Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => Adventure Anywhere => Topic started by: Gixxerkid3 on October 01, 2022, 08:34:42 pm
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Hi all, the camping year is starting to slow down out here in Washington so we are making the most of it. We took this weekend at Lake Wenatchee State Park which is one of our favorite places to go as it offers lots of hiking, jeeping and kicking back at the lake. We sure do love the PC as it is the perfect size for my wife, me and our Boxer dog. Just a note, I added the 5 Star tune a few trips ago and WOW, what a difference in shifting patterns from stock. We have to come over Stevens Pass on US HWY-2 to get here and prior to the tune, the RV constantly shifted back and forth into a ridiculously high RPM’s coming over the pass. Was very annoying. The new tune works well and keeps the converter locked allowing better use of gears.
Anyway, thought I would share.
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Thanks for your report on the 5-Star Tune. Could you provide detail on where you bought it, how much it cost you, how you installed it or uploaded it? It seems our 2007 PC2350 E350 would benefit from it because of the annoying down-shifting at every over-pass. I believe your 2012 and our 2007 have the same 5-speed Torque-Shift transmission and 6.8L-V10 engine.
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Hello Ron,
I purchased it at 5startuning.com. I believe I paid $508 shipped to my door. There was a sale, I believe, on the website at the time for about $45 off. Updating is easy; however, the directions that came with the tuner differed from the website directions as I’m sure they updated their website; however, once you make it to the updating page on the website, updating the tuner is a piece of cake. Once you update the tuner using your personal computer (MS windows, Not sure if they support Apple products.) to the latest software, just connect the tuner to your RVs OBD port and follow the directions. It’s a piece of cake. One thing I noted once the tune was complete was that my gas gauge was completely wrong. I had a full tank and it said I only had a half so I disconnected the battery, reconnected and everything was fine. No issues since.
Keep in mind once you tune your vehicle you can’t tune any other vehicles and if you ever want to return your vehicle back to the stock configuration and remove the tune, you have to use your specific tuner and then the tuner will become “unlocked” as they say. Once you tune it to your VIN number they consider it “married” or locked to your VIN.
For me, it was a great purchase.
It might just be me but previous to the tuner I really struggled to get on the freeway at 60 miles an hour and now even towing my jeep I don’t even worry about it. It shifts quicker, firmer and just overall better performance in my situation.
Hope this Helps, and all as always feel free to reach out for further info
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2o2
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I agree with Steve's remarks about the 5 Star Tune. Very easy to "install", the first thing the "tuner" is download your factory settings and save them.
His price is about the same as I paid and living in Colorado it's heavensent! Before the 5 Star, going over 10 and 11 thousand foot passes on the Continental Divide I could barely keep it at 40mph and now, I can keep it at 50 to 55mph.
It actually has almost zero effect on gas mileage, just MUCH better shift points both up and down.
I installed it in 2019 and am extremely happy.
BTW, on the "locked" to your vehicle thing, that's true, but you can restore the factory tune (say for Ford warranty warranty work) and then rerun the tune procedure. I seem to recall you can do that 6 times. But it might not be limited.
It's one of my few "best upgrades and money spent items"
Don
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Exactly. Every tuner I have had…once you install a tune the tuner is locked to your VIN until you restore the factory tune. Then is is able to be installed on another compatible vehicle or sold. The first thing the tuner does when you install, like Don said, is make a copy of your factory image (tune). $508 we’ll spent.
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So the 5 Star Tune is software alone that does not involve installing physical hardware....right?
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Correct, once you purchase the tuner, update the software from their website, plug it in your OBD port and follow the directions to upload a new software tune. Once done, you unplug the tuner from the OBD port and enjoy the new shifting patterns. The tuner is also able to read / clear check engine codes on any vehicle too with an OBD port. It has a few gauges like tranny temp but I don’t find those useful.
OH, ALSO, the throttle is more responsive in the drive by wire. Check this link for benefits.
https://5startuning.com/got-a-v10-rv/
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Does the device stay in the obd port? If so can’t use scan gauge?
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Does the device stay in the obd port? If so can’t use scan gauge?
No. Plug it in. Install the software then remove. I've had FiveStar for 5 years. Money well spent!
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Does the device stay in the obd port? If so can’t use scan gauge?
No. Plug it in. Install the software then remove. I've had FiveStar for 5 years. Money well spent!
What exactly are you plugging in? A 5-Star Tune Module? Or your home compter with a special cable? How do you save your original tune? Is it saved in a module or in your computer?
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Your plugging in the tuner. It copies an image of your factory tune and saves it in the tuner. Then the tuner loads the new tune and once that is done, you remove the tuner from the vehicle and put in your tool box. If you want to return to the factory image you connect the tuner to your RV and follow the directions to restore the original factory image. check this link below and fast forward to: about 5:30 seconds and it will give you an idea of how a tune is installed.
https://youtu.be/vjMTPVfD5nU
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Thank You Steve!
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You’re most welcome. Too bad I can not post videos here, I would do a short tutorial for you.
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I had the 5Star Tune on our 2004 PC 2350 and then transferred the tune to our 2015 PC 2552. All the above remarks on the tune performance and management are spot on.
