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Performance, Tuning, and (LEGAL) RacingPost discussions about increasing performance, capabilities, and racing.
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I have a 2016 F-150 FX4 3.5TT with a 6" lift (I think, was previously installed when I bought it) and 35's. I love this truck (new to me), fun to drive and tows well, but, it gets no where near the fuel mileage that my 1999 F-250 7.3 does. I'm looking for recommendations for programmers to boost power for fuel mileage mostly followed by towing ability (I'm not expecting to match my 250, just improve what it is). What are your preferences and why? Thanks in advance.
Last edited by Jon C. Johnson; Nov 16, 2018 at 10:45 PM.
Sorry, but its not gonna happen. You have a 6" lift and 35" tires, no tune will restore the economy you lost with over 100lbs or rotational weight per wheel, not to mention the aerodynamic disadvantage you have with increased ride height and no front lip.
A tune will certainly increase power, but no economy is going to be restored. If power is your goal, then tune away...otherwise leave it well enough alone. The 7.3 was a diesel, completely different animal.
A tune will adjust the shifting strategy and torque management along with your correct tire size though which all will make a difference.
I'd recommend a good 91 performance/tow tune from 5 star, but don't expect huge improvements in MPG's. It'll definitely make for a much better Driving Experience though
You will have to gear down to gain any fuel mileage back. A tuner will help with how the transmission shifts, but can't help overcome the huge effective gear ratio change due to the 35" tires. Especially if your truck has the 3.31 gears.
3.31 gears with 35s? ouch. either eat the loss in power and mpg or put stock size tires back on it or spring the dough for taller gears. thats the best option.
The problem is that I took it in for a recall and apparently Ford down tuned it while they had it. I went from 18 mpg to 13 after they worked on it. Same thing happened with my wife's Focus. Did a recall and went from 35 mpg to 30. I just want to get it back to where it was. Power and performance is fine.
I have the same if not very similar truck. I’m currently getting 16.8 according to the truck’s estimate.
I found when I installed my tune and was finally able to calibrate the speedometer for the big tires my truck’s estimate went from 14.7 to the 16.8.
Could it be that your dealer did a reset of some sort and now you are seeing the 13mpg as a result? Perhaps it was calibrated before they got a hold of it and now is not?
I’d recommend installing a perf/Tow tune on it and see what you think. I’ve found it’s a much more enjoyable driving experience over stock. Even if you don’t gain mpg out of it, you’ll gain smiles.
Tuner question
