All,
I have been thinking and waiting on a tuner purchase. I have an 08 6.4L PSD F250. It's about to exit the 36k B2B warranty and I will probably add a tuner and delete the DPF.

Let it be known that I am not a mechanic. I don't even have an awesome set of tools or a father who is a TV repairman. But, I am not an idiot either. I can turn a bolt and buy a torque wrench if need be.

From what I can tell, there are several variables in this equation. Some of which are not just what tuner (leaning to Spartan or H&S), but whether to put a straight pipe on, etc.

What I understand (which may be incorrect) is that the DPF, even if deleted, causes backpressure. Physically removing that DFP and putting a straight pipe on sounds like a better option all around for the engine. But, since there are still the engine and drive train warranties in effect, it is something that people want to be able to "undo". People want to be able to go back to stock, "undelete", and put the DPF back on before sending in for service.

So, all that said, is putting a tuner on something easily done by an amateur like me? Does it just plug into the OBD port for most things?

What about the pipe? Is it just a simple "take pipe A with DPF off--removing wires to sensors--and put pipe B without DPF on?"

I have no probs going to a shop to have a tuner put on, but I'm not sure there is one completely convenient to me, especially if I have to "undelete" for service. I'm just trying to gauge how to approach this situation. Up until now, most of the talk I see is "should I get a Spartan or and H&S" discussions and not where to start and what is involved discussions.

Any help or thoughts are appreciated. Pointing me to the right place to find discussion on the subjects if already out there is appreciated as well.

Thanks,
Chris
Columbia, MD

 

A shop will charge way too much according to previous posts. Some have been quoted 8 hrs for a job that takes roughly 45min to 1 hour to do. If you can avoid it, I would try.

It's been found that removing both the CAT/DPF as one piece is easier then removing the DPF only, so you may want to look at doing that if your planning on it. I won't go into the actual process as there are plenty of posts describing the ways to do it. But you simply remove the existing pipes and put a straight pipe in its place.

The flash itself takes approximately 30+ minutes the first time and 15min each time after that. Plug it into the OBD port and instruct it to flash the desired tuning option.

 

the pcm flash is a joke. takes a few minutes and anybody who can FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS can do it. It's when people try to improvise that they have issues. Just read the SCT instructions and have fun.

 

Alot of guys I know that have the 6.4 have the Spartan programmer. I was thinking of buying a used 6.4 and that was the first thing I was going to do was a Spartan Programmer and DPF delete. I know of one guy that has the 6.7 with Spartan Programmer and DPF, SCR, DOC, and DEF delete. He loves it. All you do is add programmer and set up all your things you want then pull off DPF and install pipe. If you have warranty work done to it just install DPF pipe back and install factory tune back and remove programmer.

 

Moved to the 6.4L Powerstroke Diesel forum.

 

I just went thru the initial install of the pipe.. just a few hand tools is all.. 1/2 socket will remove the front pipe connection, and the hangers on the chassis along the side, and just before the rear tire. A 5/8 socket will loosen the pipe clamp holding the pipe/exhaust together behind the dpf.

getting the pipes apart is usually hardest part. my DPF was replaced recently so it was not rusted together or anything.
disconnect the 4 sensors.
then u wrestle the cat/dpf out together.. 65 inches long, about 70 lbs..

just replace the whole thing.. SO much easier..

some of the newer pipes don't even come with holes to move the sensors, as the tuners have figured out how to deal without the sensors. (mine did, and new again was easy.. others cannot get these sensors out, another reason not to move them)..

I did my first in 2 hours, not knowing what tools I would need and a 50ft walk each time for the next tool. a floor jack made pulling the beast out easier..

the tuner itself is plug in and go..
mine is a 4x2, so low to the ground. had to get the front tires up on something to get enough room for me under the truck.. and its dry here in Texas..

Sam

 

I just did mine last week. Also a 4X2 so I got it up on some blocks for room. just what Sam said above. my truck has 40K miles and is garaged when I'm not on the road so say 8 months per year. Everything was nice and clean with not much rust. I had two problems. 1. The top bolt on the collar at the bottom of the down pipe was very hard to get a good bite on. There is a hole in the frame about a foot or so in front of the collar. That's where I had to go in. You need a good 6 point 3/8 drive 15MM (I think) socket and about 15 to 18 inches of extensions. Also, a GOOD universial. I also put some penetrating oil on it which I think helped. The rear most sensor will not come out of the DPF. I just bought a new one for about $50. If you are buying the Spartan I think that problem in moot as the Spartan does not require the sensors. I've been shade treeing since 1957 and it took considerable more than two hours but a lot of that was figuring out how to get the front collar bolt out. The rest is pretty easy stuff. Good luck

 

I did dpf only delete, it took me 2 hours. getting the hangers off the rubber part was my biggest hassle.

 

Easiest solution to that is to unbolt the hangers from the frame rails and drop it all down in one piece. It'll make your life a whole lot easier.

 

hmmmm....good idea. where were you when I needed you?

 

Haha, sorry I'm not on here too often anymore. My truck is running like a top and I've got too many other things on the go. Life has a way of getting busy once kids come along .

 

I said as much a few posts ago too..

SO much easier to get the hanger out of the rubber when you are standing up..

Sam

 

Hey, while we're on this subject, what is the black gizmo on the exhaust. It looks like a tall beer can painted black, I don't have a clue.

 

Just to absorb the noise/vibrations.

 

wow, thanx Sennix