9 Best EcoBoost 3.5 Tuners & Programmers for Ford F150 & Buyers Guide (2020)

by Β· Automotive Expert
Published
Updated

The year is 2001. The Fast and Furious franchise is just getting started, but I am already in love. So, from that time, I started learning how to improve the horsepower and torque of a car. That's how I’ve got to know tuning that we are familiar with today. All the items below are the quintessence of my own perfected vision of tuning F150. Enjoy!

Why you can trust me?I accept nothing from product manufacturers. Never. Here β€”Β only unbiased reviews and my opinion. I only earn commission from Amazon

I recommend:

our pick

SCT Performance 7015 X4 Power Flash Programmer

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY

We give the SCT Performance Power Flash Programmer rave reviews for its automatic and customizable Ford tunes. The high-definition screen offers great visibility and the toggle menus are easy to navigate.

premium

Superchips Dashpaq

It`s a bunch of money, but it's worth it

  • CARB number
  • installing possibility
  • customing
best value

Edge Products 15051 Evolution Programmer

Unmistakable stable programmer - a good friend in trip

Just straightforward thing. There is no fancy crap and that β€œcolor” display. Only old hardcore.

budget

Superchips 1545 Flashcal

Universal choice for those who wants to save some money and at the same time to get the quality product

This is a perfect way to get more power when you want to eventually and save a lot of money in the process upfront.

Ford's F-150 3.5 EcoBoost engine already utilizes turbocharging and direct fuel injection to boost a vehicle's performance and MPG, but the following tuners take engine power and efficiency to the next level. Whether you're adding bolt-ons, such as an exhaust, intercooler, or intake or just want to unchain the power in your stock engine, these EcoBoost programmers offer fast, convenient plug and go upgrades.

Read along to learn which is the best tuner for your EcoBoost pickup and why. The following reviews include top tuner for 3.5, 5.0, 5.4 F150 and other truck engines.

Are the modifactions reversible?

It only takes a few minutes to fully upgrade your vehicle. Nevertheless, the vehicle can always be reverted back to the stock settings. To make things less complicated, ensure that your flash tuner is compatible and pre-loaded with your the make and model of your vehicle. It is important to note that many tuners feature custom tunes.

Table of EcoBoost Tuners & Programmers for Ford F150

NameOur ratingTypeWI-FI UpdatesScreenPreprogrammed TunesCustom TunesPriceShops
SCT Performance 7015 X4 Power Flash Programmer
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed (tuner/programmer)yesLCD displayyes10$$
Superchips Dashpaq
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Handheld (In-Cabin Controller Tuner)yes2.5” screenyes10$$$
Edge Products 15051 Evolution Programmer
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed(programmer)no2.0” displayyes (3)no$$
Superchips 1545 Flashcal
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed (tuner)yes2.8" HD displayyes(3)1$
SCT 5015P
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed (tuner)yes4” displayyes10$$$
Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
handheld (tuner)yes2.8” HD screenyesno$$
DiabloSport I2030 inTune i2 Tuner
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed (tuner)yes2`8” HD screenyes (7+)5$$
Edge Products 85450 CTS2 Gas Evolution Programmer
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
installed (programmer)yes5” screenyesno$$$
Diablosport inTune i3 8145
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Installed (tuner)yes2.8” screenyes (3)1$$

swipe left to see more

How I decided

11
models considered
18
hours spend
1
experts interviewed

Best Tuners & Programmers for F150 EcoBoost

SCT X4 7015

our-pick
Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5.0

SCT Performance 7015 Power Flash Programmer is a preloaded tuner that increases your Ford's horsepower and torque without altering its emission system. It features a basic backlit display screen with easy-to-read vehicle stats, including engine RPM, Boost PSI, Coolant temp, and EGT. It is about the size of a cell phone and features a rugged exterior design.

