Can you "De-Tune" an F150?

[PartsChaser]

I wasnt sure if this would be better in the 09-10 Forum, or in V8 engines, but I am taking a stab here. Out of complete curiosity, does anyone know if dealerships have the capability to de-tune vehicles? Rental fleet to be a little more specific. Stay with me, maybe I am just over-imagining things.. I have a 2007 F150 4X4 SCREW, 5.4, etc. I had to take it in for some warranty work on Friday, and they wanted to keep it over the weekend, so, they gave me a 2010 F150 4X4 SCREW, 5.4, with 1000 miles on it as my loaner truck to drive until mine is done. Prior to taking my 07 in, I put the EVO back on stock, drove it for a couple days to remember what it was like, and when I got into the 2010 truck, I was very unimpressed with it. I was under the assumption that the 2010 had a higher HP rating than the 07, and much to my disappointment, I thought the 2010 truck was kind of a turd. It didnt have much for throttle response, torque, top end, etc. It sounded better, I'll give it that. But, all things considered, I was expecting a little more. Both trucks had the 5.4, both were SuperCrews, both 4X4, so on the surface I thought it was a pretty good 1-to-1 comparison. So, is this just my imagination, or is there a tune that dealerships could possibly load that would tame them down a bit to keep them from hot-rodding the rentals? Seems like they might, just so they arent loaning out new stuff that would get flogged, but, wanted to see if any of you guys ever had any experiences with it. Thanks guys!!

[MGDfan]

Originally Posted by PartsChaser

I wasnt sure if this would be better in the 09-10 Forum, or in V8 engines, but I am taking a stab here.

Out of complete curiosity, does anyone know if dealerships have the capability to de-tune vehicles? Rental fleet to be a little more specific. Stay with me, maybe I am just over-imagining things..

I have a 2007 F150 4X4 SCREW, 5.4, etc. I had to take it in for some warranty work on Friday, and they wanted to keep it over the weekend, so, they gave me a 2010 F150 4X4 SCREW, 5.4, with 1000 miles on it as my loaner truck to drive until mine is done. Prior to taking my 07 in, I put the EVO back on stock, drove it for a couple days to remember what it was like, and when I got into the 2010 truck, I was very unimpressed with it.

I was under the assumption that the 2010 had a higher HP rating than the 07, and much to my disappointment, I thought the 2010 truck was kind of a turd. It didnt have much for throttle response, torque, top end, etc. It sounded better, I'll give it that. But, all things considered, I was expecting a little more. Both trucks had the 5.4, both were SuperCrews, both 4X4, so on the surface I thought it was a pretty good 1-to-1 comparison.

So, is this just my imagination, or is there a tune that dealerships could possibly load that would tame them down a bit to keep them from hot-rodding the rentals? Seems like they might, just so they arent loaning out new stuff that would get flogged, but, wanted to see if any of you guys ever had any experiences with it.

Thanks guys!!

Unlikely. Like you & me, they have access to aftermarket technology - so while it's certainly possible, it's not likely they would bother.

Hehe... might even have the ability to hook it up to WDS & flip a 'granny' or 'valet mode' bit

Could be just a *tight* new truck, or as you said, a turd. Too many variables....

[tarajerame]

if it's not broken in yet then it'll probably be a turd




*edit* valet tunes are great though

[07blackout]

different gear ratio perhaps? that would make it feel real sluggish

[jethat]

I test drove a 2010 and it was a complete dog compared to my 99. Wasnt broken in and all and I've heard custom tunes really wake those things up. My 99 would kill a stock 2010 in a race though. not even close.