What is the best chip/programmer for a 2008 F150 Lariat/limited 5.4? I want to increase gas mileage primarily/what else can I expect from actual results?
I have 20" tires: 3.73 rear end: all else is stock equipment.

 

I can absolutely promise you just might possibly see .5-1 MPG. If anyone guarantees any more, they're lying.

Lots of threads already discuss the various programmer manufacturers and tuners.

Also check the 2004 - 2008 F150 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums forum. There's a recent thread by Chandler on his SCT XCAL3 experience with 5StarTuning.com (Mike Butler).

 

With regards to “Chips” and “Tuners”, years ago it was the best that most could do to enhance the ignition timing, fuel curve, transmission shift points, etc. It was (and still is) very important that a person verifies that the “Tuner” is ASE certified in both ECM and Transmission programming and IMHO be have current certification by the OEM whose vehicle you want to modify. There are plenty of persons who advertise their programs to be the best and even offer custom tunes, but in all reality, very few actually have credentials in these areas- but that’s not to say that some of these “geniuses” haven’t really caused damage to a few vehicles- just jump over to flatratetech.com and read just some of the comments from the MSE techs!. Perhaps what is equally important is the parameters that can be adjusted are set by the oem vehicle software…so there is really no “magic” in what they are doing anyway.

IMHO, if you live near any major city there are excellent tuning specialists with dynos who for the same price (if not less) will tune your vehicle taking into consideration your specific needs including environmental conditions, for your specific vehicle. IMHO, the best bang for the buck!

 

If all you get is .5 to 1.0, it appears the cost is not worth the returns that take years to recover.

 

Most owners purchase programmers with custom tunes for the improved shifting strategy, DBW lag, and overall engine performance.

 

Gas mileage improvement would be my main goal/all others are not important unless it helps with the mileage goal. I own a Motor Home, so I do not need towing power, as the small trailer i use does not need extra help.

What is the GForce system advertised on this site? Are their mpg's incorrect estimates? How do they work/hookup to the car system?

 

Then you don't need a tuner and will have to accept the fact that you bought a 2-1/2 ton brick with the aerodynamics of a barn door. They were never designed for fuel economy.

The GForce 'system' is a total scam (FTE is not responsible for ad content - ads come from Google or other ad site).

It's a $.10 resistor that attempts to trick your PCM by altering the intake air temp.

Stay away. Stay very far away.

 

As I suspected because the advertising and their responses are very limited.
Thanks for you input.

 

That is perhaps the biggest reason that most people get tuners for these vehicles and in my opinion is actually the worst reason to get one.

Tuner companies do wonders with their ads, it kinda reminds me of those diet plans that are on TV. The show a person that lost 150+ lbs within a relatively short time perion and if you read the fine print it says "results not typical". Same thing here.

Plus, I really do doubt the validity about how some people go about measuring their fuel mileage gains. I'm not saying that they are lying, but maybe not the best source of information.

Tuners are first and foremost performance enhancers. Get one for that goal, if you happen to get MPG gains....great, if not than that's ok.