SCT was founded in 2003 by a team of vehicle performance experts. Recently, they merged with Derive Systems, SCT, Bully Dog, Bully Dog Big Rig, and Derive Efficiency brands. The company's rapid growth and consumer feedback have demonstrated its staying power and dominance in the field of vehicle performance upgrades. They currently engineer different EcoBoost performance parts, multiple pre-loaded and custom tuners.

Jack Nodtwho drives F150 2015, says:

If you are a daily driver, who just want to turn it up a little bit, you don't want to get too crazy, you might throw on the cold air intake, or an exhaust down the road, the SCT preloads are a great way to go.

This tuner comes with a total of 10 custom Dyno Proven tune files that are pre-loaded by a local dealer. Yet, it can store a total of 20 tune files. What's more, the built-in WiFi allows you to download system updates. It syncs with the X4 monitor and stores your vehicle's data, which can be transferred to your computer or tablet through a USB.

The interface is easy to navigate. There is even a one-click option to revert your vehicle back to its factory PCM program. At the same time, the device can be used to read and clear PCM trouble codes. Beyond that, it can be used to adjust the vehicle's parameters for modifications such as tire alternatives, cold air kits, and exhaust systems.

The SCT Performance is suitable for most popular Ford models, including 2014 models. This product comes with both an OBD and USB cable.

The SCT programmer is compatible with the following Ford 150 models:

  • 1996 Ford F150
  • 1997-2000 Ford F150
  • 2004 Ford F150 Heritage
  • 2011-2015 Ford F150

I give the SCT Performance Power Flash Programmer rave reviews for its automatic and customizable Ford tunes. The high-definition screen offers great visibility and the toggle menus are easy to navigate. What's more, the specified performance tunings for towing and daily driving are a button away. Beyond that, this device is compatible with an extensive range of F150 makes and models.

IMHO, the SCT platform seems to be the most common with the various tuners.

Pros
  • Enables you to disable the charge motion control valve (CMCV)
  • Provides in-depth idle adjustment for running auxiliary electronics
  • Increases the horsepower, torque, throttle, and fuel mileage on a vehicle
  • Enables a multiple displacement system to conserve fuel
  • One-year warranty
Cons
  • Missing some Explorer tunes
  • Long configuration time

Superchips Dashpaq

premium
Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5.0

Something like this is going to be perfect for the EcoBoost owner who's looking to utilize some of that power left on the table with the factory ECU tune, as well as monitor and adjust some of the critical parameters of their truck.

When Superchips calibrates a tune they're not held to the same rules and restrictions that Ford is when they tune this thing at the factory, allowing them to utilize some of the power that's left on the table, especially with the kind of turbo motors, as in F150. And that's achieved by adjusting the fuel and spark maps as well as the drive by wire. You're also going to be changing your shift points and the shift firmness as well.

Will Dergofrom YourMechanic, CA, wrote to me:

What's really nice about the preloaded tunes is if you know what you're doing or you're working with a speed shop, you can customize those tunes even further to get even more horsepower and torque gains out of this device.

Some other great feature about this tuner is it will allow you to upgrade your speedometer if you change the size of your tires or regear your truck. You'll also be able to diagnose and clear those check engine lights. And also you'll have the choice between three tunes: performance, towing, and economy.

Now if you wanted to take that a step further and get a custom tune written specifically for your truck, this thing will hold up to 10 tunes, so you have the space to grow.

Now like I said earlier, another great thing about this tuner is you can monitor up to six real-time parameters of your truck. It features a two-and-a-half inch display, and you can have many readouts on there such as boost, coolant temperature, air intake temperature, spark timing, battery voltage, throttle position and much, much more. And the kit also includes a suction cup for you to mount this to the windshield so you can easily put this in a position where you can see it all the time and make this a permanent modification. This also comes with a bunch of options for you to change the color scheme and where those readouts are positioned too.

This guy also has Wi-Fi capability as well. So, if you ever need to download an update, you don't have to take it out of your truck, go and plug it into your computer and download any software. You can do it right in your driveway.

Now on top of all that, with all the power gains we've seen and the functionality of this thing, here's the real kicker and this is the CARB number. So, if you live in any of the more emissions restrictive states, this is going to allow you to pass inspection every time.

