Looking to spoil myself this Xmas with a custom sct x3 tune from 5star. I drive a 2010 fx2 4.6l 3v scab. Not sure what gears or if it matters for a tune. Running 295/40/24's with a 77 series k&n intake and 50 series flowmaster. Will probably do an 87 economy, 91 economy and 91 performance. I don't tow anything. Mostly highway driving. Any big CONs I might wanna know about that might want me to keep her stock?
Any positive feedback on this would be greatly appreciated so thank you in advance!

 

I have a Gryphon CTS and Volant CAI from my 2010 4.6 3v for sale if ur interested.. I have a thread floating around here with the performance increase that i experienced.

 

With regards to “Chips” and “Tuners”, years ago it was the best that most could do to enhance the ignition timing, fuel curve, transmission shift points, etc. It was (and still is) very important that a person verifies that the “Tuner” is ASE certified in both ECM and Transmission programming and IMHO be have current certification by the OEM whose vehicle you want to modify. There are plenty of persons who advertise their programs to be the best and even offer custom tunes, but in all reality, very few actually have credentials in these areas- but that’s not to say that some of these “geniuses” haven’t really caused damage to a few vehicles- just jump over to flatratetech.com and read just some of the comments from the MSE techs!. Perhaps what is equally important is the parameters that can be adjusted are set by the OEM vehicle software…so there is really no “magic” in what they are doing anyway. IMHO, find a local dyno shop & have them tune your truck

 

As long as you return to stock for any and all work done by the dealer while it is under warranty you should have no troubles. I have had, (and continue to have) issues wit hmy X3 on my '10, but the customer service from Mike @ 5star has been second to none. I couldn't ask for more to be honest. I am about to take Mike up on his "return for refund or exchange for a new unit" offer, and will choose the exchange option.

The tune he provided turned my '10 5.4 from a tank to a fighter jet.

Neither 5star, or SCT tech support can confirm whether my troubles are tuner related, or software, or truck hardware problems, but so far all parties have been fantastic to deal with. I am not the type to pat a company on the back when their product causes me grief, but the service I have received from the very first email to 5star through my troubles has been absolute class A.

 

I have no issues with 5star, but have you considered getting your truck tuned by VMP? They are about 4 hours from you and having a live tune done on a dyno is always preferable to mail order tunes, no matter how good they are.

 

Yes I have considered vmp and actually decided tht if I do pull the trigger on this tuner thing, they will be my choice. As for the drive, it is pretty far for me but not horrible. Might just hold off cause I have lots of school work for the next year and a half

 

I would order the custom tune and worry about getting a dyno tune once you start getting more mods. Coming from the same motor in my Mustang. Justin was able to get 2 more rwhp out of the car dyno tuning it vs a mail order tune, no driveability changes. I think you are short changing yourself if you wait just to do that when you could be out enjoying it.