Who is the best SCT custom/email tuner?
#46
03-13-2012, 03:42 PM
I ordered a SCT X3 from 5 Star and 3 custom tunes back last fall. I was only interested in the 89 perf/tow tune, but came up with 2 others to complete the package. I noticed very little difference. I was mostly wanting to achieve better throttle response from a dead stop, and maybe some less awkward shift points. I notice no difference in throttle from a stop and the shifting was goofier than stock, seemed to downshift going up hill, which then required a heavier foot to throwing it back into higher gear. I didn't like it at all. I returned to stock and have been waiting on one custom tune (87 perf) from Troyer since Oct 25. It is very frustruating, but I hear it's worth the wait. If you're going to spend 400+ on the tune and flasher, make sure you get the best custom tune you can. I'll let you know if it's any better when I get it, hopefully within another month or I'm going to go nuts!!!!
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Jim
#47
03-13-2012, 07:07 PM
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#48
03-13-2012, 07:25 PM
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I heard a complaint about Troyer before I called them. After the call I didn't want to buy anything from them. I had my issues when I bought my LiveWire that both Mike and SCT bent over backwards to take care of. It's rare that I reccomend but when I do it is because I found some one that can satisfy my purchase.
#49
03-13-2012, 07:28 PM
IMHO, if you live near any major city there are excellent tuning specialists with dynos who for the same price (if not less) will tune your vehicle taking into consideration your specific needs including environmental conditions, for your specific vehicle. IMHO, the best bang for the buck!
If you are comfortable and understand how to tune a vehicle, you can also do this yourself. There are several software programs available, that “Speak Common English” that will allow you to tune your vehicles ECM. One company is HP Tuners, they have a website….they offer two core programs, one for those who are doing dyno tuning and one for the home-garage mechanic (which is priced at about the same as most of the “canned tunes on the market) …this version limits the span of adjustments as a safeguard against doing something outside of the oem scope……basically, keeps you from doing something “too stupid by accident” (grin).
If you are comfortable and understand how to tune a vehicle, you can also do this yourself. There are several software programs available, that “Speak Common English” that will allow you to tune your vehicles ECM. One company is HP Tuners, they have a website….they offer two core programs, one for those who are doing dyno tuning and one for the home-garage mechanic (which is priced at about the same as most of the “canned tunes on the market) …this version limits the span of adjustments as a safeguard against doing something outside of the oem scope……basically, keeps you from doing something “too stupid by accident” (grin).
#50
03-13-2012, 07:58 PM
IMHO, if you live near any major city there are excellent tuning specialists with dynos who for the same price (if not less) will tune your vehicle taking into consideration your specific needs including environmental conditions, for your specific vehicle. IMHO, the best bang for the buck!
If you are comfortable and understand how to tune a vehicle, you can also do this yourself. There are several software programs available, that “Speak Common English” that will allow you to tune your vehicles ECM. One company is HP Tuners, they have a website….they offer two core programs, one for those who are doing dyno tuning and one for the home-garage mechanic (which is priced at about the same as most of the “canned tunes on the market) …this version limits the span of adjustments as a safeguard against doing something outside of the oem scope……basically, keeps you from doing something “too stupid by accident” (grin).
If you are comfortable and understand how to tune a vehicle, you can also do this yourself. There are several software programs available, that “Speak Common English” that will allow you to tune your vehicles ECM. One company is HP Tuners, they have a website….they offer two core programs, one for those who are doing dyno tuning and one for the home-garage mechanic (which is priced at about the same as most of the “canned tunes on the market) …this version limits the span of adjustments as a safeguard against doing something outside of the oem scope……basically, keeps you from doing something “too stupid by accident” (grin).
In the OP's case given he has a 2009, HP tuners is NOT an option; as of 12/23/11 they still do not have '09 F150 support available. Still ??? after almost THREE YEARS ?!?
Side note: To make matters worse, there is some fear that they will likely never get Ecoboost support, or if they do, it will not be for a very long time.
http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37235
http://www.hptuners.com/forum/showpo...72&postcount=4
HP tuners is what you want for a GM, but CLEARLY, not Ford.
