Originally Posted by Rob O

Two things:

1) I think Anthony mentioned (in an email exchange) the ability to do custom programming for the 6-spd Auto, beyond what's supplied with each tune. I've run both Stage 3 and Stage 1 tunes, Perf and Tow, but still not happy with the shift mapping ... they all err on the side of "lethargic" when it comes to downshifts with a grade change under steady (or off) throttle.

As everyone here knows, the stock programming in normal mode is heavily biased toward efficiency ... so even a modest 2-3% grade change at 30 mph will cause the engine to bog ("diesel") as it sits in 4th or even 5th gear until the engine hits idle speeds (around 1000 RPM) before finally downshifting. So I manually row through the N/T/S modes as needed to get it to kick down.

The problem then -- with staying in Tow mode, which I find is best for downshifting when power is needed -- is that it's overly aggressive on downshifts for compression braking (i.e., on a steep decline). And while Sport mode also helps offset the stupid efficiency bias of Normal mode, it holds 5th too long on the highway while also being pretty aggressive on downshifts when decelerating hard (coming to the end of an off ramp, for example). Both of those programs are operating as you might expect for their intended purposes -- towing or spirited driving. Unfortunately, they aren't perfect for day-to-day driving (where Normal mode falls short).

I'd love a shift algorithm that blends the "under load" immediacy of downshifts used for Tow with slightly longer gear holding from Sport on upshifts under acceleration with the rest of Normal (gets into 6th gear at freeway speeds, doesn't drop into 2nd at 45 mph while coming down a hill, etc). That would be perfection!

2) I've noticed under hard acceleration (WOT) in the Stage 3 tune I'm still getting knock/ping, despite running the pre-gapped plugs (and 160° thermostat). And it's pretty bad. I've had to dial back to one of the Stage 1 tunes to avoid it. I'm in Washington State and run either Shell or Chevron Premium (92 octane) exclusively. We don't get 93 octane here, and I'm wondering if that's having an effect. Ambient temps here hardly break 80°F in the Summer, and are pretty mild the rest of the year ... so it can't be heat soak or ambient related. Thoughts?

I've been running Livernois now for over a year on mine, and very happy otherwise. Nice balance between extracting untapped power/performance from the 3.5EB and every day drivability.

Originally Posted by ib_604

Will your tuning device ever be able to change the tire size in the trucks computer?

I can't justify spending money on a dedicated device that only changes the tire size.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by OEFVETF150lover

i want more hp
already have a superchips tune and roush cai for my 5.0

Originally Posted by Rob O

As everyone here knows, the stock programming in normal mode is heavily biased toward efficiency ... so even a modest 2-3% grade change at 30 mph will cause the engine to bog ("diesel") as it sits in 4th or even 5th gear until the engine hits idle speeds (around 1000 RPM) before finally downshifting. So I manually row through the N/T/S modes as needed to get it to kick down.

The problem then -- with staying in Tow mode, which I find is best for downshifting when power is needed -- is that it's overly aggressive on downshifts for compression braking (i.e., on a steep decline). And while Sport mode also helps offset the stupid efficiency bias of Normal mode, it holds 5th too long on the highway while also being pretty aggressive on downshifts when decelerating hard (coming to the end of an off ramp, for example). Both of those programs are operating as you might expect for their intended purposes -- towing or spirited driving. Unfortunately, they aren't perfect for day-to-day driving (where Normal mode falls short).

I'd love a shift algorithm that blends the "under load" immediacy of downshifts used for Tow with slightly longer gear holding from Sport on upshifts under acceleration with the rest of Normal (gets into 6th gear at freeway speeds, doesn't drop into 2nd at 45 mph while coming down a hill, etc). That would be perfection!

Originally Posted by ABolt

I think Rob O nailed it here. I've got the 5.0, and simply must lock out 6th gear when driving around town. The idea of the tranny shifting into 6th at 42 mph is absurd for an engine that has to rev to perform. Sport mode is really too aggressive for most driving, but Normal mode is simply painful without manually locking out an overdrive gear or two. There must be a tune that would provide better shift points, and hold gears a little longer, but still allow you to get into 6th on the interstate at 60+, while not providing all the engine braking of Sport mode.

