Why run a tuner?

[WyoStorm]

The biggest thing a tune helps with is throttle response and transmission shifting (besides a modest bump in power). The OEM tune is a bit "lazy" and is definitely in need of help. Plus, if your running headers, exhaust or an intake its a good idea (especially headers) to get tuned. Otherwise, you'll be running rick/lean and possible engine damage can occur.

You will most likely void your power train warranty if your servicing dealer finds out your running a tune.

Running a tune is safe. SVC's tune retains all of fords factory safeguards and will not cause any problems.

I probably have some of the same questions/concerns as the op. I'd like a tune if nothing else than to get rid of the initial lag but not sure I want to deal with the potential warranty issues or trying to hide the fact that you have a tune by having to remove the tune, drive around a couple cycles to get everything back to factory just to bring it in to the dealer. Also, what kind of 'modest' hp gains can we expect from say an SVC tune. I'm running stock except for MBRP Cat-Back.

For those that get a tune, what is the best thing to do when bringing in to the dealer and what are the potential pitfalls that a dealer could screw up whether they know you have a tune or not.

 

[HAYNES OFFROAD]

@WyoStorm we usually can expect at least 15-20 hp, more on full headers/exhaust etc... Quality of gas is a determining factor as well.

The warranty issue is a problem for most people, which can't blame them, it would not be cheap if an issue came up and the dealer blamed the tune. It would be a good idea to return the truck to stock before going to the dealer, just in case they get into the PCM and such.

I've actually have had a good experience with my servicing dealer for warranty issues. I've been pretty straightforward with them from the get go about mods/tunes and they've been good about it. They know I run a tune, they don't care and have not put it in the books. Now I know most dealers won't be the same, but it never hurts to go and talk to the service manager about it.

 

[TBONE21]

Is there a trace mode in the computer that can show that a tune was in the truck even though it is set back to stock?

 

[WyoStorm]

I believe that's true if they really look for it. I'm sure others can explain more.

Thanks Haynes OffRoad for the solid and reasonable answer! I do have a great dealer and I may just run it by the service manager to see what he says. I do owe him a Raptor ride yet so maybe I can hang that over his head lol!

 

[Mad Max]

I took mine into the dealer a few weeks ago over a power-steering/rack and pinion failure... I put the truck back to stock tune (was on 5-star tune/SCT Livewire) before taking it in. I had to drive from Knoxville to Nashville on the stock tune, stopped a few times for fuel and food before getting to the dealer, so it was cycled a few times before getting there. The service department called me the next day after I dropped it off, "I see the truck tune was modified, but it shouldn't be an issue".

The dealer took care of the work under warranty, but it caught me off guard that a power steering issue would make them inclined to search for an aftermarket tune.

 

[TBONE21]

I was thinking the same thing mad max after reading your story. Why did they hook up the computer for a power steering issue? Kinda weird

 

[Deleted member 12951]

well i guess my main question is why didn't ford make their programming good so nobody would never dream of buying a tuner?

I was told that Ford has the 6.2L tuned as best they can, as the government (EPA) will allow and they push the limits as close as they can. Ford would like to do more but their hands are tied. The EPA still has some requirements that haven't changed since the 70's.

I believe a tune can go beyond those parameters

---------- Post added at 08:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------

I took mine into the dealer a few weeks ago over a power-steering/rack and pinion failure... I put the truck back to stock tune (was on 5-star tune/SCT Livewire) before taking it in. I had to drive from Knoxville to Nashville on the stock tune, stopped a few times for fuel and food before getting to the dealer, so it was cycled a few times before getting there. The service department called me the next day after I dropped it off, "I see the truck tune was modified, but it shouldn't be an issue".

The dealer took care of the work under warranty, but it caught me off guard that a power steering issue would make them inclined to search for an aftermarket tune.

Modification as in what? Did he actually say modified "tune"? Or do you have other mods going on?

 

[TBONE21]

I was told that Ford has the 6.2L tuned as best they can, as the government (EPA) will allow and they push the limits as close as they can. Ford would like to do more but their hands are tied. The EPA still has some requirements that haven't changed since the 70's.

I believe a tune can go beyond those parameters

---------- Post added at 08:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:06 PM ----------




Modification as in what? Did he actually say modified "tune"? Or do you have other mods going on?

Are u talking emissions?

 

[Mad Max]

I have no idea why... I took the programmer off, but I do have a dash mounted holder for the tuner... As far as they were concerned, it could have been for a GPS, MP3, etc, holder. Perhaps that made them curious.

 

[Deleted member 12951]

I have no idea why... I took the programmer off, but I do have a dash mounted holder for the tuner... As far as they were concerned, it could have been for a GPS, MP3, etc, holder.

Is that your ONLY mod so far?