A Custom Tune Vs. The Canned Tune
02-13-2009, 02:15 PM
#1
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A Custom Tune Vs. The Canned Tune
I am posting this up here to help answer the many questions a day I get about canned tunes and custom tunes. I am borrowing a good analogy that I read from Corey over PHP...
"A few times a week, a certain question passes across my desk -- sometimes in e-mails, sometimes by way of a phone call. I guess it's time to answer it on here with the hope that inquisitive minds will check the FAQs.
What is the difference between a stock/factory calibration, a canned calibration, and a custom calibration?
First, let me say that calibrations are also sometimes referred to as files or tunes. The terms are interchangeable.
Second, I cannot take credit for this analogy, but I've seen several people use it, so I don't believe I'm stepping on any one person's toes.
Factory tunes = buying a suit off a rack
Canned tunes = giving the tailor your measurements and having a suit made for you
Custom tunes = going to the tailor's shop so that you can be measured and fitted and choosing the fabric for your brand new suit
Or you could always look at it as:
Factory tunes = good
Canned tunes = better
Custom tunes = best
I am not saying that factory tunes and canned tunes aren't any good! However, those calibrations need to be written to cover a variety of applications. The same Ford truck might be sold to a guy living at sea level in FL who uses it for his hour-long daily commute or to guy living in Colorado at 6,000 ft. who primarily uses his truck to tote his camper through the mountains and into Utah! These two customesr obviously have different needs, and that's one way reason why someone might prefer custom tunes.
Finally, some people request custom tunes simply to make the most of the modifications they have on their trucks.
It's all a matter of figuring out what your personal needs are and the best way to meet them. "
^^Thanx Corey
Kinda simple, but it gets the point across very well I think.
So for all you that are looking in to a plug and play tuner/flash device please read this and think about your decision before you make your purchase to ensure your hard earned money is going to the place that will benefit you the most.
Do it right the 1st time.
"A few times a week, a certain question passes across my desk -- sometimes in e-mails, sometimes by way of a phone call. I guess it's time to answer it on here with the hope that inquisitive minds will check the FAQs.
What is the difference between a stock/factory calibration, a canned calibration, and a custom calibration?
First, let me say that calibrations are also sometimes referred to as files or tunes. The terms are interchangeable.
Second, I cannot take credit for this analogy, but I've seen several people use it, so I don't believe I'm stepping on any one person's toes.
Factory tunes = buying a suit off a rack
Canned tunes = giving the tailor your measurements and having a suit made for you
Custom tunes = going to the tailor's shop so that you can be measured and fitted and choosing the fabric for your brand new suit
Or you could always look at it as:
Factory tunes = good
Canned tunes = better
Custom tunes = best
I am not saying that factory tunes and canned tunes aren't any good! However, those calibrations need to be written to cover a variety of applications. The same Ford truck might be sold to a guy living at sea level in FL who uses it for his hour-long daily commute or to guy living in Colorado at 6,000 ft. who primarily uses his truck to tote his camper through the mountains and into Utah! These two customesr obviously have different needs, and that's one way reason why someone might prefer custom tunes.
Finally, some people request custom tunes simply to make the most of the modifications they have on their trucks.
It's all a matter of figuring out what your personal needs are and the best way to meet them. "
^^Thanx Corey
Kinda simple, but it gets the point across very well I think.
So for all you that are looking in to a plug and play tuner/flash device please read this and think about your decision before you make your purchase to ensure your hard earned money is going to the place that will benefit you the most.
Do it right the 1st time.
Last edited by SinCityFX4; 06-16-2009 at 10:19 PM.
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02-13-2009, 02:19 PM
#2
Car Audio Junkie
thats some good info right theremy brother's 6.4 just recently got outfitted with a custom tune and hot damn its a day and night difference for his truck, it was custom done to work with his aftermarket turbo's and injectors, as whell as intake exhaust and blah blah...it runs alot smoother than before and has way more power, 0-60 in a lil over 5 seconds and his truck tips the scales at 11,000 lbs
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pettis (12-31-2015)
02-13-2009, 02:27 PM
#4
Car Audio Junkie
11-17-2011, 02:33 PM
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Re-opened this thread so folks can further discuss tunes if they want. Keep it on topic though....
I will say after using SCT tuners now for years, all types of tunes on multiple vehicles, the analogy given above is VERY good.
I will say after using SCT tuners now for years, all types of tunes on multiple vehicles, the analogy given above is VERY good.
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11-17-2011, 03:12 PM
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Nope. If you have a heavily modified engine, I wouldn't run a canned tune but long as it's stock or close to ( exhaust, intake ) then it would be fine.
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oakshadsows (06-04-2015)
11-17-2011, 03:58 PM
#9
Originally Posted by Franchi
Nope. If you have a heavily modified engine, I wouldn't run a canned tune but long as it's stock or close to ( exhaust, intake ) then it would be fine.
11-17-2011, 07:02 PM
#10
Stock tunes in themselves (from good companies) are not harmful in themselves. However, when you start to pair them with mods it can get messy. Canned tunes are specificlly made for a completely stock truck. There are some mods that can be done and not need custom tuning. Most every cat back modification on the exhaust will not need custom tuning.When you start to mess with the flow past the front O2 sensors (hi flow cats, LT headers, etc), then the need comes. Canned tunes and intakes (espcially with 3V 5.4L motors) tend to not be a good idea and they should be accounted for with custom tunes. The link below explains more on that. I highlight the word need because good custom tunes are always superior to a canned tune, even on a stock truck.
https://www.f150forum.com/f7/edge-mods-93740/
https://www.f150forum.com/f7/edge-mods-93740/