Looking for a tuner
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Augusta, Georgia
Looking for a tuner
My dad wants a tuner for our 2002 F150 XLT. It's the triton 5.4 with 280,000 miles, a CAI, no cats, and stock muffler. I would like an economy tune and a towing tune for sure. I know that it won't make a real big difference, but every bit helps I guess.
I've read on here that people will sell them with custom tunes, but I don't know where to look, or what to get. I just need something that's cheap and works. Not worried about extravagant features. Any suggestions would be helpful.
I've read on here that people will sell them with custom tunes, but I don't know where to look, or what to get. I just need something that's cheap and works. Not worried about extravagant features. Any suggestions would be helpful.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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My dad wants a tuner for our 2002 F150 XLT. It's the triton 5.4 with 280,000 miles, a CAI, no cats, and stock muffler. I would like an economy tune and a towing tune for sure. I know that it won't make a real big difference, but every bit helps I guess.
I've read on here that people will sell them with custom tunes, but I don't know where to look, or what to get. I just need something that's cheap and works. Not worried about extravagant features. Any suggestions would be helpful.
I've read on here that people will sell them with custom tunes, but I don't know where to look, or what to get. I just need something that's cheap and works. Not worried about extravagant features. Any suggestions would be helpful.
"Cheap" and "good" are mutually exclusive terms when it comes to quality tuning devices.
Look here - recommended custom tuning dealers:
www.5startuning.com
www.morepowertuning.com
www.vmptuning.com
www.gopowerhungry.com
www.troyerperformance.com
All are good - I'd recommend the first three if quick turnaround is important to you. I'd also spend some time talking to them.
The programming hardware device you want will be made by SCT:
www.sctflash.com
Either X3, SF3, iTSX, Livewire, etc ....
And read this: https://www.f150online.com/forums/ch...unes-read.html
NOW - for some reality:
First - at that mileage, you may want to reconsider, as aftermarket tuning can exacerbate a pre-existing condition. Truck had better be in great shape mechanically and electrically or you WILL have issues. ALL maintenance needs to be up to snuff, or forget it.
Second - don't expect miracles. A bit more power, much better shifting, and NO guarantee of any mileage gains. And - You will need to factor in the cost of running premium fuels to get meaningful perf gains.
Third - this is a ~$400 investment any way you slice it. Is it worth it on that truck, to you ( and yer Dad )?
good luck
Last edited by MGDfan; Dec 16, 2013 at 08:36 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Augusta, Georgia
I know it won't be a big difference. I have a SCT programmer for my mustang because I had to get it dyno tuned after new cams, but I don't expect nearly the same effect. I know it won't bump me 50hp and 10mpg (or some outrageous numbers people seem to believe from hype). That's not the reason we're looking for one.
The truck is in excellent mechanical shape. Maintenance was kept up and any problems were promptly fixed (the correct way). It's paid off and we both have another vehicle (my mustang and his tundra), so something going wrong with it really isn't a major deal, although we would like to avoid it.
I think he wants a little better economy on the 500+ mile round trip to the camp (which is all interstate). I would like a better tune for when I'm pulling the loaded down trailer (with 4 wheeler) to the camp. It really starts to show a little weakness when we get into the "hilly" part of I55 (Mississippi state line on north). I'm hoping a custom tune will help it out in those areas. We're not looking for "high performance", just some modest improvements.
The truck is in excellent mechanical shape. Maintenance was kept up and any problems were promptly fixed (the correct way). It's paid off and we both have another vehicle (my mustang and his tundra), so something going wrong with it really isn't a major deal, although we would like to avoid it.
I think he wants a little better economy on the 500+ mile round trip to the camp (which is all interstate). I would like a better tune for when I'm pulling the loaded down trailer (with 4 wheeler) to the camp. It really starts to show a little weakness when we get into the "hilly" part of I55 (Mississippi state line on north). I'm hoping a custom tune will help it out in those areas. We're not looking for "high performance", just some modest improvements.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
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I know it won't be a big difference. I have a SCT programmer for my mustang because I had to get it dyno tuned after new cams, but I don't expect nearly the same effect. I know it won't bump me 50hp and 10mpg (or some outrageous numbers people seem to believe from hype). That's not the reason we're looking for one.
The truck is in excellent mechanical shape. Maintenance was kept up and any problems were promptly fixed (the correct way). It's paid off and we both have another vehicle (my mustang and his tundra), so something going wrong with it really isn't a major deal, although we would like to avoid it.
I think he wants a little better economy on the 500+ mile round trip to the camp (which is all interstate). I would like a better tune for when I'm pulling the loaded down trailer (with 4 wheeler) to the camp. It really starts to show a little weakness when we get into the "hilly" part of I55 (Mississippi state line on north). I'm hoping a custom tune will help it out in those areas. We're not looking for "high performance", just some modest improvements.
The truck is in excellent mechanical shape. Maintenance was kept up and any problems were promptly fixed (the correct way). It's paid off and we both have another vehicle (my mustang and his tundra), so something going wrong with it really isn't a major deal, although we would like to avoid it.
I think he wants a little better economy on the 500+ mile round trip to the camp (which is all interstate). I would like a better tune for when I'm pulling the loaded down trailer (with 4 wheeler) to the camp. It really starts to show a little weakness when we get into the "hilly" part of I55 (Mississippi state line on north). I'm hoping a custom tune will help it out in those areas. We're not looking for "high performance", just some modest improvements.
