bunch of questions about gryphon for 04-08 f150 5.4
 

ok, so im in the market for a programmer and some guys on a couple online forums reccomended the gryphon, especially for the custom tunes. so i checked out the main site and looked around and the price is great compared to others so that was a plus. the big problem is i know NOTHING about programmers, how to used them, how to install custom tunes to the programmer, etc...

can you guys help explain those to me? i read on the main site but it all looks like a foreign language talkin about pegasus and stuff. i have another question. i dont have any performance upgrades YET except for a flowmaster 40series on stock input tubing w/ a little bigger out tubing. i plan on getting a volant cold air intake, an MBRP dual catback, 33-34"x12.50 tires, and thats all i can think performance wise. so if i get the gryphon and list all those things above to get the custom tune, will i still have the stock canned tunes that i can use in the meantime before i get the mods? will the catback exhaust make the truck run anydifferent w/ the stock canned tunes? i have been told that a cold air intake will make the truck run lean w/o the tune. what does "canned tune" mean exactly? how many tunes come on the gryphon? when you get a custom tune, is it just ONE setting and added w/ the stock tunes?

also, i looked at the order form and it looks REALLY confusing. is there anyway i can get a mockup of what exactly is supposed to go in the spaces on the orderform? and i dont order online bc im affraid of IDtheft, so is there anyway i can order buy phone and print the form off and send it by fax?

thanks guys. like i said, im programmer dumb and if i think of anything else ill let 'em fly

They're ALL reasonable questions, kymudder08 - let's see if I can answer at least a few of them.

You CAN fill out, print and FAX the order form if that is what you want to do. You can certainly talk to Corey or Bill before you order, but it may be hard to reach them - they are constantly fielding calls. I think they accept most any kind of payment - credit card, check or paypal.

You did a pretty good job describing your proposed mods here. Just put that information on the form. If you're unsure of anything, leave it blank or show it as "stock".

The Gryphon is EASY to use and install! All you really have to do is read the manual. Honest - installation takes maybe 10 minutes (no tools) and programming takes about 5 minutes. Once you do it, you'll wonder what you were worried about.

It comes with three "generic" (canned) tunes for different driving needs.

1. Transmission only - no modifications to the engine but improved shifting.
2. 87 Octane Tow - modifications to shifting and improved fueling/timing strategies for towing loads in the 5-6K range.
3. 93 Octane Performance - Use this only with 91-93 octane fuel. Timing is advanced, fueling is modified, transmission shift parameters are changed.

When I got mine, I used the 87 Octane Tow tune until I got custom tunes.

Each Custom tune will replace one of the "canned" tunes. I have a custom 87 octane, daily driver tune in place of the Level 1 transmission only tune and a custom 87 octane towing tune in place of the canned Level 2 tow tune. I still have the canned 93 octane tune and never use it.

Pegasus is simply a computer program you download to your PC and you use it to put tunes into your Gryphon. Pegasus is free.

The exhaust mods will probably do very little for the performance of your truck and it should not effect any tune. It may sound nice though.

The intake CAN make your truck run lean, especially if it's a 2004-2005 model. A custom tune can account for this.

Putting larger tires on your truck effectively reduces the gear ratio. It will seem more sluggish. A Gryphon with custom tunes can restore some of that "lost power" feeling.

Hope this all makes sense!

- Jack

thanks, that helps ALOT. so you can only have 3 tunes on the programmer at once? say i get 1 custom tune, when i remove one of the other tunes and put in the custom tune, will i ever be able to get the canned tune back if need be? how can i turn it back to stock settings for when i go to the dealership for warrenty work? does the canned tunes improve fuel economy? if i get a custom tune for a catback exhaust and a cold air intake, then later on down the road i get bigger than stock tires. will i be able to use that same custom tune and just change the tire size on the programmer or will i have to buy a new tune? do tunes cost more if you buy them AFTER you buy the tuner rather than the same time you buy the tuner? cuz ik that some other companies charge like $30 for a tune the same time you buy a programmer and double that after the fact. how does the programmer mount in the truck? suction cup to the window or do i buy some kind of dash mounted system?

If you put one custom tune on...then the canned tune that you replaced will be gone.

