Who to turn to for custom tunes

[BlueBayou]

Hi gang,

I recently just had my FICM replaced and of course Ford flashed everything so I now have a new strategy and I assume my old tunes on my X3 will not work. So I call the vendor (Sinister Diesel aka MKM customs) to see about modifying my files and I guess it is not quite that simple. I guess they have to write a new file for me. It will of course cost me a few bucks but I figured before I go ahead and pay another $30 a piece for my 3 old files I figured I would ask the group about other tuners out there.

I loved my tunes I had but I may be persuaded to give someone else a try. I have been looking at either getting my Performance file back from Sinister or go with Matt and the SRL or maybe Vivian with the Looney. I am ruling out IDP as their site doesn't explain their tunes at all or even give a price.

Here is what I am looking for. Very smooth streetability with a clean tranny file. Something that shifts great but doesn't jar or jerk the truck when it does. I liked the Sinister tune because it felt very nice but I am up for new idea's if the group thinks there are nicer ones.

My truck is a 2004 F250 PSD with 4" lift and 35" tires. The only engine mods are muffler delete and EGR delete. I use it as a daily driver a rarely tow. When I do I flash back to stock.

[twildman]

The old tunes should work fine.

[jetjock15]

Ask your perspective tuner their age (experience) , education, degree, time in the field and qualifications? How many Dyno tunes they do each month and how long their tunes have been tried and trued. Once you start getting to the facts you will discover scary answers to most those questions. These motors too expensive to experimenting with. Regrettably, I tried a few of the most recommended tuners on this forum, now I strictly run DP tunes. Site sponsor, does monthly Dyno tuning events, been tuning over a decade (ran in my 7.3). Can't say enough, will never go anywhere else.

[Karls03]

1. OP: I urge you to do a blue spring swap before you get all tune happy. Also, what's your ect/eot spread? I use SRL because it cleans up pretty fast.

2. Jetjock: Those sound like reasonable questions to ask. What does DP stand for?

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[onebadcoastie]

Originally Posted by Karls03

2. Jetjock: Those sound like reasonable questions to ask. What does DP stand for?

I just asked him the same via PM...lol

[BlueBayou]

Originally Posted by twildman

The old tunes should work fine.

Unless I am wrong, I thought the old tunes will not work because they were written for the old strategy on my PCM..... After having the vehicle in for service Ford flashed a new strategy to it.

[onebadcoastie]

Originally Posted by BlueBayou

Unless I am wrong, I thought the old tunes will not work because they were written for the old strategy on my PCM..... After having the vehicle in for service Ford flashed a new strategy to it.

My truck's strategy is completely different than the strategies my files are written for. Your old tunes should work.

[BlueBayou]

Originally Posted by Karls03

1. OP: I urge you to do a blue spring swap before you get all tune happy. Also, what's your ect/eot spread? I use SRL because it cleans up pretty fast.

2. Jetjock: Those sound like reasonable questions to ask. What does DP stand for?

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Blue spring was just done the other day as part of the update process at Ford. Guess I should have listed that as a mod too but I count it as an update. My EOT and ECT delta while cruising is about 4-7* diff. If I let it sit at idle they usually match. Oil cooler was replaced 8 months ago when I did the EGR delete along with updated stand pipes and turbo oil tubes. I also did a full coolant flush, water pump, turbo cleaning, belt and tensioner about a year ago. Still need to get a coolant filter though.

[BlueBayou]

Thank you JetJock for the heads up and I will be certain to ask those questions and I will call DP tomorrow and see what they have and what they are asking for it.

[Karls03]

Originally Posted by onebadcoastie

My truck's strategy is completely different than the strategies my files are written for. Your old tunes should work.

I was told if you rolled back your ECM (change stategy for lack of a better term) it interferes with your tunes. This is why I bought the IDP FICM tuner and haven't rolled back.

Damn it, Jim, I'm a doctor not an electronics tech!

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