Mod's to my 2012 Ford F-150 XLT 3.5 Ecoboost

[Wolverine]

I just finished making mod's to the 2012 Ecoboost I have. Never had an issue with it being stock, but I do like to tinker around and make things better if I can. I put a Bully Dog cold air intake on it and a Bully Dog Triple Dog GT Tuner. WOW !!! It woke that truck up big time. I flashed the computer to tow mode, hooked up the trailer (loaded) what a big difference. The tuner tightened up the tranny so that the truck gets up to speed when towing a lot quicker. It also averaged 2.1 miles to the gallon better while towing. Our total trip was just over 410 miles. No matter what truck you have, these simple upgrades (did it myself) make a big difference so that you get the most out of your truck. The amazing thing is I only spent $650.00 for the intake and the tuner. It has already started to pay me back IMO.

Heading out on our longest trip of the year this weekend. 12 days and nearly 1,000 miles will be traveled. Looking forward to seeing how it does in more hilly country.

[milw156]

Very cool Wolverine. I'm itching to get a tuner, exhaust and intake but I'm only halfway into my bumper-to-bumper warranty. I think I'll use that up first then do the mods.

Please keep us posted on your long-term results.

We have a trip from Seattle to San Diego coming up so I'm curious to see how the Ecoboost pulls in the Siskyous and the Grapevine. Safe travels to you and your family.

[Canadian couple 1983]

Awesome feedback... IV got the 5.4 in my 09 but am too itching to see if a tuner will make a difference.... I had looked at intake tuner and exhaust but didn't get much feedback from people if it was really worth it.... Thoughts if you don't mind? I can really just do it in stages at this point

[thomasmnile]

Your truck, your money, but I have to ask. Aren't you worried about potentially voiding your powertrain warranty, if a problem were to arise? Don't know the truth of anything posted in forums, but supposedly in newer vehicles aftermarket tuners can leave a "footprint" in the ECM that can be retrieved by manufacturer's diagnostic equipment. I know this seems to be a concern with diesel owners of all 3 brands.

[Derek700]

I ran an edge evolution programmer in my previous 05 f150 and was very pleased with the performance.

[Wolverine]

I was told by Bully Dog that their tuner would not leave a footprint. I too am in my warranty as I only haven 11,700 miles on my truck. I can flash the computer back to stock in 2 minutes. Granted, I am taking the manufactures word that this will never be an issue. If you are going to do these upgrades in stages, I suggest the tuner and then the intake. Interesting note, the dyno results I got for the Ecoboost showed that when adding an exhaust when the tuner and air intake were already installed, the performance actually dropped. Primarily horsepower and then torque number all dropped 13%. So I plan to leave the exhaust alone for the time being. I did extensive research on all this before I purchased. I did not want to make a hasty decision. I can tell you that every engine is different in the results you get. Talk to the manufacture as I did and find the right product for your truck, gas or diesel.

[Canadian couple 1983]

Originally Posted by Wolverine

I was told by Bully Dog that their tuner would not leave a footprint. I too am in my warranty as I only haven 11,700 miles on my truck. I can flash the computer back to stock in 2 minutes. Granted, I am taking the manufactures word that this will never be an issue. If you are going to do these upgrades in stages, I suggest the tuner and then the intake. Interesting note, the dyno results I got for the Ecoboost showed that when adding an exhaust when the tuner and air intake were already installed, the performance actually dropped. Primarily horsepower and then torque number all dropped 13%. So I plan to leave the exhaust alone for the time being. I did extensive research on all this before I purchased. I did not want to make a hasty decision. I can tell you that every engine is different in the results you get. Talk to the manufacture as I did and find the right product for your truck, gas or diesel.

Thanks I'm actually gunna be taking my truck in to ford tomorrow for a new rear pinion seal and new plugs so I intend to ask the guy who I know quite well and trust and see what he has to say... IV been recommended the super chips cortex and a diablo sport intune....

[Derek700]

Just make sure what you buy has a towing tune in it. Performance tunes are not towing friendly.

[Wolverine]

Agreed. Most high quality tuners do has a towing based tune out of the box.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by thomasmnile

Your truck, your money, but I have to ask. Aren't you worried about potentially voiding your powertrain warranty, if a problem were to arise? Don't know the truth of anything posted in forums, but supposedly in newer vehicles aftermarket tuners can leave a "footprint" in the ECM that can be retrieved by manufacturer's diagnostic equipment. I know this seems to be a concern with diesel owners of all 3 brands.

Under the US (Magnisun??) warranty act the mfr has to prove that the part added caused the failure. A lot of dealers will still try and BS you about this but just say PROVE IT to them...

[Canadian couple 1983]

Thanks for the input my truck is almost out of ford warranty anyways and the diablo sport does have the tow tune however can't get it and install it before I leave for my 1800km 1 way trip Friday......totally sucks but ill get over it