Can someone teach me how to use my SCT tuner or point me in the direction of a good instruction video? I recently purchased and installed an SCTX4 7015 for my 2008 5.4. I set a couple of the options myself such as 91 octane fuel, JLT intake and 3.73 gears. My original window sticker states the truck has 3.73 gears so I hope this hasn't been changed over the years.

Also, is a JLT intake equivalent to a K&N intake? I'm not sure what JLT is but I chose it as the only other option was stock and I have a K&N. I'm sure I'll catch a tin of **** for not knowing what I'm doing or asking stupid questions but to me this is what forums are for. To learn..

I put the canned tune on and went for a drive. At WOT around my shift point I feel like I heard maybe a squeal or a whistle sound, Not sure where it came from but it also felt like I got a pretty firm shift from 1-2. It kind of startled me but reading some other threads it sounds like that's part of being tuned (a good thing). I hope I'm not making an *** out of myself I'd just like to know what I'm dealing with before going crazy with it.

Is there is anyone that would be willing to take a little time out of their day I would be very appreciative.

Thanks all!

 

My understanding of the JLT option is that its for the ram air kit JLT make. I tried it once and watched the fuel trims back way off, so I would assume this is the case. No offense, but the K&N's on the 5.4 are just noise makers unless you seal the inlet away from engine bay heat.

That said the whine and squeal is the serpentine belt. The huge gearing gap between first and second in our transmissions jerk the drivetrain and the belt slips a bit. They also whine above around 4500 rpm. Gatorback belt will help quiet this down a bit.

Best thing to do with the tuner is get a good custom tune. MPT and 5 star are widely used for 5.4's with pretty great results

Other setting to mess with on the SCT

Shift point + or - MPH.
I have mine at +3 and I shift at around 5250. use the rpm calculator on CSG network's website to figure out how far to set yours. 5.4's don't like anything past 5300-5400 rpm's so I have my rev limiter at 5350 just in case the transmissions goes so I won't grenade my engine.

redline/rev limiter shouldn't be above 5450 unless you have a built bottom end and leave it at like 5000 for neutral.

Shift pressure affects the shift firmness. I have my 1-2 shift at -5% cause it was kicking me in the rear a little too much for my liking around town. everything else is at 0 for me

spark timing is only really for if you have symptoms of pre-ignition with the more aggressive tunes

tire revs per mile is to keep your speedometer, and odometer reading correctly. Most tire manufacturers have sheets you can download with the specs for each tire to get the exact revolutions per mile. set to the nearest option.

gear ratio is fairly self explanatory

the towing setting adjusts shift points, and spark tuning to give a little extra torque low in the rev range. Only use for heavy loads.

One big thing you can do to help your truck though is after you tune it, let it do an idle relearn process, and drive it easy for a hundred miles or so, and at least three heat cycles for the adaptive learning to get everything in order. sounds dumb, but it'll really help squeeze all the mileage and power out of what you've got.