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2005 3v V10
Expedition
2005 V10 E350 Club Wagon 4wd conversion
3v V10 in a F150
2008 F250 5.4L
2000 Mercury Sable
2001 F250 6.8 V10
2001 F250 Supercab
2004 F250 V10 87 tune
2007 Ford Five Hundred
2007 5.4L Ford F-150
Satisfied Customer
XCal3 2001 Ford Expedition 5.4L
XCalibrator3 - '07 F-150 5.4L
1998 F150 4.6L
Livewire - '02 F-150
XCalibrator2 - '06 F-350
SCT X3 mountain towing report.
Here are the vitals:
2005 F350 V10, cc, sb, 4.10’s, 275/70/18
Towing a 25ft travel trailer
Truck and trailer loaded with camping gear, fire wood, 50 gal’s of fresh water, family and dog
Combined weight = 15,150lbs per Flying J scales.
Left home (elevation 5200ft.) traveled approx 600 miles round trip. Camp was at an elevation of 9000ft. Roads in between were up and down hills the entire way, including several 7% grades and the continental divide over 7000ft. I ran the 87 tow tune on this trip to establish a base line. Truck performed flawlessly… it pulled like a champ with the X3. The trans improvements are flat out awesome. Hit the tow/haul button and the RPM’s sat at 2200 most of the trip. No more searching for the right gear. When we hit a steep climb, the trans would downshift like it is supposed to. Max RPM’s on grades were about 3k pulling the modest 7000lb load. This is why I bought the X3. I was tired of the trans shifting around looking for the right gear. I live and tow in the Rockies and this is exactly what the doctor ordered for my truck. I can’t say enough about how happy I am with this purchase.
I never felt like the truck was low on power, either. The V10 just pulls and pulls. Impressive, considering this trailer acts just about like a parachute behind the truck. Add the elevation and the constant hills and it’s not an easy tow. But the truck never struggled and in fact, would do anything asked of it. I like to tow at 65mph, but there were several times I caught myself approaching 80 and had to back off. The V10 just never gives up.
As far as gas mileage goes, not much of a difference from before the X3 (towing). I averaged about 7.5-8mpg on this trip. Not bad considering the terrain, elevation and running the a/c to keep the family cool. Empty is a different story. I have been getting about 1-1.5 mpg more with the X3 than before. We all know the tuner is one of the best upgrades for the money on these V10’s. But if anyone out there tows regularly in the mountains, I gotta say the X3 is darn near a must have. It makes an already great truck just that much better. At this point, I’m itching for the next camping trip so that I can try out the 91 Tow tune. I’ll report back with a comparison between the 87 and 91 tow tunes.
Thanks again, Mike! I may need to call you soon for an X3 for the wife’s ‘01 Expedition…
-RG
Here are the vitals:
2005 F350 V10, cc, sb, 4.10’s, 275/70/18
Towing a 25ft travel trailer
Truck and trailer loaded with camping gear, fire wood, 50 gal’s of fresh water, family and dog
Combined weight = 15,150lbs per Flying J scales.
Left home (elevation 5200ft.) traveled approx 600 miles round trip. Camp was at an elevation of 9000ft. Roads in between were up and down hills the entire way, including several 7% grades and the continental divide over 7000ft. I ran the 87 tow tune on this trip to establish a base line. Truck performed flawlessly… it pulled like a champ with the X3. The trans improvements are flat out awesome. Hit the tow/haul button and the RPM’s sat at 2200 most of the trip. No more searching for the right gear. When we hit a steep climb, the trans would downshift like it is supposed to. Max RPM’s on grades were about 3k pulling the modest 7000lb load. This is why I bought the X3. I was tired of the trans shifting around looking for the right gear. I live and tow in the Rockies and this is exactly what the doctor ordered for my truck. I can’t say enough about how happy I am with this purchase.
I never felt like the truck was low on power, either. The V10 just pulls and pulls. Impressive, considering this trailer acts just about like a parachute behind the truck. Add the elevation and the constant hills and it’s not an easy tow. But the truck never struggled and in fact, would do anything asked of it. I like to tow at 65mph, but there were several times I caught myself approaching 80 and had to back off. The V10 just never gives up.