Install is going to be extremely easy as well. It should only take you 15 minutes to be up and running.

Key features:

  • Wi-Fi capabilities
  • the variety of custom tunes
  • 38 HP and 74 torque guaranteed
  • preloaded tunes
Pros
  • CARB number
  • installing possibility
  • customing
Cons
  • price

Edge Products Evolution

best-value
Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5.0

Last on my list of best tuners for your F150s truck, Edge Evolution Programmer for Ford F-150s magnifies torque and horsepower. In fact, I noticed a 35 foot-pound increase in torque and a whopping 50 foot-pound increase in horsepower. It even offers improved miles per gallon. What's more, it makes major upgrades in just a few minutes. Beyond that, it is an affordable product with a number of vehicle parameter calibration options.

The installation instructions are easy to follow. What's more, the backlit screen and navigation buttons are bright and easy to use during both the day and night. The screen displays a maximum of four vehicle parameters at a time. These include common stats such as RPM. MPH, engine coolant temp, and engine oil temp.

You can use the tuner to track and record vehicle parameters. Meanwhile, it can also be used for customizing shifting patterns, setting a rev limit, correcting the speedometer, and much more.

Fbcoach from F150 forum, says:

Edge Evo is definitely a worthy investment. Everyone on that topic are reporting that this device can change your MPG in a positive way. Also, he said that if you a big fan of power and performance increase, you definitely should get this tuner.

Read more comments on F150 forum.

The device features three pre programmed tunes that are suitable for 2004 to 2008 Ford F150s. Upgrades can be accessed through WiFi. All three tunes are legal in 50 states. It is important to note that F150s will not be able to run a full Dyno mode in third fear. The EOT (engine oil temperature feature) will also not work on 2007 and newer model F150s.

Edge Products Evolution Programmer is a promising tuner for F150s. Unfortunately, their poor tech support and warranty returns make them a hassle to deal with. Nevertheless, this device is easy to install and upgrade. This is, definitely, a five-star tuner.

Pros
  • Three pre-programmed tunes
  • Can be docked on the dash
  • Scan and clear diagnostic trouble codes
  • Improved torque, horsepower, and MPGs
  • 50 state legal
Cons
  • Customer Service/tech support is hard to reach
  • Some trouble codes with upgrades
  • Occasional issues with engine turn over

Superchips Flashcal

budget
Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

Superchips Flashcal is great for the 99` to 18` F-150 owners out there that are looking for one of the most affordable and advanced diagnostic devices that`s gonna give you the ability to scan and clear trouble codes, provide real-time engine performance monitoring, and allow you to change the gear ratios and tire sizes on the fly, if you're going to be swapping one or the other.

Now, what sets the Flashcal apart from all other diagnostic scanners out there is that you can upgrade it to become a tuner, but we'll get into that shortly.

Superchips has been around for well over thirty years, and they finally fixed an issue in the scanning and tuning world.

To go with a tuner, you're going to have to spend a ton of money, but to buy a scanner and a diagnostics tool, you`ll lose the capability of getting more horsepower, so Superchips finally made that decision easier with Flashcal.

You can buy it at the scanner and a diagnostic tool for a very low price, but when and if you decide you want more power, you can then upgrade the software on the device by the Wi-Fi, turning it into the very popular Flashpaq F5 tuner that will then give you that solid horsepower and torque gain.

If you didn't notice i added Flashpaq T5 tuner in my TOP.

But as the Flashcal sits now, this is not a performance modification, and it won't provide any type of benefits like horsepower, torque or throttle response. It will however, provide tons of data logging, monitoring adjustments, and troubleshooting, so you can keep track of all your truck's parameters and sensors. You can monitor everything from engine temp to intake manifold pressure, to air intake temps, and plenty more, and you can even modify your speed and rev limiter, idle up and reading clear trouble codes, but what's really nice about this is if you do go down to turn on your road, you have all the information you need to calibrate your truck in one device.

