Bolt-on 5.4 performance help.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Bolt-on 5.4 performance help.
I just bought a new F-250 with a 5.4 gas engine (yes I wish I could afford a diesel but thats another story.) I am looking to do some performance upgrades. I am going to add a chip, exhaust, and cold air intake shortly. I would really like gains in MPG and HP. I have been out of the performance bolt-ons scene since I sold my mustang 5 years ago. Any suggestions on what is best and resonablly priced out right now would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andrew
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,238
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From: Back in the TX Coast
Save your money and use it to buy gas...honestly think about if you put a chip it increases the fuel that the motor burns... chips and MPG = oxymoron
You will not see a major increase...i have been getting 13mpg for 4 yrs that i have owned my truck(see sig below)
You will not see a major increase...i have been getting 13mpg for 4 yrs that i have owned my truck(see sig below)
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 142
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I put a magnaflow si/so exhaust and an airraid jr. intake system on my '06 5.4L F250. I felt very little gains. Then I got a custom tuned xcaliber 2 from Troyer Performance and this definitely helped. Created better throttle response and can now pick up speed going up some hills I previously couldn't. The tuner will provide the best bang for your buck. BTW, I noticed no difference in MPG.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 49
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From: Windsor Ontario Canada
A tuner like SCT would be a good investment.
I have one and like it. You won't notice anything with MPG so much as you will with drivability. Better throttle response, trans shift pressures and a little more power due to changing the timing curve. These trucks are heavy and you can only squezze so much out of them. My main reason for getting the tuner was the trans. The shift pressures are so low from the factory that it slides into gear. If you can obtain a crisper shift, that will get you more life from the trans. If you do alot of towing then these things are a must. My truck got around 16MPG empty before the tuner and now I can get 17 1/2. Not much of a difference but anything is something,right?
The most important thing is having a reputable dealer so he can program the tuner for you specific driving habits. Buying a generaic non programable unit won't do you much good. I have the SCT II and it has user adjustable pararameters to fine tune (if you like to monkey around) but it has limits so you can't screw it up.
I have one and like it. You won't notice anything with MPG so much as you will with drivability. Better throttle response, trans shift pressures and a little more power due to changing the timing curve. These trucks are heavy and you can only squezze so much out of them. My main reason for getting the tuner was the trans. The shift pressures are so low from the factory that it slides into gear. If you can obtain a crisper shift, that will get you more life from the trans. If you do alot of towing then these things are a must. My truck got around 16MPG empty before the tuner and now I can get 17 1/2. Not much of a difference but anything is something,right?
The most important thing is having a reputable dealer so he can program the tuner for you specific driving habits. Buying a generaic non programable unit won't do you much good. I have the SCT II and it has user adjustable pararameters to fine tune (if you like to monkey around) but it has limits so you can't screw it up.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
You might also look into pulleys also. I'm surprised this guys have'nt noticed any inprovements. I have an 02 crew lariat 4x4 w/ a 5.4L and i've changed pulleys, k&n induction, straight pipes no muffler. Before the modds i got 13-14 mpg now i get 14-16 mpg. I was going to chip it but i bought a diesel so it going to have to wait. I still plan on chipping it.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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The Diablo predator does a great job with 5.4's and will probably give the best customized improvement....we have them here at the Motorhaven shop and I see at least 38 customer reviews for it here http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/performance-chips/60A1907A0A0.aspx?kc=MOTORH
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 835
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by sonicblue2003
A tuner like SCT would be a good investment.
I have one and like it. You won't notice anything with MPG so much as you will with drivability. Better throttle response, trans shift pressures and a little more power due to changing the timing curve. These trucks are heavy and you can only squezze so much out of them. My main reason for getting the tuner was the trans. The shift pressures are so low from the factory that it slides into gear. If you can obtain a crisper shift, that will get you more life from the trans. If you do alot of towing then these things are a must. My truck got around 16MPG empty before the tuner and now I can get 17 1/2. Not much of a difference but anything is something,right?
The most important thing is having a reputable dealer so he can program the tuner for you specific driving habits. Buying a generaic non programable unit won't do you much good. I have the SCT II and it has user adjustable pararameters to fine tune (if you like to monkey around) but it has limits so you can't screw it up.
I have one and like it. You won't notice anything with MPG so much as you will with drivability. Better throttle response, trans shift pressures and a little more power due to changing the timing curve. These trucks are heavy and you can only squezze so much out of them. My main reason for getting the tuner was the trans. The shift pressures are so low from the factory that it slides into gear. If you can obtain a crisper shift, that will get you more life from the trans. If you do alot of towing then these things are a must. My truck got around 16MPG empty before the tuner and now I can get 17 1/2. Not much of a difference but anything is something,right?
The most important thing is having a reputable dealer so he can program the tuner for you specific driving habits. Buying a generaic non programable unit won't do you much good. I have the SCT II and it has user adjustable pararameters to fine tune (if you like to monkey around) but it has limits so you can't screw it up.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Between my sniper special forces, a factory tech valve body and Royal purple oil/ATF I picked up nearly a MPG.
I have seen 16 show on my trip computer, cold weather helps as does long trips. The 16 was after I filled up and jumped back on the interstate. It held until I got into town. This time of year, I get about 14.3 on trips out of county.
Last time I went to the next county my trip computer showed 15.1 and was climbing.
I have seen 16 show on my trip computer, cold weather helps as does long trips. The 16 was after I filled up and jumped back on the interstate. It held until I got into town. This time of year, I get about 14.3 on trips out of county.
Last time I went to the next county my trip computer showed 15.1 and was climbing.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by exiled
You might also look into pulleys also. I'm surprised this guys have'nt noticed any inprovements. I have an 02 crew lariat 4x4 w/ a 5.4L and i've changed pulleys, k&n induction, straight pipes no muffler. Before the modds i got 13-14 mpg now i get 14-16 mpg. I was going to chip it but i bought a diesel so it going to have to wait. I still plan on chipping it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Originally Posted by ReAX
I thought about pullies, but they wouldn't help me. What the pullies do is slow down the A/C, Powersteering and waterpump. I have 315's now and I don't want to stress the power steering pump anymore than I already am. I am intrested in doing electric fans and a mezeires waterpump. I think getting my final drive ratio back in order will help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,413
Likes: 11
Originally Posted by suzuki0702
are you driving an f150? theres no way your getting anyhing over 14mpg with a f250 with a 5.4
