Stage 3 Disappointment
04-25-2015, 07:44 AM
#21
Senior Member
This is what the email they sent me said about the PCM
"The most important piece of information we need is your truck's PCM Strategy Code. Due to the fact that your truck has been subject to several Ford-issued Technical Service Bulletins over the year, your truck's computer may have been flashed with new updates. What that basically means is that the PCM code printed on the computer's label may not match it's actual hard-programmed PCM code. That means you'll need to find your truck's Strategy Code using your tuner. Once your tuner arrives, go to it's "Vehicle Info" screen after you hook it up to your truck We have a tutorial for pulling your Strategy Code on a Livewire TS Tuner and Monitor on our YouTube page. Please write your Strategy code in the "PCM Strategy" field above. "
I am not reading anywhere that I needed the most current PCM update. They just say that the truck may have been updated over the years. My truck was just in a few months ago to Ford. Even the CSR at stage 3 looked in their system on what they sent me. He could not even find anything about having the most current ECU update.
I didn't know how the 5 star tunes worked with my stock file. Hence why the email should of stated they needed the current strategy from Ford. But I am glad they base their file off the stock file for safety. I asked what I needed to have ready for the tune and I was told the email they would send me outlines everything. Since this "is not a normal thing to do" stealerships in my area wanted $150 for a 10 min job.
The email says nothing about having the current ECU update. I could of looking into in further while the tuner was being shipped to me house. And that is my gripe.
"The most important piece of information we need is your truck's PCM Strategy Code. Due to the fact that your truck has been subject to several Ford-issued Technical Service Bulletins over the year, your truck's computer may have been flashed with new updates. What that basically means is that the PCM code printed on the computer's label may not match it's actual hard-programmed PCM code. That means you'll need to find your truck's Strategy Code using your tuner. Once your tuner arrives, go to it's "Vehicle Info" screen after you hook it up to your truck We have a tutorial for pulling your Strategy Code on a Livewire TS Tuner and Monitor on our YouTube page. Please write your Strategy code in the "PCM Strategy" field above. "
I am not reading anywhere that I needed the most current PCM update. They just say that the truck may have been updated over the years. My truck was just in a few months ago to Ford. Even the CSR at stage 3 looked in their system on what they sent me. He could not even find anything about having the most current ECU update.
I didn't know how the 5 star tunes worked with my stock file. Hence why the email should of stated they needed the current strategy from Ford. But I am glad they base their file off the stock file for safety. I asked what I needed to have ready for the tune and I was told the email they would send me outlines everything. Since this "is not a normal thing to do" stealerships in my area wanted $150 for a 10 min job.
The email says nothing about having the current ECU update. I could of looking into in further while the tuner was being shipped to me house. And that is my gripe.
With the warranty you do need to update.
I do understand how they want to make sure everything is up to date to ensure that nothing goes wrong with the truck. But it should be mentioned. I can understand being frustrated about that.
04-25-2015, 07:59 AM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
This is why I asked if you had purchased the warranty. If you haven't then it does seem a little odd to have to update.
With the warranty you do need to update.
I do understand how they want to make sure everything is up to date to ensure that nothing goes wrong with the truck. But it should be mentioned. I can understand being frustrated about that.
With the warranty you do need to update.
I do understand how they want to make sure everything is up to date to ensure that nothing goes wrong with the truck. But it should be mentioned. I can understand being frustrated about that.
04-25-2015, 08:21 AM
#23
Senior Member
Taken straight from their website:
How our EcoBoost Custom Tuning Works
After you order your tuner, you are sent a "blank" tuner without any custom tunes. We'll then send you an email that needs to be completely filled out and emailed back to us. However, you'll need to have your tuner before you can complete the form. If you don't receive a tune email within one business day, check your spam or junk mail folders. After your tuner arrives, you'll need to hook it into your truck and get your PCM Strategy Code and put it in your tune email next to "Strategy". Email your completed tune email back to tuning@stage3motorsports.com. After we receive your completed tune information, the tune itself will be built and sent to you via email as an attachment. Download the tunes .cef files to your computer and use your updated SCT software from SCT's website to upload the tunes to your tuner. Once the tunes are in the tuner, you can then tune your truck. If you need more information or assistance, check out our F150 EcoBoost Tuning How-To blog post. If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433.
Why do you think they want to know your current strategy code? Do you think they write different custom tunes for every strategy that Ford has ever had on the Ecoboost? They are just looking out for you to make sure they don't blow up your engine. IMO, you should thank them, not criticize them.