Shawn Torguefrom YourMechanic, wrote to me:

if you ever have any issues with calibrating things or if you ever wanna read and clear trouble codes or do any diagnostics or data logging, this device is already set up for you. This is a great way to save some money when you do run into mechanical issues.

When you go up to a higher set of gears, or throw in a bigger all-terrain or mud tire you're gonna be throwing off your truck`s speedometer and other parameters. So the Flashcal could recalibrate your truck to compensate for all that as soon as you plug it in.

Other diagnostic tools are pretty simple, it might just show you the trouble code itself, like a P10101 or something like that for example. The Flashcal actually describes what the exact problem is.

Also it's a great way to protect your truck. If you get a β€œcheck engine” light, you need to know if it's something simple orbits of the neck to blow your motor if you keep driving, and I'm sure that's a risk that nobody wants to take, but one of the last nice features about the Flashcal is its TPMS or tire pressure monitoring system monitoring, another small creature comforts. You can watch troubleshoot your tire pressure sensors and control other things like interior lighting.

So this is a perfect way to get more power when you want to eventually and save a lot of money in the process upfront. Now i think that's hands-down one of the biggest selling points of the Flashcal but installation.

Key features:

  • reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes
  • corrects speedometer for tire upgrades between 2.6”-4.2”
  • digital battery voltage display
Pros
  • easy to use
  • price
  • respect from motorists
Cons
  • none

SCT Livewire TS+

Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

SCT's Performance 5015P Livewire TS+ Ford programmer offers fine-tuned adjustments from the palm of your hand. The device can increase your vehicle’s horsepower, torque, and throttle response. What's more, it can establish firmer shifts and increased fuel mileage without altering your vehicle's emission system.

The programmer features a 4-inch HD color touchscreen with a built-in ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen's brightness. You can also monitor a ton of gauges in real-time, again, all in HD. You can completely customize the layout and those gauges themselves, you can pretty much pull all the information out of the PCM so you have a full diagnostic profile of your truck while you're driving around. You can also install your tunes wirelessly, this is completely Wi-Fi-enabled. So the same thing applies if you ever need to update the software or the pre-loaded tune firmware on the device as well, you don't have to plug this thing into a computer, you don't have to sit outside in the driveway for an hour either with this thing hooked up to a laptop or anything like that. It works just like any iOS or Android device. So it's one of the modern tuners, in my humble opinion.

What's more, it comes pre-loaded with Dyno Proven tunes and can hold up to 10 custom tune files. So for a couple of button presses, again, you do get a ton more horsepower and torque with this device. So besides the available tunes, there's also a ton of other features on here. This thing actually supports a rear-view camera if your truck does not come equipped with it. And the pre-loaded tune file in here also allows for a ton of customizing and adjusting.You can actually adjust timing on your own, if you're familiar with how to do so, you can make changes to things like the rev limiter, your shift points, you can calibrate for things like new gears in the rear axle. You can also calibrate for things like new tires and wheels so you can make sure your speedometer is working correctly. And again, you have that data log option there for custom tuning and advanced troubleshooting. So again, one of the most all-inclusive tuners.

The device includes a handy suction cup windshield mount. It can even be plugged directly into your vehicle and used to alternate between power levels while driving. It can also connect directly to your vehicle's rear view camera.

With the Livewire TS+, you can customize many of your vehicle's settings. This includes altering the gear shift RPMs, turning off traction control, and correcting the speedometer to reflect a change in tire size. All this can be connected to an app called LiveLink. The app can also be used to save and recall your Ford's PCM data.

The SCT Performance Livewire Programmer is our top pick for 3.5-liter engines. It's a quick-to-download upgrade that offers premium horsepower and torque. What's more, it is easy to track stats on the 4-inch color screen. Keep in mind that the upgrades can be rather expensive.

