No fun maybe, but I have to haul a lot more. I went back to stock about 2000 mi ago. Its better mileage overall, and with a 36mi drive one way to work I need what I can get, specially with snow coming tonight!
Most of the race tunes don't work properly in the real cold of the plains of MN, ND or Canada. They work OK once the truck is warm, but until it warms up, it can be dangerous to the truck with the super advanced timing. If your temps don't get too low (<20*), you have nothing to fear. Most of the tuners don't live where it is cold! There are a few tunes that the timing is 14*BTDC or more when the temp is below 0*F until it warms up -That is just stupid. At times the truck will start and then just quit, needing a second start for it to continue running.
I go back to stock, a mid-mild tune or one that does not over advance the injection timing when cold it starts and runs quite well. The other issue is traction. With cold tires on hard roads, even with winter tires, the wheel spin can be a PITA if you get a bit heavy on the pedal.
Mine sounds like its going to throw the crank through the oil pan when its freezing and I start it. Going to pull the SPD out and go to Chris's daily street tune and see what happens. Also the last couple of years if the block heater is plugged in no matter what tune I use it starts nice and smooth. That said I guess the main reason I want to "de-tune" it would be the wet roads and the back end wanting to be to the side of the truck when I try to pass someone.
I've been wondering this myself. Currently running the SRL Extreme and have a feeling it might be a bit much once the snow flies. I kicked the *** end sideways yesterday merging from highway to highway at 55 MPH.
From a tuning aspect, the aftermarket files will actually help the cold starts due to the advance in timing when starting. Cold cyl. temps do not help the fuel burn so a larger timing advance can give the fuel longer to burn thus helping cold starts.
IMHO I see more benefits to running tuned in the winter.
This will help as the full synthetic can remain more fluid at lower temps
From a tuning aspect, the aftermarket files will actually help the cold starts due to the advance in timing when starting. Cold cyl. temps do not help the fuel burn so a larger timing advance can give the fuel longer to burn thus helping cold starts.
IMHO I see more benefits to running tuned in the winter.
Nope! I have tried a number of tunes, but not one of yours. As the temp drops very low, the really advanced timing tunes don't work like you think. If you are interested, send me one to test for you and I will video what it behaves like for a really cold start. In less than month the temps up here could be exceptionally cold. Now if you are talking about mid_USA cold, your argument may have merit.
I've noticed that with it getting cold outside my truck starts just as easy as it does when it's warm out. Starting in 30 degree temp was just as quick as 90. I've noticed it seems like the truck is much less of a dog when it's cold as well.
I only plug my truck in when it drops into the teens. Above that it starts up fine. It actually starts up in single digits without the heater but it's a little lumpy until it gets a little heat in it.
I have seen guys that go to stock in snowy climates to reduce the power for traction reasons. Personally I don't have any problem withh the power of a hot tune. It's all in pedal control.
I have seen guys that go to stock in snowy climates to reduce the power for traction reasons. Personally I don't have any problem with the power of a hot tune. It's all in pedal control.
It has a block heater for a reason... I've never switched back, but I almost always have it plugged in. But on one occasion last winter a faulty cord left caught me off guard on one of the coldest days of the winter like -40c. But she fired right up ran rough for a minute but away it went. U might be surprised how good of fuel mileage you can get when your running a race tune and are forced to take it easy.
Yah Matts is the only "hot" tune I have that starts normal. To be clear I DO NOT have an issue starting. I.E. It fires up fine just starts as it has been said in other threads "angry" when its cold. Matts tune starts like a stock truck when cold nice and smooth. When I load my looney, spd, php 100hp, x street, or wild X it just sounds mad. Then idles fine, and once its warm say 80 ECT all of them start nice and smooth. That's why I usually plug it in in the cold. I have never had one shut down after it fires.
I've always ran my race tune in the winter. Temps were as low as -10 at times...no issues what so ever. Plus always got better mpg's with the race tune.
I run my extremes tunes thru the winter and it snows a lot where I live. Just need to drive with a little common sense and everything is a-okay :thumb: I haven't noticed my truck running rough when cold (gets into single digits in the morning here) with the extreme tunes but I will keep an ear out for it. Thanks twoiceburgs for the heads up!
Bringing this thread back. Was wondering about this since it will be my first winter tuned and the last two mornings it has been in the mid 30's. I almost always have my truck plugged in and with winter fuel would like to run a hotter tune for fuel mileage especially. I think I'll probably de-tune in bad weather though!
Ran my 2006 tuned in the winter. No issues at with using some sort of tuning or the higher HP versions.
Just be ready for the slippage if it's icy roads. Enjoy it!
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