Request a tow-specific tune - something with improvements in part-throttle torque and shift strategy changes to match. This will also be a great daily-driver tune.
Again, being a 2V, you will only really see tangible improvements running 91+ octane.
And once more - there is NO mileage guarantee written or implied - so please don't count on one - YYMV, especially towing.
Good luck
MGD
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: ONTARIO
I'd give MPT and 5star a call, I have both and they are excellent. I'd give the nod to MPT for customer service...which is priceless. The transmission tuning "should" help when towing as much or more so than the power increase. Definitely get one 87 octane tow tune and the rest 91/93 octane tuning, it's worth it. Report back please, would love to hear yer impressions.
*MPT is a forum sponsor (discount!!) and usually responds promptly to private messages.
*MPT is a forum sponsor (discount!!) and usually responds promptly to private messages.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Wilmington,NC
I have a 2002 5.4 and I'm very happy with my Superchips program. I bought it from a site member for a discount. It was new but he traded his truck before he used it. It added an estimated 20 hp with the 87 octane tune. It also improved the throttle response very noticeably and improved the gas mileage a little. It has the 87 tune, tow tune, and high octane tune. I've only tried the 87 octane tune and I am happy with it. I tried dorking with the transmission shifts and then put it back to stock. I'm really happy with it.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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I have a 2002 5.4 and I'm very happy with my Superchips program. I bought it from a site member for a discount. It was new but he traded his truck before he used it. It added an estimated 20 hp with the 87 octane tune. It also improved the throttle response very noticeably and improved the gas mileage a little. It has the 87 tune, tow tune, and high octane tune. I've only tried the 87 octane tune and I am happy with it. I tried dorking with the transmission shifts and then put it back to stock. I'm really happy with it.
Unfortunately that 'estimate' is a bit high - it's closer to 10 hp canned - a smidge more custom , and a corresponding increase in torque - which is what you really need here and is what you are really going to 'feel'.
Unlike a 3V, 2v's do not respond as well to tuning on 87 octane - differences in heads, VCT, and engine managmentcapabilities are the reason.
The tranny however Is another matter - and those improvements stemming from custom calibrations are amazing, easily worth the cost of the tune alone.
I agree with Cheef - get a 87 tow tune, for DD and 'bad gas' situations ( although, the stock tune will do that duty in a pinch. But to maximize the investment you need a high octaen tow (and perf/econ) tunes as well.
Be sure to ask yer tunin' feller of choice just how much tow capacity each tune has - they are NOT all the same depending on tuning shop. Very important.
Good luck!
MGD
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,994
Likes: 221
From: Wilmington,NC
Good morning;
Unfortunately that 'estimate' is a bit high - it's closer to 10 hp canned - a smidge more custom , and a corresponding increase in torque - which is what you really need here and is what you are really going to 'feel'.
Unlike a 3V, 2v's do not respond as well to tuning on 87 octane - differences in heads, VCT, and engine managmentcapabilities are the reason.
The tranny however Is another matter - and those improvements stemming from custom calibrations are amazing, easily worth the cost of the tune alone.
I agree with Cheef - get a 87 tow tune, for DD and 'bad gas' situations ( although, the stock tune will do that duty in a pinch. But to maximize the investment you need a high octaen tow (and perf/econ) tunes as well.
Be sure to ask yer tunin' feller of choice just how much tow capacity each tune has - they are NOT all the same depending on tuning shop. Very important.
Good luck!
MGD
Unfortunately that 'estimate' is a bit high - it's closer to 10 hp canned - a smidge more custom , and a corresponding increase in torque - which is what you really need here and is what you are really going to 'feel'.
Unlike a 3V, 2v's do not respond as well to tuning on 87 octane - differences in heads, VCT, and engine managmentcapabilities are the reason.
The tranny however Is another matter - and those improvements stemming from custom calibrations are amazing, easily worth the cost of the tune alone.
I agree with Cheef - get a 87 tow tune, for DD and 'bad gas' situations ( although, the stock tune will do that duty in a pinch. But to maximize the investment you need a high octaen tow (and perf/econ) tunes as well.
Be sure to ask yer tunin' feller of choice just how much tow capacity each tune has - they are NOT all the same depending on tuning shop. Very important.
Good luck!
MGD
I also have a 2005 Magnum with the 5.7L hemi. I installed the superchips program in it. It was advertised to give 12 hp and 15 ft lbs more torque and that felt like what it delivered. The superchips did much more for my truck than it did for the Magnum.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,994
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From: Wilmington,NC
Believe what you will. I don't care. But, don't pretend you know more than I do about my truck.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 818
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From: ONTARIO
Show me the money!
errr, I mean the dyno sheet. I think that's what they call them thangs with all them numbers and lines on them.
I've done some engineering in my time but none involving butt dyno engineering.
errr, I mean the dyno sheet. I think that's what they call them thangs with all them numbers and lines on them.
I've done some engineering in my time but none involving butt dyno engineering.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,994
Likes: 221
From: Wilmington,NC
Some engineers are only good at doing calculations and have no practical application skills or the ability to use good engineering judgement.
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 818
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From: ONTARIO
Cheers
