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Old 03-08-2023, 08:21 AM   #1
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5 Star Tuning is a Rock Star

2014 Itasca Suncruiser 37F towing a 2004 Jeep Liberty 4x4.

I just drove from Prescott Valley, AZ to Pismo Beach, CA. Traveled the I-40 to Barstow, CA then the 58 through Tehachapi, CA onto the 166 through Maricopa, CA and into Pismo Beach.

If you are familiar with this route you know all the mountain climbing and a few steep grades, both up and down. Before leaving I uploaded the 5 Star Tuning software to the coach computer. WOW, what a difference. The transmission did not down shift a lot like it did prior to the install and the engine did not scream like it was being tortured. I highly recommend the software upload if you have not done it.

Even though it may or may not help with your mpg, what a piece of mind on the improved performance of the engine and transmission. Even my wife noticed the difference in the performance of the coach.

Happy trails and Blessings to all.
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Old 03-08-2023, 10:16 AM   #2
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Hi Fyreplug,
That is an encouraging report. Does your V-10 stay below 4,000 rpm with the tune?
Thanks, Eagle5
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Old 03-08-2023, 10:34 AM   #3
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Seeing you have the older 5-sp transmission I don't doubt it is a huge improvement. I bought a 5-Star Tune for my 2017 motorhome with the 6-sp transmission and it doesn't do all the much.

I had an Class C with the 5-sp and hated it on any hills so when we got the new Class A I immediately ordered the 5-Star Tune. Only the 6-sp transmission really addresses 99% of the 5-speed's hill problems. So, it's not done much to improve things. I even uninstalled it for 5,000 miles just too see and... meh, maybe it helped a little so I reinstalled it.

On my RV it does use 0.1 more gallon of gas per mile (again learned from when I uninstalled the Tune) but helps with acceleration from a stop.
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Old 03-08-2023, 06:57 PM   #4
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Eagle5,
Only on the really steep climbs did it go over 4k rpm. Then I was able to feather the engine and keep it under 4k and still have power to climb.
If you are familiar with the 2nd incline out of Needles going West, I was able to do that with cruise on and passed several semi's. It ran between 3,200-3,600 rpms.
I was impressed.
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Old 03-08-2023, 08:01 PM   #5
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Hi again Fyreplug,
That is good that you are not spending large amounts of time over 4,000 rpm. We are hearing that it is a strain on the valve train.
Yes, given the limitations of the 5-speed transmission, the tune does seem to really help keep the engine from over-speeding.
Thanks, Eagle5
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Old 03-13-2023, 12:16 PM   #6
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Okay, so although I've likely seen 5 Star recommended previously, I never paid it much mind. This post caught my attention. Since I fit into the 5 speed tranny group, it might be worth looking at.

So, OP, could you (or others) give the particulars of how/where to get it, installation, and maybe a cost ballpark. I went to the 5 Star website and can't seem to nail this down.

Thanks
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Old 03-13-2023, 12:47 PM   #7
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I bought mine from their website, with their stock F53 tune and it was $500. It came with a OBD Port connected device and you follow their instructions to A. backup your current software followed by B. Install the "Tune."

You can go back and forth between the backup and the new tune anytime in the future.
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Old 03-13-2023, 04:39 PM   #8
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I have the Banks tune on our rig, and it really tends to hold the transmission in OD longer than what I saw with another Class A that was comparable during our test drives.
The only issue I have is that the programmer was not provided when I purchased the motor home. I am the third owner, and I suspect the first owner still has it.
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Old 03-14-2023, 05:59 AM   #9
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we have a 2014 winni vista35f with a f53 v10, it has the 5 speed transmission, on our first drive, i DID NOT care for how the coach shifted , it sucked, but its a ford , the transmission seemed to stay in gear way too long before it would upshift , i did my research and being a retired bmw tech , i was going to fing a reason why and how to correct , from speaking to many people, this is a common issue, fords lack of proper programming , i was told, 5 star all the wy , i called them and asked many questions, they were awesome, i installed it , what a big difference , it now shifts like GM trans , smooth and like silk , and yes , i hate the ford product , always something not right or lacking, maybe 5 star should do all over fords programing
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Old 03-14-2023, 07:39 AM   #10
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Upinsmoke,
If you decide to purchase, which I highly recommend, just make sure you give 5Star all the detailed information regarding your coach such as chassis, engine, transmission, etc. I also have the Banks cold intake.

