I've got just one quick question for you.
I've been wanting to get the Micro Tuner for my truck for some time, and now is that time. My question is: If, after puchasing the Micro Tuner, I install exhaust will I need to have a change made to the Micro Tuner to add the benifits of the exhaust?
I thank you for your time.
Dave

 

Hi whitestx,

That's a pretty truck you have there, looks nice in white with those wheels.

No, you don't need any program changes for a cat-back exhaust system, or an intake kit, or for things like converting over to electric cooling fans and underdrive pulleys.

When the time comes, you might want to talk with us about your exhaust system as well, as we can help with that too if you like at some point down the road. We've done a lot of research on the various cat-back systems, so we know which exhausts do what on these vehicles, how to avoid the typical loss of low end torque, which system will yields the best torque & hp gains, etc. Feel free to give us a call if you'd like to go over any of that, or anything else performance-related.

Good luck with your truck!

 

Mike,
Thanks for your kind comments on my truck. Those wheels are a whole other story. Basically those were the wheels invoiced, but when I picked the truck up, it had 16" painted steel wheels on it.
I'm glad to hear that I do not need any program changes for a cat-back. The Micro Tuner is getting ordered as soon as I finish this post.
Now about my exhaust options. I was pleased to hear your comments on that too. I was putting it off because everyone had great comments about different exhausts, but I was basically relying on their “butt” dyno and ears for facts. I will call Monday to discuss the options for my truck.
Thank you for your reply,
Dave

Edit: Ordered...Thanks Mike!!

 

Hi Dave,

Glad we could help!

I talked with a lot of people today, I don't remember if I got a chance to speak with you personally about the exhaust concerns or not, as I spoke to a number of people today about that like we do most days.

You're absolutely right, there is *so* much talked about with regard to exhaust changes in particular, and I can't tell you how many calls we get every day from people who made the mistake of installing a system that caused torque loss, and who need help restoring that lost torque. This is the single biggest reason why we "harp" on the exhaust so much ourselves here at Performance, as that loss of torque is completely unacceptable in these heavy vehicles, yet it's so very prevelant among almost all cat-back exhaust systems as to be hard to avoid, as silly as that sounds. Truck exhausts are a completely different ballgame, and almost no exhaust manufacturers have done any real specific flow engineering to suit them properly, to actually give more torque at every throttle position or rpm over the stock factory exhaust. It *can* be done, however!

By all means, take your time on the exhaust, and if I didn't get a chance to speak directly with you today about that, please feel free to call us anytime & I'll be happy to cover that with you, for your consideration. If I'm out, our staff will take a message & I'll call you back personally.

That truck originally had *painted* 16" steel wheels on it?? I'm with you, they'd have to go. Sounds like what used to get put on trucks & vans back in the 70's by wheel & tire shops. Glad you got those off of there, as what you have now looks very classy, not overstated, not overpowering to the basic truck design & look, just nice & attractive, they definitely add to the truck. Looks very good in white with those wheels.

Thanks for your post & enjoy your Micro Tuner!

 

Yeah the wheels were off an XL (probably charged some poor sap $600 for the wheels originally on my truck). Since I got the truck using the X-plan, they were more than willing to put the wheels on that belonged.
I did just try calling the number in your signature, but it's past 7 eastern time. I normally don't get a chance to make calls during the day, so maybe I could ask you a few questions through email to find out what options I have for an exhaust system.
If that's acceptable to you, email me and we can work out a plan.
Thanks for your time,
Dave

 

Hi Dave,

Thanks for calling today, I enjoyed getting a chance to speak with you at length, it's always nice to get into more detail than we can while we're sitting here typing.

Good luck with your Micro Tuner!

 

Hey Mike,
It was a pleasure talking to you today and getting some very valuable information.
I received the Micro Tuner today and uploaded the new program to my truck's computer this afternoon, and I do like the initial changes. I was hoping the shifts would be a little firmer, but I’m going to continue to evaluate the changes before I consider increasing the firmness with the Micro Tuner (I can do that, right?). I do like how quick each shift is now, no more 1 or 2 second shifts, and what I think is a little quicker throttle response (could just be me wishing).
One question I do have, although it’s not a big concern, I feel I have to ask. When I was getting on the interstate, while driving home this afternoon, I noticed a squeal (sounded like the belt) just prior to the 1-2 shift at WOT (about the only way to get on them down here anymore). Is this a common occurrence or should I do something to remedy this? Although the truck is nearly 11 months old it only has 4,400 miles on it. I know the belt is not worn; however it could be oxidized.
I ordered the Magnaflow cat-back system this afternoon, sadly not through Performance Products, Inc. I purchased it at a local dealer who I have dealt with many times before and feel that with all of what they have given me, I needed to give a little back. They were not able to match the price you quoted, but after not paying for shipping, I about broke even with a free install (I know it’s not really free).
I enjoyed doing business with you, and hope that you will continue to provide me with my performance needs.
Thanks again and sorry for that damn cell phone today,
Dave

 

Yeah thats the belt noise at WOT between First and Second to get rid of it buy a good belt like a goodyear gatorback and the problem will be fixed....

 

Hi Dave,

That will happen on any of these trucks with an automatic transmission when you install performance tuning. What happens is the serpentive belt squeals during the WOT (wide-open throttle) 1-2 upshift, due to the quicker firmer shifts and the fact that there is more power. So as a consequence, the serpentine belt slips. During that full-throttle 1-2 upshift, for about a second to a second and a half you have an easy 40+ hp gain thanks to removing the nasty spark retard Ford uses as part of their soft-shift strategy, as well as the removal of the basic delays, etc. So that power gain coupled with the quicker & firmer upshift will cause the stock low-grade serpentine belt to squeal, and then it stops immediately after the upshigt.

The cure is very easy, we use the Goodyear Gatoback serpentine belts, we basically pioneered their use in the supercharged Lightnings and carried that over to just about every vehicle these days so they are now availalbe for all F-150's. We worked with Goodyear early on for the Lightning blower drive belts, to get the parts numbers available to other dealer across the country and to get the belts in the sizes we needed them, ranging from about 66 inches all the way up to your 99" serpentine belt.

Your part number for the Gatorback belt you need is 04080990, as you require a 99" serpentive belt in any 1997 & newer F-150 V-8 with air conditioning.

The full line of Goodyear belts, hoses & the Gatorback belts like you need are available from us here at Performance.

Good luck!