Jump to content

SCT X4 7015 POWER FLASH PROGRAMMER


Recommended Posts

Does anyone have experience with the SCT Performance 7015 Ford Cars & Trucks Gas & Diesel X4 Power Flash Programmer ??

I would like to add a bit more oomph, and hopefully better fuel mileage for my 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L Turbo Diesel.

 

Any thoughts and experience would be welcome.

 

This model has "Performance" and "Street" modes which I could not use for towing, but the towing mode is the least of their supposed boost.

 

Can I really expect better performance and better mileage when towing 10,000 lbs and a taller enclosed trailer with an 8,000 lb diesel Excursion?

 

Is it worth $400 plus tax for one of these devices?

We tow to almost every AACA MEET & TOUR, and some others as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My transmission was replaced by AAMCO after the 2014 Founders Tour in NJ, and carries an extended 5-year warranty, but as I understand it, the SCT TOWING MODE is their lowest level of performance for that very reason.

 

My trailer is 30 ft overall, including a 4-1/2 ft wedged and tapered nose and 24 ft box - 8-1/2 ft wide, and taller than standard to allow Brass-era cars without lowering the roof. The trailer stands 11-1/2 ft tall, and is all-aluminum, weighing about 3,800 lb plus my 3-400 lb of tools, Then add my cars, most of which are in the 4,000 to 5,000 lb range, and sometimes in the nose of the trailer I'll carry major components, spares, etc. adding maybe another 1,000 lbs., so figure 10,000 lb gross with an equalizer hitch and a pair of 6,000 lb axles and load range E Michelin truck tires (no problems with them since I got rid of the "so-called" trailer tires).

 

My 2000  7.3L turbo-diesel Excursion weighs in at 8,000 to 9,000 lb, so I'm 18 to 19,000 lb going down the road (or up the hills).

 

My fuel averages 16-17 mpg without the trailer, and 8-1/4 to 9 mpg in moderate hills, holding 70 mph in overdrive with cruise control engaged.

 

I tried a short Demonstration with an SCT programmer. While the truck does have better performance and mileage in "Street" mode on a sample with an SCT, that is fine when not trailering, but 95% of my use of this truck WILL be trailering, and that mode is limited to 5,000 lb trailer. A factory Rep stated that towing more than 5,000 lb in Street-Mode would stress the engine, the least of which could be blown head gaskets. My truck has 333,000 on it, has been well maintained, and has even compression across all cylinders . The "Trailer Towing" mode is a lower performance level, and I don't know that there will be any serious benefit for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Marty,

I think you need to visit some of the Diesel performance shops in your area, to get several opinions.

I too have been looking at "tuners" for my '06 Jayco with a Duramax in a Chevy Kodiak 5500 chassis.

Of interest to me is the "Bullydog" tuner, but I'm still researching the best tuner for towing.

Most of what I see are in the 6-900 dollar range and have 4 "tunes", and only the bottom 2 can be used for towing.

For no more than we tow, it is hard to justify the cost.

Just Google "best tuner for towing" and you will get hundreds of options.

Enough to drive you nuts, and all with really big "claims" for performance and mileage.

That's why it is to your advantage to visit the local shops, and see what others are doing.

Best Regards,

Mike in Colorado

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I checked with a shop in Arkansas which specializes in Ford Transmissions, and have received some good starting advice. We will first follow their advice to swap out a couple of parts on the turbo. after checking the result of that, we can decide on additional mods if necessary..  --  will keep you appraised

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Marty,

I had a 2002 Ford F350 7.3 diesel that I pull my 36' gooseneck trailer. I bought some kind of computer upgrade, I think it was a Bullydog, it cost 400 bucks. I did pick the fuel mileage up about 1 mile per gallon. Was getting about 11.5, picked it up to about 12.5 hauling a 4000 lb car. I never use cruise unless I'm on pretty level ground. I have since sold this truck and moved up another notch to a F450. I left this one stock, I don't really think you will ever recover the money you spent.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Tommy,

 

It looks that way to me also, - still waiting to get the parts needed internal to my turbo, and then we'll see what difference it makes with regard to power and mileage.

 

WE have not bought the SCT programmer unit, and have more than 330,000 miles on the 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L Turbo Diesel. It pulls better than the 2002 Suburban 2500 and the 2006 Avalanche 2500 (both have the 8.1L gas engine, but I'm hoping for a bit more out of it - without blowing it up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...