I was unsure at first about completing the install, but it is a very simple walkthrough. Like I said earlier, it may or may not help with mpg, but what it does in performance with climbing hills and even on level ground makes all the difference.
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Old 03-14-2023, 06:34 PM   #11
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how to tell if you have the 5 star already

I just purchased a 2012 Sightseer. Would this upgrade apply to me? How can I tell if it's already installed? It does hae the Banks system installed.
Thanks
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Old 03-14-2023, 06:49 PM   #12
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dlenio,
I would think, my opinion only, you would need to have the actual device that allows you to upload the tune. I am not knowledgeable of any other way to find out. Sorry.

If you have the Ford V10 and a 5 speed transmission, I believe it would be a huge benefit to purchase it. Especially if you are putting a toad on behind you.

Next week I'll be climbing out of Indio, CA on the I-10 going East and I hope it performs like it did on all the other climbs. The one out of Indio is long and steep. If you have never done that climb, it can be brutal. Especially in the summer.
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Old 03-14-2023, 06:56 PM   #13
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is there a link to whatever you think I need?
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Old 03-14-2023, 07:04 PM   #14
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dlenio
This should take you to the right location.

https://5startuning.com/product-cate...8l-rv-class-a/
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Old 03-14-2023, 07:39 PM   #15
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thanks, anxious to see how your trip goes
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Old 03-24-2023, 08:49 PM   #16
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dlenio,
I'm Sold, I'm Sold, I'm SOLD!!!
The 5Star performed unbelievable. Left Indio, CA today and pulled up the grade going East bound with no issues. Kept under 4k with the toad. Even passed a few of those 18 wheelers in the process. Highly recommend the purchase. And I honestly believe it did improve my mpg.
If you are familiar with State Route 89, I also climbed the 5-6% grade into Yarnell, AZ and stayed before the 4k mark. Averaged 32 - 35k RPM.
Again, well worth the cost.
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Old 04-15-2023, 01:05 AM   #17
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Our small (24 ft.) 2005 Class C with it's E450 chassis has the V10 and 5 speed TorqueShift transmission.

I guess I don't understand how the 5-Star tuning system can actually 1) increase V10 basic horsepower, or 2) change the mechanical ratios built into the 5-speed transmision??

I am able to completely control it's RPM up any grade by - how much I depress the gas pedal - and whether I have the tranny in or out of it's Tow Haul mode.

Yes it can scream above 4000 RPM if I just press the gas pedal down more (too much). I have learned to keep it below around 3500-3700 RPM on just about all grades using Tow Haul mode and by feathering the gas pedal just right.

Of course the resulting V10 RPM versus available tranny gear combinations that I make happen results in climbing some grades only just fast enough to pass big rigs ... but there is no way around not being able to make more horsepower or more available gear ratios merely by using only computer code.

Perhaps someone can explain the physics of how 5-Star "tuning" can do it.
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Old 05-27-2023, 11:11 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fyreplug View Post
dlenio,
I would think, my opinion only, you would need to have the actual device that allows you to upload the tune. I am not knowledgeable of any other way to find out. Sorry.

If you have the Ford V10 and a 5 speed transmission, I believe it would be a huge benefit to purchase it. Especially if you are putting a toad on behind you.

Next week I'll be climbing out of Indio, CA on the I-10 going East and I hope it performs like it did on all the other climbs. The one out of Indio is long and steep. If you have never done that climb, it can be brutal. Especially in the summer.
That hill is what caused me to own this motorhome I have.
Boy bought the motorhome in Washington made it to LA visited with a friend for two days bringing his family east to live didn't make it up Indio. Blew the motor. New motor installed in Palm Springs. 8000 dollars. That was the reason I actually bought the thing. One less issues to worry about. I ran Calif for years know all that area good. By the time he got to the east coast he had all he wanted of motorhomes.
On the cold air system
You guys remember I bought a aftermarket vette intake system was going to install the mass Air in that. It would of worked but to much trouble so went to a welder had him build a bracket for the whole housing. 55 dollars.
I'm going to get this 5 star tune but catching the new toy (motorhome) up to my speed has been my adventure so far. Tinting windows today.
Pictures of my mod on the filter housing and air horns. Also my weather station temp gauge is under the dash.
Whole idea of cold air is getting the thing out the heat to fresh cooler air. I did that with the bracket. Chieftrain.
Two huge transmission fans added. One of you on here told me about the scan gauge 3. Can monitor the trans temps now, with that. Fans on a switch if it goes to high I can fix that issue.
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