5 Star Program ??? yah or nah ???
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5 Star Program ??? yah or nah ???
Well.........
I've done a bunch of research and read a ton of reviews, opinions and advice so I thought I would start a new thread on here and see what the latest thoughts are with regard to a adding a 5 Star Tune to a 6.2.
I've got a 2016 SD Platinum, 430 gears, 35" tires with 5500 miles and I'm really considering adding a 5 Star tune. I'm not looking for "gas mileage", I"m just looking for a little extra when I'm pulling and something to firm up and better the shift points and improve overall driveability.
So with that......whats your honest opinions......Is it worth it????
Thanks guys!
I've done a bunch of research and read a ton of reviews, opinions and advice so I thought I would start a new thread on here and see what the latest thoughts are with regard to a adding a 5 Star Tune to a 6.2.
I've got a 2016 SD Platinum, 430 gears, 35" tires with 5500 miles and I'm really considering adding a 5 Star tune. I'm not looking for "gas mileage", I"m just looking for a little extra when I'm pulling and something to firm up and better the shift points and improve overall driveability.
So with that......whats your honest opinions......Is it worth it????
Thanks guys!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
I have asked them several times..
they post a test with 87 fuel and stock tune and there tune with 87...
but they post a test with 93 fuel with a tune.. but not with a stock tune.. but claim a 25 hp increase.. HOW??? where is the proof..??
they have YET to reply to my question.
your call...
they post a test with 87 fuel and stock tune and there tune with 87...
but they post a test with 93 fuel with a tune.. but not with a stock tune.. but claim a 25 hp increase.. HOW??? where is the proof..??
they have YET to reply to my question.
your call...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 273
From: Tulare U.S.A.
I have their 91 and 87 octane towing tune. If you tow a lot I would say its worth it for the transmission changes alone. I run the tune all the time and did loose a little mileage unloaded it is more fun to drive though. It also made it easier to calibrate the speedo with larger tires. My truck is a 2011 6.2L CCB SB 4X4 F250 and I tow 12,000lb trailer.
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Hmmm, I thought there would be more input???
The reviews on these tunes really vary a lot!! One guy says yes do it, it's great and the next says.....don't bother ?!?!?
Hopefully we get some more to chime in and for those of you who have....."thanks"
The reviews on these tunes really vary a lot!! One guy says yes do it, it's great and the next says.....don't bother ?!?!?
Hopefully we get some more to chime in and for those of you who have....."thanks"
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 62
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I am somewhere in the middle. before my gear swap (3.73) the 5 star 87 daily/tow tune gave me great throttle response, and limited the need to lock out any gears while towing. I would say that the increase in power is only perceived because it changes the shift pattern and fly by wire.
After my swap to 4.88, I can't say that the tuner is necessary because it feels like I just dropped 1000 pounds off the truck. The gears made the biggest overall difference, the damn thing will just take off. However the tuner makes it easier to adjust for larger tires and it allowed me to program for the 4.88s without taking it to a dealer to reprogram.
I'd say it is worth it but make sure you have reasonable expectations for what you will get out of it.
Nick
After my swap to 4.88, I can't say that the tuner is necessary because it feels like I just dropped 1000 pounds off the truck. The gears made the biggest overall difference, the damn thing will just take off. However the tuner makes it easier to adjust for larger tires and it allowed me to program for the 4.88s without taking it to a dealer to reprogram.
I'd say it is worth it but make sure you have reasonable expectations for what you will get out of it.
Nick
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Thanks !!
I'm running the 4:30 gears and honestly I don't expect nor am I looking for huge gains. Just want some better shift points and hopefully some / little improvement in overall driveability and towing.
I'm running the 4:30 gears and honestly I don't expect nor am I looking for huge gains. Just want some better shift points and hopefully some / little improvement in overall driveability and towing.
I am somewhere in the middle. before my gear swap (3.73) the 5 star 87 daily/tow tune gave me great throttle response, and limited the need to lock out any gears while towing. I would say that the increase in power is only perceived because it changes the shift pattern and fly by wire.