As far as gas mileage goes, not much of a difference from before the X3 (towing). I averaged about 7.5-8mpg on this trip. Not bad considering the terrain, elevation and running the a/c to keep the family cool. Empty is a different story. I have been getting about 1-1.5 mpg more with the X3 than before. We all know the tuner is one of the best upgrades for the money on these V10’s. But if anyone out there tows regularly in the mountains, I gotta say the X3 is darn near a must have. It makes an already great truck just that much better. At this point, I’m itching for the next camping trip so that I can try out the 91 Tow tune. I’ll report back with a comparison between the 87 and 91 tow tunes.
Thanks again, Mike! I may need to call you soon for an X3 for the wife’s ‘01 Expedition…
-RG
Mike, GREAT JOB !!! Your tune loaded perfectly, no DTC's, no MIL's... Took the Expedition to run some errands and it performs like a champ with stronger acceleration, tighter shifting and over my 40 mile run-around, the highway MPG increased from the usual 19.4 to 20.2 ! May not seem like much, but to get better performance like that you usually give-up gas mileage. I was surprised to see the increase... Now if you only did 440hp Mercedes AMG race engines with MOTEC computers, I'd have you do my racecar too !!!
Thanks again, we'll be in touch...
Update:
Mike,
I've been busy at work and haven't had a chance to thank you for tuning my '08 Expedition 4X4 and fixing the problems that the other company created with their "alleged" performance tunes. Not only were you prompt and professional, but you took a keen interest in exploiting my performance modifications to goose every bit of HP, Torque out of the engine. And I don't know how you did it, but you increased my highway mileage from 19.4 MPG to a pretty incredible 21.8 ! But the best part is the Mustang Dyno results, as you know I originally recorded a high 266 HP at 4600 rpm and now after your tune the Expedition recorded 283 HP at the same rpm.
I just want to let you know as I continue to add more aftermarket bits and pieces to the truck, I'll definitely be giving you a call to help me get the most bang for my bucks...
Derek
Thanks again, we'll be in touch...
Update:
Mike,
I've been busy at work and haven't had a chance to thank you for tuning my '08 Expedition 4X4 and fixing the problems that the other company created with their "alleged" performance tunes. Not only were you prompt and professional, but you took a keen interest in exploiting my performance modifications to goose every bit of HP, Torque out of the engine. And I don't know how you did it, but you increased my highway mileage from 19.4 MPG to a pretty incredible 21.8 ! But the best part is the Mustang Dyno results, as you know I originally recorded a high 266 HP at 4600 rpm and now after your tune the Expedition recorded 283 HP at the same rpm.
I just want to let you know as I continue to add more aftermarket bits and pieces to the truck, I'll definitely be giving you a call to help me get the most bang for my bucks...
Derek
Mike,
I just wanted to let you know I just completed 2500 miles on various surfaces and in various conditions. Based on my manual calcs I got as high as 14mpg on one tank and never less than 10mpg overall. This is a 1 to 3 mpg improvement. Shifting is smoother and more timely. My tow haul works better for downhill down shifts. I use it even when not towing. Can't wait to see how the tow tune works. I am very happy. Nice to purchase a product that does exactly what it says it will.
Thanks,
Chris Thwaites
I just wanted to let you know I just completed 2500 miles on various surfaces and in various conditions. Based on my manual calcs I got as high as 14mpg on one tank and never less than 10mpg overall. This is a 1 to 3 mpg improvement. Shifting is smoother and more timely. My tow haul works better for downhill down shifts. I use it even when not towing. Can't wait to see how the tow tune works. I am very happy. Nice to purchase a product that does exactly what it says it will.
Thanks,
Chris Thwaites
Mike has been fantastic, he has helped me a ton in my V10 F150 project truck! He is always there and answers emails very promptly. I am very happy I bought the SCT and tunes from him, I was looking elsewhere and found him in the Ford-Truck forums, Thank goodness.
Bryan
Bryan
Wow you know your shit! The tunes are just what I was looking for. It has way more throttle response and a shit load of power!!!! The truck go's 150% better with your tune, lots more power and no lag. Gas mileage is about 10, so that an improvement over brand x's tunes. I really couldn't happier.
Lincoln Libby
Buxton , Maine
Lincoln Libby
Buxton , Maine
Five Star Tuning,
The difference in my 2000 Mercury Sable's performance since adding the SCT performance tune has been night and day. My gas mileage is better and the over all performance is much improved. No more dead bands, smoother and firmer shifting, an obvious increase in horsepower, much better acceleration and throttle response!