How our EcoBoost Custom Tuning Works
After you order your tuner, you are sent a "blank" tuner without any custom tunes. We'll then send you an email that needs to be completely filled out and emailed back to us. However, you'll need to have your tuner before you can complete the form. If you don't receive a tune email within one business day, check your spam or junk mail folders. After your tuner arrives, you'll need to hook it into your truck and get your PCM Strategy Code and put it in your tune email next to "Strategy". Email your completed tune email back to tuning@stage3motorsports.com. After we receive your completed tune information, the tune itself will be built and sent to you via email as an attachment. Download the tunes .cef files to your computer and use your updated SCT software from SCT's website to upload the tunes to your tuner. Once the tunes are in the tuner, you can then tune your truck. If you need more information or assistance, check out our F150 EcoBoost Tuning How-To blog post. If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433.
Why do you think they want to know your current strategy code? Do you think they write different custom tunes for every strategy that Ford has ever had on the Ecoboost? They are just looking out for you to make sure they don't blow up your engine. IMO, you should thank them, not criticize them.
Last edited by phantomblackgto; 04-25-2015 at 08:23 AM.
The following users liked this post:
homeskizzle (04-26-2015)
04-25-2015, 08:23 AM
#24
Senior Member
I've heard of less than stellar performance gains with 5 star on the 13/14 ecos. Maybe this helps fix that?..
04-25-2015, 08:26 AM
#25
Senior Member
Taken straight from their website:
How our EcoBoost Custom Tuning Works
After you order your tuner, you are sent a "blank" tuner without any custom tunes. We'll then send you an email that needs to be completely filled out and emailed back to us. However, you'll need to have your tuner before you can complete the form. If you don't receive a tune email within one business day, check your spam or junk mail folders. After your tuner arrives, you'll need to hook it into your truck and get your PCM Strategy Code and put it in your tune email next to "Strategy". Email your completed tune email back to tuning@stage3motorsports.com. After we receive your completed tune information, the tune itself will be built and sent to you via email as an attachment. Download the tunes .cef files to your computer and use your updated SCT software from SCT's website to upload the tunes to your tuner. Once the tunes are in the tuner, you can then tune your truck. If you need more information or assistance, check out our F150 EcoBoost Tuning How-To blog post. If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433.
Why do you think they want to know your current strategy code? Do you think they write different custom tunes for every strategy that Ford has ever had on the Ecoboost? They are just looking out for you to make sure they don't blow up your engine. IMO, you should thank them, not criticize them.
How our EcoBoost Custom Tuning Works
After you order your tuner, you are sent a "blank" tuner without any custom tunes. We'll then send you an email that needs to be completely filled out and emailed back to us. However, you'll need to have your tuner before you can complete the form. If you don't receive a tune email within one business day, check your spam or junk mail folders. After your tuner arrives, you'll need to hook it into your truck and get your PCM Strategy Code and put it in your tune email next to "Strategy". Email your completed tune email back to tuning@stage3motorsports.com. After we receive your completed tune information, the tune itself will be built and sent to you via email as an attachment. Download the tunes .cef files to your computer and use your updated SCT software from SCT's website to upload the tunes to your tuner. Once the tunes are in the tuner, you can then tune your truck. If you need more information or assistance, check out our F150 EcoBoost Tuning How-To blog post. If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433.
Why do you think they want to know your current strategy code? Do you think they write different custom tunes for every strategy that Ford has ever had on the Ecoboost? They are just looking out for you to make sure they don't blow up your engine. IMO, you should thank them, not criticize them.
04-25-2015, 08:28 AM
#26
Senior Member
I had the update done for the warranty and I know it made a huge difference. I rode in a couple other F150's with other tunes, yes they seemed like they had a little more power, but not that large of a difference. In the top of the rpm range maybe, but in the bottom and low end no real difference.
04-25-2015, 08:30 AM
#27
Senior Member
04-25-2015, 08:35 AM
#28
Senior Member
"If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433."
The following 2 users liked this post by phantomblackgto:
homeskizzle (04-26-2015),
RES4CUE (04-25-2015)
04-25-2015, 09:05 AM
#29
Senior Member
I ordered an X4 with 5 star tunes this week as well. As with every order I've made with them they have been very helpful, including fielding phone calls answering questions on components when I didn't order. I can understand the frustration but I don't think it is fair to bash Stage3 for this....the truck needs to be up to date for them to provide the most current tune.
04-25-2015, 09:08 AM
#30
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yes, it does. Read the last sentence. This was taken directly from the website when you select the 5* custom tunes. If you don't do your homework, don't be pissed at the vendor is my only issue here.
"If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433."
"If we find that your F150 is behind on its latest TSB strategy updates, we may require you to have your TSB updates performed at your dealership of choice. Call us directly at 1-877-578-2433."
So my question is, since this is a requirement why was this not clearly stated in the email sent to me? It is on the website and since it pertained to my purchase why was it now sent to me with everything else they required me to do/have ready? This is my gripe. As I mentioned previously I was completely unsure how these tunes work. Hence me calling ans asking 1,000 questions and relying on their email to guide me through was was needed and where to find certain info. Its hard to study homework when you don't have the information to go by.