You turn it back to stock just like you program it to a level...very simple operation.

Yes you can use the same tune and just go into custom settings and change the tire size to what you need.

I am not sure, but I do think the tunes are higher if you wait to after the purchase.

I think I answered all the questions...maybe not good enough though :whistle1:

I just got my programmer yesterday but I pick stuff up pretty quick. I cranked my truck for the first time with it at about noon today and have already knocked a few seconds off my 0-60 by tweaking the level 1 (tranny only) file.(currently 3 seconds down from stock w/stopwatch and 1 or 2 from canned lvl. 1).

To adjust for aftermarket parts and tires make a note on your order form about the performance mods and current tires because you can go back and change tire and gear sizes in the tuning menu.

Mounting is the easiest part, it comes with its own little holder ("pod") that Edge charges and extra $45 for, to mount the pod you just push it onto the flat plastic by the driver side pillar and then the programmer just pops into that. Its easy to put in and take off so no worries there.

The main thing to do is like JandJ said, read the manual. I actually downloaded a copy before I filled out my order form so I would know what to expect. Its easier to work than I expected, and it looks good. Just set the truck back to stock before going to the dealership.:2thumbs: I did my research and the edge came up on top and the gryphon is an improvement on that. So even if my custom tune doesn't come in, Im still happy because I'm still getting a deal.

Do you still have questions? These guys are trying to put me out of business! :giggle:

- Jack

so you can change the tire size on the custom tunes? what does the level 1 tranny tune and level 2 tow tune mean? like do the levels mean what mode, such as level 1 is the first tune, level 2 is 2nd tune, etc? what custom tunes would you reccomend for me, heres some info that you may need:
most i would tow at this current point in time is a 6k lbs bumper pull camper
only performance mods i would add is a CAI, full catback exhaust, and maybe some aftermarket filters.
i dont ever use any fuel other than 87 octane so any tune using other fuels is useless to me.
my driving style is moderate to normal. my truck has never seen RPMs over 3k and usally never over 2500 RPM. i drive w/ sense, unlike most other kids my age. lol. i drive for a living so i have do be a sensable driver so that bad habbits dont go to the job.
if theres anymore info that i should add just LMK.

so how much is just the programmer w/ canned tunes? is the pod an extra $45 or does it come w/ the tuner? cuz the way you said it, it sounds as if you were saying that edge charges extra for it and when you buy it its just added into the cost of the tuner itself. im deffinately getting a gryphon when im ready to purchase bc of the many great things that i have read and heard about it.

You can change the tire size on any tune other than the "Stock" tune (what your truck came from the factory with).

The Levels are just numbers. 1, 2 and 3. The Stock tune is at Level 0. You could just as easily call them Level A, B and C.

Your driving sounds a lot like mine, Except I DO see high RPMs once in a while. One place is in passing on 2-lane country roads (I prefer to get around the other guy quickkly) and, when pulling my trailer up a steep mountain highway that's fairly straight with a normal speed limit, the RPMs will be high due to the lower gear.

I'd get a custom "daily driver" tune set up for the kind of driving you do and your driving style - you need to tell Bill these things. And, I'd get a custom towing tune for that 6K trailer. I'd put these tunes in the Level 1 and 2 positions, leaving the Level 3 93 octane performance tune alone. If you put in a commercial CAI, Bill needs to know it.

- Jack

Im sure most people find this annoying as heck but w/e

"so you can change the tire size on the custom tunes?"
-yep

"what does the level 1 tranny tune and level 2 tow tune mean?
like do the levels mean what mode, such as level 1 is the first tune, level 2 is 2nd tune, etc?"
-Level 1 only plays with the tranny settings, level 2 also adjusts engine performance

"what custom tunes would you reccomend for me, heres some info that you may need:
most i would tow at this current point in time is a 6k lbs bumper pull camper
only performance mods i would add is a CAI, full catback exhaust, and maybe some aftermarket filters.
i dont ever use any fuel other than 87 octane so any tune using other fuels is useless to me."
-Corey reccomended the 87 performance custom tune to replace level 1 (tranny only) for me, starting to be glad I did. Havent gotten my custom tune yet but I have been playing with settings in the level 2 (87 tow). Havent had to tow anything so I have no idea about tunes for that. I dont know the weight reqirements of specific tunes or anything. There are plenty of people who will argue with me but we have never worried about towing tunes or anything, I am the first one in my entire family to get performance products. We pulled my 5K# RV/dormroom 30 miles on curving rough FM roads with an 04 expedition with NO electric trailer brakes. Pulling was easy, the 4.6L didnt have any trouble getting it going, the expedition just has REALLY soft suspension so it made the ride interesting.

