The F150 5.0 Coyote Tuner Manual. The Ford F-series truck has long been a mainstay of the Ford portfolio. Since its introduction in 1948, just a few years after the end of WWII, the F-series has been regarded as one of the best American trucks ever made. Ford has offered the 5.0 Coyote V8 engine as an option for the F150 since 2011, and it is a beast. The engine now produces 400 horsepower and 410 ft-lbs of torque, although it used to produce only 360 horsepower and 380 ft-lbs of torque.
While those figures aren’t bad, the Ford F150’s 4,000-5,700 lb curb weight can make it feel underpowered. Fortunately, Ford F150 tuning is an option! Getting a professional F150 tuner to calibrate the truck may really wake up the 5.0 Coyote and allow it to operate like a V8. Given that the identical engine in the Mustang GT produces well over 450 horsepower out of the box, the F150 has plenty of space to grow in terms of power.
This tutorial will teach you all you need to know about finding the best Ford F150 tuner for your project. We’ll start with the fundamentals and go over everything from terminology to advantages and risks. Finally, we’ll look at the best F150 tuners available.
5.0 Coyote Ford F150 Tuner Fundamentals
While Ford F150 tuning may appear to be a difficult task, we’ll show you that it’s actually quite simple – and necessary. Outside of enthusiast circles, engine tuning is sometimes overlooked, although it is one of the best performance tweaks for practically any vehicle. A tune can provide more horsepower, a wider powerband, compensate for other modifications, and improve towing capacity.
Tuners for the Ford F150 alter parameters in the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which governs how the engine operates. Tuners most commonly modify naturally aspirated engines’ air-to-fuel ratios (AFRs), ignition timing, camshaft timing, and fuel pressure.
A typical strategy used by F150 tuners to produce greater power is to lean out AFRs. While every setup is different, most F150s on pump gas will aim for an 11.9:1 AFR (.81 lambda) at WOT. When the vehicle is supercharged, the ratio increases to roughly 11.5:1 (.78 lambda) at WOT. Because it is prone to knocking, the 5.0 Coyote prefers to run richer than many other engines.
To improve horsepower, a few degrees of ignition timing advance are frequently applied at WOT. The timing on the original Coyote is already somewhat advanced, so tuners can only increase a few degrees before encountering knock. For extra top-end power, camshaft timing can also be advanced a few degrees. Fuel pressure is frequently increased to allow more fuel into the cylinders, which results in more power.
Custom 5.0 Coyote F150 Tuners vs. Canned Tuners
There are two kinds of F150 tunes: bespoke tunes and canned melodies. In reality, both are personalized tunes to some extent, but canned tunes are far less appealing. We strongly prefer custom tuning over any prepackaged tunes for the F150, as we’ll explain.
Custom tuning entails investing in a handheld tuning device and collaborating with a custom tuner. In most cases, the tuner will supply a “base map” with basic calibrations. The user installs the base map into their truck using the handheld tuner and uses it to “datalog” some of the engine’s parameters while driving. After that, the consumer uploads the datalog from their gadget to their computer and emails it to their tuner.
The tuner then considers the datalog information, creates a new tune, emails it to the customer, and the process repeats again until the tune is deemed finished – usually after a few changes.
Canned tuning only includes the first step. A customer buys a handheld tuning device with a canned tune on it and installs it in their truck. There is no review process, and the map on the device is not a base map but a final map.
As you can undoubtedly tell, bespoke tuning outperforms canned tune. Canned tunes are created based on average F150 performance, not your individual vehicle. Because not all trucks react the same way to modifications and tuning, you’re out of luck if yours does.
Custom tuning, on the other hand, allows a credible tuner to observe how your truck reacts to precise changes. Tuners may fine-tune your F150 to ensure safety while producing the highest horsepower and torque.
Tuner Devices for the 5.0 Coyote F150
For the Ford F150, there are several handheld tuning devices available. The BullyDog, SCT, and BAMA tuners are the most popular. Different tuners use different programmers, and the majority of them only use a few. Before purchasing a handheld device, confirm that it is compatible with your tuner. Most tuners offer the devices they use, so you can most likely obtain it from their website.
Another popular option is an application known as HP Tuners. HP Tuners is a whole system, not simply a handheld device. You purchase a device that plugs into your truck that you can communicate with, and you use the HP Tuners software to tune. You must also purchase credits from them for your specific vehicle. Many tuners will recommend that you purchase an HP Tuners system rather than a handheld tuner because they provide more functionality. Again, consult with your tuner before making any purchases.
Some tuners also sell their own branded tuning devices. Typically, these devices are only compatible with your specific make and model, as well as your specific tuner. This is distinct from other handheld devices, which are typically adaptable to a broader range of vehicles and tuners.
