In a word, Cody, you're right. (And, if I can use another word, your in-law tune reference was priceless.) However...

For what I think of as "engine tuning", there is likely exactly one calibration that is perfect for a given truck's setup. It can be fun to have one that's a little more aggressive than that, and it probably is necessary to have one that's a little less aggressive for towing, at least around here. That's three "driving" tunes, max, only two of which ever really get used.

What I think of as transmission tuning is a little different. If I'm driving a manual, I shift differently in most daily driving situations than I would driving in the Rockies, and a little different from that if I'm towing. I want my auto to behave the same way. A good tow tune, in my view, will have the upshift points set appropriately, but it will also keep the coast clutch engaged in the bottom three gears on a 4R100, will keep the TC locked all the way down to 20-25mph, even if the brake pedal is pressed, and will downshift at appropriate speeds automatically. Daily driving an empty truck with that same transmission behavior is a pain.

Given all this, I may still end up with only 2-3 tunes I drive in, but I also want an EBPV-based decel tune, so now I'm at 3-4. Getting all these dialed in means I may try several different combinations, and that's where the Hydra/F6 chips really shine. No one needs 12-15 positions all the time, but having 6-10 can be kind of handy when you're making changes and testing.

My $.02.

Mark

 

I gotta admit, being able to switch on the fly to a decel tune is mighty attractive... I've done that. I have two tunes I call upon week in and week out. I also have a race tune and I'm really glad I don't have that as a daily driver... one lapse of concentration in traffic is like bull riding in a petting zoo. (Thanks heaps, Cody )

If the EGTs climb in your tune - downshift. That's what a tow tune does anyway - it downshifts earlier and upshifts later. A good tow tune also puts a cap on maximum power so you don't have to be as focused on gauges... you have enough to worry about with vehicle spacing and long views through mirrors.

F5 or F6 is a lot of additional expense just for the sake of engine braking once in a while when you're 1500 miles from home. How often are you really going to be in mountainous terrain? I live in the mountains - my priorities are likely different than yours.

This is also the crux of what cleatus12r was saying.

$0.02

 

I tow daily and have had a T/C lock up and EBPV exhaust brake (if you can call it that) before DP developed the decel tune. I use it when ever I tow not because I'm in the mountians but because I helps slow you down and relieves the brakes a little as I tow within the city, sudden slow downs and such. Not necessary if your not towing a lot.

 

Just lift your right foot and downshift as necessary. Instant EGT reduction.

 

Good point.

 

I pull my fiver which is a least 14k probably more . I have the DP chip with just 3 tunes 40T for the hard climbs 60T for rest of the time and my favorite 80E for my DD! SOTF is really nice and have used many times !

Smokie

 

I guess what it boils down to is that I hate to see people spend a lot of money on stuff they don't need. With all of the bandwagon-ing going on these days, it's hard to know what works and what doesn't since a lot of people just tend to regurgitate what they've read elsewhere without having any first hand knowledge.

For example, I just wrote some calibrations for a person the other night that had some stock-nozzle single shots installed in his pickup. He ordered three different towing calibrations (15 HP apart), three performance calibrations (15 HP apart), as well as a few others that weren't much different. I guess my question is, why waste money on calibrations that won't be used? He'll use the middle-rated tow tune, the highest horsepower performance tune, and probably the extreme tune (for a little while) to impress his friends with the smoke. Actually writing bona-fide custom calibrations costs money! Not to mention having to remember the calibration allocations on the chip switch once you have more than 3-4 calibrations on it....

 

The gag is killing you isn't it?

 

I don't think anybody here would say SOTF is a waste of money, I have SOTF... as do many others. The OP is facing a spending limit and we're spit-balling here to help him determine which corners can be cut... so he can make an informed decision. That being said, I'm glad you chimed in to give a testimonial on how nice it is to have SOTF... our group hasn't really emphasized that yet.

 

No more than what it's doing to you.

 

You have no idea.

 

Bull chip.

 

We seemed to be overly concerned about saving, or spending, the OP's money, as he seems like a pretty capable guy. But, since we're here, I'll play...

Maybe I don't understand what the Infinity does, but why not just buy an F6 with a DD, tow and decel tune for $670? That gets all the tunes necessary that are updateable through the mail and customized for your truck, and SOTF. Instead of dropping $700+ on an Infinity, get an EGT and boost gauge for things the PCM doesn't see ($330), and use the Torque app for tranny temp and most other things of import ($50). For less than $1100, you have everything you need. If you want a diag tool, $400 will get you AE, but you can wait on that.

I've spent way more than this on tuning over the years - F5, live tuning, Hydra, 3rd party tunes for they Hydra, F6... Knowing what I know now, I'd do what I suggest above. Leverage my drunken sailor spending habits to save yourself some money.

Mark

 

Ya know the OP came here looking for opinions and real world experience and info. That's what this forum is all about . But in the end it his choice. He can only make that decision on what he reads. We don't always make the best one but that's life. So step back look at YOUR needs what YOU can afford and YOU make YOUR best decision ! Good luck!


Smokie

 

Infinity + Hub + EGT sensor + Fuel Pressure sensor equal:

Programmer via OBDII port (receives tunes by email with SD card) + all gauges typically used on a chipped truck + alarms for all sensors/gauges + scan tool + data logger + music player.

Too bad they haven't added the dash cam feature yet.