"my driving style is moderate to normal. my truck has never seen RPMs over 3k and usally never over 2500 RPM. i drive w/ sense, unlike most other kids my age. lol. i drive for a living so i have do be a sensable driver so that bad habbits dont go to the job."
-glad to hear Im not the only teenager that is trying to NOT get into wrecks. lol I've been hearing that Bill can make an economy tune but not sure what kind of paramaters he sets for it. Might just be a performance tune with a smart driver


"so how much is just the programmer w/ canned tunes? is the pod an extra $45 or does it come w/ the tuner? cuz the way you said it, it sounds as if you were saying that edge charges extra for it and when you buy it its just added into the cost of the tuner itself. im deffinately getting a gryphon when im ready to purchase bc of the many great things that i have read and heard about it."
-the gryphon comes with 3 canned tunes (same as edge), the pod and the tuner. Edge makes it look like you have to pay extra for the pod while PHP gives it to you free...I was also suprised to get a business card, magnet, pen, a little tin of PHP candy (my personal favorite:hehe:) and an instruction booklet in english that actually makes sense.


...I know, I talk too much and JandJ got in just before me. lol

thanks, the answers i was lookin for. so the tuner is 400 plus tax and shipping and w/e tunes you want if you get them? and on the pod, where does it mount and what colors does it come in? on the site it looks like it mounts where the grab handle goes. on the order, do you need to add in what aftermarket stuff and what kinda driving you do if your not gettin custom tunes? how much are the custom tunes at time of ordering/after the fact down the road? i think i saw $30 for when you buy it but cant find the price for after the fact. can you adjust the settings of the canned tunes or is it all preset besides tire size? why should i leave the 93 if i dont ever use that fuel? i figured id leave the 2nd tune and replace the 1 and 3 one

no tax on out of state:thumbs up yellow:

only comes in grey, I have an XL and it matches some of the lighter greys of the interior.

I think you should add aftermarket stuff but I dont think its going to make a difference. The canned tunes are the canned tunes.

I think I read somewhere that its $60 afterwards(might be wrong), but I went ahead and bought one $30 87 performance because I know there are things that Bill can change that I cant, plus he knows what he's doing so the truck wont turn into a fireball if I mess up.

You can adjust some things like shift points and limiters. But like I said, I'd leave it to Bill to make those kinds of changes. I like fast but not explosion fast.:nonod::hehe:

On the order form you can choose which ever one to replace, Im gonna replace the lvl 1 because sometimes I run that 93.

Tunes are now $30.00 each no matter when you order them.

If you click on this link: http://dygytalworld.ehost-services13...02004-2008.pdf You'll get the manual for the 2004-2008 Gryphon. That's my Gryphon on the cover! :cheesy smile: On page 11 and 12, you'll see how it mounts (but the pictures are of an older unit and pod. The new one is much nicer.) For the 2004+ year trucks, the pod matches the flint grey color used in MOST of the dashes. If yours is tan, it won't match.

You can put as much or as little information about your truck on the order form as you'd like. As a minimum though, PHP needs to know the year of your truck if all you're getting is the canned tunes, since the device changed for 2004+ trucks. You'd better include your name and address and payment information though, or you won't get anything. :)

You can adjust settings in the canned tunes the same as you can for custom tunes. Before you do that though, "read the flippin manual"! And, read and re-read the Q & A I posted on Custom Options here: http://dygytalworld.ehost-services13...ead.php?t=1101

You can replace ANY of the canned tunes that you want - whatever blows air up your skirt! You NEVER want to run 93 octane? Fine! Replace it with whatever you WANT to run! I simply figured it was more likely that I MIGHT try that tune sometime in the future than a #1 Tranny only tune, and, I'd already replaced my canned tow tune with a custom tow tune since I tow.

