me vent. What can you say I'm a noobie to diesels.
S -
