Ford Performance Tune - just installed, very pleased!

[philosopheriam]

Folks,

My last Ranger had a stage 2 tune from Gearhead on it. For a variety of reasons, this time around, I went with the Ford Performance tune. Purchased the kit from Levittown Ford with a discount coupon for just over $700 shipped to my door.

According to Ford Performance, the kit has an additional 3yr/36000mi warranty if it is installed by a Ford dealer or an ASE Certified/Red Seal Certified technician (I need to submit the paperwork on Monday) By trade, I am a heavy equipment field mechanic with over 12yrs of field experience. With certain exceptions, I don't pay people to do things on my vehicles that I know how to do - especially installing a calibration update that takes less than 30min. So, to retain the Ford Performance warranty, I took the ASE G1 (maintenance and light repair) exam on Saturday and passed - I already fulfilled the work requirement. So, as soon as my ASE credentials became official later that day, I installed the tune ?

Current vehicle modifications:
Magnaflow 12577 muffler in place of OEM muffler
Mishimoto hot/cold side piping kit
Turbosmart plumb-back BOV
K&N air filter (part of the Ford kit)

Initial impressions: the power increase is very noticable and smooth. The improved shift strategy is well refined - in my opinion, the truck should have come with this shift strategy from the factory. The power delivery off the line is excellent and not abrupt.

I have only logged 20+ miles with the FP tune installed, but thus far, I'm enjoying it. Is it the most powerful tune out there - no. However, it is smooth, powerful, and well refined. Exactly what I wanted.

The install process is straightforward with easy to follow directions.

If you're looking for a solid power increase and an excellent shift strategy, this tune accomplishes both.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

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[Scott_Anderson_]

Can’t wait to get the FP tune. Congrats on your ASE cert!

 

[philosopheriam]

Can’t wait to get the FP tune. Congrats on your ASE cert!

Thanks! In total, the test + registration fee + some study materials was around $100. The certification is pretty much useless in my industry, however, it's indispensable for stuff like this... I now have another piece of paper on my wall ?

 

[Wytchdctr]

I went back and forth on which tune to get for a while. I'll be over the mileage limit on the FP tune soon anyway; so that bit ended up being a non-issue. Now to see which version does better in the long run.

 

[Joeiconic]

Thanks! In total, the test + registration fee + some study materials was around $100. The certification is pretty much useless in my industry, however, it's indispensable for stuff like this... I now have another piece of paper on my wall ?

You could probably make a little extra change by installing the tune for members in your area. Many run into reluctance getting dealers to install.

 

[jflogerzi]

Folks,

My last Ranger had a stage 2 tune from Gearhead on it. For a variety of reasons, this time around, I went with the Ford Performance tune. Purchased the kit from Levittown Ford with a discount coupon for just over $700 shipped to my door.

According to Ford Performance, the kit has an additional 3yr/36000mi warranty if it is installed by a Ford dealer or an ASE Certified/Red Seal Certified technician (I need to submit the paperwork on Monday) By trade, I am a heavy equipment field mechanic with over 12yrs of field experience. With certain exceptions, I don't pay people to do things on my vehicles that I know how to do - especially installing a calibration update that takes less than 30min. So, to retain the Ford Performance warranty, I took the ASE G1 (maintenance and light repair) exam on Saturday and passed - I already possess the work requirement. So, as soon as my ASE credentials became official later that day, I installed the tune ?

Current vehicle modifications:
Magnaflow 12577 muffler in place of OEM muffler
Mishimoto hot/cold side piping kit
Turbosmart plumb-back BOV
K&N air filter (part of the Ford kit)

Initial impressions: the power increase is very noticable and smooth. The improved shift strategy is well refined - in my opinion, the truck should have come with this shift strategy from the factory. The power delivery off the line is excellent and not abrupt.

I have only logged 20+ miles with the FP tune installed, but thus far, I'm enjoying it. Is it the most powerful tune out there - no. However, it is smooth, powerful, and well refined. Exactly what I wanted.

The install process is straightforward with easy to follow directions.

If you're looking for a solid power increase and an excellent shift strategy, this tune accomplishes both.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Maybe ford knows what they are doing nahhhh

 

[philosopheriam]

You could probably make a little extra change by installing the tune for members in your area. Many run into reluctance getting dealers to install.

I understand why independent shops not familiar with Ford Performance products may not want to do the install - the idea of having a paper trail of an unfamiliar service procedure leading back to their business adds a degree a liability with which they may be uncomfortable.

However, call me a cynic, but when it comes to Ford Performance, Ford dealers themselves are often clueless. I figured passing an ASE exam would be far easier than:

1. Calling a dealer and speaking to a clueless service advisor
2. Educating the clueless service advisor on the product and installation procedure from Ford Performance
3. Getting the rope-a-dope from the clueless service advisor OR waiting for him to run it by the clueless service manager
4. Receiving an exorbitant quote on installing the aforementioned product
5. Wasting 1/2 to a full day to get the install done

I am not casting aspersions on the abilities of dealer mechanics - unless the shop frequently installs OE performance products or accessories, most service advisers are woefully unaware of what needs to be done or how much it should cost.

 

[philosopheriam]

FYI: whenever I do a calibration update on *anything*, my personal truck, a Cummins ECU for work, etc, I *always* connect the vehicle/machine to a battery charger. A 10a charge is more than sufficient to keep the system voltage in the green zone. Having a significant dip in system voltage (below 12v) is an easy way to brick an ECU during the programming process.

 

[SigOris]

It’s the tune I went with just so Ford doesn’t have an excuse in the event of engine issues. Please spares the lectures, it was my choice not yours.

You stated as many have said who installed this tune that this how the Rangers should leave the factory.

Enjoy.

 

[philosopheriam]

It’s the tune I went with just so Ford doesn’t have an excuse in the event of engine issues. Please spares the lectures, it was my choice not yours.

You stated as many have said who installed this tune that this how the Rangers should leave the factory.

Enjoy.

Agree ? percent - not giving Ford another excuse to deny a warranty claim is a big deal to some people. Also, considering this tune was developed by Ford, my assumption is that it still has a large degree of safety factor built into it.

 

[deleriumtremor]

When you get a chance, I would be very interested in your mileage difference before and after the new firmware.

 

[philosopheriam]

When you get a chance, I would be very interested in your mileage difference before and after the new firmware.

I'll let you know when it settles out - I don't really have a starting MPG, as my truck only has around 350mi on it and I never really paid attention to it. My previous ranger, even with an aftermarket tune, got around 19mpg in the city.

My truck sees less than 5000mi per year, so, I'm not the best sample group for evaluating MPG, especially when I have a hard time keeping my right foot out of the skinny pedal ?

 

[wetidlerjr]

I had my FPT installed about three months after purchase and it has been flawless with all the power I need. I had no problems with my dealer and the install charge was $112.00. The dealer service rep even let me speak to the tech doing the install before he started. Maybe my dealer is the exception to all the bad, clueless dealers we hear about on this site. ?‍

 

[Wang.S]

Your comment about "additional" 3yr/36000 mile warranty will likely bring some debate.
Here's the full warranty document to peruse and discuss.

 

[philosopheriam]

Your comment about "additional" 3yr/36000 mile warranty will likely bring some debate.
Here's the full warranty document to peruse and discuss.

Please be more specific...

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