Ford F-250: Engine Tuner Reviews
Purchasing a tuner could be a good way to enhance your Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty's torque, power, and mpg.
This article applies to Ford F-250, F-350 Super Duty (2005-2014).
Are you thinking of revamping your image? Considering using your eleventh or twelfth generation Ford Super Duty to make a serious statement about power and prowess? Or are you simply interested in increasing overall performance and getting better gas mileage in the process? If getting maximum torque and amazing throttle response while boosting gas mileage and adding a va-va-voom factor to your vehicle appeals to you, chances are you’ve considered investing in a tuner. Here is a brief overview of some popular tuners that are compatible with the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty along with an explanation of how these tuners enhance vehicle performance.
What is a Tuner?
In the marvelous world of motor vehicles, a tuner (sometimes referred to as a performance chip or a power programmer) is a component that revitalizes your vehicle’s computer system, upgrading it for maximum adjustment. Occasionally, the installation of a tuner requires a reflash, which is basically a reboot of the PCM (power control module). The right tuner will turn your Ford Super Duty into a modified machine, capable of revving out noticeably more horsepower and hugging the curves of the road with ease. Not all tuners are designed to function equally. You’ll find a compare and contrast of some of the most popular brands to date below.
Tuners
Bully Dog |
Superchips |
Diablo Sport |
SCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Price |
$500 | $350 | $600 | $300 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 1 year | 1 year |
| Performance | 42 HP gains for gas, 120 HP gains for Diesel | HP, Torque, Throttle Response, and Fuel Economy | Power and Fuel Economy | HP, Torque, and Throttle Response |
| Used for | Gas and Diesel | Gas and Diesel | Gas | Gas and Diesel |
Best Quality: Diablo Sport
Best Value: SCT
Bully Dog
Price - $500
Warranty - 1 year
Performance - 42 Horsepower gains for gas, and 120 Horsepower gains for diesel
Used for - Gas and Diesel
While the Bully Dog sports a user-friendly face and can improve gas mileage and performance quality significantly, installation has posed problems for some drivers causing them to regret making the purchase. No two tuning experiences are identical, but you might want to request a little hands on help upon purchasing this brand to be certain that this tuner is completely compatible with your PCM. The upside to Bully Dog is its multiple monitoring features that come complimentary with each tune. Recommended if you are looking to improve gas mileage and top your truck's performance.
Superchips
Price - $350
Warranty - 2 years
Performance - Enhances horsepower, torque, throttle response, and fuel economy
Used for - Gas and Diesel
Superchips has an established reputation, both on road and online. This doesn’t mean the system is foolproof, but it might be the closest to such an option. The aspect many drivers are impressed with is the fact that Superchips can be taken off of one vehicle and used on another. Unlike other power programmers, it doesn’t “marry” the first engine it gets exposed to. This gives Superchips an edge of flexibility. It also sports a fairly modest price tag, it’s easy to install, and while results aren’t necessarily dramatic, average customers have reported positive changes in towing and performance capabilities. Recommended if you are looking to use your tuner on multiple vehicles.
Diablo Sport
Price - $600
Warranty - 1 year
Performance - Enhances power and fuel economy
Used for - Gas
The Diablo Sport brand, namely its popular Trinity edition, is slightly more expensive when compared to its counterparts. Aside from price, the Trinity features a great deal of flexibility for drivers. It is reflash compatible and preloaded for optimal installation ease. The downside is that many of the preloaded tunes are designed to function at their best when combined with premium fuel, leaving the potential for a higher price tag at the pump, even if gas mileage is increased. If you tend to lean towards top of the line and are willing to fork over the cash for a premium driving experience, the Diablo Sport could be the best performance chip for you. Recommended if you are looking for top performance and you don't mind spending the money.
SCT
Price - $300
Warranty - 1 year
Performance - Enhances horsepower, torque, and throttle response
Used for - Gas and Diesel
SCT is a highly trusted brand in tuning, particularly for drivers seeking to optimize torque, horsepower, and transmission performance. The gas mileage has been reported to increase by just a small fraction when driven at high octane, but overall customer satisfaction remains high and the price remains reasonable. The SCT features wireless capabilities, data logging, monitoring, and a vast number of performance chips that are legal in 50 states. Recommended if you are looking for a reliable brand without spending too much money.
Programmers, when used correctly, can truly enhance your vehicle’s performance as well as its outward appearance, making your Super Duty that much more monstrous. The end result is a powerful statement declared each time you rev your engine. The power of a programmer is a force to be reckoned with but the initial investment is one you shouldn’t be reckless with. Making a poor programming purchase could leave you wishing you’d left well enough alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of user experiences you can peruse prior to test running a tuner. See the related discussions below for more information.
Related Discussions
- Best Tuners Poll Results - Ford-Trucks.com
- Tuners/Chips for the 2011 Super Duty - Ford-Trucks.com
- Will a Tuner Void Your Warranty? - Ford-Trucks.com