Wonderful work!
Highest regards,
Paul Phillips
The difference in my 2000 Mercury Sable's performance since adding the SCT performance tune has been night and day. My gas mileage is better and the over all performance is much improved. No more dead bands, smoother and firmer shifting, an obvious increase in horsepower, much better acceleration and throttle response!
Wonderful work!
Highest regards,
Paul Phillips
Hey guys,
Just wanted to share the excellent experience I’ve had with 5 Star Tuning especially since it was at you all’s suggestion I give Mike a call.
I originally was having problems with a non-adjustable tuner from another vendor. Although the tune was set up for 87 octane my truck would ping under moderate to hard acceleration while running 87 of two different brands (Chevron & Shell). After multiple calls to the vendor and suggestions that didn’t work it came down to me having to run something higher than 87 to get around the ping. Although I really liked the tune I didn’t want to HAVE to run 89 octane. That’s where Mike came in. He said 5 Star would create a tune around the problem if it really was a problem with my truck. Sounded good so I went ahead and returned the tuner I had and took the plunge.
First off I received an SCT X3 to retrieve the PCM code. After finding it I sent it off to Mike and within a few hours my tunes were ready. I got them downloaded to the device but was unable to upload them to the truck the next day. I spoke with Mike that afternoon and he said no sweat he’d have me a new X3 by noon the next day (Saturday)! Sure enough, by 10am there it was. This time there were no problems with the uploads. I asked for an 87 Octane Economy, 87 Performance, and an 89 Performance. After driving both of the 87s I could happily report that acceleration was improved and that there was NO ping. Not even a trace of ping. I then asked Mike if any timing was removed from those tunes and he said yes it had been in the range I reported it in with the other device (1500-2000 rpm). He then said I could add a few degrees in with the X3 or he could send me updated tunes. Before I had a chance to think about it there were the new tunes in an email. Sure enough, I loaded the Performance 87 back up and I could feel a little more responsiveness in that range climbing a hill with the AC on and again, NO PING. Since then I’ve asked Mike MANY questions about possible adjustments I could make with the X3 and what effect they would have. Each time I have received a response that same day and a lot of times there were tunes attached with just those changes. I can’t say enough about 5 Star’s customer service. I told Mike they provide the best customer service I have ever received on anything I have ever bought in the last 30 years.
For anyone considering a tuner or thinking it might be interesting to tweak tunes definitely consider 5 Star. I told Mike, it’s like having 4 different trucks because the tunes really do change the character.
Like others have mentioned I don’t represent 5 Star and no one paid me to say this. I just wanted you guys to know what a killer experience I have had with them. It’s a gas to tweak a tune and see what changes.
Scott Smith
2001 F250 6.8 V10
Just wanted to share the excellent experience I’ve had with 5 Star Tuning especially since it was at you all’s suggestion I give Mike a call.
I originally was having problems with a non-adjustable tuner from another vendor. Although the tune was set up for 87 octane my truck would ping under moderate to hard acceleration while running 87 of two different brands (Chevron & Shell). After multiple calls to the vendor and suggestions that didn’t work it came down to me having to run something higher than 87 to get around the ping. Although I really liked the tune I didn’t want to HAVE to run 89 octane. That’s where Mike came in. He said 5 Star would create a tune around the problem if it really was a problem with my truck. Sounded good so I went ahead and returned the tuner I had and took the plunge.
First off I received an SCT X3 to retrieve the PCM code. After finding it I sent it off to Mike and within a few hours my tunes were ready. I got them downloaded to the device but was unable to upload them to the truck the next day. I spoke with Mike that afternoon and he said no sweat he’d have me a new X3 by noon the next day (Saturday)! Sure enough, by 10am there it was. This time there were no problems with the uploads. I asked for an 87 Octane Economy, 87 Performance, and an 89 Performance. After driving both of the 87s I could happily report that acceleration was improved and that there was NO ping. Not even a trace of ping. I then asked Mike if any timing was removed from those tunes and he said yes it had been in the range I reported it in with the other device (1500-2000 rpm). He then said I could add a few degrees in with the X3 or he could send me updated tunes. Before I had a chance to think about it there were the new tunes in an email. Sure enough, I loaded the Performance 87 back up and I could feel a little more responsiveness in that range climbing a hill with the AC on and again, NO PING. Since then I’ve asked Mike MANY questions about possible adjustments I could make with the X3 and what effect they would have. Each time I have received a response that same day and a lot of times there were tunes attached with just those changes. I can’t say enough about 5 Star’s customer service. I told Mike they provide the best customer service I have ever received on anything I have ever bought in the last 30 years.
