Ok I'm new to this chip / tuner / mod stuff, so bear with me.

I've got an 07 F 150, XLT, Screw, 4X4, 285 size tires, everything else is stock.

All I'm looking for is something to give me more horse power when towing my 27' TT. On the flats its NP, but put some big hills in the way & it really dog a$$es it.

When I'm not towing a mod for better mileage would be great.

So is it the Edge?? The Gryphon?? Something cool I've never even heard of??

Any help would be great.

Thanks Lee

 

Ok well first off there are a few more things. When you say 285 tire, that is just the width, there is also an aspect ration and wheel size (ie 285/70-17) or something similar. That will help determine your actual tire diameter so the tuner can reprogram your speedo correctly. This will help in assist to know the correct MPH and RPMs of the truck.

Most tuners have the ability to tune for different tire sizes. You will also be using the tow tune when towing because it is designed for more low-end power and lower EGTs etc.

The popular options are the Edge, Gryphon (Power Hungry Performance; it's an Edge with the ability for custom files), and the two more main SCT tuners, Troyer and VMP (IIRC).

Hopefully you have searched and gained basic knowledge on this subject but here is my abridged version. The edge and gryphon are similar prices but as I said before the gryphon can be custom tuned. These tow choices also have a dash pod to hold it with gauges able to monitor 4 different functions at a time with about 20 choices as to what you want to watch (I watch my voltage, instant MPG, gear position indicator with torque converter lockup, and tranny temp). I have never owned an Xcal3, which is what the two other guys use. But from what I have read it can program most of the stuff the gryphon/edge can like tire size and shift firmness but it does not have the dash pod and gauge feature.

MPG will possibly go up with the programmer if you can learn to not tap into the new found power all of the time, I average 1-2mpg better after getting my gryphon just because it shows me what the motor is doing and I can learn to drive smarter. If you seek a custom MPG tune, it will not net you more than .5 MPG from what I have read it it makes that from slowed throttle response and more conservative tunes, a waste IMO.

With that said, search around and read what others have and have said to like. There are a couple more tuners out there that don't seem as common and popular so I would steer away just because. Let the questions flow...

 

I have a question too, sorry to jump in. I want the tuner to improve thje drive's smoothness but also for mpg... I will never WOT, not my style, but what tune should I go with to gain the most. I am planning on an 87 tow definetely, but which one will gain the most mpg's?

 

An 87 Economy with firm but not hard shifts. Just firm enough to remove the built in slippage.

 

Very well stated. Not much more to be added other than I have had the Edge and now the Gryphon tunes and I highly recommend custom tunes on a Gryphon.

 

How would you say that on the order sheet? Exactly like that?

 

Yes, pretty much like that. Start off saying you want an 87 Economy tune. Then as a footnote, say you want firm shifts but not hard shifts. Bill will get the picture. When I ordered my performance tunes, I footnoted that I liked very firm shifts and that I had been running +12 . He nailed it perfectly in my tunes.

 

What about a tow tune for 87, anything I should specify?

 

The canned tune is actually a very good tow tune. I just kept it for towing and that is what I recommend. I don't think Bill would be able to improve it much and as I recall, he told me just that. I kept the Level 2 for towing and replaced levels 1 and 3 with an 87 Perf and an 93 Perf.

 

Ok, so I'll keep that. Should I even both getting a performance tune? I would never drive it hard so I don't know If that would be worth getting.

 

In your case, I would suggest just one custom tune. The 87 Economy and let it replace Level 1. That way, you have Level 3 if you ever want to put some premium in and feel the power.

The second option, since the tunes are only $35 is to keep Level 2, 87 Econ and then get either an 87 Perf or a 93 Perf just to have it if you wanted to play.

 

Maybe because of the cheapness in cost of the tunes, I'll get a performance one just to have I'd get a 93 and prolly never use it, but just in case Thanks for all your help Jim

 

I didn't see it mentioned so take a look at the SCT Xcal3 from a place that does custom tuning like VMP.

http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...=226&parent=66

 

Sorry about that, I'm still running stock wheels, just bigger tires 285 / 70 R17

Yes I have done some reading & have the basics down, but I'm also completely confused when you guys start talking about all the changes you can make using your tuner.

I like the sounds of the Gryphon, just because of the options available.

Is there more than 1 tow tune available?? or is it a one size fits all deal??

My main goal is to stay away from 4K RPM when going up the steep grades, & hopefully keep up a little better, when my Dad is towing his 5th wheel w/ his F-350 ahead of me.

 

That tire is a bit over 32 inches in diameter. What's the weight of your trailer? is it in the 5-6000# range? What is the gearing in your truck?

Bill could probably tweak the tow tune on a Gryphon to improve your towing experience, but I doubt anything is going to let you keep up with your Dad if he's driving a 350 diesel, especially up hill. He's got way more power than you have.

If you're at 4K RPM, you're probably down in 1st gear? I wonder if you could do the climb with the transmission locked in 2nd?

- Jack