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How to make a 7,000 lb truck consume pavement like a muscle car!

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Justin Pritchard
The bigger plumbing helps dissipate the heat more easily than a stock setup -- but to keep all internal engine components in proper working order, the HyperPac is available with an Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) sensor which actively monitors the temperature of the engine's exhaust gasses and can alert drivers if things start to get too hot.


EGT fitting was the hardest part of the install process, requiring a professional mechanic's touch to bolt it into the exhaust manifold. (NOT downstream of the turbo, as is a common misconception). After that, simply run the wiring into the vehicle, and plug the system in. Once the EGT was out of the way, the install took just minutes -- concluding with mounting the head unit to the windshield. The computer walks you through a few warm-up exercises and then the HyperPac is ready for work

Adjustments can be made to the to the rev limiter, shift points and firmness, vehicle speed governor and even the speedometer, should you change tire sizes. Hyperpac can also read all of your diagnostic trouble codes in plain English without the need for a shop manual.

There's a dynometer function which uses weight and acceleration data to determine drive-wheel horsepower, and even corrects the results for different temperature and pressure conditions which can affect the readout.

A built-in drag strip setting allows drivers to measure acceleration data, with a "Christmas tree" starting your run, and a computer-displayed time-slip at the end. Make sure you find an empty roadway with good visibility if you use this function, as you'll pile on some serious speed. Three different horsepower levels are selectable in tuning mode -- meaning that drivers can switch programs depending on their needs.

After running the Ford through its paces in "stock" mode, we had a good sense of the power available from its factory setup. A hard-working engine, its immense torque and reasonably responsive turbo system ensure plenty of power any time it might be required. The effect was one of swift, though not incredibly quick, acceleration.

The difference between the factory tune and the stage 3 tune was incredible. The first thing which becomes apparent is the speed and ferocity with which the Power Stroke V8 begins making its power. The torque comes on sooner and more suddenly -- not to mention in greater amounts. In a dyno-graph provided by Hypertech, the HyperPac bumps horsepower from 296 to 396 when stage 3 is selected, while torque jumps from 473 lb-ft to an earth-shifting 656 lb-ft.


The extra grunt is delivered more quickly by way of firmer and more precise shifts from the automatic transmission. The difference in performance is incredible, though we couldn't perform a quarter mile run as the terminal velocity would have been unsafe for public roads, while the exhaust note would have easily attracted attention from the local police.

How much for this all-in-one performance gadget for the diesel gearhead? HyperPac is priced around $1,000. Check with your local retailer for details.
photo:Jutsin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
Automotive expert
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