Got an 04 sc 4x4 lariat 5.4 that is used 95% for contracting work...has fiberglass shell and 500# of tools at all times. Of course often carries heavy materials. Other 5% is towing our camping trailer 3500-4000# to the mountains.

I would like a tuner to sharpen the throttle response mainly (hate backing up narrow driveways or parking trailer with the poor throttle control) and maybe perk up the feel of the truck. I would only use 87 octane. I am not a performance guy, just don't like the unresponsive driving experience.
So is a simple 1714 good enough or can a custom tune be beneficial for non performance use? Any input appreciated.
(Been reading and searching but info seems geared to performance and its hard to zoom around in a loaded truck! Newsflash:traffic snarled due to plywood, drywall, and tools all over road! .)
Thanks, Steve the carpenter
Ps-I am going to post this on FTE also, hope that's not a no no

 

A 1714 would work just fine and you could probably pick one up at a very reasonable price. Many people that bought them for performance only are dumping them for the Xcalibrator. Check the classifieds on this forum. If you get a used one, make sure the seller includes the “original sales receipt” this way it will still be covered under the manufactures warranty for defects, etc.

edit - or maybe not!

 

Hi 4Jeeprz,

A SuperCrew Lariat is a very high-end vehicle to use for contracting work!

I would not recommend the 1714 for your needs - it's a fine device for "standard" performance tuning, don't get me wrong, we move a lot of them, too - but it won't do the job our custom tuning will, especially given the fact that you want to run it on 87 octane. You'll get maybe half the power gain using the 1714's 87 octane tuning that you'd get with our custom 87 octane tuning, and won't get as much improvement in the 5.4 3V ETC's inherent lack of throttle response.

What will get you the best result is to have us set you up with our *custom* tuning, as that will not only get you very good power gains on 87 octane in the 2004 & up 5.4 3V F-150's and give vast improvement to the shift characteristics and driveability, but will also help with that throttle response and with fuel mileage in most cases, too.

We can help you with either the 1714 or with our custom tuning, whichever you prefer - I'd suggest giving us a call to go over the differences in terms of both results & costs since you are a registered member of F-150 Online, and then you decide for yourself what you feel will do a better job for you.

Congrats on your SuperCrew Lariat & best of luck whatever you decide!