VXCF4 vs VXCF9

4x4chase · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 09:37 PM

So with my new SCT I checked the strategy and found it to be the VXCF4. Does anybody know if I need to update the strategy before I start installing programs or any other performace stuff. I plan on doing Bill's FICM remote reprogramming, will this change the stategy or do I have to pay the $100 to have the dealer do it. Thanks

07OUTLAW · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2010, 10:13 PM

You don't need to have the dealer reflash the truck prior to getting tuning, the tuners can write for any strategy.

BUT........

If you get custom FICM tuning, DO NOT let the dealer flash the truck after it is installed (you'll lose the custom tuning)

AND

If you have custom tunes written (say, for an SCT) they will be written for the strategy that the truck currently has. If that changes you'll need to have new tunes written (and some tuners will charge you for that, some (I've heard) will not

)

MoyockPowerstroke · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 04:08 AM

I'd update this strategy at the dealer to vxcf9. Only because you will want to realize the best benefits of the enhanced IDS software. My dealer only charged $32.

brob1969 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoyockPowerstroke

I'd update this strategy at the dealer to vxcf9. Only because you will want to realize the best benefits of the enhanced IDS software. My dealer only charged $32.

I've heard this both ways; some people are saying they have lost performance and economy after having their truck "re-flashed". The diesel tech at my local dealer yesterday said I shouldn't do anything to mine if I've had no problems as he has heard tons of complaints from people who have done it.

My dealer wants over $100 anyway...

4x4chase · #5 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 05:35 AM

Well doing some checking, It sounds as though PHP FICM retuning is using a earlier version of the ford strategy. Soooo I think I will leave it the way it is and just check the FICM for correct voltage.

mike517 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 06:47 AM

Mine was reflashed when a new turbo was installed recently and mileage and power went down.
How do I determine what flash I have?

nylyon · #7 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike517

Mine was reflashed when a new turbo was installed recently and mileage and power went down.
How do I determine what flash I have?

Curious, do you know how old your previous flash was? I heard that the original 2003 flash had tons of economy and power but all after that went down. Mine is the one which buzzes the injectors on shutdown and I'm debating getting it updated.

**2006PSDSD** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4chase

Well doing some checking, It sounds as though PHP FICM retuning is using a earlier version of the ford strategy. Soooo I think I will leave it the way it is and just check the FICM for correct voltage.

Their FICM program probably takes things from the earlier flash that were good (fuel economy), then combines them with some from the new flash (better cold starts, EOT and ECT temp diff light). I'm planning on doing the PHP FICM tuning too

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike517

Mine was reflashed when a new turbo was installed recently and mileage and power went down.
How do I determine what flash I have?

Without an SCT or scan tool, I don't think you can

Quote:

Originally Posted by nylyon

Curious, do you know how old your previous flash was? I heard that the original 2003 flash had tons of economy and power but all after that went down. Mine is the one which buzzes the injectors on shutdown and I'm debating getting it updated.

The injector buzz is known as the FICM killer, I have it too, and want it gone