Ford V10 Tuner for 2014 Itasca Suncruiser 37F

fyreplug · 12-08-2022, 10:36 PM

I have 2014 Itasca Suncruiser 37F with a Ford V10. Has anyone ever installed a tuner to help with performance? I do have a Banks Cold Intake that was already installed when purchased. Thinking about getting a 5 Star Running x4. Any suggestions?

l1v3fr33ord1 · 12-09-2022, 05:15 AM

fyreplug-

I bought a 5Star, installed the tune, tried it for a while, de-installed the tune and sold the hardware/software.

Pros:
1) Eliminated the "screaming" downshift from fifth gear
2) Provided slightly better acceleration from a stop

Cons:
1) Cruise control did not work correctly. On long uphill sections, engine RPMs would sag until cruise control would drop out.

From what I read, most 5Star owners are happy with the product. I wasn't, though.

powercat_ras · 12-09-2022, 11:26 AM

I have the 5 Star 87 octane RV Tune on my 2015. No other performance upgrades (standard air box and filter). It improves the shift map and slightly improves the engine power curve a few HP at mid and high RPM. Did not see any change in fuel economy.

I would buy and deploy again, in particular for F53 year range with the 5 speed transmission and 3 valve per cylinder valve head like ours, if you plan to drive and keep a long time. The total cost with the ECM programmer was and is around $ 500.

**creativepart** · 12-09-2022, 11:37 AM

I have the 5Star Tune in my 2017 Adventurer. It's not particularly helpful with my 6-speed V10. If I had the older 5-speed transmission I'd think you'd find it very helpful.

Ford changed from 5-speed to 6-speed transmissions in 2016 and this was a major improvement in driveability on hilly roads. One of the 5Star Tune's claim to fame is the remapping of transmission shift points on the 5-speed V10.

With my RV it seems to help acceleration from a stop. Which really means I get a little bit worse fuel mileage. I've gone back and forth - installing the tune, then uninstalling the tune - to see which I prefer and it's really a draw for me. I keep it installed because, hey, I already paid for it.

Don't believe the hype from the company - the likely benefit for you would only be in the transmission shifting - but that very well be enough of a benefit.

danhannah · 12-11-2022, 11:12 PM

I like it a lot on a 2014 - 27N. 5 speed, 3 valve V10.

It's a frustrating price for a few shift point changes, but it also gave me noticeably more power to enter the freeway on an uphill on-ramp. Seems like it should be about $100.

If there was a change in gas mileage, it was too TINY to notice.

I would spend the dough again, cause I like it on hilly country. But, I would take advantage of their supposed awesome customer service, because I never liked the Ford Cruise control downshifting to keep CC speed accurate on a downhill. Waste of gas! Let 'er rip, I say.

I'm not sure they could program out that "feature".

wyocamper · 12-13-2022, 08:27 AM

I also have a 5-speed 27N and have the 5-Star tune installed. It definitely helps with the downshifting on hills and in the wind. I agree that $500 is pretty steep.

Rossi6998 · 12-14-2022, 05:21 PM

I have the 5star tune on my 2013 Itasca Sunstar 26HE. As others have mentioned, it did improve the shift point and helps prevent (not eliminate) the engine from screaming at high RPMs. I would buy it again.

Mikeknapp · 12-14-2022, 07:24 PM

I chose the UltraRV product.
https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Ultr...-Custom-Tuning.
Put it on 2008 Sunseeker 29r V10.
Customer service is excellent, and they will custom set it for your vehicle's changes from stock.

I like both the new trans shift profiles and the engine timing changes. Better pull off the line, better at steady speed holding, far fewer shifts.

Probably about the same as the 5star.

Wyatt · 12-14-2022, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikeknapp

I chose the UltraRV product.
https://www.ultrarvproducts.com/Ultr...-Custom-Tuning.
Put it on 2008 Sunseeker 29r V10.
Customer service is excellent, and they will custom set it for your vehicle's changes from stock.

I like both the new trans shift profiles and the engine timing changes. Better pull off the line, better at steady speed holding, far fewer shifts.

Probably about the same as the 5star.

This is the one I tried. I was very impressed by its improvement.
The thing that I liked about it over five star was you can call them and they will even tweak it to the grade of gas that you’re using. They have very specific specs on their website as to what improvement it will make on each version of the engine e.g. two valves, three valves etc. five speed six speed etc.