Ford V10 Engine tuning

[2019FB33]

I am looking for feedback on adding a tuning chip to my 2019 Bounder. It's on the Ford F 53 chassis with a 6.8 liter V10 engine. Does anyone have any experience with that? I'm really looking to increase mileage first, power second.

Thanks

 

[DennisT]

On our old Forester I added a 5 Star Tune to it.

https://5startuning.com/

We had the v10 on the E450 chassis.

They send them based on chassis, engine, etc.

Was well with the cost overall. Little better mileage and performance was a whole lot better than without.

The tuner downloaded the original settings then loaded the new - so original can be put back if desired.

 

[2019FB33]

On our old Forester I added a 5 Star Tune to it.

https://5startuning.com/

We had the v10 on the E450 chassis.

They send them based on chassis, engine, etc.

Was well with the cost overall. Little better mileage and performance was a whole lot better than without.

The tuner downloaded the original settings then loaded the new - so original can be put back if desired.

Thank you, Dennis for the feedback! I’ve gone ahead and ordered the tuner, in part due to your feedback - and that of others. I’m looking forward to taking it out after the tune!

 

[BGMAC]

I have a V10 as well with the 5 star tun in it. Very happy with it. Major difference were the shift points change a bit making a much more pleasurable drive.

Also the unit you get does ECM scanning for errors. One time I got a check engine light I used the 5 star device to scan the error code. (Bad #5 coil pack). Replace the part, reset ECM and off I went.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I have a V10 as well with the 5 star tun in it. Very happy with it. Major difference were the shift points change a bit making a much more pleasurable drive.

Also the unit you get does ECM scanning for errors. One time I got a check engine light I used the 5 star device to scan the error code. (Bad #5 coil pack). Replace the part, reset ECM and off I went.

Shift points changed how? T/H will change the shift points, the tran. will stay in gears 1-4, or in later models, 1-5 longer. If you're seeing better gas mileage I'm guessing the shift points must be closer together, ie., you're getting to OD sooner? I wonder what, if any, affect that has on transmission cooling and why a 5 star tune is anathema with Ford?

 

[BGMAC]

Shift points changed how? T/H will change the shift points, the tran. will stay in gears 1-4, or in later models, 1-5 longer. If you're seeing better gas mileage I'm guessing the shift points must be closer together, ie., you're getting to OD sooner? I wonder what, if any, affect that has on transmission cooling?

Yes, it changes to higher gear sooner than before so rpm does not get up as high (normal load). When under a load like going up hill it drops down a gear later one only one gear at a time preventing that high rpm shift like it use to.
As far as trans temp heat, I haven’t noticed anything. I would speculate that a smoother change in gears, less revving it may have about the same. The transmission seems to shift more appropriately.

 

[Holdmybeer]

Yes, it changes to higher gear sooner than before so rpm does not get up as high (normal load). When under a load like going up hill it drops down a gear later one only one gear at a time preventing that high rpm shift like it use to.
As far as trans temp heat, I haven’t noticed anything. I would speculate that a smoother change in gears, less revving it may have about the same. The transmission seems to shift more appropriately.

Tran. temp would be my only concern, if it's staying in range it's all good. My only caveat would be I want it gearing down under a load like climbing. An 18 k.lb..rv on an ascent is towing it's weight.

 

[DennisT]

Tran. temp would be my only concern, if it's staying in range it's all good. My only caveat would be I want it gearing down under a load like climbing. An 18 k.lb..rv on an ascent is towing it's weight.

It is easier to control when climbing grades.

When we had it, there was more gas pedal available prior to downshifting and running higher rpm.

Transmission should run cooler since it runs in a higher gear longer.

 

[BGMAC]

Tran. temp would be my only concern, if it's staying in range it's all good. My only caveat would be I want it gearing down under a load like climbing. An 18 k.lb..rv on an ascent is towing it's weight.

It gears down appropriately for me. If I want it to gear down sooner I just apply more throttle.
I’ve been from Tennessee to Alaska and back with no problems

 

[2019FB33]

I have a V10 as well with the 5 star tun in it. Very happy with it. Major difference were the shift points change a bit making a much more pleasurable drive.

Also the unit you get does ECM scanning for errors. One time I got a check engine light I used the 5 star device to scan the error code. (Bad #5 coil pack). Replace the part, reset ECM and off I went.

Thank you for the input. I'm looking forward to getting it here and doing the changes. Your comments on performance will make the small investment worth it. Thank you.

 

[Holdmybeer]

It is easier to control when climbing grades.

When we had it, there was more gas pedal available prior to downshifting and running higher rpm.

Transmission should run cooler since it runs in a higher gear longer.

Running in higher gears., not lower gears is what causes trans. overheating, that's why T/H mode keeps the transmission in the lower gears longer between shifts.

 

[2019FB33]

Running in higher gears., not lower gears is what causes trans. overheating, that's why T/H mode keeps the transmission in the lower gears longer between shifts.

Thank you for that as well. All of the input by previous users has been very good! It's great that we have access to these forums where true experience and honest feedback helps with the right decisions.

Thank you to all!

Tim

 

[BGMAC]

Running in higher gears., not lower gears is what causes trans. overheating, that's why T/H mode keeps the transmission in the lower gears longer between shifts.

When you say “T/H” mode I presume you mean Tow Mode. The only change that did for me is downshift sooner when backing off the throttle. My acceleration shifts never changed even before the upgrade.