[Groovy Chick]

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.

Sometimes, customers who have an Evolution contact us because the programmer isn't working well with their modifications. After upgrading the Evo to a Gryphon, we are able to make everything play nicely together.

Finally, some people request custom tunes simply to make the most of the modifications they have on their trucks.

I recently read a post on f150online by one of our very first customers. I'll let him give you HIS opinion:

http://www.f150online.com/forums/3517453-post2.html

http://www.f150online.com/forums/3523887-post8.html

It's all a matter of figuring out what your personal needs are and the best way to meet them.

If any other PHP customers read this and can direct me to other threads where customers have posted about their custom tuning experiences, please PM me, and I'll get them on here!