After my swap to 4.88, I can't say that the tuner is necessary because it feels like I just dropped 1000 pounds off the truck. The gears made the biggest overall difference, the damn thing will just take off. However the tuner makes it easier to adjust for larger tires and it allowed me to program for the 4.88s without taking it to a dealer to reprogram.
I'd say it is worth it but make sure you have reasonable expectations for what you will get out of it.
Nick
After my swap to 4.88, I can't say that the tuner is necessary because it feels like I just dropped 1000 pounds off the truck. The gears made the biggest overall difference, the damn thing will just take off. However the tuner makes it easier to adjust for larger tires and it allowed me to program for the 4.88s without taking it to a dealer to reprogram.
I'd say it is worth it but make sure you have reasonable expectations for what you will get out of it.
Nick
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2018
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Then I would say go for it. Seems like you have good expectations. I have enjoyed the 87 daily/tow a lot. I have the 87 Performance tune as well, but have not tried it yet.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,146
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From: Maryville, TN
I've ran a lot of tuners, but I've yet to tune my 6.2. I do have plans of it eventually. I've never been able to tell a difference in power, with a naturally aspirated OE gas engine. The gains are always going to be minimal unless your dealing with boost or a modded engine. But, on all the throttle by wire vehicles, there has been a great improvement in throttle response. Turned my old 08 mustang GT auto into a totally different car. If your a spirited driver, the transmission shift point, line pressure and torque converter lock up changes will be appreciated. If you grandpa the truck around, I don't think you will be real impressed with it, and would be as well off with just a peddle commander.
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Thanks guys!!
I think I'll maybe give 5 Star a call and ask some more questions and then make a final decision. My previous SD had the V10 and I had that one chipped, which there too I wasn't expecting the world to change when I did that one. The changes on that one were noticeable and I never had an issue with the truck, which why I have been looking to do it again.
I think I'll maybe give 5 Star a call and ask some more questions and then make a final decision. My previous SD had the V10 and I had that one chipped, which there too I wasn't expecting the world to change when I did that one. The changes on that one were noticeable and I never had an issue with the truck, which why I have been looking to do it again.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 306
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I have a 5 star tune on my 17 F350 4.30 gears. I run it on 87 perf around town and I like it. Not only does it downshift faster with less throttle input it also has alot more throttle response. So much so I dont run it when its snowing. I put it back to stock during the winter. I read somewhere that these trucks limit the amount that the throttle blades open till a set RPM and this tuner eliminates that. That alone will give you big gains down low in the RPM range. Very happy with my 5 star n gauge tuner.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,448
Likes: 5,517
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
sorry, just saw this.
i have 5 star tunes in my 2014. i got the SCT-X4 87 econo, tow, and performance tunes.
99% of the time i run econo tune. it makes it shift to higher gear faster.
performance tune holds gears longer for later shifts, so it stays in power band longer making for crisper shifts, and throttle response.
have not used tow tune yet.
i have 5 star tunes in my 2014. i got the SCT-X4 87 econo, tow, and performance tunes.
99% of the time i run econo tune. it makes it shift to higher gear faster.
performance tune holds gears longer for later shifts, so it stays in power band longer making for crisper shifts, and throttle response.
have not used tow tune yet.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 590
Likes: 32
workingdan,
I noticed a lot of guys on the 5star facebook group get their base tune, then run a data log, send it over to 5star and then they send a tweaked/customized tune. Some guys even do this 3-5 times before they find the sweet spot as tolerances and default settings aren't 100% across all vehicles. You do this or just run the first one they sent you?
I'd like to tune my 2019 6.2 eventually.
I noticed a lot of guys on the 5star facebook group get their base tune, then run a data log, send it over to 5star and then they send a tweaked/customized tune. Some guys even do this 3-5 times before they find the sweet spot as tolerances and default settings aren't 100% across all vehicles. You do this or just run the first one they sent you?
I'd like to tune my 2019 6.2 eventually.