I have a 08 f450. Iam running the 250 tune. Its my work truck and I weigh 13000lbs. Would like suggestions on a better tune to save my trans and keep the goods fuel mileage? Thanks

 

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<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> The first question I have is do you have the updated tunes? These tunes would have been updated when they went to the strategy flash tuner v2/v4 update for the dash Daq. The shifting is much more refined in these newer tunes and there is now an option for a late torque converter lock or an early torque converter lock in each tune.

Here is some information from the Spartan site regarding this up date.


***Please Download the instructions at the following link before starting this update***


(These Updates are for DashDAQ serial numbers 9955 and later; or any earlier serial number device already updated to "V2/V4" software) If you tuner has not been updated to V2/V4, or your not sure, send an email with the following info to tech@spartandieseltech.com

Email Subject: V4 Update
Name
DashDAQ serial #
You will also need to download the new Race Use Disclaimer from our website, fill it out and fax to us at 828-692-9968. Be sure to write V4 somewhere on the disclaimer.

If you do not have your profile filled out on our website, including your vin# and strategy code then you will also need to attach your original stock file to an email and send it to us.

http://spartandieseltech.com/index.php/frequently-asked-questions/5-tech-support/31-how-do-i-update-my-tuning-files

CURRENT RELEASE- v4.01 11/28/11


Click HERE to download the update database for standard Spartan Phalanx Console.

If your 6.4L Vehicle is equipped with an EGR Delete kit, or has the EGR system totally
removed, you can download our EGR Delete tunes HERE.

The 4.01 and 4.01NEGR Updates contains two sets of files as a new feature for your 6.4L- "Early Lockup", and "Late Lockup". This refers to the vehicle speed at which the torque converter will reach final lockup.

We recommend "Early Lockup" files for trucks with 3.55 or 3.73 rear gear ratios and stock size tires. "Late Lockup" is recommended for 3.73 trucks with larger tires, or 4.10, 4.30, and 4.88 gears. However, feel free to try both with your vehicle, and see which fits your driving style and <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style>




OK with that being said the 250-300 tunes usually provide the best fuel mileage. The 210 TP tune would be the lowest to give you any fuel gains.

I see you do not like the trans shifting in the 250 tune. Understand that the aggressive shifting keeps the trans alive at those power levels. Have you done a trans re learn after loading the tune? I haven’t ran the 250 for awhile but the 275 will shift harsh for about 100-200 miles but will soften up quiet a bit after the trans adapts to the tune but the trans relearn helps alot.

How to do a trans relearn as stated on the spartan site:

This process should be performed if you have a stock TCM and have loaded the 210 TP, 250, 275, 300, 310, or 350 tunes. I have made this relearn as painless as possible since several people feel that the old relearn is too stressful on the truck. It's not something that you have to do, but it is something that I highly recommend if you want the ultimate consistency out of your 5R110W.

1. From a stop, accelerate to 50-55 MPH at 10-15% throttle. DO THIS FIVE TIMES.
2. From a stop, accelerate to 55-60 MPH at 20-25% throttle. DO THIS FIVE TIMES.
3. From a stop, accelerate to 55-60 MPH at 40-50% throttle. DO THIS THREE TIMES.
4. From a stop, accelerate to 60 MPH at 60-75% throttle. DO THIS TWO TIMES. ALTHOUGH I RECOMMEND THIS STEP, IT IS OPTIONAL.
5. From a stop, accelerate to 60-70 MPH at 85-100% throttle. DO THIS TWO TIMES. THIS IS AN OPTIONAL STEP IN THE PROCEDURE.

If you aren't sure about throttle position, you can monitor throttle position percentage with the DashDAQ. If you do not want to do the wide open runs more of the 3/4 will generally <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -</style> do the job as well. <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> I will add that this can be done after the tune has been in for awhile and the shifts get lazy. You do not have to reload a tune to due this. Basically the more you do these steps the better the trans will shift at each power level.


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The 250-275 tunes is about the max I would say you are going to go and have reliability with the trans driving normal and not pounding on it. Even these tunes will have their toll on the trans if you drive aggresive. The 250 and 275 tunes still have safteys to protect the trans in a slip is monitered any tunes above the 275 have zero safteys for the trans or the engine.

If you tow a lot I would strongly recommend the 210 TP tune. Good safteys on the trans and the engine but you will still need to monitor <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->monitor</style> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section</style>all your temps and keep them in check. <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style>

Hope this helps.

 

thanks...lots of help I have some work to do..just installed last week yes I have the early and late lock...so I'm guessing the trans hasn't learned like you said thanks anything else to help improve my trans to deal with the weight and power I have now?

 

250, in my opinion, is pretty mild. The 210 never gave me the best mileage. I daily drove the 275, but I only had an F-250 that weighed 8500lbs. I think you would be fine staying at the 250 tune.

 

A stock trans with a good aftermarket torque converter is a very surprisngly reliable unit.