Are programmers worth the money?

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Old 06-28-2015, 09:59 AM
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Are programmers worth the money?

I have an 2007 F150 King Ranch and have been thinking about getting a programmer. Does anyone have one that they would recommend/are the even worth the $300-$500? For performance mods I currently have an intake and exhaust.
 
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Old 06-28-2015, 11:13 AM
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Are programmers worth the money?

A custom tune is the best mod you can do. Plus, the intake you have does little with out a tune for it.
 
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Old 06-28-2015, 02:10 PM
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SCT X4 with custom tunes from one of the reputable tuning houses.
 
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Old 06-29-2015, 01:31 PM
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An SCT X4 is a great way to go. If you want some extra gauges, go for the SCT Livewire TS. Tunes would be the same between those two devices.


 
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Old 06-29-2015, 01:33 PM
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MPT is one of the reputable tuning houses, you can't go wrong with them.
 
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Old 06-29-2015, 01:34 PM
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Obviously the custom tunes are the best, but how are the preloaded tunes? Good tuners are few and far between around me..
 
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Old 06-29-2015, 01:37 PM
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The SCT tuners we sell include 3 MPT email custom tunes.

Once you receive the package, you'll see instructions on how to get your MPT custom tunes. Basically, we'll have you use your new SCT device to retrieve a short code from the vehicle, then you'll submit a tune form through our website. Your tunes will then be built to your specs and emailed over along with instructions on how to load them to the programmer.
 
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Old 06-30-2015, 08:27 AM
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I have an '11 Lariat Supercrew with the 6.2. I have the SCT Livewire and love it. I went with the Livewire because I wanted the use of the gauges, so I leave it hooked up and mounted. I have an enclosed trailer that I tow my Polaris Ranger in, mostly during the fall at hunting season. I have the Livewire set up with the dial tach.. It has ghost needles so I can keep a look at the rev. range. And I also use the Coolant temp., and Intake air temp gauges. They show current temps, plus show the high/low range. I have tunes from both MPT and 5Star. A lot of guys say to skip the canned tunes. But I use the 93 oct. canned tune often. Performance wise it is better than stock. The shifting is improved but not nearly as good as a nice custom performance tune.





On a trip out to West Virginia





The outside ambient temp was 71*. My intake air temp. was running 64* showing that, plus showing the high/low range on the trip.





Nov.19,'14. Going out to West Virginia for Deer hunting season.





Ambient temp 28*, Livewire showing about 27*.
 

Last edited by Scarlet; 06-30-2015 at 08:31 AM.
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Old 07-06-2015, 10:38 AM
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if you think your vehicle shifts funny sometimes or if you go to pass someone and you think there is a delay...yes it is worth it.

you ever feel like you are acclerating and you feel like the motor is holding back. then yes it is worth it.

i run the 87 tune on my f250, 6.2 and it is a dramatic change. when i go to pass someone, it is on...quickly.

i getting ready to get one for my 6.2 f150, mpt was fast and super easy to work with. canned tune was good, custom was better
 
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Old 07-15-2015, 11:08 AM
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If you're going to spend $400, why not pay a little more for better tunes? I went with VMP tuning, 87 performance tune. Huge difference. I am at 7000ft and that loses around 20% of power. I would say with that tune, I gained 10 to 15% back. My engine stock was 202hp, my scangauge read 201 at 6800ft a few times in cool air but was normally 195 area. Only other mod was k&n intake. Scangauge is an estimate also. But my 0-60 was slightly slower than it was at 500ft without the tune. Lower elevation 0-60 was around mid to high 8 second range, stock with intake was 9.3 to 9.5
 

Last edited by timmypstyle; 07-15-2015 at 11:11 AM.



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