Pros
  • 4-inch color screen with customizable graphics
  • Recalibrates a vehicle's settings to increase horsepower, torque, and improve other factors
  • On-the-fly technology allows you to alternate between power levels while driving
Cons
  • Custom tune downloads are expensive
  • Occasionally reverts back to stock settings

Superchips Flashpaq F5

Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

The Florida-based manufacturer currently produces the world's best-selling performance programmer, the Flashpaq. The handheld tool can be used to increase the horsepower and torque in your F150 by bypassing factory-original programming.

The device features a high-def 2.8-inch color screen with an easy to navigate menu system. The interface features automotive graphics similar to those you would see in a standard smartphone app. What's more, it features a high-speed processor to ensure your upgrades are programmed quickly. The black and red cell phone-like device fits in the palm of your hand and is incredibly durable.

Potential improvements with the Flashpaq F5 include altering your speedometer to make up for differences in tire size and gear ratio. You can also alter the speed and rev restrictions. Beyond that, you can tune the shift points, manage the fuel control system, read and clear problem codes, and monitor vehicle parameters.

It only takes a total of two minutes to fully install the Flashpaq F5 system. Meanwhile, it features internet-connectivity for rapid updates through a USB cord. This Superchips product is easy to use and requires no additional tools. A USB cable and OBD plug are included with the device.

This product is compatible with the following Ford F150s:

  • 2004 Ford F150 with 4.2-liter engine
  • 2008 Ford F150 with 3.7-liter engine
  • 2013-2014 Ford F150 with 3.7-liter engine
  • 2016 Ford F150 with 3.5-liter engine

I highly recommend the Superchips`s Flashpaq to consumers looking for modest torque and power increases for their F150. Not only is this device compatible with a wide range of popular F150 makes and models, it offers a generous amount of pre-programmed tunes and customizable parameters for various vehicle modifications. Also, I feel that the black and red device is an aesthetically-pleasing addition to any dashboard. Plus, it comes with a generous two-year powertrain warranty. What's more, it can be used to diagnose and clear engine trouble codes.

Pros
  • Can diagnose, access, and clear problem codes
  • User-friendly high-definition screen with vivid graphics
  • Easy programming via on-screen navigation
Cons
  • Some users experienced slight surging at high MPH
  • Slight or unnoticeable increase in MPG
  • Paid upgrades

DiabloSport inTune i2

Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

The DiabloSport I2030 inTune i2 is an affordable pre-loaded performance tuner that works great with Ecoboost Fords. It is programmed to boost horsepower by 15 foot-pounds per second and torque by 20 foot-pounds. Fuel efficiency also sees an uptick. It doubles as a way to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes or hook up external sensors for the comfort of your driveway.

This device features a wide variety of vehicle parameters and there are a number of aftermarket tune codes you can download for specific bolt-ons. The interface is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X through wireless connectivity.

I love that this DiabloSport tuner features a colored touch screen, but don't expect elaborate graphics. Meanwhile, the cell phone-like device fits in the flam of your hand. Beyond that, the menus are easy to read and navigate. There is even a support link on the top right-hand side that provides answers to frequently asked questions.

Overall, the i2 has incredibly fast read times. Plus, users can purchase multi-vehicle licenses for whole driveway upgrades. The box kit included the device, an OBD cord, a USB cord, and a mounting suction cup.

The SCT Performance Livewire is compatible with the following F150 models:

  • 2008 F150 with 4.6-liter engine
  • 2011-2012 with 5.0-liter engine
  • 2013-2014 F150 with 6.2-liter engine
  • 1199-20005 F150 with 4.2 liter engine
  • 1996 F150 with 4.9-liter engine
  • 2015 F150 with 3.5-liter engine
  • 1999-2000 F150 with 4.2-liter engine
  • 2011-2014 F150 with 5.0 -liter engine

The DiabloSport I2030 inTune programmer will give you beast upgrades for just a few hundred dollars. While this device is not compatible with all F150S, it offers a wide range of filaments.

I would suggest to use Diablo tuners for stock tune and SCT for aftermarket tune.

