transmission ?

[Hunted1]

I bought this one used with 5k on it. Has 20k on it now. Warranty just died and I figured I would extend it. The tow canned you need to run 87 octane though?
I've only used 85 in this since I bought it. Is it OK to use 85 octane with a tow tune or would you recommend 87?
I know stupid ? but the manual says 87 octane. The 87 is cheaper here by like 10 cents. I just don't want to mess anything up. I bet you have heard it all by now.

Thanks for all your answers. I figure that you never learn until you ask or read everything you can on the subject.

[Jackpine]

Originally Posted by Hunted1

I bought this one used with 5k on it. Has 20k on it now. Warranty just died and I figured I would extend it. The tow canned you need to run 87 octane though?
I've only used 85 in this since I bought it. Is it OK to use 85 octane with a tow tune or would you recommend 87?
I know stupid ? but the manual says 87 octane. The 87 is cheaper here by like 10 cents. I just don't want to mess anything up. I bet you have heard it all by now.

Thanks for all your answers. I figure that you never learn until you ask or read everything you can on the subject.

The octane question is a good one. Iowa is not a "high elevation" state I think, so I'm not too enthused about using 85 octane gas, even if it is cheaper. I've used it in Colorado (elevations 6,000+) without any noticeable problems though. The effect of higher altitude is to reduce the tendency of the air/fuel mixture to pre-ignite due to the reduced air density (which reduces absolute compression - the "relative" compression is unchanged, but since the outside air pressure is less, the compressed pressure inside a cylinder is also reduced proportionally).

I know the owner's manual says to use 87 octane - period, but I think high altitudes is one place you can discount that advice. I think though in Iowa, I'd stick with the manual, whether I was using a programmer or not. Every truck is different though. You may be fine with 85 if it works OK on the stock tune. With the Edge/Gryphon, you CAN reduce timing if you detect "pinging", which is the most common problem when running low octane fuel. If you hear pinging, set the timing back by -0.5 and see if it stops. You can adjust in 0.25 degree increments if further adjustment is needed.

- Jack

[Hunted1]

Great information..
Want to thank you for the straight forward and fast response

Enjoy

[Hunted1]

Today I did as you suggested and loaded the level 2 tune..the response is faster and handles like a dream.. I can't thank you enough for all the information. So I should be ok as long as it continues drive like this to use the tow tune for highway driving ? If so I'm set until the time comes for a custom tune.

thanks again

[Jackpine]

You'll be in great shape. The Level 2 tow tune is really a great "daily driving" tune and it was the only one of the canned tunes I ever used before getting custom tunes.

One person I know (a moderator on F150online, named "Bluejay" - I'm over there too), used his Edge this way too, before getting custom tunes from Bill. He said he thought the Level 2 tune sort of "lost power", at higher RPMs since it was optimized for towing. He preferred the Level 3 tune with high octane gas. I never noticed that trait at all. To me, it just felt strong all the way.

By the way, the tow tune is safe to use at any time, but IF you tow, that is the ONLY tune you should use. DO NOT use the Level 3 tune for towing. The tow tune will actually help things run slightly cooler, due to the slightly richer mixture in open loop operation.

- Jack

[60DRB]

Just another user here chiming in. My truck has the towing package (xmsn cooler) and I'm at a fairly low altitude (less than 500' MSL), in south AL. My xmsn temp runs 140-160 most of the time. It was as high as 190 when towing a 4K lb trailor this summer, but only occational steep hills around here. I'm another #2 canned tune user until I get my modification "stuff" stockpiled. Then I'll order custom tunes and install the parts when the tunes are ready.