I have a 2002 Lightning with Superchips first gen 1715 Micro tuner performance program installed. Before I install the FTVB is there any adjustments I should do with the Micro tuner? Any info would be appreciated.

 

Hi Black Ice,

What we advise is to go ahead and install the FTVB and drive it for a few days, so you get a feel for just how much firmer the shifts are with that combination - then if need be, go in and manually adjust the shift pressures once you actually *know* your results.

Some people have to crank the 1-2 shift pressure all the way down with the FTVB in the Lightning, and some people can leave it the same as the "default" upload from the Micro Tuner - it just depends on your individual truck's tranny, along with your personal preferences - and of course, exactly *which* FTVB you went with - the 2C or the 2CR.

Try it with no adjustments at first, and see if that is OK for your needs - if it's too stiff, then just plug in the Micro Tuner and go into the menu to alter the shift pressures manually.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Mike, Appreciate the quick response. And that sounds good I’ll drive it for awhile and see how it feels. I’m putting in the 2C FTVB. Can’t wait, from what I read it’s one of the best mods to install on a Lightning.

 

I also have the FTVB. I had to crank it all the way down. WOT was way to harsh on the shift.

 

Hi Black Ice & evo,

Yes, one of the factors in *some* of the Lightnings is that to equal the shift pressures that you would get in the "standard" Lightning tune in the traditional Superchip modules, in some trucks that requires turning down those shift pressures manually below the "ST" level - where in all the rest, the "ST" level is the same as in the traditional Superchip module.

Like evo mentioned he found in his truck, he needed to reduce the shift pressures all the way down once he had the FTVB installed.

When you consider all the potential variances, there is some significant potential difference in shift firmness levels - only from each individual driver's preferences & tolerance levels, but also just how much fluid volume each individual truck's transmission will flow in a given amount of time, combined with how some of the Lightnings respond to the Micro Tuner's changes.

I wouldn't be surprised if you needed to turn down the shift pressures manually with the FTVB installed.

And yes, the FTVB is a *great* modification, not only for the Lightings but for *any* F-series with an automatic transmission. We like them so much that we stock them even for the regular F-150's with 4R70W transmissions - last time I spoke with Greg, we were the only Factory Tech authorized dealer that actually stocks an inventory of the 4R70W valve bodies. Everyone else stocks the Lightning units, and then orders the 4R70W units as needed. Now that may partly be due to the higher core charge for the 4R70W's, of course. We don't charge that to our customers up front, we only charge that if a customer does not return their stock original valve body.

Have fun,

 

Im at ST and it shifts perfect with my FTVB

 

Hi Red 92,

Good to see you again!

Your post is an excellent example of how much potential variance there can be between driver preference/tolerance and how each individual truck's auto tranny actually responds. That's exactly why we recommend installing the FTVB *before* making any changes to the program, so you get a feel for just exactly what the combination actually does in each individual truck, for each vehicle owner's preferences, etc.

Thanks for your post!

 

Installed my FTVB today and it is working great with the Micro tuner. I’m very pleased with this mod. I can’t believe the difference. Now my truck shifts like it should have from the factory. It looks like I won’t have to do any shift pressure adjustments.

Thanks again everyone for all the info.

 

Hi BI,

Glad to hear it, & thanks for the feedback!