Could use some help deciding which tuner to go with

[Doc]

I know there’s several threads on this topic already but maybe things have changed…

After recently installing upsized new tires (BFG KO3’s 285/70) I’ve got the urge to do some perf mods to my 21’ Ranger and just put an Injen CAI and CVF catted DP on. I was originally basically sold on doing a Livernoise tune but after more researching it sounds like they offer mainly off the shelf tunes. I’d prefer to have a tune dialed into my personal truck. Unleashed and Revolution both offer that it seems. I’m wanting a tune that will help preserve my tranny’s life while still offering a good jump in performance. I noticed that Revolution offers an anti-lag option for Sport mode and certain off-road scenarios. Can anyone offer experience on this anti-lag feature? Is it something worthwhile? It seems this forum is mostly 50/50 on which tuner they prefer. If you were getting your truck tuned today who would you be choosing? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Nice !

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[Doc]

Unleashed Forever ..

 

[OCL]

I agree with OCL...it feels like a totally different truck
As to durability, please keep in mind, the transmission and rear end is basically the same as an F150. Our trucks easily weigh 1500#s less than an F150. When an F150 is equiped with the V8, they have 400hp and 410ft#s of torque. I don't think an extra 50 hp is going to affect durability.

That is very good to hear. I always wonder why on Earth does Ford de-tune the 2.3 from the 300 it has in the Explorer to just 270 in the Ranger. In the Mustang it is tuned to 310 for the standard and 330 for the "High Performance" version. I know those are tuned for 91 octane though. So these tunes for our Rangers are really just bringing the 2.3 to the level of an Explorer/Mustang. I've seen more aggressive tuners online extract 60+ from these motors. I think that's pushing the cylinder heads. Truly amazed at how easy it is for these turbocharged engines. And like you said, our Rangers weigh 1500 lbs less than a 150 so it moves down the road much easier. I had a Coyote powered F150 with 10-speed. yeah it was a Hot Rod. It sounded like a Hot Rod and accelerated like one. I miss its magnificent sound. But my Ranger is much more tossable and fun to drive and with the Livernois tune, it's got the power to weight ratio to match my Coyote. This is why when my local dealer presses me to sell them my truck...Hell NO! I have no reason to. It easily outperforms current Tacomas and even the Colorado with the Turbomax engines. I had a Tacoma hybrid challenge my Ranger...Haha! Smoked! That dude probably looking for a tune for his truck now.

 

[DLinc184]

As to HP out of these little 2.3L engines...I'm in New Orleans area. I have a C5 Corvette I track. There's a shop in Hammond (west end of Lake Pontchartrain)...Geaux Moto...that is the Miata guru locally. Troy's (Geaux Moto's owner)son, Dayton, runs a Miata C with a 2.3 eco boost pushing 420hp with stock heads and internals...for over 2 years now. He can't break it! Geaux Moto will either swap a 2.3l or a Honda K into Miata. Hell, Troy runs a built K motor pushing 700hp!
My point being our little 2.3 is stout!

 

[Doc]

8

 

[Doc]

Above
93 octane Unleashed Tune
Stock, Muffler Deleted

 

[Hoddad]

A few questions for you… did you purchase the SCT programmer by itself and used whatever tunes came with the device? Or did you go thru a tuning shop who supplied you with Ranger specific tuning? What were you looking to achieve and what other mods/bolt-ons do you have on your truck?

It was a tune designed for me to optimize MPG balanced with an increase in HP while using regular unleaded pump gas. Both were supposed to be only moderate to conservative gains, but should have been noticeable. My truck is bone stock.

 

[Dereku]

I have sct canned tunes 87 performance. Its enough lol. I have custom tuned trucks long enough. A canned tune was part of my 12 step program in modifiers anonymous hahaha

 

[jdamtb918]

Just got my tune installed today. Didn’t get into it too much this afternoon since I’m supposed to take it easy for a few days while the trans does its adaptive thing. I’ll report back after some time on it tho

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