Pros and Cons of Different Tunes

[drewb302]

I’m new here, and just got a new Ranger. I’ve been reading up on different tunes that are available, and it seems like most folks are using FPP/Roush and 5 star. I’m just wondering if someone could break down the pros and cons of each one. Everyone has a different opinion on which is best, and I tried to find similar threads but most seemed to just be people arguing about what’s better. Just looking for some solid info. If someone knows of a thread where this is addressed, feel free to paste it in and I’ll check it out. Thanks

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[drewb302]

I’m new here, and just got a new Ranger. I’ve been doing some research on tunes, and it seems like most folks use FPP/Roush and 5 star. I was just wondering if someone could explain the pros and cons of each one. I know everyone has their own opinion of which is best, and when I tried to find info on it on this forum seemed like it was just an argument over which is better. Just looking for solid info to explain the differences. If anyone knows of a thread where this is addressed, please paste it and I’ll check it out.
Thanks

 

[Doc]

Unleashed

 

[Dr. Zaius]

They're all going to be roughly similar as they all want to retain stockish reliability.

That said, Ford left a lot on the table with the stock tune so more power is easily and reliably accessible.

If you want a warranty you're limited to FPP and 5 Star (the 5 Star warranty costs extra).

If you're happy with stock performance and want a bit more pep, the FPP will give it to you with an included 3/36 warranty on the drivetrain. Note that this starts on the first day of vehicle service, not the date when the tune was installed.

The 5 Star will give you more power than the FPP but no warranty unless you purchase it.

Other notable tuners are Livernois and Unleashed.

There are plenty of members on here with each of the mentioned tunes.

 

[landiscarrier]

Unleashed

This all day long!!!

I've tried a bunch and IMO Torrie's the best! But as others have said and will say...they're all quite similar.

 

[LB357]

Currently running the Livernois tune and have nothing but good things to say about it and the benefits you also get from the tuner such as reading/clearing codes, adjusting tire size, additional monitoring from the gauges screen, etc. In all reality I'd bet most of, if not all, will improve your truck in multiple ways and probably can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

 

[AzScorpion]

This is like the great Ford vs Chevy debate, you're going to get all sorts of answers. You have to first determine what you want out of your tune. As others have said there's only two that give you a warranty so if that's important stick with those. If not Livernois and Unleashed are two that I would look into. With Livernois you get 5 tunes to they and great support. They can/will adjust it some but only so much,I think. Unleashed is great too and many here are running it and very happy. You can have them adjust it more to your liking. IMHO you cant go wrong with any of these you just need to figure out if a warranty is important to you.

There are many threads in the Tech section that you can read through about all these tunes.

 

[drewb302]

So the other tunes void the factory warranty, correct? Does the 5 star void it as well, but you can purchase a separate warranty from them?

 

[AzScorpion]

So the other tunes void the factory warranty, correct? Does the 5 star void it as well, but you can purchase a separate warranty from them?

The others only void it IF they find that the tune caused the failure. Yes, 5* has a warranty you can buy separately from them.

 

[McLeadslinger]

I’ve been using 5 star tunes since 2011. They have always treated me well. For me, the pro’s are different because the 5 star shop is close to me but I do also have their mail order tunes. I am currently running their 87 daily/tow tune and it’s great. Throttle response is greatly improved, shift strategy is crisp and the boost comes on slot earlier. I also have the 89 and 93 performance tunes but haven’t used them yet. Another bonus to 5 star is if you buy the tunes through stage 3 you can get a warranty that covers the drivetrain in the event that your factory warranty won’t cover damages. I also have this warranty and it’s a great idea.

Truth is that I would also recommend livernois and unleashed also. You really can’t go wrong with any of the 3.

I’m not a fan of the Ford performance tune. It just leaves a lot on the table in terms of performance and it’s actually overpriced for what you get. Most buy it to Maintain a factory warranty but Honestly, the 3 above mentioned tuners have been in the game for a long time and have everything sorted out. Just my opinion. ?

 

[got3fords]

With a non-Ford tune, can you easily switch back to stock if there is a potential warranty issue? You know, before you take it in for service?

 

[AzScorpion]

With a non-Ford tune, can you easily switch back to stock if there is a potential warranty issue? You know, before you take it in for service?

There's no hiding what's on there and they can still see there was a tune once they plug into it. For basic things like tire rotations and oil changes I left my tune in and just told the service manager it was there. He didn't seem to care at all.

 

[D Fresh]

Roush has had some reported CELs from their tunes. This has been reported on trucks sold with the tune and trucks which the tune was installed by the user.

5star has mixed opinions around here. I'm not a fan personally. I have questions about their tuning methods they can not/will not answer.

If I were gonna go with an OTS tune I'd go FP, Livernois, or Unleashed.

Another option is a custom tune from a local tuner. The option I'll probably go with. HpTuners equipment supports the Ranger and many tuners use ther hardware.

 

[got3fords]

There's no hiding what's on there and they can still see there was a tune once they plug into it. For basic things like tire rotations and oil changes I left my tune in and just told the service manager it was there. He didn't seem to care at all.

So there's some sort of history element that is obvious?

 

[puckdodger]

There's no hiding what's on there and they can still see there was a tune once they plug into it. For basic things like tire rotations and oil changes I left my tune in and just told the service manager it was there. He didn't seem to care at all.

I saw a PCM flash counter, I think it was in ForScan maybe, and it was right at the number I would expect after getting my tune where I wanted it.

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