[cleatus12r]

The standard response in most forums is that the custom-tuned chip is the way to go...just short of actual live tuning.

I take the stand that most everything out there is good, but you need to start with a good base file. Here is an example:

My brother has a 99.5 Powerstroke. His PCM code is MRT2. An Edge Evolution programmer works ok with it, but it retains the factory shift and torque converter strategy.....which is absolute garbage (and in all honesty, I can't believe that the SD trucks sold as good as they did with that garbage tuning from the factory). The truck ran better, but still shifted like total crap. This is normal, because the Evo simply inputs modified binary into the PCM and retains all of the stock binary that isn't changed in the tuning. When I put it in my PMT1-equipped truck, it shifts great....just like the base PMT1 file should.


I certainly wouldn't be upset if I had an Evolution programmer as my only chioce, but having driven my brother's truck with it....well, it's not for everyone.

Most tuners will use a "good" base file for their custom calibrations. PMT1 happens to be a favorite among 99-01 automatic trucks because it works well. It's surprising because there weren't a lot of trucks manufactured with that PCM code....and it happens to rock.

As far as canned/custom/live tuning is concerned, most custom tuning is prepared from tricks gleaned from live tuning. If there is a big demand for certain operations from a lot of people during live tuning, those parameters will be changed for the custom tunes that are available to everyone. "Canned" tunes usually don't get real in-depth. More fuel, maybe more ICP or timing, maybe slightly higher shift points, and raised TV pressure for increased shift firmness. Nothing is really "personal".

Live tuning? Hmmmm. Make the truck do what you want when you want it to......as long as the software can accomplish it!

On Edit:
Most "canned tunes" (be they from a programmer or chip) for the 7.3L are old as dirt. The aftermarket doesn't really pay too much attention to the 7.3L anymore since it's a dinosaur. What they were running 8 years ago still works so why pay some programmer to go change it? Custom tuners work with these all the time, constantly making a better product because of feedback on what works or what other aftermarket products are installed on the truck.