For Ford DIY'rs the best bet is SCT's Advantage End-User software. Full documentation and training courses available from SCT.
Dyno tuning - certainly - IF you can find a local tuner that is truly adept at tuning the F150 platform - not all that common, unfortunately. Its not a mustang, and can't be run as lean safely. And if it's a ricer shop, just run away
These horror stories are all over the Internets ...and this site.
Last edited by MGDfan; 03-13-2012 at 09:24 PM.
#51
03-14-2012, 06:17 AM
Please post links to the threads. I think it's important that owners and prospective customers have all the information they can.
#52
03-14-2012, 07:18 AM
I ordered a SCT X3 from 5 Star and 3 custom tunes back last fall. I was only interested in the 89 perf/tow tune, but came up with 2 others to complete the package. I noticed very little difference. I was mostly wanting to achieve better throttle response from a dead stop, and maybe some less awkward shift points. I notice no difference in throttle from a stop and the shifting was goofier than stock, seemed to downshift going up hill, which then required a heavier foot to throwing it back into higher gear. I didn't like it at all. I returned to stock and have been waiting on one custom tune (87 perf) from Troyer since Oct 25. It is very frustruating, but I hear it's worth the wait. If you're going to spend 400+ on the tune and flasher, make sure you get the best custom tune you can. I'll let you know if it's any better when I get it, hopefully within another month or I'm going to go nuts!!!!
I'm kinda late, but,
Sir Shotgunz would like to know iff'n y'all contacted 5Star to attempt to remedy this sitchyation? Most of these types of issues can be addressed if you are willing to work with the tunin' feller. Datalogs, etc.
The beauty of iterative email tuning is manifest here, aight?
Thanks & good luck! I'm certain you'll like TP's tunin'.
#53
03-14-2012, 10:09 AM
Never seen someone write with an accent? Um no, in all fairness to 5 Star, I never mentioned a thing. It is very possible that they would have worked out the tweaks and I would have been very satisfied, but even if that happened, I'd still be in line for a tune from Troyer. I've just heard too many good things about them, that their tunes are the very best. I might be using 5 Star tune in the meantime, but I'd always be curious if I had the best, so I'll wait it out with my truck at stock for now. In comparison, 5 Star asked a handful of questions before creating a tune, which I got back in a few hours. Troyer asks 5 pages of questions, and takes 6+ months to get the tune back. I'm just saying, can't compare yet, but it seems like there's a little more attention to detail with Troyers tune. Time will tell. For those not wanting to stay stock tuned while they wait for Troyer, try 5 Star's tunes and get in line for Troyer. You'll spend another $125 on the tune, but might be worth trying both?
#54
03-14-2012, 10:18 AM
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I write my own tunes and it is a very very complicated process. We even have a help forum when we get stuck. I'm learnng more each time and I started in early 08 doing gasoline tunes. This is only one strategy. Give these tuners credit for doing what they do. There's tuners around here and chassis dynos also. I still go to 5star tuning.
#55
03-14-2012, 10:26 AM
#56
03-14-2012, 10:30 AM
Never seen someone write with an accent? Um no, in all fairness to 5 Star, I never mentioned a thing. It is very possible that they would have worked out the tweaks and I would have been very satisfied, but even if that happened, I'd still be in line for a tune from Troyer. I've just heard too many good things about them, that their tunes are the very best. I might be using 5 Star tune in the meantime, but I'd always be curious if I had the best, so I'll wait it out with my truck at stock for now. In comparison, 5 Star asked a handful of questions before creating a tune, which I got back in a few hours. Troyer asks 5 pages of questions, and takes 6+ months to get the tune back. I'm just saying, can't compare yet, but it seems like there's a little more attention to detail with Troyers tune. Time will tell. For those not wanting to stay stock tuned while they wait for Troyer, try 5 Star's tunes and get in line for Troyer. You'll spend another $125 on the tune, but might be worth trying both?
Hell fahr ...Izz yalls got the accent, tell ya whut!
#57
03-14-2012, 10:32 AM
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#58
03-14-2012, 10:33 AM
#59
03-14-2012, 10:53 AM
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#60
05-01-2012, 03:46 PM
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