what is the best off the shelf tuner I can go with for a 2006 F150 5.4 auto 4x4 ?? Im looking for a programmer with file for a little more get up and go on the 87 octane and also a file to get decent mpg as the wife drives a lot.. this truck will never tow anything so I don't care about tow files this is our family vehicle I drive a F250 diesel that I do all the towing with

 

For your purposes, I would highly recommend the Xcal3 from Troyer, VMP or PHP or if you want the dash monitor, the Gryphon that comes with canned tunes as well as custom tunes.

Also, read the "sticky" thread at the top of tis forum.

 

Superchips 1865 Flashpaq

 

I absolutely love my edge. I could never have another f150 without it.

 

x2-you will be pleased

 

I started out with the Flaspaq 1865 in my 07 and was very pleased with it on a totally stock motor. The tuner will make a big difference in the truck compared to stock. You can change settings in it also but not as many as with other tuners. I found it to be a good entry level tuner for the money. They are easy to get and ready to use right out of the box.

 

did you guys with the superchips tuner notice any mpg increase?

all im looking for is a entry level tuner I drive it maybe once a week so im not going for anything crazy .. mainly a little more get up and go and fuel economy if possible

 

I don't know that there's such a thing as an "entry level" tuner. It would be like saying an "entry level pregnancy". Your truck is either tuned or it isn't.

They DO come with different features and some can be programmed with custom designed tunes. An "extreme" tune, I suppose, could take your engine and transmission right up to their design limits in the name of performance. I don't think the reputable tuners will do this though, because it would be too easy for a driver to push beyond those design limits.

As was written in the sticky "Questions About Tunes?", programmers with "canned" tunes are going to be a step above (way above in my opinion) the "stock", do-everything, satisfying Grandmothers and Teenagers alike, tune that Ford installs. A custom tune will tailor the tune more to an individual's preferences, so it will be an additional improvement over "canned".

The difference in cost between a cheaper, less "feature-rich" programmer and one that gives you some flexibility or added capability is minimal, in my opinion.

You are using this device to modify a very expensive piece of machinery - you really don't want to worry about saving pennies here. You want the hardware produced by a company with a solid track record and if it is custom tuned, you want that done by someone with experience!

- Jack

 

I had the Edge for a while on my truck and loved it. I now have the Gryphon with custom tunes.

 

The consensus on here sems to be XCT, or Gryphon, from Troyer, VMP or PHP, with custome yunes. That said I love my Edge, but will probably have it updated to a Gryphon, once teh job situation is straight.

 

I understand tuning and results.. as far as pinching pennies .. no i don't do that i ran a superchip with canned tunes on my superduty they were ok wanted more and then switched out to tony wildmans tuning

when I say entry level I mean something simple and easy to use (as it is the wifes truck) I don't need custom tuning for a truck that is goin to be used the way this truck will be used ..she wont be customizing shift points etc...Im sure superchips edge etc have generic tunes that would be noticeable .. just wanted some opinions on what ones seem to work the best on this truck..

 

Actually, all these tuners are simple to use, and the custom tunes are the most simple. I loaded mine in two years ago and don't recall ever touching it since.

 

I agree with bluejay. i played with mine for about a week until i had it just right. havent touched it since. i really favor the edge.

 

Check out the Predator, the price is right, it could not be easier to use, and the tunes will give you exactly what you are looking for...and should you decide to mess with it in the future, the Predator offers you the ability to modify the tunes to your liking if you desire.

 

i think the predator would suit you well. It doesn't set up on your dash, so can be put away and your wife won't be able to mess with it. Comes with several performance and 87 tunes that can be modified. So if u get a CAI u can quickly change your tune for that.