Hi All, new member here. I find this forum a great source of info, and so I generally don`t ever need to ask a specific question. I normally just read and learn. However, the need has risen to ask. I have a 2010 F-250 4x4 super cab, 5.4 auto w/4.10 rear end. It is stock, no CAI. I`ve read about the airflow from the factory airbox so it`s going to stay. I bought it to tow my toy hauler, which is 6500lb. empty. The tow rating is 11,500lb. I have found that it gets out of breath going up some longer inclines. Having traded in a 7.3 when I bought this, I realize adjustments must be made. But, it needs help. So, I`ve been searching and can`t find a thread about anything close to my truck having a tuner. So, am I out of luck or does someone make something I can use. Or, what kind of suggestions do the you all have. I`m open to ideas. Thanks,.

 

Do you want your warranty to stay intact? The best thing you can do is get a custom programmed tuner based on YOUR driving style, YOUR needs, and YOUR desires. But, as soon as you reflash the PCM, your warranty is void, and rightfully so. IMO,you need more gear with a 5.4L to multiply the available torque by getting the engine a bit closer to it's peak torque/hp.
JL

 

Respectfully, I disagree with the bold part.

First, the tune and programmer would have to be a direct cause of the failure. Unless the owner thinks he knows more about tuning than the guy writing the tunes and decides to widly modify the user options (timing, shift firmness, WOT, rev limiter, etc.), failure due to a tuner is very RARE. In fact, I have never seen a believable, documented instance on gassers (with tunes from reputable and experienced tuners).

Second, the dealer would have to want to find out the vehicle was tuned. Providing the owner follows the recommended procedure and sets the truck to stock BEFORE taking it to the dealer, when the truck is hooked up to the dealer's computer the IDS software does not flag the tech THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN CUSTOM TUNED. I'm not saying a dealer can never find out the PCM and TCM have been re-flashed, just saying it's not immediately obvious.

I do, however, completely agree with the custom tunes.

Below is a list of reputable AND EXPERIENCED F150/250 gasser tuners:

I recommend you consider one of these with custom tunes:
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 (very long lead times)

 

Respectfully disagree if you wish, but facts are facts. ANYTIME you change the original operating parameters of the powertrain control system, you are voiding any powertrain warranties. They're not going to void your warranty on power windows,etc...
You cannot expect Ford to warranty anything that is ran outside of it's tested PCM controlled parameters, and I can assure you that EVERY tuner out there alters the shift parameters(firmness and timing), the fuel mixture parameters and the spark tables. Changes to ANY of these items can be proven to cause failures. Try to argue that your tuner knows better than the engineers that designed and built the vehicle in an arbitration or claims court and see how far you get. See how many of the aftermerket tuning companies will show up and stand beside you in that arbitration or claims court to back you up. That will tell you plenty. Simply put-if you want to ensure that the warranty on your vehicle is intact, DO NOT alter the operating parameters of the powertrain.
Many people mistakenly assume that the Magnuson-Moss Act will protect them in this situation, when in fact it will not. MMA simply protects you from manufacturers requiring you to use their OEM replacement parts and maintenance items to maintain warranty eligibility. It does NOTHING to protect you from modifications that result in an altered operating state, and the manufacturer has every right to deny any warranty claims on powertrain components due to such modifications.
Flashing a vehicle back to "stock" and then taking it in for warranty repairs is outright fradulent activity, and the manufacturers are taking a hard-nosed stance on this. If you think that you can hide it-you are sadly mistaken. While it isn't common for a gasoline engine vehicle to have it's powertrain warranty voided for using a tuner, it has and does happen.

JL

 

Thanks for the replys. To John Langton, you have a valid point and I see no need to debate it. Its a personal decision. I have read that the tell tales can be masked, but it`s neither here nor there. Being adults, we are held accountable so that decision is not made lightly. To Shotgunz, I called Edge and they said they do not have a program for the 250, nor do they plan to.Said it`s way different than the 150. I have not found any dyno charts for a 250 anywhere nor anyone (on any forum) with similiar vehicle wrote in or asked questions.(I thought that was strange.) These dyno/tuner people are generally busy and answer emails when they get time. So, I was hoping the tuner folks did do it and some one with a similiar vehicle would tell me their experiences.But your one of the knowledgable ones around here and if you say they do, then they do. I`ll keep reading and learning and such. Thanks.

 

Got a 5.4L V8 Ford F150-F250-F350-E Series Van?

 

I saw those, but there all F-150, and 2005. Things have changed since then I believe.

 

 

So, are there any 2007 or new F-250 gas owners with tuners out there that care to share their experiences? Does it help out alot especially with the tow/haul mode?Yes, No, Mavbe?

 

I'll point Mike Butler towards this thread.

Here's feedback on the Gryphon tuner:

Super Duty & Excursion - Gasoline - Power Hungry Performance Forum

 

hi guys
Tuning the SD 5.4L is one of the best mods to do and after that like JL said maybe some gears. The biggest thing to correct from a tuning side is what Ford left on the table in the drive by wire side. Fords shift patterns are odd in the newerSD5.4L 08+ trucks too. In stock form at light throttle the truck will actually start in 2nd gear.

We have tuned many of them and for making power they set up almost identically like a F150 3v 5.4L. For feedback you can check out some of our testimonials. Better yet give us a call and ask questions. As for warranty its always a concern and i always suggest finding and talking with your Ford dealership to see if they are mod friendly.

Mike

 

Tagged!

So cool you're in SC. I'll look in to this for sure. Same area code too.

 

I think alot of the denied warranty claims are from guys abusing their trucks. What I mean is guys who tune for massive HP gains while trying to tow without upgrading their drivetrain components as well. Addtionally, I think it is dealer dependent. My dealer is tune friendly won't flag a vehicle just for having a tune, unless you have abused it.

Just my .02.