If you purchase "custom" or "canned" tunes, they are delivered via a "flash programmer" unit such as a Diablo Predator, Edge, Gryphon, or SCT X-Calibrator. Almost all custom tuners deliver their tunes with the "canned" tunes still on the "flash programmer".

If you were to re-sell any of these units, it is simply what the market will bear, without any guarantees of re-sale value. Anybody who purchases your "custom" tuned "flash programmer" will still be able to use the "canned" tunes without ever having their own "custom" tunes written; provided that you have returned your car to stock and the device is no longer locked.

Some devices, like the SCT X-Calibrator 2 and SCT X3, have "canned" tunes for a variety of Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles including the popular Ranger, Explorer, Crown Victoria, F-150, Expedition, and Mustang vehicles; thus increasing it's value in the second hand marketplace.

Do your homework. Decide what works best for you. For a lot of us, budget is a concern. For others, it is turn-around time from date of order to receiving. I have "custom" tunes. I am happy with them. You could be just as happy with the "canned" tunes. The other option is to acquire a programmable unit such as SCT X3 Power Flash directly from SCT, or eBay, or Amazon.com, run the "canned" tunes, then have "custom" tunes written further down the line.

Google: F150 Flash Programmer

 

I tried to stay out of this, I really did. But....

One thing no one has mentioned is that one kind of tuner also acts as a "monitor". It sits on your dashboard in a nice little "pod" and gives you the option of displaying information like transmission fluid temperature, average MPG, oil temperature, etc. You can display 4 of these at a time. In addition, you can set "alerts" that will flash the display any time one of several "limits" are exceeded. So, if you wanted a warning that your engine was heating up, or that you were driving faster than some limit you've set, the device will alert you.

If that's not enough, this device will also let you read any "codes" your PCM has thrown if things aren't working right which may help you troubleshoot your problem and, it will record a one minute history of 5 vehicle parameters that might be of interest to you if you'd like to see how things are working.

The programmer I'm talking about here is the Edge Evolution, or in its much better form, the Gryphon programmer from Power Hungry Performance. (A rebranded Edge that comes with three custom tunes written by Bill Cohron specifically for YOUR truck).

I have a Gryphon and am very happy with it. We all have our favorites (predjudices?), but I thought I'd point out the Gryphon's extra features.

- Jack

 

Personally I don’t want to have to monitor how things are going after I install a mod; get it right the first time, get ya TP tunes so you can set it up and that’s it, done; everything works 100%

he’s my guy

 

Are you saying you'd like a truck with a blank dashboard? (Because that's sure what it sounds like you said).

Reading your post, you don't want to know anything about the oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel remaining, battery voltage, RPMs, hell, even your speed! You just want to "trust" that everythng in your engine is working right - right? Must be nice to have that kind of faith.

- Jack

 

Excellent point. So many of us have purchased devices, only to have to purchase monitors further down the line.

I ended up with a ScanGauge II. Others have the DashHawk.

In addition to the Edge Evolution & Gpryphon, another option would be SCT LiveWire

Livewire Handheld FlashProgrammer
Part Number: 9600
Key Features:
• Pre-Loaded with Dyno Proven Tune Files
• Stores up to 3 Custom Tune Files
• Reads / Clears DTC Trouble Codes
• User Adjustable Features
• Monitor Popular External Sensors
• 2008 Models Supported
• Estimates HP, TQ, 1/4 Mile ET & 0-60mph
• High Speed Datalogging
• Built-In High Intensity Shift Light

User Adjustable Features:
• WOT Fuel Adjustment • Cooling Fan Temps • Fuel Injector Size
• Spark Adjustment • Rev / Speed Limiters • Air Intake Selection
• Axle Ratio • Idle RPM • Traction Control On / Off
• Tire Size - Rev / Mile • Transmission Shift Points • Two StepOn / Off RPM
* Not all adjustments available on all vehicles

Livewire Overview:
The SCT LIVEWIRE is NOT just another Flash Device. LIVEWIRE is the most ADVANCED Pre-Programmed & Custom Tunable Flash Device available on the market! Not only does LIVEWIRE arrive PRE-LOADED with Dyno Proven tune files specifically calibrated for your vehicle, it ALSO stores up to 3 Custom tune files! This allows you to retain the PRE-LOADED tune files and your factory uploaded tune file even after having your vehicle CUSTOM TUNED! LIVEWIRE also features high speed USB data logging of multiple OBD-II PCM parameters, a dedicated wideband air/fuel monitoring port, the ability to datalog an additional analog signal and real-time instrumentation.

 

i got the faith J&J that's why I plunked down the lettuce 4 years ago to get, IMO, the best custom tunes, Mike goes way back, like Mr. Peabody, tuning F150’s, over a decade and I trust experience

 

Honestly, I'm not questioning your faith in Mike Troyer's skill/experience/whatever. From everything I'm reading, he's solid gold. And, so it seems, are Justin from VMP and Bill at PowerHungryPerformance. These are the "Big Three" I keep referring to in these forums.

