so, I've been doing a bit of reading on tuners and they seem like a great investment for the money.

more power, better gas, better shifts, more fun etc....

but i havent heard anything discussed in terms of negatives. I'm really into the idea of getting one of these, however my truck is only about a year old - and I'd rather not buy something when i'm not aware of what kind of risks i'm provoking.

are there any horor stories that have arrisen from tuners? shorten/lengthen engine tranny life... no difference?

by the way i'm looking towards the xcal2 w/ a troyer or vmp custom tune so that i can add an airaid or s&b to my longtubes w/ cats magnaflow exh. e fans and under drive pulleys.

Thanks guys, i appreciate the help! Hopefully i'll be buying a tuner soon??

 

From what I have read from other members is that a custom tune will be better for the transmission. A good custom tune will make the engine and transmission perform better than a stock tune. When it is tuned from the factory, there are factors other than just performance, such as noise, vibration, etc. that the factory tunes take into consideration.

 

Get the S&B CAI and the VMP Tunes.

 

The number one concern I had when I started looking into getting tunes was what it might do to my transmission.

I quickly decided that a canned tuning device with parameters I could mess with myself wasn't for me.. No way I'd ever stop messing with everything I could mess with and end up wreckin' something..

Everything I read on here and elsewhere convinced me that properly tuned shift points are better for the transmission than stock.

The other concern I had was with running the engine lean, and again what I gathered is any reputable custom tuner has no problem writing tunes to compensate for your mods, as long as you TELL THEM IN ADVANCE!... LOL...

I highly recommend Troyer's tunes, as that's what I have experience with... Never a problem, love what they've done for my truck.

The only tip I'd give as far as ordering tunes from TP is to do it in the fall.. LOL.. the wait time is a bit less once he's gotten done with whatever project he's been working on during the spring/summer.

 

Yeah, the long wait!

Consider getting all that stuff, or as much of it as you can, as a package from the company writing your tunes. I know that Troyer sells intakes, exhaust, electric fan kits, and pulleys, and does offer "Performance Package" bundle deals.

 

Edit.

 

Stage104354C
Stage One Performance Package for the 2004 & newer Ford F-150 with 3-valve 300 HP 5.4 V8 engine, Custom Tuned


This package includes the "Top 3" best bang for the buck mods - 3 different Troyer Performance custom programs for your vehicle's PCM (Powertrain Control Module) in the new XCalibrator 2 with backlit screen, a reversible hand-held flash device including email update capabilities, a complete replacement air intake system, and a complete replacement cat-back exhaust system, using the very best available components.

This package includes 3 of our world-famous Troyer Performance custom tunes that will optimize the engine for your needs - we can set it up for operation on either 87 octane or premium fuels, the more typical "daily driver" type tunes, towing tunes, drag race-style tunes, whenever is appropriate for each individual vehicle owners needs! Your vehicle will have improvements in both performance and driveability at any throttle position or rpm. Whether you are accelerating from a standstill, entering the Interstate, passing another vehicle, towing, etc., our Troyer Performance custom tuning will provide better throttle response, a quick-responding engine and transmission and a much more "willing" vehicle. There is also less slippage in the automatic transmission and torque converter, resulting in reduced heat buildup in the automatic transmission.

Your truck will now be able to cruise at triple-digit speeds (if need be and conditions permit). IMPORTANT NOTE: Your truck will have significantly higher top speed capability, well over 140 MPH! The factory original tires are not rated for these sustained high speeds. This is especially important for those F-150 owners involved in law enforcement, government, firefighters, emergency response, volunteers & other similar professions where sustained high-speed driving is required. So just be aware of this higher top speed capability and if you intend to use it, install appropriately speed-rated tires!

Then there is a complete replacement intake kit. The new intake system helps throttle response and increases power noticeably right from idle on up thru the higher rpms, bringing in cool fresh air thru its lower-restriction air intake tract. This intake gives a pleasing throaty sound at full-throttle, while being quiet during low load/cruising conditions. (Note: the most powerful intake kit available, the 3.5" version of the Air Force One, is available for a slight adjustment in price - please let us know when ordering if you desire this, when ordering online just leave a message in the "Special Instructions" text box that appears during our online ordering process, or let us know by phone.)

