5.4L concerns
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
5.4L concerns
I didn't pick up the Raptor--passed on it for other reasons.
I still have my 2010 that I bought with an extended warranty--I'm too old to play with them anymore and rather have everything covered.
When I bought my truck it was a factory certified pre-own so I got the 100k warranty plus an extended bumper-bumper coverage.
With that said I have the 5.4L engine and I've noticed here recently that's it is quite sluggish at times. I've read and most say put a tuner on it--in the past I would be all over that. My old 6L Diesel had a tuner but of course during that time I was all for blowing up engines and replacing them. Now not so much.
I noticed that the previous owner threw a damn Airaid intake on it--does anyone who has a 5.4L with the stock airbox have any sluggish reaction with their engine? I feel like the Airaid is really screwing crap up. I'm wondering if I should just buy the pieces I need to go back to a stock airbox?
Thoughts?
I still have my 2010 that I bought with an extended warranty--I'm too old to play with them anymore and rather have everything covered.
When I bought my truck it was a factory certified pre-own so I got the 100k warranty plus an extended bumper-bumper coverage.
With that said I have the 5.4L engine and I've noticed here recently that's it is quite sluggish at times. I've read and most say put a tuner on it--in the past I would be all over that. My old 6L Diesel had a tuner but of course during that time I was all for blowing up engines and replacing them. Now not so much.
I noticed that the previous owner threw a damn Airaid intake on it--does anyone who has a 5.4L with the stock airbox have any sluggish reaction with their engine? I feel like the Airaid is really screwing crap up. I'm wondering if I should just buy the pieces I need to go back to a stock airbox?
Thoughts?
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 93
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Hmm;
Thinks that make ya go hmm...
If I tramp on my 5.4 '10 as in "get me across the crumbling bridge now!" tramp, I notice a hesitancy in response for about 2 seconds then it takes off like a bat out of hell. This is all stock parts. I consider this a computer issue personally as it takes that long for the idiot box to make a descision.
To have an immediiate response available in like 0.5 seconds I think would require a faster chip. Many do this for this reason (street racers) so they are available. Your air cleaner would not provide the sluggishness you are identifying I would suggest. It would be more noticeable at 100+ and especially in a drop in mpg. If these are not evident, look at chips. Now if you simply want to increase response nominally, check better plugs, better wires, better air, better fuel filter etc... as I'm sure you are aware.
Best to ya.
Thinks that make ya go hmm...
If I tramp on my 5.4 '10 as in "get me across the crumbling bridge now!" tramp, I notice a hesitancy in response for about 2 seconds then it takes off like a bat out of hell. This is all stock parts. I consider this a computer issue personally as it takes that long for the idiot box to make a descision.
To have an immediiate response available in like 0.5 seconds I think would require a faster chip. Many do this for this reason (street racers) so they are available. Your air cleaner would not provide the sluggishness you are identifying I would suggest. It would be more noticeable at 100+ and especially in a drop in mpg. If these are not evident, look at chips. Now if you simply want to increase response nominally, check better plugs, better wires, better air, better fuel filter etc... as I'm sure you are aware.
Best to ya.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,016
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From: NC
It's the DBW lag or torque limiting PCM calibration.
An SCT XCAL3 with some of Mike's tunes or Gryphon (Edge CS/CTS with custom tunes) will fix that lag.
Either will also help you get the most out of that warmer-air-than-stock-under-the-hood-bling-intake.
Personally I'd put the stock intake back on and sell the WASHOOBI to someone that hasn't researched them.
An SCT XCAL3 with some of Mike's tunes or Gryphon (Edge CS/CTS with custom tunes) will fix that lag.
Either will also help you get the most out of that warmer-air-than-stock-under-the-hood-bling-intake.
Personally I'd put the stock intake back on and sell the WASHOOBI to someone that hasn't researched them.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
It's not the Airaid causing issues. Welcome to the world of drive by wire and torque management. It's the manufactures way of reducing power and stress on the drive train to keep warranty issues down.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
I talked to Mike at 5 Star Tuning and he twisted my arm--that dude is awesome!
Since I don't have the factory closed box air intake--he sold me an AFE close lid system for a real good price. It was actually cheaper than the damn cost of getting the stock system from Ford. I will never buy a truck with aftermarket parts on it--especially not when the damn factory parts aren't included.
Also got a tuner and the 87Performance tune. It'll be here sometime mid next week.
Since I don't have the factory closed box air intake--he sold me an AFE close lid system for a real good price. It was actually cheaper than the damn cost of getting the stock system from Ford. I will never buy a truck with aftermarket parts on it--especially not when the damn factory parts aren't included.
Also got a tuner and the 87Performance tune. It'll be here sometime mid next week.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2010
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I would be concerned if I saw a 2010 listed for sale. When that happens, the previous owner took a beating on the trade. Why would one do that? Maybe because they were not happy with the truck. I suspect you are on target with the aftermarket parts. Hopefully you got got a good deal in order to return it to good running condition. IMO, the 5.4 is a very good engine with some reliability. Once returned to proper parts, I suspect you will be pleased with the outcome.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
You will enjoy the AFE take that Airaid system and run it over!! It is a POS and just draws in warm air and causes lean burns (Ask Mike what some CAI's do to these 5.4's without a tuner)
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Postmaster
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
I'm programming it right now.
Little nervous because while it's programming all my lights are flashing and my info display is telling me all kinds of faults and cycling through what looks like diagnostics.
Little nervous because while it's programming all my lights are flashing and my info display is telling me all kinds of faults and cycling through what looks like diagnostics.
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Cargo Master
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From: Montana
So called CAIs are worthless on these newer trucks. The stock airbox flows just as well unless you are running at 7,000 + RPMs all the time. Stock also filters a whole lot better than reusable types (no matter what the snakeoil salesman tells you).
As far as the sluggishness issue, I would take it to the dealer and ask him to ensure you have the latest programming for both the engine and trans. I had a fairly suggish 5.4 in my 2010 until I got it reflashed a few months ago... Wow, what a difference! Much better throttle response, quicker downshifts and more torque.
Also, if you read your warranty info, tuners more than likely will void your warranty in regards to anything drive train related.
As far as the sluggishness issue, I would take it to the dealer and ask him to ensure you have the latest programming for both the engine and trans. I had a fairly suggish 5.4 in my 2010 until I got it reflashed a few months ago... Wow, what a difference! Much better throttle response, quicker downshifts and more torque.
Also, if you read your warranty info, tuners more than likely will void your warranty in regards to anything drive train related.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Neptune Beach, FL
The newer trucks have this "Drive by Wire" system that uses electronics to open the TB's--hence why you have "lag".
This tune from Mike at 5 Star cleaned up that and now when I smash the pedal she spins the tires and takes off.
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My 01 Lariat SCrew 5.4=no lag, but not the most "stout" performer.
My 04 Lariat SCrew 5.4=throttle punch lag, but then "vroooom!"
My 09 Plat SCrew 5.4=a little throttle punch lag, then "whooooaa!"
I will eventually be getting tuner and custom tunes.
My 04 Lariat SCrew 5.4=throttle punch lag, but then "vroooom!"
My 09 Plat SCrew 5.4=a little throttle punch lag, then "whooooaa!"
I will eventually be getting tuner and custom tunes.
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From: NC
Would be a great question for Mike.
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One last thing you may want to consider, since you bought the truck used and the air raid is a oil/air filter. You may want to clean your MAF with some electronics spray. I have seen the K&N and AMS air filters gum up the MAF's because of over oiling the element. This causes a rich condition with the PCM.