Ford Performance Tune Reviews

[TremorLucky]

If they want to find out, I bet they can. My brother worked for BMW- when a motor blew (often) they would dive into the recorded parameters and if anything was beyond stock calibration like RPM/boost/timing going beyond stock limits they knew it was tuned and buh-buy warranty.

I 100% believe this. I've been wanting to run the Ford tune but I have the extended warranty. My local dealer said my original warranty would remain intact, but I'd void my extended warranty with any powertrain issues.

 

[Diggman08]

If you're asking those kinds of questions, you're not ready to tune your truck.

Maybe. I'm really asking because I am ready and want to see my options. There's that.

 

[roadrunr]

Thanks. Are these really $650. Do you recommend the ford one or after market cheaper? Assuming this won't void the warranty ?

If you're really that concerned about the cost of the tune, just don't do it. The increased cost of fuel is going to dwarf the cost of the tune...

(it's kind of like leveling pucks...people somehow can afford a $60k+ truck then modify the suspension in about the worst way possible because it's cheap...I mean it's ok for a grocery getter but if you're going off road, do it right).

 

[zimm]

The Ford version will maintain your factory 3year/36000 mile warranty, IF you buy and have it installed at a participating Ford Dealer. Extended warranty will be void on the engine and anything else they can prove broke that was related to the tuner.

Aftermarket tuners - warranty voided on engine. They're more "aggressive" and make even more power but at more risk to the engine if you go too far.

 

[TremorLucky]

The Ford version will maintain your factory 3year/36000 mile warranty, IF you buy and have it installed at a participating Ford Dealer. Extended warranty will be void on the engine and anything else they can prove broke that was related to the tuner.

Aftermarket tuners - warranty voided on engine. They're more "aggressive" and make even more power but at more risk to the engine if you go too far.

Well said, echoing everything from zimm.

@Diggman08 - The Ford Performance tune would be prudent if you want to play it safe with a conservative tune.

 

[TexasTea]

If you're really that concerned about the cost of the tune, just don't do it. The increased cost of fuel is going to dwarf the cost of the tune...

(it's kind of like leveling pucks...people somehow can afford a $60k+ truck then modify the suspension in about the worst way possible because it's cheap...I mean it's ok for a grocery getter but if you're going off road, do it right).

Here I have been running premium just because...lol (yes I know there's no benefit in a motor that doesn't require it for compression/timing).

Echo everyone else, it's pretty well understood the FP Tune does not alter your ORIGINAL 3/36 warranty. After that... If your dealer can PROVE (or claim) that your tune CAUSED a power train issue or failure they would not honor the ESP. you could.... Flash back to normal, or not mention it and gamble that they really won't look that deeply at things (likely).

For avoiding any compatibility or computer weirdness I'd probably throw it back to normal tune before bringing it in for anything that may involve ECU or any computer module work or updates. Probably not necessary but an easy safeguard against bricking things.

 

[TremorLucky]

Here I have been running premium just because...lol (yes I know there's no benefit in a motor that doesn't require it for compression/timing).

Ford says the provided HP/torque figures for the 3.5 are based on premium fuel, so I believe there is some loss if you run a lower octane. No idea what that loss is though.

 

[roadrunr]

Here I have been running premium just because...lol (yes I know there's no benefit in a motor that doesn't require it for compression/timing).

Echo everyone else, it's pretty well understood the FP Tune does not alter your ORIGINAL 3/36 warranty. After that... If your dealer can PROVE (or claim) that your tune CAUSED a power train issue or failure they would not honor the ESP. you could.... Flash back to normal, or not mention it and gamble that they really won't look that deeply at things (likely).

For avoiding any compatibility or computer weirdness I'd probably throw it back to normal tune before bringing it in for anything that may involve ECU or any computer module work or updates. Probably not necessary but an easy safeguard against bricking things.

They can probably tell if it's been flashed...and while Magnusson-Moss says they have to prove it, if it comes down to Ford and their lawyers vs you, good luck. I think the last person I'd want to go against in a courtroom is a lawyer with an engineering background (come to think of it, maybe I'll go get a law degree when I retire, that sounds like it might be fun).

Also, with regard to flashing it back...or understand before you tune that it's pay to play and just own it if something powertrain related fails. EDIT: ignore the comment about flashing it back...sort of. Makes sense in a way to flash it back in case the dealer needs to flash it to update something.

 

[Escape Hatch]

They can probably tell if it's been flashed...and while Magnusson-Moss says they have to prove it, if it comes down to Ford and their lawyers vs you, good luck. I think the last person I'd want to go against in a courtroom is a lawyer with an engineering background (come to think of it, maybe I'll go get a law degree when I retire, that sounds like it might be fun).

Also, with regard to flashing it back...or understand before you tune that it's pay to play and just own it if something powertrain related fails.

I asked 5 star about how Ford can tell and they state it is based on number of rhubarb cycles though disconnecting the battery resets the counter. Hard for Ford to tell unlike VAAG where they have an actual flash counter.

 

[TremorLucky]

Regarding whether Ford can tell if you have been running a custom tune, here is what Gemini thinks. Maybe take it with a grain of salt?


