why are they not "tuned" from the dealer?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 380
Likes: 12
From: somewhere in Colorado
why are they not "tuned" from the dealer?
Everyone knows about tuners and engine programmers. They go back to the 80's when EFI and computer controlled tranny's became a reality. Company's found ways to improve power and performance through chips and programmers. Now, more than ever, there are a ton of tuner options. So the question is why don't the manufactures put a vehicle out with the best programming available? For example, we can get a programmer for our new 08's that improves torque by over 100 ft/lbs and many times even more. So if there is more power to be harnessed in any given engine, why don't they come "tuned" from the factory? I am thinking it's because it decreases the engine or tranny's reliability? But if that's the case why would so many people get tuners/programmers if their truck is less reliable? Lastly, has anyone who has tuned their 6.4's got anything in writing from the dealer that says they will or will not cover their truck under warranty with the tuner/programmer installed? Thanks guys.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
its reliability bottom line. they cant say it will last 100k miles if they squeeze every bit of power from them. plus when you buy the truck you want some fuel milage, turning up the power usually lessens the fuel milage. would you buy a truck with say 100 less ft/lbs of torque if you got 5 miles better in gas. of course you would with gas prices they way they are.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
The other reason they don't squeeze every last bit of torque and horsepower out of the engines is emission levels. The manufacturers are legally required to meet the government's emission standards. It is hard enough to do at these power levels, it would be nearly impossible at higher levels. If the engine makes any visible smoke it isn't going to pass the emisssions test. The tuner companies don't worry about this.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
Originally Posted by littleme13
its reliability bottom line. they cant say it will last 100k miles if they squeeze every bit of power from them. plus when you buy the truck you want some fuel milage, turning up the power usually lessens the fuel milage. would you buy a truck with say 100 less ft/lbs of torque if you got 5 miles better in gas. of course you would with gas prices they way they are.
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 380
Likes: 12
From: somewhere in Colorado
Originally Posted by SpartanDieselTech
It is emissions, bottom line.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,739
Likes: 2,669
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by boulderbronco
OK. So it does not hinder the reliability of an engine?
Everything was engineered for a certain power level. If you increase that level you decrease reliability.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 380
Likes: 12
From: somewhere in Colorado
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
Of course it lowers the reliability of the engine and everything downstream of the engine.
Everything was engineered for a certain power level. If you increase that level you decrease reliability.
Everything was engineered for a certain power level. If you increase that level you decrease reliability.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bubba Jones
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
43
May 18, 2016 11:49 AM
DIYMechanic
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
58
Nov 23, 2013 11:28 AM
TheBludgeon
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
13
May 24, 2013 02:14 PM