Pros
  • engine for multiple vehicle tunes
  • Rapidly reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes
  • Comes with a number of pre-loaded tunes
Cons
  • Software crashes occasionally
  • Diagnostic trouble codes related to upgrades
  • Long waiting times and lack of responsiveness form tech support

Edge Products CTS2

Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

Edge's Gas Evolution custom programmer can be attached directly to your vehicle OBD port for rapid diagnostics, recalibrations, and stat tracking. In fact, it is able to drastically increase the torque and horsepower by syncing to your vehicle's stock programming. What's more, it can be mounted directly in the cab of your pickup for real-time monitoring of engine and vehicle stats.

The multicolored high-resolution touchscreen offers customizable color gauges, needles, and background themes. Not only that, but it allows you to track multiple stats at once. Even the menu is incredibly easy to navigate.

The manufacturer boasts an incredible 180 percent increase in horsepower and 440 foot-pound increase in torque for diesel-powered pickups. What's more, it offers a 50-point increase in horsepower and a 50 foot-pound increase in torque for gas-powered Ford EcoBoost truck. The tuner can also be used to custom program a vehicle's shift points, correct the speedometer, and adjust speed and rev limits.

This programmer is a great option for a 5.0 L engine

The device can be connected to WiFi to upgrade tunes or download and save vehicle parameters. What's more, it saves stock tunes and can be recalibrated to factory-original settings in a matter of minutes. When you are ready, select between pre programmed tunes for towing, regular driving conditions, or enhanced performance. This tuner is street legal in 50 states for gas model years up to 2016.

The Edge Products Gas Evolution Programmer offers quick engine modifications and pre-programmed tunes. It also offers a significant increase in EcoBoost performance, power and torque. However, as we said before, their customer service line leaves something to be desired.

Pros
  • Reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes
  • Compatible with bolt-on accessories
  • Significant torque and horsepower increases
  • Speedometer correction
  • Shift corrections
Cons
  • Trouble connecting to some vehicles
  • Inconsistent customer service
  • Long turnaround on shipping and returns

Diablosport inTune i3

Our rating:
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4.0

If you figured out that the easiest way to squeeze some extra horsepower out of that motor is with a handheld tuner like this one. InTune i3 tuner from Diablosport - it's a great choice to do some preloaded tunes as affordably as possible. At around the $400 price point, this is one of the least expensive handheld tuners currently available, and it comes with a ton of preloaded tunes.

It even comes with an economy tune, so you can squeeze some extra MPGs out of your truck if you`re not interested in performance.

If you do want to get some performance gains, they have tunes for every single octane that you can get at the pump including an 87 octane performance tune so you don't have to spend any more at the pump, but you'll still squeeze out some extra horsepower and torque.

And on the extreme end of things, they actually a 93 octane tune preloaded on here, if you want to go all out and get as much performance as possible.

It`s 50 state carb legal. So for you Californians out there you will get a carb sticker, so you can pass emission.

Now, the inTune i3 also does some other cool things that allows you to Datalog your truck in real time, if you do want to go the route of custom tuning later on down the road. One more interesting thing to say, that if you ever get any check engine lights, you can easily read and clear them, thanks to the on-board diagnostics with the provided OBD-II cable.

Also, the inTune i3 is really easy to update, because of that Wi-Fi capabilities. You don't have to hook it up to computer anymore.

Key features:

  • Blazing Fast Vehicle Read/Write Times
  • OBD-II Data Logging
  • Windows, Mac OSX and Linux Connectivity
  • Purchase Multi-Vehicle Licenses
Pros
  • different variations of preloaded tunes
  • quality
  • price
Cons
  • sometimes don`t bring much a difference that was claimed

Best Tuners & Programmers for F150 EcoBoost Buying Guide & FAQ

Vehicle tuners are a relatively easy and inexpensive way to upgrade your internal combustion 3.5 engine by modifying its control system. These devices can be plugged into your vehicle's OBD port (located under the dashboard on the driver's side) for fast, toolless improvements. What's more, they can be used to diagnose and clear diagnostic trouble codes. They communicate directly with your car's control system and override stock applications.