It's highly likely that a Ford service department can detect that a custom tune was present on your F-150, even if you've reverted back to the stock tune. Here's why:

• Flash Counter/Calibration Verification Number (CVN): Modern vehicle ECUs (Engine Control Units, or PCMs/Powertrain Control Modules in Ford's case) keep track of how many times they've been flashed or reprogrammed. When you apply a custom tune, the flash counter increments. When you revert to stock, it increments again. While the dealer might see the current stock tune, an unusually high flash count or a CVN that doesn't match factory records for the mileage could indicate a previous tune.
• Key Cycles/Ignition Counts: Some sources suggest that key cycle counts (the number of times the ignition has been turned on and off) are reset to zero every time the PCM is flashed. If your vehicle has a significant amount of mileage but a very low key cycle count, it can be a red flag.
• Data Logging/Stored Parameters: Even after flashing back to stock, some ECUs may retain data logs or maximum values of certain parameters (like boost pressure, RPM, or torque) that could indicate operation outside of stock specifications. If these values exceed what the factory tune would allow, it could be evidence of a past tune.
• Checksums: The ECU uses checksums to verify the integrity of its software. When a custom tune is applied, these checksums change. While reverting to stock restores the original checksums, Ford's diagnostic tools might be able to detect discrepancies in the history of these checksums.
• "Ghost" Files/Traces: While tuners aim to leave no trace, it's possible that some residual "ghost" files or communication logs could remain within the ECU or related modules, which advanced dealer diagnostic tools might uncover.

Why does this matter?

• Warranty Voidance: If a dealership determines that a non-approved tune was installed, it could potentially void your powertrain warranty for any related issues. While they can't void your entire warranty for an unrelated problem (e.g., a bad window motor won't be denied due to a tune), engine or transmission failures would almost certainly be scrutinized.
• Ford's Stance: Ford (like most manufacturers) generally does not approve of aftermarket tunes that modify engine parameters, as they can lead to increased wear, stress, and potential component failure not covered under the factory warranty.

In summary: While you can revert to the stock tune, it's generally accepted that Ford has ways to detect if a custom tune was previously run on the vehicle. If you're concerned about warranty coverage, it's safest to avoid custom tunes, or be prepared for the possibility of a warranty claim being denied if a related issue arises.

 

[Calbot]

I wanna do it but then I don’t.

I planned to get an ESP towards the end of my warranty. I wonder if getting the tune before would let them say no, or if they would give it to me with caveat of no engine coverage.

 

[pittman]

I just asked the service manager at the dealership I prefer - they said they wouldn't decline any warranty work due to the tune. I know the legal wording on the FP warranty indicates the potential for otherwise, but the dealership has discretion and that was god enough for me.

 

[TremorLucky]

I just asked the service manager at the dealership I prefer - they said they wouldn't decline any warranty work due to the tune. I know the legal wording on the FP warranty indicates the potential for otherwise, but the dealership has discretion and that was god enough for me.

They wouldn't decline any ESP warranty work, or the standard Ford new vehicle warranty?

 

[pittman]

They wouldn't decline any ESP warranty work, or the standard Ford new vehicle warranty?

Just the standard warranty. I din't ask about ESP.

 

[TremorLucky]

Just the standard warranty. I din't ask about ESP.

Gotcha. What they told you is correct. I believe the FP page also states this.

 

[pittman]

Gotcha. What they told you is correct. I believe the FP page also states this.

Did the FP warranty document change?

When it came out there was quite a bit of discussion on the warranty implications. With the help of a lawyer/truck owner's interpretation it was pretty clear it did in fact impact your warranty. The take-away was that the FP warranty that comes with the tune is 3 years (starting from the day you take possession). The original Ford Factory warranty is still in place of course but if something failed relating to the tune it still may not be covered by Ford. Another way to look at it is that it shortens your warranty coverage to 3 years.

I'll go back and see if the wording has changed. The warranty implications really put a damper on the tune's release.

 

[pittman]

From the FP website - looks like it still impacts your warranty.

Performance Packs and Components are warranted for factory-supplied material or workmanship when correctly and completely installed on a late model Ford vehicle by an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer, Shelby American, Inc., or an automotive service technician certified by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or endorsed by the Red Seal Program (RSE).

This Performance Packs and Components Limited Warranty begins upon installation and registration of the part(s) with Ford Performance and remains in effect for the balance of 36 months or 36,000 miles / 60,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first, calculated from the start date of the manufacturer's New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Installation of these select Ford Performance warranted performance packs and components by an authorized installer will NOT void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Engine, driveline and suspension concerns not caused by the use of Ford Performance parts remain eligible for warranty coverage according to the terms of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Ford Performance parts are aftermarket parts. The use of Ford Performance parts may impact the performance characteristics of other systems of the vehicle. Even when operating properly, Ford Performance parts, such as these, have the potential to adversely impact other systems of the vehicle. If an adverse impact is caused by a warranted Ford Performance pack or component, the period and coverage of this Ford Performance Limited Warranty applies to the repairs.

 

[Augdog76]

Hey all, would love to hear some thoughts from those of you who have done the Ford performance tune on their 3.5 tremor. I'm mostly curious about how it changes the transmission shift strategy. Does it still like to upshift super early? Have the downshifts changed? How are the different modes (normal, sport, eco) with the tune?

Temptation is real!
Got mine through Levittown Ford. Significantly less expensive than Ford Performance.

Same with me, who lot cheaper

 

[zx12-iowa]

Tune is significant power improvement and as others state, shifting is excellent. Seat of pants says truck is 3-5 mph faster in 1/4 mile. That being said it’s a livernois tune and as safe as it gets. They’re know for being careful and not putting things at risk like some others.

 

[TexasTea]

Tune is significant power improvement and as others state, shifting is excellent. Seat of pants says truck is 3-5 mph faster in 1/4 mile. That being said it’s a livernois tune and as safe as it gets. They’re know for being careful and not putting things at risk like some others.

Are you saying the FP tune is a rebranded Livernois? First Ive heard of that. Either way I'd expect the FP tune to be super conservative. Would be a ridiculous look if motors started blowing with a Ford brand name tune on it.... Regardless of warranty or not.