Performance Programmers
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Performance Programmers
I am trying to get an idea on a good programmer for an 07 F150 4x4 5.4 liter 3V. Also is there a programmer that will not show up if I take it to the dealership because it is still under warranty. I hear a lot of people talk about the EDGE programmer. Is it a good one will it get rid of the limiter and does it help with gas milage? Thanks for your help.
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
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From: League City, TX
The edge is the most popular one on here for these trucks. The dealership will know something was done based on: a) if you leave the custom tune on the PCM when taking it in (a no no, always return to stock before visiting the dealer) or b) because you returned it to stock and the PCM reports the last time it was programmed and the number of miles since the last reflash or miles since the codes were cleared.
Yes, it will let you adjust the speed limiter (you shouldn't really need to get these trucks up over 110mph, especially with stock tires), shift points, timing, etc. The only thing that will help with gas mileage is your right foot. I have never seen anyone provide any real data to prove that a programmer in conjunction with an intake, exhaust, headers, etc will provide any significant gains. Many make claims but never provide data.
That being said, once you put the Edge on level 2 or 3 it will open up the engine and turn your rig into a whole new truck. Difference is day and night.
Yes, it will let you adjust the speed limiter (you shouldn't really need to get these trucks up over 110mph, especially with stock tires), shift points, timing, etc. The only thing that will help with gas mileage is your right foot. I have never seen anyone provide any real data to prove that a programmer in conjunction with an intake, exhaust, headers, etc will provide any significant gains. Many make claims but never provide data.
That being said, once you put the Edge on level 2 or 3 it will open up the engine and turn your rig into a whole new truck. Difference is day and night.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: NC
For the average service visit and warranty claim, the dealer tech is not going to be able to tell the truck was re-flashed to stock. If the P1000 code is set (sometimes it isn't), just tell them you disconnected the negative on the battery terminal.
Could Ford tell you had a programmer? Likely yes, but only if they really, really wanted to and 1) found a tech that knew how to tell 2) spent the time do it.
IMHO canned tuners (such as the Edge) are not the best bang for the buck. I would recommend custom tunes from any of the companies listed below.
Programming Devices>>Company Info Links
SCT>>5 Star Tuning | Custom Dynomemeter Chassis Tuning Products and Services (forum sponsor)
SCT>>VMP Tuning Inc
Gryphon/SCT>>Power Hungry Performance - Feed your hunger for POWER!
SCT>>Troyer Performance (long lead times)
Could Ford tell you had a programmer? Likely yes, but only if they really, really wanted to and 1) found a tech that knew how to tell 2) spent the time do it.
IMHO canned tuners (such as the Edge) are not the best bang for the buck. I would recommend custom tunes from any of the companies listed below.
Programming Devices>>Company Info Links
SCT>>5 Star Tuning | Custom Dynomemeter Chassis Tuning Products and Services (forum sponsor)
SCT>>VMP Tuning Inc
Gryphon/SCT>>Power Hungry Performance - Feed your hunger for POWER!
SCT>>Troyer Performance (long lead times)
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Thank you both. Bridge I see you have an EDGE programmer. What would you say the improvment has been sence installing the programmer. Have you seen an increase in MPG and horsepower. I have a 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glide and I got a power commander installed because of changing the pipes and intake. I have seen a difference in the response of the throttle. This bike is fly by wire. One reason I had to get it was because the bike was running to lean. But it also pepped the bike up.
Shotgunz do you have a custom programmer? Is there a big difference between the canned tuners versus custom tuners that the average guy who is just looking for a little more horsepower and if possible better gas mileage?
Another question does the truck have to go on a dyno after you install one of these programmers? I know they put my bike on a dyno after the power commander was installed.
Shotgunz do you have a custom programmer? Is there a big difference between the canned tuners versus custom tuners that the average guy who is just looking for a little more horsepower and if possible better gas mileage?
Another question does the truck have to go on a dyno after you install one of these programmers? I know they put my bike on a dyno after the power commander was installed.
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From: NC
Shotgunz do you have a custom programmer? Is there a big difference between the canned tuners versus custom tuners that the average guy who is just looking for a little more horsepower and if possible better gas mileage?
Another question does the truck have to go on a dyno after you install one of these programmers? I know they put my bike on a dyno after the power commander was installed.
Another question does the truck have to go on a dyno after you install one of these programmers? I know they put my bike on a dyno after the power commander was installed.
I had an SCT XCAL2 with custom tunes on my 97. In general (each truck responds differently) there is a (butt dyno) noticeable difference between canned and custom tunes. That's why I recommend you go the custom route. I started with canned on my 97 and took the leap. Very glad I did.
No, I do not have one for my 09. I'm waiting on Edge to release the CTS (which will allow PHP to release their Gryphon CTS for the 09).
No you do not have to go a dyno. Depending on the hardware you select, you can datalog several parameters and forward to the tune writer. However, most e-mail tuners write aggressive, but SAFE tunes so this datalogging is rarely required.
Now if you want the absolute max out of your truck, then you need to go to a dyno shop (that specializes in F150s) and have the tunes written.
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Well thanks again. I have nothing but time right now because I wana do the exhaust first. I was gonna go with a cat back system. I think I am just going to stay with a single exhaust. After I am done that I will look into the new edge your talking about. I will have to see if there is anyone in the Philly area that does specialized tuning for F150's. The most important thing for me is to make sure the programmer doesn't leave something on the computer in case it needs some type of warranty service.
Posting Guru
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From: NC
The Gryphon CTS and CS (for 2004-08) is available right now from PHP. The cat-back exhaust does not affect the custom tune (mail order or dyno).
The SCT Livewire is also available (right now) from 5Star, VMP, PHP, and Troyer.
No tuner can absolutely guarantee it won't be detected by an experienced and determined technician who's looking for it.
The SCT Livewire is also available (right now) from 5Star, VMP, PHP, and Troyer.
No tuner can absolutely guarantee it won't be detected by an experienced and determined technician who's looking for it.
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I figured the dealership where I take my truck to won't be able to find it unless its staring them in the face. I had some bull**** problems with the truck and of course they couldn't find the problem. It took me like three times before they found the problem one of them being the window switch. They still can't find the reason on why my passenger brake sticks. I think its the whole left side. I already had to replace my rear brakes because the back was scrapping. But I will check out the 5 star it seem everyone talks highly of them.
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I am proud to say I have spoken to the good people at 5 Star and I am definetly going to get one of thier custom programmers. I was expecting it to be much more expensive but its about the same price as any other canned programmer out there. I cant wait but first I need to get my new exhaust.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: NC
Congratulations!
Mike is a great guy and I know you'll be happy with your NEW truck.
Now you understand why I recommend custom tuning over canned. The $ difference is minimal.
Once you get your tunes, give us some feedback on the tuning process and how you like your truck's performance.
Mike is a great guy and I know you'll be happy with your NEW truck.
Now you understand why I recommend custom tuning over canned. The $ difference is minimal.
Once you get your tunes, give us some feedback on the tuning process and how you like your truck's performance.
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I will it may take a little while I want to first get a new exhaust because that is one of the parameters they ask is what kind of exhaust you have. But as soon as I get everything I will give you an update