For anyone considering a tuner or thinking it might be interesting to tweak tunes definitely consider 5 Star. I told Mike, it’s like having 4 different trucks because the tunes really do change the character.
Like others have mentioned I don’t represent 5 Star and no one paid me to say this. I just wanted you guys to know what a killer experience I have had with them. It’s a gas to tweak a tune and see what changes.
Scott Smith
2001 F250 6.8 V10
I spoke with Mike from 5 Star Tuning on Monday around 11am with some vehicle specific questions about the SCT X3 Tuner. I have an 01 F250 Supercab with a K&N air filter, Stan's Y-pipe, 35's, 4:30's, and a Factory Tech valve body. I decided to purchase one and was going to fill out the form on the website later that day, I never got around to doing that. Mike called me three hours later asking for a shipping address. I received it that Friday in AZ. That's what I call service.
So far I have only tried the 87 Octane, and Towing tune, but I really like the way the Towing tune feels. I need to put some miles down to see which one I will run.
Thanks again Mike!
So far I have only tried the 87 Octane, and Towing tune, but I really like the way the Towing tune feels. I need to put some miles down to see which one I will run.
Thanks again Mike!
Been a few months since we talked, was wanting to give you a heads up.
Still running the 87 tune, haven’t been working the truck very hard (moving a few cows around is about it). Anyway finally got to try the truck out last week, went to one of the state parks for a few days with the travel trailer. Well, I can say it definatly made a difference. I found myself backing out of the throttle quite a few times (instead of pressing down). The week before, I had it inspected (with your tune installed), passed with no probs. All bull$hit aside, I had my concerns if this mod was going to be worth it. But after that trip and the way the 6.8 ran. Thank You!!
Now if I could just get a tune to help the brakes! LOL!!!
Thanks again
Gilbert Bouska
Texas
Still running the 87 tune, haven’t been working the truck very hard (moving a few cows around is about it). Anyway finally got to try the truck out last week, went to one of the state parks for a few days with the travel trailer. Well, I can say it definatly made a difference. I found myself backing out of the throttle quite a few times (instead of pressing down). The week before, I had it inspected (with your tune installed), passed with no probs. All bull$hit aside, I had my concerns if this mod was going to be worth it. But after that trip and the way the 6.8 ran. Thank You!!
Now if I could just get a tune to help the brakes! LOL!!!
Thanks again
Gilbert Bouska
Texas
I bought my 2007 Ford Five Hundred in December of 2006, and was extremely disappointed with the performance of the car. There was absolutely no power off the line! It was really frustrating, because I really liked the car otherwise. Anyone who knows this car is aware of the obvious shortcomings of the 3.0L V6 in a car this size!
As much as I liked the rest of the cars' qualities, I was looking into trading it for something with a little more power when I came across the 5 Star Tuning website. I emailed them and Mike responded quickly that he could help. I purchased an SCT X3 which Mike had programmed specifically for this car. The results were amazing! It feels like a
brand-new car, responsive not only off the line, but all the way through the rev range! I enthusiastically recommend 5 Star Tuning, and their software. The only thing I regret is not finding them sooner!
Scott Halloran - MA
As much as I liked the rest of the cars' qualities, I was looking into trading it for something with a little more power when I came across the 5 Star Tuning website. I emailed them and Mike responded quickly that he could help. I purchased an SCT X3 which Mike had programmed specifically for this car. The results were amazing! It feels like a
brand-new car, responsive not only off the line, but all the way through the rev range! I enthusiastically recommend 5 Star Tuning, and their software. The only thing I regret is not finding them sooner!
Scott Halloran - MA
I recently purchased a XCAL3 with custom tunes from 5 Star Tuning. I was not happy with the way my truck ran stock, but since I added the X3 I am extremely pleased with the performance of my 2007 5.4L Ford F-150. Now the takeoff power is a lot better and when on the highway when I pull out to pass there is no more hesitation, the power is there when I press on the throttle. I have a 18ft dovetail trailer that I pull and now I barely know its back there loaded down with four wheelers and dirt bikes. Mike at 5 Star has been very helpful with telling me things I need to know about the x3. He's very knowledgeable about the tuner and about ford trucks in general. Anyone looking for a excellent tuner I suggest the x3 from 5 star. Thanks Mike I appreciate all the help you've provided.
