Pros and Cons of Tuners

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Old 08-22-2007 | 01:23 PM
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Pros and Cons of Tuners

I'm new to this forum and have read nothing but positive feedback on the xcal2 and Troyer. This is my 2nd F-150 my 1st was an 01 5.4 4x4 Screw that I bought new and traded it in with 180k+ on a 07 5.4 FX4 Screw. Needless to say I love these trucks. I have added a Trueflow intake and Magna Flow exausts to the 07 anyway bla bla bla. My question is with 180K on my 1st and positive mods. on the new 07 can I expect the same reliablility with a custom tune? I hesitate because of the 'hicups' that are discussed on here that seem to work themselves out. If it nots broke don't fix it, or what I have will be just as reliable but work better? Thanks for your input.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 01:43 PM
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A tuner is a must for these trucks and they are very reliable. In most cases when someone is complaining about there tuner its because of human error.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 02:37 PM
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Pro = More Horsepower! Con = Foot in gas alot more! = $$$
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 04:25 PM
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I don't want this construed as a hijack as I am looking for the same info as the OP.

What about the shift firmness...I understand it is necessary for optimum performance but one of the reason why I am considering buying an F150 is because of the way it rides; stiffening up the shift points makes the "smooth drive" go away IMHO. I have had sports cars with beefed up trannies and hard shift points and the smooth ride goes right out the window. I hated talking to my wife while driving and watching her head snap back as it shifted gears (in an auto). This is going to be my daily driver/family vehicle so comfort is big for me. With that I also want the added performance, because lets face it, these trucks have trouble getting out of their own way stock. Is there a happy medium between comfort and performance with tuners...I would assume Troyer could work something out for me...but I digress, I still see this as a con.

Looking for input . . .
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 04:37 PM
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There is a section in Troyers Custom work sheets that you will have to fill out. It asks how you would like the tranny to shift. Stock'ish, Firm, or Hard, and you have room to explain any concerns. i just recieved my tunes and AF1, and I have nothing but praise for mike. My truck, like everyone else will tell you, is a whole new truck again. If you go with Troyer, you wont be sorry or have any regrets. Not to say there isnt others out there that tune well. I know Thumper (i think) will recommend VMP whom has a lot of compliments also. Which you choose, you will enjoy it. Good luck.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by FordScrew24's
There is a section in Troyers Custom work sheets that you will have to fill out. It asks how you would like the tranny to shift. Stock'ish, Firm, or Hard, and you have room to explain any concerns. i just recieved my tunes and AF1, and I have nothing but praise for mike. My truck, like everyone else will tell you, is a whole new truck again. If you go with Troyer, you wont be sorry or have any regrets. Not to say there isnt others out there that tune well. I know Thumper (i think) will recommend VMP whom has a lot of compliments also. Which you choose, you will enjoy it. Good luck.
Understood...so I guess for me a canned tuned is pretty much out of the question.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by mjwkr
Understood...so I guess for me a canned tuned is pretty much out of the question.
Not at all you can firm up your shifts as much or as little as you want with the Edge. And you can change it when ever you want.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by mjwkr
I don't want this construed as a hijack as I am looking for the same info as the OP.

What about the shift firmness...I understand it is necessary for optimum performance but one of the reason why I am considering buying an F150 is because of the way it rides; stiffening up the shift points makes the "smooth drive" go away IMHO. I have had sports cars with beefed up trannies and hard shift points and the smooth ride goes right out the window. I hated talking to my wife while driving and watching her head snap back as it shifted gears (in an auto). This is going to be my daily driver/family vehicle so comfort is big for me. With that I also want the added performance, because lets face it, these trucks have trouble getting out of their own way stock. Is there a happy medium between comfort and performance with tuners...I would assume Troyer could work something out for me...but I digress, I still see this as a con.

Looking for input . . .
That's funny, we are all so different. The firm shifts is one thing I was after. reduced slippage and heat, and I love the snap!
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by mjwkr
Understood...so I guess for me a canned tuned is pretty much out of the question.
NO. Not true. Edge Level 2 shifts are more firm than stock, but after a few driving cycles you'll forget what the factory shifts were like. Very smooth, everyday driving.
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 06:30 PM
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Originally Posted by bluejay432000
That's funny, we are all so different. The firm shifts is one thing I was after. reduced slippage and heat, and I love the snap!
Yup i am after neck snapping shifts The harder the shift the better for me.I should have the Troyer tunes in a weak and if the shifts are not how the edge shifts were i will be installing a factory tech valve body
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevin24
Yup i am after neck snapping shifts The harder the shift the better for me.I should have the Troyer tunes in a weak and if the shifts are not how the edge shifts were i will be installing a factory tech valve body
I can't comment on the difference between Edge shifts and Troyer shifts but the shifts on my Troyer tunes are awesome and much better than stock...definitely firm!
 
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Old 08-22-2007 | 10:07 PM
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I havent tried yet, but doesnt the Xcal2 still allow you to adjust WOT shift points and pressure? I know it is a selection, but didnt want to screw with it.
 
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Old 08-23-2007 | 10:49 AM
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What I'm trying to find out is if I can expect to get the same 150k+reliability with a xcal2 or whatever that I have gotten from just doing minor mods. Will the upgrade cause other factory parts not to last as long as they would stock? I know intake and exausts are upgrades but it is just common sense that they would help because they allow your engine to breath better and run more efficently and you are not messing with the c.p.u. Will a chip upgrade last in the long haul?
 
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Old 08-23-2007 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by pignjig
What I'm trying to find out is if I can expect to get the same 150k+reliability with a xcal2 or whatever that I have gotten from just doing minor mods. Will the upgrade cause other factory parts not to last as long as they would stock? I know intake and exausts are upgrades but it is just common sense that they would help because they allow your engine to breath better and run more efficently and you are not messing with the c.p.u. Will a chip upgrade last in the long haul?
You sir, are a candidate for this thread !

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=298131

To answer your question - yes. A tuner is still considered a minor mod.

Further, a custom tune (as TP supplies them), limits the adjustments you can do as an end-user to proven safe limits - some other tuners allow potentially risky adjustment ranges, IMHO.

bubba
 
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Old 08-23-2007 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MGDfan
You sir, are a candidate for this thread !

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=298131

To answer your question - yes. A tuner is still considered a minor mod.

Further, a custom tune (as TP supplies them), limits the adjustments you can do as an end-user to proven safe limits - some other tuners allow potentially risky adjustment ranges, IMHO.

bubba
Perfect. Thanks for the guidance.
 



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