Hi,

Sorry for asking a question thats probably been asked a thousand times before, but I cannot find the answer I am looking for with the search. I have a 2006 5.4l, Edge Evo on level 2, OBX lt's and y-pipe, Gotts intake mod with drop in K&N, and soon to have an CV E-fan. My question is for a custom tune should I go with a towing tune or a performance tune? I tow lately 3500# about 2000 mi a year, and occasionally have towed in excess of 7500# around 1200 mi a year. So if I go with an 87 Perf tune am I still safe to tow heavy occasionally, or would I have to tune back to a tow tune? I am also interested in getting the best mileage I can without sacrificing much power, and have read that a performance tune is the way to go for that. Any advice or experience is appreciated, as I would like to just get one custom tune. thanks.

 

just get a 91-93 performance tune, and IF your tuner thinks it's needed then toss a towing tune in there

 

I would get at least 2 tunes - a performance tune and a towing tune. Towing more than 2500# with a performance tune is not recommended. If you get 3 tunes, you can get a low and high octane performance tune - 87 is best for a towing tune.

 

Hi.

My toonie's worth ...

The advantage of the 3V engines is, the customm tuners can eke out an incredible amount of performance even with (high quality) 87 octane fuel.

As such, if you think you will be switching back and forth between towing and perf, get both an 87 perf and an 87 max tow tune. This way, if you need to unexpectedly tow heavy while running the perf tune by default - you can simply switch to the tow tune and still enjoy a better experience over the stock tune (which is, btw, also a viable option in a pinch).

The same logic holds true with higher octanes - if you prefer the noticable extra gains from a 91-93+ perf tune, get a matching octane tow tune. Again - in a pinch you can switch to the 87 Stock tune if necessary - while not optimal, you can run a lower octane tune with higher octane in the tank (just not the other way around).

Finally - you may notice you like the custom 87 Tow tune so much, you'll just leave it in there - that's what I'm doing currently. VMP's tow tunes are simply stellar. I'd expect PHP's to be similar.

Gotta love options, eh?


MGD

 

Nice reply, MGD!

To the OP, I have PHP tunes on my CTS and I've NEVER felt the need to use high-cost fuel. 87 octane is what the engine is designed for and that's what I burn. If I know I'm going to be towing some, I load the tow tune (at home - where I can get help easily if needed) and leave it there till I get back and know I won't be towing for a while. Then, I load the 87 non-tow tune.

The advice from glc about the 2500# limit is right on too. Tow tunes adjust things to help keep the engine and transmission cooler under high load.

Like MGD implied, I just can't see switching tunes all the time. It's way too much hassle!

- Jack

 

Hi,

I guess I shoud have mentioned that I plan on staying with 87 octane as some places I go don't sell 91, and I haven't seen 93 on any pump here in Sask, Canada. So do most people find they like running a towing tune most of the time, or are there still noticeable gains from an 87 perf tune? Also has anyone ever had any issues with the amount of times they re-tune the same vehicle? I have heard stories that some vehicles are only good for a certain amount of tunes and then they won't accept them anymore. Thanks for the replies.

 

Hi.

Yes - 87 Tow suffices for a lot of folks - and as indicated earlier, obviates the need to reflash frequently.

On the topic of reflashing - this you want to minimize - there is risk incurred every time you do this - and at some point you will do it where there is no support readily available.

Additionally, PCM temps above freezing and optimal supply voltage need to be ensured to avoid two of the most common reasons for a failed flash - and a no-start truck.

There is effectively, NO reflash limit, unless you want to consider the limitations imposed by flash memory technology - still, several thousand write cycles (10,000-100,000 depending upon the component type) are probably enough headroom for most folks

MGD