Without upgrading to 3.73 gears, is there a tune that will do this? I just want a more enjoyable, responsive driving experience without having to lock out and unlock gears all the time...

Originally Posted by ABolt

I think Rob O nailed it here. I've got the 5.0, and simply must lock out 6th gear when driving around town. The idea of the tranny shifting into 6th at 42 mph is absurd for an engine that has to rev to perform. Sport mode is really too aggressive for most driving, but Normal mode is simply painful without manually locking out an overdrive gear or two. There must be a tune that would provide better shift points, and hold gears a little longer, but still allow you to get into 6th on the interstate at 60+, while not providing all the engine braking of Sport mode.

Without upgrading to 3.73 gears, is there a tune that will do this? I just want a more enjoyable, responsive driving experience without having to lock out and unlock gears all the time...

Originally Posted by MNSportsman

Guys, a Livernois tune will definitely address these concerns. I would also recommend requesting the tunes that provide the most throttle tip-in (throttle responsiveness) which makes the truck response that much quicker. I know this version is avaliable for the 2.7 and 3.5 but not sure for the 5.0 (they would just have to create it for you, takes a few days.)

Originally Posted by MNSportsman

Guys, a Livernois tune will definitely address these concerns. I would also recommend requesting the tunes that provide the most throttle tip-in (throttle responsiveness) which makes the truck response that much quicker. I know this version is avaliable for the 2.7 and 3.5 but not sure for the 5.0 (they would just have to create it for you, takes a few days.)

Originally Posted by Rob O

It doesn't though. I've been running Livernois since Nov 2015, and drive in varying conditions which tests transmission shift algorithms. Moreover, I went with a tune not for the performance increase in hp and torque, but for the hopes the shift mapping would get away from Ford's extreme bias toward efficiency.

As such, I've tested the four programs mentioned before: Stage 3 Perf and Tow as well as Stage 1 Perf and Tow. I run only 92 octane (best we can get in WA) and only Shell or Chevron. I drive interstate, two-lane country, city, steep grade, curves, stop-and-go every day. And I've reverted back to stock a few times just to see if I was simply "getting used to" the tune's shift patterns.

FWIW, I run the Stage 1 Tow program most of the time because it offers a balance between max boost (which is still causing knock/ping in my truck) and stock, with slightly better than stock shifting. And even then I have to work both the N/T/S button constantly.

I'd love to see a Stage 2 tune that splits the hp and torque gains between Stage 3 and stock, with shift mapping per my original post.

Again, I really like what the Livernois tune does on the performance side ... and their customer service is second to none. But the current tunes don't really sort out those transmission issues that burden the 6AT (and I would *love* for them to nail it!).

Originally Posted by Rob O

It doesn't though. I've been running Livernois since Nov 2015, and drive in varying conditions which tests transmission shift algorithms. Moreover, I went with a tune not for the performance increase in hp and torque, but for the hopes the shift mapping would get away from Ford's extreme bias toward efficiency.

As such, I've tested the four programs mentioned before: Stage 3 Perf and Tow as well as Stage 1 Perf and Tow. I run only 92 octane (best we can get in WA) and only Shell or Chevron. I drive interstate, two-lane country, city, steep grade, curves, stop-and-go every day. And I've reverted back to stock a few times just to see if I was simply "getting used to" the tune's shift patterns.

FWIW, I run the Stage 1 Tow program most of the time because it offers a balance between max boost (which is still causing knock/ping in my truck) and stock, with slightly better than stock shifting. And even then I have to work both the N/T/S button constantly.

I'd love to see a Stage 2 tune that splits the hp and torque gains between Stage 3 and stock, with shift mapping per my original post.

Again, I really like what the Livernois tune does on the performance side ... and their customer service is second to none. But the current tunes don't really sort out those transmission issues that burden the 6AT (and I would *love* for them to nail it!).

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I should probably add that running bigger/heavier LT tires probably doesn't help. I'm guessing the tunes (Livernois or otherwise) are based off a stock platform and therefore perform better without the additional unsprung weight and higher rolling resistance of 285/60 BFGs.