Brent Harris
Brent Harris
Hi Mike -
Loaded 80 daily program in the truck- WORKS. CEL out. I only took it for a short run. Was not warmed up good so I did not ask it for much, but it is very responsive and really powers up fast. Post Turbo Temp was not over 350 on the flat. Really impressed how well it ran.
Will let you know how the tow tune works next week we are going to a ride for a few days. I will try the 50hp tow tune first.
Thanks again for great customer service and support.
Roger
Loaded 80 daily program in the truck- WORKS. CEL out. I only took it for a short run. Was not warmed up good so I did not ask it for much, but it is very responsive and really powers up fast. Post Turbo Temp was not over 350 on the flat. Really impressed how well it ran.
Will let you know how the tow tune works next week we are going to a ride for a few days. I will try the 50hp tow tune first.
Thanks again for great customer service and support.
Roger
You earned my business! You customer service was outstanding! I really appreciate your patience.
Thanks again!
Allen
Thanks again!
Allen
I recently purchased a Xcal3 from Mike with custom tunes and couldn't be happier with the results Mike was able to achieve with my truck!!! I have a 2007 F-150 5.4 V-8, the stock performance was lacking to say the least.
After installing the custom tune, throttle response and takeoff power was greatly improved. I don't have the hesitation when accelerating anymore or at passing. Mike also provided great service, he answered all my questions and was very quick in shipping the tuner. Thanks again Mike for everything!!!
Andy M
After installing the custom tune, throttle response and takeoff power was greatly improved. I don't have the hesitation when accelerating anymore or at passing. Mike also provided great service, he answered all my questions and was very quick in shipping the tuner. Thanks again Mike for everything!!!
Andy M
Thanks Mike for dealing with my emails to you. I have this all figured out now I think. I just needed to make sure I was not missing something.
VERY GREAT support.
A real service!
VERY GREAT support.
A real service!
I started looking at what's available online to tune my 02' Ford F-150. I spent a lot of time in different forums asking the same questions. I was in Ford Truck Enthusiasts and was inquiring about a Livewire tuner and I had found out what I wanted to know. I contacted 3 local tuner/speed shops and didn't seem to get any where other than 'I'll get back to you'. They didn't and I'm glad. I got a post from one of the forum members to contact Mike Butler at 5 Star Tuning. I could tell I called the right person. He treated me like I treated my customers when I had a business. I got prompt service with answers to my every question. I initially had an issue with one option but that was taken care of in a prompt and professional manner. I've gotten more interested in tuning my truck as I could tune the carbed engines of yesterday. 15 years of calibrating carbs while working at Holley carb and many years of drag and circle track racing and engine building to apply this knowledge has helped. I'm going to purchase the Pro Racer Package shortly to further enhance the tuning as I am greatly impressed with what the tunes that came with the tuner has done. The tuner covers all that one might encounter during modifications. If it wasn't for Mike Butler giving me his undivided attention for any questions (there's been a lot of emails sent and answered) I wouldn't be this happy with my tuner. Here's a pic of my baby for all to enjoy.
Ron B.
Ron B.
I purchased an SCT XCalibrator 2 tuner from 5 Star Tuning and am very impressed with the new found performance of my V-10. It was great before but now I just love the whole truck. The difference is very notable in both performance as well as economy. Prior to installation of the tuner I measured the stock performance by noting the speed achieved from a stop to a specific driveway. The stock tune allowed me to achieve 110 KM/HR which I did over and over with little to no change on different days. With the new tune that Mike provided me, the truck accelerates to 125 KM/HR over the exact same test area. The truck shifts way better in that from the factory there was a very notable and annoying lag during shifting. I mentioned this to Mike during our dealing and Mike said that he could take care of that as well. I am now very happy with the shifting, they are firm with no lag at all. Above all of this is Mike's commitment to his customer's satisfaction. He is a true pleasure to do business with and a man of his word. I would not hesitate to do further business with him and recommend him to all others interested in a custom tune for their vehicle.
Kurt Anderson
Quesnel B.C.
Canada
Kurt Anderson
Quesnel B.C.
Canada