The last element of this package is a complete replacement T304 stainless steel 3" SISO (Single In/Single Out) Magnaflow cat-back exhaust system featuring a beautiful 4" mirror-polished stainless steel tip exiting in the same location as the stock exhaust, right behind the right rear wheel - the best choice for those who want a classic V8 sound without overly loud noises or “droning” entering into the cabin, the best part-throttle torque, etc. This exhaust is one the wife & kids won't object to, while still pleasing the performance enthusiast. (If you prefer, the appropriate SIDO (Single In/Dual Out) or "Lightning-style" (dual tips exiting in front of the right rear wheel) exhaust systems can be substituted for a slight adjustment in price - just leave a short note specifying which exhaust you prefer in the "Special Instructions" text box you will see when placing your order online, or by phone if you prefer to call your order in.) The SIDO exhaust is only slightly louder than the 3" single system, while the "Lightning-style" exhaust exiting ahead of the right rear wheel is more aggressive, and will be a bit louder still, for those who want the most authoritative exhaust tone.

The power gains from this Stage 1 package are thru the entire rpm range - the peak gains are one thing, but the low rpm gains are virtually just as large - something that is almost impossible to achieve, and precisely what these heavier 2004 & newer F-150's need to get them moving in any situation, whether accelerating from a standstill, passing, towing, etc., you will have a much more responsive & capable vehicle.

These trucks normally dyno in at 202-207 horsepower at the rear wheels stock, but with this package they have dyno'd in our shop at anywhere from 245 to as much as 268 rear wheel horsepower depending on the tune, fuel quality & tires, far more than ANY other similar package thanks to our 15 years of specializing in F-150 performance.

 

The only thing I'd add to that is that most custom tuners will remove the top speed limiter with their performance tunes.

So... If you're gonna be a top-speed guy, like cruising 95, 100 or more on the highway, not there's anything wrong with that when ya can, then it's essential to get tires rated for those speeds.

Ford puts a 94 mph limit on our trucks, in part because the tires from the factory aren't rated any higher.

Never neglect the rubber.. I've been hearing that since 7th grade health class..

 

94 mph? You must of got boned. The speed limter is at ~98-99.

Fifty150 Are you working for Troyer now?

 

LOL... I thought I read 94 in Road & Track?..

Whatever, I have no limiter now.. The speedo actually came in useful the one time I tried it out, got to 105 on I-35... but I got scared of the little cops who dwell there and settled back to 80... LOL

 

seriously, i appreciate all the input. Unfortunately... well not unfortunately, but for the order i suppose it is... I just purchased my Magnaflow exhaust from troyer (since autopartswarhouse are a bunch of wh@*%$!). ITS IN THE MAIL!!! So Maybe I'll call them and see if i can get some kind of a deal on a tuner and intake since i just bought an exhaust, and have e fans on back order? And plan on adding pullies.

is troyer pretty good for making custom packages for peat - repeat customers? i really would like to find somewhere to do constant business. I hate looking for the cheapest deal and giving my credit card to obscure websites like ... www. thetruckdude . com ... isnt exactly safe ya know?

and by the way my buddy has a garmin, and we took the pig up to full speed until it shook like hell - but we got to 99.

 

Troyer's Stage 1 package is one of the best deals you'll find for the top three mods in one shot.. Magnaflow cat-back (which you already ordered), AF1 intake and 3 tunes.. I did all of those one piece at a time - I didn't know about the package - though I put on a Borla instead of a Maggie.. and TP's package deal would have saved me about $300...

I'm pretty sure that since you've already ordered the cat-back from them that if you'll just give 'em a call they'll make you a deal for an intake and tunes.. I've never had anything but positive experiences with Troyer..

Be sure and let them know that you're a member of this site and there's a bit of a discount for the tuner & tunes.

 

Shortbox, word of the wise here. Do NOT buy the E-Fan kit that Troyer sells. This isn't meant as a slam on TP but a lot of people have had problems with that kit. I wouldn't spend my money on it especially not on a part like that. If it fails you'll be up river without a paddle. Also a suggestion for the air intake. If you want a closed box design go with the S&B, do not waste your money on the Volant. The S&B is an awesome intake. If you want a exposed air filter like the K&N, Airaid, etc go with the AF1 3.0". Do not mess around with the 3.5" tube unless you can get a dyno tune. They are too hard to tune for with a mail order tune. Both Justin and Mike have had some problems getting them tuned.