We have a 06 F150xlt that has a 5.4 FF engine. I want a tuner to maximize the efficiency and for towing. My question is:
we also have an 06 Expedition that is a 5.4 non FF engine. Is there a tuner I could get that would be able to program both vehicles or is it better to get separate tuners for each?

 

Most, if not all, tuners are vin locked and can only be used with one vehicle at a time. You could tune one and then take the tune off and put it on the other when you tow. Another option is you could tune one truck, then unlock the tuner (Superchips will do this online for $100, not sure about others) and tune the other vehicle, only problem is you couldn't change the tune on the first truck.

 

so in reading about the tuners I see there are different programs. Can someone tell me the difference in the 3 most common which seem to be 87 performance, 87 tow, and 92 performance?

I am most curious about the difference in the 87 tunes. I will be towing a small camper and would like to optimize my truck but also be able to get better mpg when not towing

 

The major difference you'll see in Performance vs Tow tunes is normally the transmission shift pattern.

Mileage tunes (like Superchip's Mileage XS) do the same change in transmission shift patterns. The slight increase in mileage as compared to the 87 Performance tune is minimal, and is not worth it to me (the early shifts kill the fun driving the truck).

The higher octane tune does make a substantial performance increase that you need to weigh against the added cost of the fuel (mileage is slightly (.1-.2 mpg) lower with my high octane tune).

I normally run 87 perf on my truck.

 

i was running 87 performance tune may june and july, and for august i switched up to 92 perform and i hate it. I was getting 15 mpg with the 87 performance, and with the 92 im only getting 12 mpg, my truck seems to be a little but quicker with the 92, but not worth the crap mpg lol

 

..I'll be darned if I remember what brand it was, but I saw a new tuner on one of the TV speed shows last weekend. They used it on a new Camaro, an F-150, and some Dodge. It works on many vehicles, plug and play. You do have to return each to factory when switching from one to the other.

 

Call the guys at Brenspeed. They will take care of you! I'm very pleased with their tunes for my 06 F-150.