How dangerous is it to actually get a tune?

[ZBoater]

does it really change the truck that dramatically?

Dramatically is a very subjective term. I would describe it as "noticeable". I read reviews saying "dramatic", as well as "it wakes up the truck", "it's like a whole different truck" etc., and IMO these are a bit of well intentioned exaggerations. Everybody's perception is different, so I am not saying these folks are intentionally deceiving. But I think you have to manage your expectations from a tune a bit.

It's very hard to accurately describe the impact of a tune without a standard unit of measure. Even dyno results don't tell the whole story. In order to properly understand what a tune can do, you need to give some thought to what it changes in the truck. And when you consider changes in shift strategies or fuel mixtures, there are some real gains to be had, both in real and perceived power.

So tunes are real, they provide noticeable gains, they are not smoke and mirrors. But consider the cost and what you get. It's definitely the best bang for the buck. But it's not like putting a supercharger in your truck, which is what some reviews make it sound like. Folks are excited about their tunes, and they heap praise on them, with a dash of hyperbole on that praise. Manage your expectations properly and you won't be disappointed.

 

[suprspinner]

Dramatically is a very subjective term. I would describe it as "noticeable". I read reviews saying "dramatic", as well as "it wakes up the truck", "it's like a whole different truck" etc., and IMO these are a bit of well intentioned exaggerations. Everybody's perception is different, so I am not saying these folks are intentionally deceiving. But I think you have to manage your expectations from a tune a bit.

It's very hard to accurately describe the impact of a tune without a standard unit of measure. Even dyno results don't tell the whole story. In order to properly understand what a tune can do, you need to give some thought to what it changes in the truck. And when you consider changes in shift strategies or fuel mixtures, there are some real gains to be had, both in real and perceived power.

So tunes are real, they provide noticeable gains, they are not smoke and mirrors. But consider the cost and what you get. It's definitely the best bang for the buck. But it's not like putting a supercharger in your truck, which is what some reviews make it sound like. Folks are excited about their tunes, and they heap praise on them, with a dash of hyperbole on that praise. Manage your expectations properly and you won't be disappointed.

Thank you zboater, you tell it how it is on this post and many others. I have concern with because when I tuned my last car I never felt any difference at all and I worry that it would be the same case with this but only I'll lose my warranty if anything happens.


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[ZBoater]

Thank you zboater, you tell it how it is on this post and many others. I have concern with because when I tuned my last car I never felt any difference at all and I worry that it would be the same case with this but only I'll lose my warranty if anything happens.


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I tuned my Jeep Wrangler with a Superchips tuner, and I really couldn't tell the difference. So I understand completely.

On my Raptor, the most noticeable difference for ME was throttle response. I define that as the time elapsed between when you step on the gas and the car responds. It's probably measured in milliseconds. Without the tune I notice a "lag". I step on it but the response is not as immediate as I would like it to be. With the tune, it feels more immediate.

Shifting is another area where you'll notice a difference. Performance tunes tend to hold on to lower gears longer, so it feels like you have more power. But you'll pay for that perception at the pump.

I like the SVC tune because it doesn't have that aggressive shift strategy. You want more power? Step on the gas more. The improved throttle response makes it seem more powerful. My exhaust note sounded deeper too. Bonus!

So for the cost of a tune, I think what you get on a Raptor is worth it. But that me. I am risking power train warranty repairs, but I am enjoying the truck more. It's a balance. If my truck breaks, I have a second car I can use, and I can probably afford a costly repair even if I delay it for a few months. Each person is different. I did add a CAI and an exhaust which I read over and over would help get the most out of the tune. YMMV.

Good luck on your choice!

 

[RaptorFlipper]

Supr- Zbaoters last post is quite good. I will tell you that if you get a tune on this truck(I did 5star) you WILL notice a difference in how it drives. Throttle response is better, shift points smoother, more power in lower gears. If you really want more effect, add exhaust and CAI. The CAI is the more marginal of the add ons in terms of measuring increases. Hard to tell. But doing these mods I will 100% tell you the truck will drive better, sound better, and perform better. How much is "better"? Tough to measure, but there is definitely a difference that is noticeable. The same thing happened when I got my SC. The whipple tune was really "rich", and weak IMO. I got a custom tune, and noticed quite a bit of difference. You have to understand that when companies are selling to general public, they have to be very conservative with their specs because there are so many idiots who do not know how to drive, and it keeps their liability and problems to a minimum. Tunes are people who want the maximum out of their vehicles, and do not care sacrificing a few mpg's, or factory settings. These are high performance trucks, made to handle extreme driving conditions, but the factory tune is for every goofball Sunday driver, so Ford does not getin trouble. This is why so many of us mod the crap out of these trucks to fit our specific driving requirements. I am telling you, DO THE TUNE, and stop worrying about. You will be happy. There are too many of us who have done it with no issues. IMO this truck should come already custom tuned, on mid-perch, with exhaust, and 37's. These settings are what the truck was made for. Why have a crappy tune, the wrong shock setting, with a huge motor that cannot breathe enough, held back with a conservative tune that bills itself, and is priced as a high performance truck? Makes no sense. That is why the majority of us mod. Sure is fun though!

 

[spirit]

If we are splitting hairs in our words describing tuners and maybe a CAI, then I bow to whichever word the group decides is appropriate.

But when it comes to a package of mods like a tuner, CAI, exhaust (Stainless Works preferably), mid-perch and upgraded tires (Toyo MT preferably), I can't agree it's hyperbole and not accurate to say these changes dramatically altered my trucks general performance, including the handling / maneuverability, sound, speed, etc., etc.

I think those Raptor owners out there who have all of these modifications or more, (and there are quite a few) will agree with me on this.

I never drove the truck with only a tuner on board so I can't really speak to that single mod by itself. I'm sure it probably helps the truck quite a bit.

 

[RaptorFlipper]

Spirit is exactly correct. You want to see nigh and day? Drive your truck stock, then come drive my beast! I recently drove a buddy of mine who just got his raptor a week ago. It was like I was in a different vehicle. No joke. Every aspect of the truck was dramatically different. Then again I have 17k in mods, so it better be. These are performance trucks, and should have things like good exhaust, mid-perch, much better tune, and 37's standard. The factory settings are really holding it back.

 

[ZBoater]

If you put $17K of mods into a truck, I would expect the difference to be "dramatic".

For $500? Not so much.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

I got so many mods that would affect the warranty now. That is what made me decide on a tuner finally, might as well add the power train now. I know people are saying night and day. I am on the 5 Star 93 and yeah I notice but its more in shifting to me. Its harsher and keeps low gears as others stated. I still feel the lag when WOT and I thought it would of been eliminated. Knowing what I know now (I have never in my life had a tune previously) I probably would not of gotten it.

But I had to get it to see what it was all about plus all the FRF peer pressure to do it. This truck makes me feel like I am young again!

 

[Bulletnjm]

HP and Torque is off because can't change weight. I believe this is the 87 Performance (5Star). Currently running the 93 but haven't tested it yet.

What app is that?

 

[Deleted member 12951]

What app is that?