Worth every penny for the improved driving experience.
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Good to hear others share my excitement. I remember the first trip with the tuner installed. Right out of the driveway, the throttle response was AWESOME.
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I am close to ordering the 5 Star Tune, specifically the 87 octane option. Before I do, I have a couple more questions.
Does the product include the 3 (or more) various octane options?
In what way and by how much did the tune affect your fuel economy?
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I only received the one 87 octane tune on my tuner and I did not notice a noticeable fuel mileage difference. FYI-, I just ordered it from the website and did not actually speak to them directly. From my understanding, you can phone them directly and chat with one of the sales / tech team and ask about special tunes specifically for your situation.
I was actually going to reach out to you privately and inquire about your likelihood of purchasing but this answers my question. Like I noted previously, I love the tuner. The wireless gas pedal response was outstanding. The first time I drove it off the driveway, I pushed the gas like normal and launched. Very responsive. Please keep us up to date if you do purchase and how you like it.
Also, if you buy directly from 5startuning.com, use coupon code “5STAR” and get 5% off. About $27. I just tried it and it works.
WOW, I sound like a sales rep. LOL.
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I will give 5-Star a call before ordering, just to make sure all will work as anticipated for my 2007 E350 with V10 and 2nd year production of the first generation Torqshift transmission. I don't know if I have a drive-by-wire throttle pedal.
And thanks for the tip on the discount!
I don't like buying high priced techie things until getting closer to a long trip which won't happen until sometime next year. This way I have a better chance of getting the most recent improvements/enhancements. Of coarse prices can also increase so I run a risk there.
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Ron,
I originally got the 5Star tune for my 2004 2350 and it worked great.
You will find the 5Star guys really great to talk to and very helpful.
Go fot it!
Stan
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I will give 5-Star a call before ordering, just to make sure all will work as anticipated for my 2007 E350 with V10 and 2nd year production of the first generation Torqshift transmission. I don't know if I have a drive-by-wire throttle pedal.
And thanks for the tip on the discount!
I don't like buying high priced techie things until getting closer to a long trip which won't happen until sometime next year. This way I have a better chance of getting the most recent improvements/enhancements. Of coarse prices can also increase so I run a risk there.
You can also update at will on the website. There is an upgrade out for mine as well . Just have not done it yet and not sure what it is either .But I get you.
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I will give 5-Star a call before ordering, just to make sure all will work as anticipated for my 2007 E350 with V10 and 2nd year production of the first generation Torqshift transmission. I don't know if I have a drive-by-wire throttle pedal.
And thanks for the tip on the discount!
I don't like buying high priced techie things until getting closer to a long trip which won't happen until sometime next year. This way I have a better chance of getting the most recent improvements/enhancements. Of coarse prices can also increase so I run a risk there.
You can also update at will on the website. There is an upgrade out for mine as well . Just have not done it yet and not sure what it is either. But I get you.
2o2
It that available upgrade, a free upgrade? Or do you pay for upgrades or updates, or whatever they are classified as?
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From what I understand, it’s free upgrades. When you upgrade your device you have to return your RV back to stock setting before you apply the update. That’s something I just learned. That could be free software or program. I am upgrading mine today. Also, they just dropped the price to $467. That’s 15%off so the coupon won’t work now but that’s an extra 10% off from the coupon. WIN WIN situation.
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Thanks for that information!
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I called this morning and talked to tech support. I wanted to make certain my 2007 E350 chassis with 6.8L-V10 and 1st generation Torqshift transmission and E350 rear differential and also towing a 4300 pound Jeep Liberty all the time, is considered (non-confrontational). The tune assumes 87 octane which was another question I had. I run 87 and no modifcation to the intake or exhaust systems, a stock chassis setup.
I just placed my order moments ago. Cost with shipping and IL sales tax: $508.39
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WAHOO!!!!!!!! ;) 2o2
Please let us know your thoughts.
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I won't be able to comment on the 5 Star Tune until after our next big trip which won't be until next year. :'(
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I won't be able to comment on the 5 Star Tune until after our next big trip which won't be until next year. :'(
You won't be sorry!
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I won't be able to comment on the 5 Star Tune until after our next big trip which won't be until next year. :'(
You won't be sorry!
I hope you are right.
Our 2007 E350 PC-2350 towing our 2006 Liberty has always been a bit irritating under certain conditions, most predominantly while using the cruise control. On interstate highways, at every over-pass, the transmission downshifts what feels like three times to climb up the over-pass, then shifts back to normal gear at the top, only to down-shift again while going down the other side.
There are certain stretches of interstate highway where there are such over-passes every few minutes. >( The 5 Star Tune to address that alone would make it worth the money. Improvements under other conditions would be "bonus".
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Hopefully you will be able to at least check out the different feel around the neighborhood with the PC alone. Not sure what your weather is back there at the moment though.
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My schedule through election day is all filled up helping two county wide candidates with their elections. Somehow I have to also include my normal duties this time of year with the yard, the house itself, and putting my fun car away for the season. Unfortunately, 5-Star Tuning my PC is not going to happen until next year.
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Bummer. Well, have to have priorities. Take care.