Notices
Modular V10 (6.8l)  

New to tuning

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2018 | 07:14 PM
  #1  
'99F250's Avatar
'99F250
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
New to tuning

Hi guys,

I've been looking at tuners at 5star for a couple of years now and I really want to pull the trigger, but I just don't have the money to shell out. I have a couple questions, 1. If I was to buy a used SCT tuner, would I be able to change the tunes to fit my needs and 2. what tunes should I get?
My truck is a 99 F250 V10 (obviously) 3.73 gearing with 265 tires, but my next set is going to be 285's. I use it mainly as a DD but I do tow some heavy stuff with it occasionally. I was thinking 87 performance tow and 87 economy, but what would you guys recommend?
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2018 | 09:52 AM
  #2  
krewat's Avatar
krewat
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Club FTE Gold Member
Check with 5-star, sometimes they have used tuners available cutting the cost way down. Otherwise, still check with 5-star and see if getting a used tuner elsewhere makes sense cost-wise, because they still need to charge for the tunes themselves. And if they aren't making any money on the tuner, the tunes might cost more evening it all out anyway.

If you tow, obviously a tow tune, but the performance vs. economy tune is up to you.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2018 | 11:38 AM
  #3  
mattn03's Avatar
mattn03
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
I bought a SCT X4 with 5 Star 87 eco, 87 tow/performance, 87 tow/performance w/OD lockout right before Christmas 2017 when they were having a sale. It really woke up my sluggish 2008 V10. I tried the ECO for a couple short trips, but didn't notice a huge improvement in MPG and it felt slightly less responsive than the 87 tow/performance (although much better than factory). Because of this, I have just left the tow/performance tune in the truck. It shifts less, can hold the gears longer before downshifts, and pulls much harder than the stock tune. I'd recommend 5 Star!
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2018 | 12:33 PM
  #4  
'99F250's Avatar
'99F250
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Sorry for the late reply here, but I appreciate your feedback on 5 Star! I was watching a SCT x4 on ebay but I was at work and forgot about it, went for $225. I'll be contacting Mike to see if I could change tunes on a device.
 
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2018 | 11:39 AM
  #5  
Diamnd1's Avatar
Diamnd1
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 89
From: TN
Originally Posted by '99F250
Sorry for the late reply here, but I appreciate your feedback on 5 Star! I was watching a SCT x4 on ebay but I was at work and forgot about it, went for $225. I'll be contacting Mike to see if I could change tunes on a device.

You would have to purchase the 5 Star tunes and upload them to the device.
 
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2018 | 03:48 AM
  #6  
dkf's Avatar
dkf
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Not really a point in buying the tuner and tunes separately, at least from a money standpoint unless you can get the device pretty cheap.

If you pay $225 for the tuner and $160 for 2 tunes that is $385. You can get the open box X3 with 2 tunes from 5 Star for $380. You don't need the X4 to tune your year. I have an 04' and I am using the X2. My X2 was orignally an SF2 which came with canned tunes.(bought before 5 Star existed) I bought 3 tunes from 5 star and downloaded them on my x2.

I mainly use 87 performance and 87 tow tunes. I have a 91 performance tune also. Never saw the need for an economy tune, mpg is what it is.
 
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2018 | 07:08 AM
  #7  
halvy's Avatar
halvy
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Shawnee, Ks
A few years back, I bought the 5 star package for my 99 F350. The package included 87 econo, 87 tow/haul and 91 tow/haul. The econo in my truck was a dog. 87 tow/haul was good and 91 tow/haul was much better. The 91 tow is the one I use most of the time.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
System
Ford Truck Parts for Sale
2
Mar 4, 2012 09:14 AM
ddbck
Modular V10 (6.8l)
17
Feb 12, 2012 09:19 AM
Thenewboss
6.2L V8
27
Jan 21, 2011 10:58 AM
TEAM HARD
Modular V10 (6.8l)
18
Nov 12, 2010 08:18 PM
ckb2steelers
Modular V10 (6.8l)
4
Jan 14, 2006 01:37 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:39 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE