I know there are some threads on how good these trucks become with a tuner but I have a couple specific questions.
After tuning how noticeable is the difference towing? Can you cruise easier when pulling? Can you climb hills easier because you can get full throttle? Do you get a tad more bottom end power? Does a economy tune actually improve mileage(empty).
I'm ready to pull the trigger I am just curious from somebody that's pulled heavy stock then tuned. I have the 3:73 and tow 10000lbs and have been quite satisfied but I hate the throttle response and its time to deal with it.

 

I couldn't help myself I just ordered the x4 from Mike. I only chose 87 econonomy/performance/towing. Prob should have added some 91 tunes but I will never fill it with premium anyway it drinks way to much for that.lol

 

Give us an update when you get it. Better empty mpg, better towing etc.

 

Will do, I don't drive it very much but I will definitely post my results. If it comes soon I will be doing a fair amount of towing over the next two months.

 

I know your questions are towing specific, which I don't do much of anymore, but the throttle response and the shifting improvements would be worth the tuner by itself. The added hp is great but I don't notice it near as much as the other items.

You should spring for the 93 tune, it's fun.

 

I have one of these tuners hanging around in the closet so I decided to use it after reading this. I have had the 87 econ tune installed for a couple years now with no issues at all, and it is far better than stock. Last night I dumped $105 worth of 93 in the truck and reflashed it with the 93 tow/performance tune and all I can say is wow! I pulled my 8000 LB TT to the dealer today, about 60 miles and it was amazing, off the line performance was much improved, and mid range cruising was improved. It hit a brick wall at highway speeds and felt just like it always has towing, 60 is as fast as I will go and it never gets 6th gear so I just lock it out. This tuner makes a very capable truck even more so, and much more comfortable too.

Edit: No tune improves milage for me when towing, unloaded milage is shot due to a 200lb grill guard and a 200lb cap. As for hills, it’s flatter then a sheet of plywood in my part of NC so I really don’t know, no conditions I have encountered yet has run the engine out, although my right foot has on occasion.

 

Well it arrived at the border storage outlet today. Quick shipping I must say, unfortunately I can't pick it up until Saturday due to work. Also have a wedding to attend Saturday night so possibly I can install it on Sunday. Little nervous after seeing the new thread today about the truck running wierd with tuner. I'm sure that it will be a nice improvement and I will be sure to update.

 

"Little nervous after seeing the new thread today about the truck running wierd with tuner."
Don't worry about it, you'll love it!

 

Well picked it up at the border today got home and loaded the 87 tow/perf. Here are my first impressions - product seems to be of decent quality
- screen was easy to read and simple enough to use
- truck is a tad bit more responsive from dead stop(still can't squeak a tire)
- engine sounds virtually the same from tip in on
- climbed hill out of town(empty) and still needed the exact same shifts as before to maintain speed
- I was in no way expecting diesel like gains but I am left wondering if its really any different or I just want to believe it helped. I have not tried it towing but I wish badly now that I would not have risked my power train warranty for this. It definitely uses different gears while general driving and I am not sure I like its choices of gear yet(drops to 4th at wrong speed for where I live it could hold 5th below 40mph). I also have a wife giving me the gears that did we just waste x amount of dollars to what I have to say that I'm not sure. These are my first impressions others may have different opinions.

 

In fairness I did not drive the truck in stock form first today. Tomorrow I will have more time so I will set it back to stock/then back to 87 tow and see.

 

Okay its a new day. My son and I both drove the truck with the 87 tow setting then stock then again in 87 tow. We both agree it seems to get up to speed easier with a regular to heavy foot driving. Flat out its hard to tell if there is any difference it may come on a tad quicker but not drastically. Does anyone that has a tuner know if the 87 perf is fairly different to the 87 tow. I would like to just leave the tow setting installed but 4-5 and 5-6 shifts seem to be right at some of our speed limits. Anyone know if there is a way to set the speed those shifts occur, not WOT just regular driving. Possibly while towing some other improvements will become apparent like I am hoping it won't fall off as quick climbing hills. I will probably be loaded and going this next weekend so time will tell. I'm still not sure that I would do it over again at this point but time will tell. Have not been driving it enough or properly to check mileage.

 

Okay its definitely peppier to run around town. My work truck is a f150 with the 5.0 and today it didn't feel like such a rocket anymore compared to the super duty. I am excited now to try towing this weekend and next week I will try 87 perf. I think the shifting is a tad off for general driving because it is specific for towing not so much cruising around the city. The tune is starting to grow on me and I think I'm happy I pulled the trigger on it. It is suttle but improved. The x4 is really easy to use. One really nice thing is the gas pedal isn't so sensitive that the truck is all twitchy like I had with another truck(diesel) this tune has nice driveability. Also so far 5 star service has been second to none, quick shipping and ask a question get a prompt response so kudos to 5 star for that.

 

OK so here is my towing follow up. I was able to use drive much more effectively without the truck dropping into second just because I looked at my right foot. It was really nice to just use drive however I still like manual for hills and certain spots. I was able to use 5th gear way more then without the tuner. Before I was always in 4th but the truck in drive was upshifting to 5th and holding so who am I to argu with it. I won't say that it uses 5th always but definitely it has become useful now. I really like how it tows now and I weighed my set up and my trailer axle weight was 9700lbs not counting tongue weight so I am towing roughly 11000lbs if counting tongue weight. I also have dirt bike in the truck with tools etc so my towing review is with the truck near max. All my weights were under at the scale which made me happy happy happy. Its close though lol. So final feelings on this tuner are NICELY DONE 5 STAR.

 

Good info. Any plans on trying a higher octane? I'm trying to decide if I'm only going to get the 87 octane or the 87 and 91 octane (one for daily and the other for towing)

 

5 Star told me to never run fuel with a lower octane rating than the tune octane.
I was going to switch back and forth but when you need gas you need to stop and may not get the recipe you want to run.
I put the 87 Perf/Tow on mine yesterday and we are traveling/towing in a few days. It's the same route that I pulled with an F150.
I'm looking forward to it!