2009 F-150 5.4L Preliminary Dyno Results!

***Power Hungry*** · #1 Thu, January 15th, 2009, 03:01 AM

Hey all...

Finally got back from Utah and needless to say, I AM EXCITED!

The new 2009 F-150 is running awesome and actually looks to be making a bit more power than the earlier 2004 to 2008 versions.

From what we've found so far, the only major difference under the hood is that the air filter housing has been relocated directly behind the driver's headlight and now uses a LARGE 12" x 12" pleated panel filter. This is definitely helping airflow.

As you well know, the new platform sports a new 6-speed automatic transmission which now has its own controller which is separate from the ECM. The ECM itself has been updated to a new, faster processor as well. Fortunately, the tuning is quite similar and we were able to get the base tuning done without any difficulty. Here are the preliminary results:

Test Conditions:

Vehicle - 2009 F-150
Engine - 5.4L
Transmission - 6-Speed Automatic
Gear - 3.73
Fuel - 85 Octane
Altitude - 4500 Feet
Ambient Temp - 76º F.
Barometric Pr. - 26.65 In. Hg.

Here are the dyno plots (Click on the images to view full size):

Horsepower Only

Torque Only

Horsepower and Torque

Horsepower, Torque and AFR

As you can see, the biggest gains were not on the top end but in the midrange... which is where you really need it! Notice that the stock AFR curve does not allow any WOT enrichment until about 4500 RPM! And you wonder why the trucks are always so sluggish off the line.

The AFR stays right at 14.6:1 throughout most of the acceleration. Now add a Cold Air Intake which in most cases cause a slight to moderate lean condition and suddenly you have a situation that could be very detrimental to the engine.

I also included an additional dyno plot which show without question that removing the snorkel does, in fact, improve the performance of the vehicle, particularly above 3500 RPM. Based on calculations, removing the snorkel picked up 7.5 HP and 7.6 Ft./Lbs. These figures are very respectable, especially considering that we had already made a significant gain with tuning. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to retest the vehicle with the Performance calibration, but I would certainly expect to see similar improvements with the same modification.

Needless to say, we are really excited about the results, especially since we only ran 85 Octane fuel. We will be doing some (relatively) sea-level testing here in the next week or two along with 93 Octane fuel testing and fully expect to see even better results.

We'll keep everyone posted on the results as development progresses. Stay tuned...

jfuller5 · #2 Thu, January 15th, 2009, 09:31 PM

Hey Bill, I am really impressed now that i can see the results on paper, are the 08 5.4 curves respective of these? Much smoother power and torque curves and also a huge gain in the midrange. Hats Off to your abilities . Jim

***Power Hungry*** · #3 Fri, January 16th, 2009, 12:50 AM

Jim,

The 04 to 08 dyno curves are similar, although are a little bit lower than the '09. I'll try to see if I can dig up some of the older plots we did on the 2004 and 2006 trucks for comparison.

Take care.

***Jackpine*** · #4 Fri, January 16th, 2009, 11:40 AM

Great information Bill! I too, would like to see the curves for 2004-2008 engines!

- Jack

Chris74 · #5 Tue, January 20th, 2009, 10:34 AM

I thought the 07-08's are a bit stronger than the 04 thru 06's? I know they have more free flowing exhaust manifolds!

oysterbone · #6 Thu, January 22nd, 2009, 07:53 PM

where do i put my foot on it ? Hey, Bill & Corey do the kids need any coconuts?

68galxl · #7 Mon, February 2nd, 2009, 08:58 PM

where is the snorkel on the 09? there is a air box mounted on the inner fender wall. its not like the 05 I had

***Power Hungry*** · #8 Mon, February 2nd, 2009, 09:02 PM

The snorkel is attached to the airbox itself.

Remove the top of the airbox and the the filter. There are two 13mm bolts that hold the airbox in. Remove them. "Pop" the airbox up and pull away from the fender. The snorkel will come out with the airbox.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes.

68galxl · #9 Thu, February 5th, 2009, 09:58 PM

thanks for the info

Tylus · #10 Fri, May 15th, 2009, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Power Hungry

The snorkel is attached to the airbox itself.

Remove the top of the airbox and the the filter. There are two 13mm bolts that hold the airbox in. Remove them. "Pop" the airbox up and pull away from the fender. The snorkel will come out with the airbox.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes.

sorry to revive an old thread...but I'm curious

I have a 2008 Epxy EL with 5.4 3v

From what I can tell, my Expy is almost 100% identical to the 09 F-150. The only obvious difference physically seems to be the radiator shroud.

I know the tuning is different since I have the 300 HP version, and they have the 310 HP version.

but since I have the same airbox...would I possibly see the gains you've posted if I remove my Snorkel? 7 HP for nothing would be awesome...and I'd love to see if it's possible

btw, any update if the Gryphon will be available for the 07+ Expy anytime soon?...or ever?