But, what about the breakdown of one of the bands in your transmission (due to a manufacturing defect at Ford - or just planned obsolescence?). What about the blown engine seal that lets your coolant or oil leak out? How about the water pump failure? Or the alternator failure? The clogged fuel injector?

Gauges can help you see these problems before they ruin your day, and maybe your truck.

I'm delighted you've had a positive experience with Mike, just as I've had a very positive experience with Bill, and others with Justin.

I'm just saying - as the owner/operator of your vehicle, you need to be fully informed on its performance. No "blind faith" here! There's no substitute for knowing what's going on in your ride.

I'd bet you big bucks that Mike, Justin and Bill will agree with me on this. But, not knowing your financial resources, I'll just make it $10. Want to bet against me?

- Jack

 

And, as an added note, I should probably do some research on the LiveWire. Looks like it does everything!

Who "custom" programs it? (Sorry if I haven't been paying attention). :o

- Jack

 

I have a 2002 and went with Troyer tunes and I love them. It is night and day on how the truck runs, seems like it just runs smoother than stock. Gas mileage I can't help you with just because I can't keep my foot out of it. I'm not sure about all the other tunes but I am more than happy with my Troyer tunes. good luck

 

And, this is the theme I've seen in this whole forum (in the short time I've been here). People are happy with their custom tunes, regardless of which of the "Big Three" they've gotten them from. Mike Troyer clearly knows what he's doing. So does Justin at VMP. And my vote goes to Bill Cohron at Power Hungry Performance.

So, the trucks run good regardless of who tunes them (staying with the "Big Three" of course). Next, what are the additional "perks"? I like Gryphon's gauges and Bill's VERY quick response time, his "low key", helpful approach and his willingness to explain what he can do without making you feel like an idiot for asking.

What are the others offering? I have not talked to them, so I don't know. I'm happy to be enlightened. (And I bet the rest of you who might be sitting on the fence will be too).

- Jack

 

Anyone who can program any of SCT products can tune the Livewire.

I agree completely. Any of these three tuners will give you amazing results. Once you decide if you want the Edge or a SCT product than it's a choice between Troyer and VMP. Both has tunes on par with each other which are flat out amazing. Both offer amazing customer support. I don't have first hand experience with Troyer but I'll take everyone's word on it. Justin usually gets back to emails in hours. I really think the only difference between the two is Justin's ability to get tunes out faster than Troyer. Before I get jumped on and attacked by the Troyer fan base, I'm not bashing. We all know how long Troyer takes to get tunes out, it's common knowledge.

 

Thanks for enlightening me Thump. (Of course I'll probably just forget this in the next few minutes due to my advanced "geezerhood" status. )

But, Livewire looks like it can monitor a BUNCH of things!

Still, my vote for customer service, based on experience is, Bill! (And, this is not a putdown on you, Mike or Justin, I simply have had no contact with any of you other than reading your posts.) But, I've TALKED to Bill!

If I'd started with Livewire, I might have been singing a different tune, who knows? As it is, I got an Edge off of Ebay, and the rest is history (and I'm happy)!

- Jack

 

I am at the point now that I just can't handle all this Chit no more. Forgive me but the 3 greats are just that "GREAT" . Can we all just agree on that or is that going to start another thread? Hey if it's what makes everybody keep coming back then go for it. I know I am the the new poster here but I won't be posting no more. (You all shackin in you shoe's ain't ya? Ya whayever!) I don't care. I have learned a tremendous amount from several posters on this site. I sincerely "Thank You" for your knowledge and enthusiasm. I went with "The New Guy" who actually has 11 plus years with a certain "Bird tuner" and could not be happier. Why people feel like they have to CYBER KILL the competition I do not understand. Don't we all love our trucks? Don't we all want nothing but the best for our trucks? Isn't that why we frequent this and other forums? Why all the hatred for those who choose one tuner over another? If you should see me down the road, broke down would you not go "Dam" my "Ford" brother, that suck! " Nobody stops for people in California "to many Crazies. I also ride a bike. A Suzuki Gixxer1K. I have never once left a biker stranded. Harley rider, Vespa rider, WTF ever! OK. I have had a couple of and I am pissed. Pull your heads out folks we are all just people. We need to learn how to help each other, not judge one another. We need to ultimately learn that we are all related. Over n out.

 

I sense another post from Joe in the morning. "I'm never posting while drinking !!" LOL!!

 

Hey, sorry if you're put out. I don't think the last few posts in this thread have been spiteful at all.

Possibly, you need to learn to separate the crap from the gold. There are lots of nuggets in this forum, if you have the patience to look for them.

But really, if you were broken down and motioned me to stop - I'd probably do it. I've done it in the past, so why stop now?

- Jack