So yeah like the rest I need my 5.4 to pull better when towing..
Told exhaust and intakes are a waste but chips/ tuners the way to go..
Heard 5 Star is good...but I dont understand how I install this.. and which is the best way to go.. dont want check engine likes or issues... are these just plug and play ...some seem complicated to install and keep updated

HELP

Thanks
P Scott

 

A tuner is your best bang for your buck. They are easy to install only requiring you to plug it into the port under your dash and work your way through the prompts. Adding a "custom tune" into your tuner is only a little more complicated and gives you the best results. You can expect more low end grunt, less shifting and better overall performance.

 

The size of the "bang" is heavily dependant on your engine model year. Make sure it's worth the $$$$ first.

 

What year is your 5.4?

The biggest gain you will see with the 5-star custom tunes is better throttle response, a little bit more power, and due to tuning it stays in the RPM band to make power much better.

I just installed it on my new to me 09 F350 with the 3V V10, performance tune makes it feel like it lost 2,000lbs. Havnt towed with it yet, but im sure it's an upgrade over my old 2v V10.

 

2008 f250 5.4...
Feel like im dragging a trailer behind me all the time..and I really need to tow a trailer..

So what tune should I get...there are so many..is 5 star the best ?????

 

Yeah 5 Star Performance is who you want to talk to. Shoot an email to them or give them a call. They will explain what they can do to help you.

I use an 87 Economy, 87 Performance / Tow, and 87 Tow with fifth gear lock out. The performance tune is what I'm daily driving on.

 

Thanks...I will take your advice....

 

Although I own a 2012 6.2, I do have a tuner from 5 Star. From my experience customer service was good and any issue i had was fixed right away. As for the tunes options were ECO, Daily/Tow (Dif Octanes) and Performance. On the website if i remember they give a break down of what exactly each tune does. The ones i chose were 87 Daily/Tow, 93 Daily/Tow and 93 Performance.

My Experience:
(87 D/T) Slightly better throttle response, a noticeable increase in mid range and shift points are almost like driving in tow haul.

(93 D/T) Same as 87 maybe better mid range but IMO not worth the extra cost of fuel.

(93 Per) More aggressive throttle mapping, aggressive shift points (shifts at higher RPM and Down shifts kinda like you would in a manual car) shift firmness is high you can watch the speedometer lunge forward at the shift for the first 3 gears. Hardest pulling of all tunes. Will put that stupid smirk on your face lol.

If i had to do it again I would go with a ECO tune (same as 87 D/T) without the shift mapping. I live in the mountains and could never get use to the way it shifted. Then I would still keep my Performance tune for when i just want to be a kid.

I have no complaints with 5 Star Tuning and will recommend. Its all on the person and what they like.

I do agree with the others an intake and exhaust sound good and may offer some HP but nothing confidence inspiring. The most bang is a tuner.

FYI not sure how good the SCT tuner factory tunes for your truck would be, but for mine they were a joke and had it not been for 5 Star I would have been seriously pissed off.

 

But are you saying that these tunes are just like putting my trans in tow mode ? If so whats the point ? Just asking...What do they really do...just change shift points ?

Thanks again all and your patients with one who does not know about this stuff

 

Its not as bad as tow mode but similar, i also know he changes the lock up strategy too. The throttle response is also adjusted to help remove some of that laziness you get. Again i'm can only compare what i feel in my truck which is a different set up than yours. I will say if theres something about the tune and you don't like it, he can change it to suit you. All it takes is an email and he will send a revision of the tune. One of my tunes seem to idle a little higher than stock. i sent him a email and within 24hrs he changed it and i just installed the new tune.

I don't know if you've been to the 5 Star website but they do give you a break down of what exactly the tune changes and the difference between the tunes.