- Jack

thanks, cleared much more up!

heres some custom tunes i was thinkn about getting AFTER i get the mods:
the daily driver/smart driver tune like you said
87 tow tune
87 performance tune

do you guys think that should be alright? and on that tow tune if i tow more or less than that 6k trailer would it be ok? cuz most of my towing is of my 15x5 ft trailer w/ 1-2 800 lb ea ATVs. and if i understand correctly the best thing to do when i actually have the programmer is never mess w/ major settings other than tire size and rev/speed limiter so that i dont mess anything up? and all i gotta do is follow the instructions and just select what mode and thats it?

is there any way that its possible to store canned/custom tunes on a computer? that way they could be backed up in case i need to restore. and what does that tranny tune do besides adjust shift points? like does it improve driving and mpg? and a performance tune is to make the truck run its best when just driving normal? thanks guys

I'd get the 87 performance unless you know your going to be towing really heavy stuff. 2000# for the ATV's and gear should not be a problem with your truck. That load even a ranger can do easy, if your going to need a tow tune it'll be for towing 4000+ often (IMO). I've read a few threads here that discuss weights but I dont remember which ones so maybe someone else will jump in:cheesy smile:.

On saving it to your computer, I dont have a clue but I think it would be a really good idea. lol

Whew! You sure took me up on the question department, didn't you? :)

I want to be sure I understand: If you tow, you're towing something in the 6000# range, right? As long as you stay fairly close to that, say +/-1000, you're fine with a single customized tow tune. If you were to "regularly" tow something in the 3000# range, I'd probably get a second tow tune for that.

Now, the other tune(s). You'll probably find, like I did that you only need one. The one that works for you when you're not towing. I'd call that the daily driver tune. Unless you are in the habit of going out on Saturday nights and challenging young bucks to drag races off of stop lights, I don't think you really want a "performance" tune of that nature. The daily driver tune is your performance tune. Just tell Bill what you want from it, i.e., good passing performance, improved fuel economy, "reasonable" power out of a stop, nice shift feel, etc. (My vibes are telling me this is kind of where you're at - if not, tell Bill!)

So if you only end up getting two tunes, don't fret! That's one more than Ford gave you!

The tranny tune mostly makes the transmission work better. I don't know if it does much else. Its improvements are included in the other tunes.

Bill's custom tunes DO take care of all the major stuff, including Tire Size and Gear Ratio if you tell him what they are. You change things at your own risk. If you'd like him to change the speed limiter, tell him what you want it set at. He'll set the shifts and the max RPM. Following instructions is always a good idea. :giggle:

I don't know of any way to "save" your tunes on your hard drive. I understand your concern, but Bill can always put them on the server again if you need them. They have to be loaded through Pegasus.

- Jack

if i tow the 6k trailer its once or twice a month during the warmer months. mostly ill just tow the small trailer w/ atvs, which my 4.0 ranger pulled quite easily w/ a 3" body lift and 33x12.50s. so i figured just the canned tune would be alright. id prolly keep the canned 87, and scrap the other 2 for a daily drive tune and a towing tune for the big trailer. maybe replace the canned 87 with 87 performance but idno. ik i ask alot of questions, i just dont wanna get in over my head and be confused. i like to learn new things and how they work. lol

Its good to ask questions and this is the best forum to do it. There arent ever any stupid arguments because people here actually have a clue and are smart enough to act correctly.

On towing its hard to say if the custom tune is worth getting. You just have to think about if it will pay for itself or not. That tune can only work as good as the hardware its controlling. With how I look at the towing part, twice a month and there are at least 6 warm months that might be about 10-12 times a year you'd use it. Or thats how it is over here at least, the times where its below freezing are usually only a few days, maybe weeks but those years are rare. lol I'd call Bill and explain the situation to him, he'll know what the best option is.

yea, im on a couple other forums that are like this one. everyone gets along (for the most part, lol.) i was just mainly worried about the tranny and not gettin horrid gas milage while pulling. id have to ponder on the 6k lb tune but itd be a def for the daily driver and 87 performance tune after i got tires/CAI/exhaust.