Diesel tuner/chip opinions???

[angus_cow_doctor]

I bought a BullyDog GT tuner on eBay, and it was delivered today. I plan to put it on my 2003 f350 with a 6.0 liter diesel. I have never used one of these before, but my friends say it will potentially increase my fuel economy by 5-6 MPG. Also supposed to help dramatically when pulling a heavy load. Anybody have any experience using one of these, or any suggestions on using it? I hope to get it installed and running tomorrow morning.........

[brnbser]

the GT Tuner is a little quirky'er than some of the others but does really well just follow the directions closely and go ahead and do the online update with the usb first before installing and install the management software on you pc. biggest thing with most is DO NOT tow a heavy load when on the high performance tune, it will burn up your turbo. light loads won't make a difference but use the tow tune for anything sizable. only drawback I had with the Bully Dog was you had to do an update everytime you changed the tune but it was still easier than a direct download plug and unplug like the Diablo's. I've had several on both diesel's and gas over the years. I've had good luck with the diablo predator's also but they are just a download and not a management tool like the GT Tuner.

[patoz]

Scott, I've been thinking about getting one too. What would you recommend for a 2004 F-250 Super Duty with the V-10 Trition engine in it?

[welder]

The Ford 6.0 Diesel is already wound pretty dang tight from the factory , I would think twice about chipping that motor. The 6.0 doesn't have a very good history running stock.
If I had that motor and wanted better MPG I would look at getting a gearvendor.com: The Leading Gears Site on the Net of just change the gear ratio to 3.55 or higher and of course go one size taller in tire size over factory recomended.
Tires size is the least expensive to start with and there is a point where you go backwards, usually at the 305 size it gets squishy and handling is affected.

Now if you just had a Cummins...

[bamafan]

I would put a set of gauges on the truck before you EVER put a tuner on it. Especially early 6.0 s Call me if want to hear more. I have slot of experience with that motor. I had to learn the hard way how temperamental those 6.0' s can be. I can show you a few things to do get that motor more efficient before using a tuner.

[bamafan]

And SCT makes better software to run on those. It's alot less harder on fueling and timing. Timing is the slippery slope on 6.0 s.

[bamafan]

I agree about the cummins my 2003 250 basket case is getting ready for a cummins 12 valve and nv4500 transplant.

[bamafan]

Also if you still have stock intake and exhaust on the truck a tuner Willkie get you anywhere near the economy your looking for all you will get is screaming hot egt temps. That leads to blown oil coolers, egr issues and oh how those 6.0 s can be as temperamental as a pissed off woman.

[welder]

Oh yeah, if your getting 18+ MPG on the highway your not going to get 5-6 more mpg .
Most guys I know that have pre 07 motors might get 1 MPG more IF you can keep your foot out of it.
It's all in the skinny peddle on the right.

One of the best ways to get MPG's out of a diesel is to SLOW DOWN .
1] If you drive just 5 MPH slower than you normally do you WILL pick up 2 to 3 MPG right there.

2] If you can keep your HWY RPM's under 2000 you will be a lot happier.
3] Do not let the motor Idle for more than 5 minutes before shut down.
4] Driver her like a old manand SLOW DOWN.
5] Keep your air filter clean/replaced or get a cold air intake so you can wash the filter [ I run the S&B on my Cummins]
6] Delete the muffler
7] SLOW DOWN

[welder]

I agree about the cummins my 2003 250 basket case is getting ready for a cummins 12 valve and nv4500 transplant.

One of my guys at work has a sweet 96 F250 4X4 that is getting the 12 Valve trans plant . I don't now what he is going to do with the 351 that's in the truck now , it is a GOOD motor with about 70K on it , he just wants the Cummins [ he already has the motor and just waiting to do it.