Most tuners come preprogrammed with tune codes that are designed to improve the torque, horsepower, and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. However, many vehicle owners use them to upgrade the parameters of their vehicle to reflect bolt-on modifications. In fact, it is tuners' broad scope of modification options that draw vehicle owners to them.

The Ford Ecoboost features turbo and therefore possess a wide range potential boost levels. While the manufacturing tune already provides a high level of power and efficiency, the settings are for general use. Many tuners come with pre-programmed tunes for the F150.

Most performance programmers feature user-friendly software and are WiFi compatible. This feature allows vehicle owner's to download customized tunes or upgrades. In some cases, it allows them to store and save vehicle statistics.

Does a tuned vehicle require premium gasoline?

A Ford Ecoboost can benefit from the use of premium gasoline. In fact, AAA recently tested a 2017 F150 with and without premium gas and saw a 5-percent improvement in MPG. While the improvement was modest, it also saw a 2.1-percent increase in horsepower.

With the rising cost of fuel, many vehicle owners may feel that those modest improvements don't warrant the need for high-octane fuel. Ford recommends unleaded gasoline with an 87 rating. Nevertheless, power-boosting tunes change that.

In fact, the increased level of induction can tax a vehicle's engine, potentially resulting in engine knock. Therefore, if you can afford the premium fuel, it isn't a bad idea to start using it.

Best Tuners & Programmers for F150 EcoBoost FAQ

Q: What modifications require tunes?

Many people choose to modify their vehicles with aftermarket parts. In many cases, it is imperative that a modified vehicle be tuned prior to being driven. For example, turbo or supercharger installations require a tune. If you have had the exhaust, CAI (cold air intake), or traction modified, it is a good idea to tune your vehicle to the new parameters. A failure to update the control system could result in the need for costly repairs.

Q: Can a vehicle be tuned while it is running?

Occasionally, Ecoboost tuners will provide on-road diagnostic and power settings. With that being said, most tunes should be performed when the vehicle is off. Failure to comply with the manufacturer's specific instructions could result in damage to the vehicle.

Some tuners come with dashboard docking devices that allow you to keep your tuner plugged in at all times. In such cases, the tuners often feature on/off and sleep modes. Nevertheless, tuners only need to be connected to the OBD system while a tune is being downloaded.

Q: Can you really boost the Ecoboost?

The Ecoboost comes equipped with turbo power and high fuel efficiency, but that's not it. Underneath the factory-set controls are a wealth of power and potential. Depending on the quality of a tuner, pre-programmed tune codes can improve performance without so much as a single problem code popping up. However, this is not always the case.

Many vehicle owners choose to upgrade their vehicles to unlock fuel-saving potential and increase the efficiency of their vehicles. Others need a way to recalibrate their vehicle's control system to accommodate modifications. While some people see messing with a truck's control system as taboo, it is really a fuss-free way of optimizing a pickup's performance.

Q: Is there a reason to tune my F150?

It’s up to every man to his own taste. But who has ever driven a car with a properly reprogrammed injection system solves this issue unequivocally - yes! Only a few motorists drive at maximum power, much more important for everyday driving is torque and engine elasticity. All this will give you a simple tuning.

Tuning is an affordable version to change the power and torque of your F150, when changing the control program can change the behavior of the car, make it different from the serial. It makes your ride more obedient, economical and convenient in handling.

All devices recommended in this article can manage the idling and cold start, reduce the temperature of the fan of the cooling system, detect errors that present in the serial software versions of the F150.

Conclusion

If you're looking to boost the potential of your truck, be sure to check out any of the five products listed above. While i truly believe that SCT Performance's 7015 X4 Power Flash Programmer offers an incomparable tune, each one of the products boasts a selection of quick improvements for your vehicle. In fact, most of the tuners even off multi-vehicle tunes for a whole-driveway F150 EcoBoost upgrades.

Resources:

  1. Car tuning, Wikipedia
  2. Wtf! It should not be illegal to hack your own car's computer, wired