Seeking F37-type advice

valoflyby · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:11 pm

Folks, I'm seeking some advice regarding my CRD.

It is a 2005 model which has been F31'd but not yet F37'd. So in my mind, this is the worst case scenario b/c the engine has been neutered, but I have not received the upgraded TC or pump.

I have zero confidence in my Local Dealer (Jeep/Subaru/Kia), but there's a Jeep/Dodge/Sprinter shop near my folks. I was thinking of having them do the warranty work (plus the F23 while they've got it in the shop), but while talking to the Service Writer - while talking about the F37 and the possibility of the pump replacement - he claimed that he couldn't "just replace the pump" and that it needed to be proven via testing (and then test results returned w/ the pump to Chrysler) before it could be authorized for replacement.

He further claimed that they hadn't replaced one yet b/c they haven't found a faulty one. (I'm beginning to think that I'll roll the dice w/ the Kia/Subaru shop!!)

I'm tired. I want to get my truck back (via INMOTION) to where it was before they F31'd it. Back to when it actually had some power. What are my options? I haven't been able to understand whether the folks who have Suncoasted have had the pumps swapped out, or not.

Thoughts? I really don't want to spend the big $$ on Suncoast if I don't *have* to. If that's my only option... to get my truck back to being "right"... then I guess I'll go that route.

Thanks.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:12 pm

The test was to listen for noise - my was fine before so it didn't have any noise, they only replaced the converter.

so when I did the Suncoast - I bought the new pump

retmil46 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 22, 2007 3:10 am

I e-mailed Ron Wolverton at Suncoast when I was getting ready to do mine. At the time, there was some doubt as to whether or not DC would be willing to sell the new pump over the counter, and asked him if he felt that the original pump was up to the task with the Suncoast converter.

He replied in the affirmative. Matter of fact, he stated that the original test vehicle he'd used to design the CRD converter had retained the original pump when he returned it to the owner.

OTOH, both he and my local tranny expert, who has done at least 3 Suncoast installs that I know of, also say that the new pump is a much improved design in terms of construction and long-term reliability, and that it would be worth the extra $200 to go ahead and install the new pump along with the Suncoast.

In my case, I wanted to put this to bed once and for all - Suncoast TC, new design pump, and Transgo shift kit.

IMHO, having driven mine with both the stock TC and now the Suncoast, if you have the money don't waste your time with the stock TC - the Suncoast will make a world of difference in how that vehicle performs. And when combined with an Inmotion tune and ORM/SEGR - well, you just have to drive it to understand the difference.

Trailbreaker · **Posted:** Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:00 pm

Before I would have the F-37 done I would replace the TCM with one from a junkyard that has had the F-37 Programing done allready.Save the unmolested one.If you like the F-37 TCM Programing.Sell the original one here or on E BAY!
Or replace after F-37 has been done.
Here is a place to search the junkyards

http://car-part.com/index.htm

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:06 pm

Trailbreaker wrote:

Before I would have the F-37 done I would replace the TCM with one from a junkyard that has had the F-37 Programing done allready.Save the unmolested one.If you like the F-37 TCM Programing.Sell the original one here or on E BAY!
Or replace after F-37 has been done.
Here is a place to search the junkyards

http://car-part.com/index.htm

He most likely got the F37 firmware when the F31 was preformed, I did and it supposably didn't even apply to mine :shock:

When they hook you car up it's a all or nothing thing :wink:

retmil46 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:32 pm

Why not e-mail Ron Wolverton at Suncoast and get his opinion? He should be able to advise you on whether or not the stock TC and pump will hold up to an Inmotion tune, provided you do "normal" driving and don't try to hot-rod it.

valoflyby · **Posted:** Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:32 pm

Joe Romas wrote:

He most likely got the F37 firmware when the F31 was preformed, I did and it supposably didn't even apply to mine :shock:

When they hook you car up it's a all or nothing thing :wink:

Yes, I believe this to be the case. I *do* know that I don't get "final" lockup until 62ish MPH, whereas I used to get lockup @ 58ish. The truck used to pull my trailer really well... but now it struggles trying to get up the hills of WV and/or the Poconos. It is disappointing when compared to how it used to be.

retmil46 wrote:

Why not e-mail Ron Wolverton at Suncoast and get his opinion? He should be able to advise you on whether or not the stock TC and pump will hold up to an Inmotion tune, provided you do "normal" driving and don't try to hot-rod it.

This (perhaps obviously) makes the most sense. And if we're talking roughly a 10% increase in price -- IF DC will outright sell an improved pump over-the-counter... this *may* just be the way to go.

I guess I'm just a little upset that I'll have to pay ~$2k to get the truck back to the way it was before my Jeep/Subaru/Kia shop dropped the new ECU/TCU code into it. But I know that I'm not alone in this thought.

Seeking F37-type advice

Who is online