Towing differences after tuning ?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
Me too. I have added a 5 star SCT tuner into an online shopping cart about 4 times now, but always get cold feet. I drive so little- just trying to justify making the leap. I only have 12k on the truck and I bought it in the fall of 2012......
Let us know what you think.
Let us know what you think.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Oldwick NJ
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
Comes with 5 that you can choose.
I did:
87 economy
87 performance
87 performance/tow
91 performance
91 performance/tow
I plan on experimenting a bit with mileage, as the type of driving I do may be able to justify filling it with premium and leaving it in 91 performance. I only have 12k on the clock, and mostly do short trips. I get 13+ around town now, but have heard that these trucks can get 13 mpg pretty consistently with the performance tune loaded.
We'll see...........
I did:
87 economy
87 performance
87 performance/tow
91 performance
91 performance/tow
I plan on experimenting a bit with mileage, as the type of driving I do may be able to justify filling it with premium and leaving it in 91 performance. I only have 12k on the clock, and mostly do short trips. I get 13+ around town now, but have heard that these trucks can get 13 mpg pretty consistently with the performance tune loaded.
We'll see...........
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
I updated the programmer via the auto update SCT site and when I reinstalled it I popped in the 87 perf tune. WOW that wakes this truck up it is way peppier around town. I put it back to tow tune because I'm still in towing season but I will be switching to 87 perf as soon as the trailer gets winterized. I also had a minor issue with the idle being a tad high that I sent a email to 5star just questioning on Saturday night at around 10pm expecting a response during the following work week. Woke up Sunday astounded to see that Mike already addressed my issue and emailed me 3 new revised tune to correct my issue. 5 star's service is fantastic and email tunes are extremely easy to load. Cudos to 5 star for prompt service.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
5 star tuning's customer service is great. I received my tuner quickly and there are thorough instructions on flashing the truck and device operation. I have not had any wheel time since receiving my tuner because I have to work. I hope to get some wheel time here in the next few days and will report back at the end of next week.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Lake Anna, VA
I wish I never saw this thread, I have to ask if you use the tuner and you have a drive train issue, does it void the warranty?
I had PHP Gryphon on my F-150 and it really made a difference in towing and performance.
The truck was out of warranty and so it did not matter.
I had PHP Gryphon on my F-150 and it really made a difference in towing and performance.
The truck was out of warranty and so it did not matter.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
I have about 2200 miles on my truck now.
Tuned it after 1000. Dealer had the truck because of electrical and didn't say anything.
Towed about 250 miles up into the Oregon cascades.
Elev ~200ft up to ~4000 feet.
87 Perf/tow out and stock back home.
Those are facts - the rest is me.
I used cruise, M and D.
The engine has a more defined power band and torque curve. Low end torque is more useful. Pulls well on rolling hills and many grades in 5th. Rolling in 4th nets good compression braking and throttle. 3rd at about 55 on 2 lanes is entertaining.
I came to a complete stop and ran it WOT up to 65 with tune.
Hit red line twice but the power falls off at the top. Waste of time and gas to spin it out and it's really noisy.
The difference I noticed between the tune and stock is very similar to how my old trucks felt when I did a tuneup. Oil, plugs, wires, points, etc.
From what I've read, when the engine "wakes up" at about 5,000 miles, it will run better than these results I got on my truck.
A thought - if you run in M and enjoy driving - there is no need for a tune.
Spend the money on premium fuel.
Tuned it after 1000. Dealer had the truck because of electrical and didn't say anything.
Towed about 250 miles up into the Oregon cascades.
Elev ~200ft up to ~4000 feet.
87 Perf/tow out and stock back home.
Those are facts - the rest is me.
I used cruise, M and D.
The engine has a more defined power band and torque curve. Low end torque is more useful. Pulls well on rolling hills and many grades in 5th. Rolling in 4th nets good compression braking and throttle. 3rd at about 55 on 2 lanes is entertaining.
I came to a complete stop and ran it WOT up to 65 with tune.
Hit red line twice but the power falls off at the top. Waste of time and gas to spin it out and it's really noisy.
The difference I noticed between the tune and stock is very similar to how my old trucks felt when I did a tuneup. Oil, plugs, wires, points, etc.
From what I've read, when the engine "wakes up" at about 5,000 miles, it will run better than these results I got on my truck.
A thought - if you run in M and enjoy driving - there is no need for a tune.
Spend the money on premium fuel.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Warranty is definitely at risk. However these are not huge gains like when tuning a diesel or ecoboost. What I mean is the improvements are more transmission and drive by wire. To bossgasser try the 87 perf(not tow) it perks the truck up pretty decent.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro, OR
The improvements can be noticeable.
When in D, the tranny still has no idea what to do. It gets out of 1st way too soon and it stays in 2nd way too long - up to 55? or more?
The computer causes way too much interference - tune or not - unless I use M.
I've run different tunes and fuel mileage can really be bad when I'm jammin around town.
I think that the cost of the tunes and the mileage hit makes it a dust collector for me until I get to the magical 5000 miles.
That may be another year or more...
When in D, the tranny still has no idea what to do. It gets out of 1st way too soon and it stays in 2nd way too long - up to 55? or more?
The computer causes way too much interference - tune or not - unless I use M.
I've run different tunes and fuel mileage can really be bad when I'm jammin around town.
I think that the cost of the tunes and the mileage hit makes it a dust collector for me until I get to the magical 5000 miles.
That may be another year or more...
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
I used to have to use manual mode always towing. Now I find I can use manual and drive unless I am fighting headwind. Its interesting you say about 1st and 2nd because I find mine will actually shift appropriately into 3rd with the tuner. Before I would be around 55mph and thing still wouldn't upshift to 3rd. I haven't had any issue with it holding first too long tuned or stock just 2nd. The computer tow strategy is horrible from ford. I am also at 18000km soi think approx 12000 miles so maybe its worked in a bit now.
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Personally I think that FORD designed the trasmission around the Power Stoke and adapted it to our gas motors! The most disliked part of my truck is the way the transmission works! If I drive my friends F250 with the power stroke the trans reacts totally different. Its almost(almost) enough to make me go to the dark side!(diesel)
And I agree with the tow strategy, its horrible!
And I agree with the tow strategy, its horrible!