5.0 F150 Tuner Terminology
Before we proceed any farther, we should probably clarify tuning terminology. The terms “tune,” “tuning,” “tuned,” and “tuned” are occasionally used interchangeably, but they describe significantly different phenomena. Furthermore, E-tuning is a broad term that is frequently used.
- Tune/Map – The programme or file that is flashed to your ECU.
- Tuner – 1) The person or company who sets the engine parameters in the tune file.
2) The portable device that is used to flash or piggyback your ECU.
- Tuning – The process of altering the settings of an engine.
- Tuned – A truck that has had a custom or canned tune installed.
- Custom tuning, often known as e-tuning, is the process of having a tuner tune one’s truck by email conversation.
Don’t be discouraged if you mix these up when you first start learning about the procedure. If you ever have a doubt about what something means, you can always look it up here.
Advantages of Ford 5.0 Coyote F150 Tuner
Some of the advantages of an F150 tune are as follows:
- +20-40 HP/Torque (with simple tune)
- 100+ hp/torque (with other modifications)
- Throttle Response and Power Band Improvements
- Real-time data logging and monitoring of the engine
- Viewing and Clearing DTC Codes
- Getting the Most Out of Mods
- Increased Towing Capability
The most significant benefits from a Ford F150 tuner will be in terms of horsepower and torque. The 5.0 F150 gains roughly 20-40 hp/tq with simply a tune. Tuning also improves the powerband of the 5.0 Coyote V8. It provides higher low-end torque and power that lasts until redline.
Another important feature of tuning is the ability to maximise the rewards from previous mods. Installing upgrades like a cold air intake or headers increases power, but tuning is required to take advantage of the improved airflow and lower backpressure. Flex fuel is a popular mod for the F150, and tuners may give specific E85 maps with leaner AFRs and greater ignition/cam timing for enhanced power.
Another compelling reason to acquire an F150 tuner is increased towing capacity. Towing capability for new F150s is already a massive 11,000 pounds from the factory. However, F150 tuners can increase torque, particularly at the low end, to make towing much easier and faster. With F150 tuning, drivers will find it much simpler to accelerate from a standstill and climb hills, and many sellers offer specific tow tunes.
Advantages of 5.0 F150 Tuner Monitoring
However, power gains are far from the only advantage of an F150 tuner. You can also check DTC codes and, in most cases, clear them. Another significant advantage of tuning is the ability to log and monitor your engine. Most F150 tuners include “data logging,” which lets you to capture a snapshot of your engine’s performance while driving.
To spot problems as early as possible, you can check to verify if everything is working properly. For example, if your AFR is wrong, it could suggest that you have a leak in your system. Alternatively, you may notice engine knocking, which indicates a problem with your petrol. Your F150 tuner can advise you on what to look for.
Risks of Tuning a 5.0 Coyote F150
Now that we’ve discussed the advantages of an F150 tuner, it’s time to discuss the disadvantages. One of them is self-evident, but the more power you add to your engine, the shorter its lifespan. A few simple alterations, such as a tune or headers, are unlikely to reduce the longevity of the 5.0 Coyote engine. However, once you exceed 50-60 horsepower/torque over stock, things become more dangerous.
Furthermore, a “bad” tune can harm your engine and even cause it to blow up. Inexperienced tuners that add too much ignition/cam timing, make AFRs too lean, or fail to correctly identify leaks and faults will quickly turn your F150 into a very expensive paperweight. That is why it is critical to only receive tunes from trustworthy and skilled tuners, such as those on our list.
The final danger of tuning an F150 is dealing with dealerships and warranty work. It is generally understood that if you flash tune your truck, the dealership will be able to tell. Many dealerships will use the availability of aftermarket tuning software to deny engine warranty claims. To be fair, they have some reason for doing so.
It is not Ford’s fault if an untrained F150 tuner blows up your engine with incorrect calibrations. If you intend to tune your truck, you should be prepared to take all hazards, which may include the purchase of a new engine. It’s not a significant deal for modest projects, but as you increase the power, you also increase the risk.
Tuning & Modifications for the 5.0 Coyote F150
A significant advantage of using a Ford F150 tuner is that if your truck is not otherwise stock and has more mods, tuning can compensate for these and maximise power output. Modifications such as cold air intakes, headers, or an exhaust offer a little horsepower on their own, but when combined with tune, you can see an even bigger power boost.
Tuning will also help you ensure that your mods are working properly. When you change the airflow, such as by adding an intake or headers, your AFRs change. Custom tuning is required to ensure that they remain within the safe range.
Tuners can use upgrades that boost airflow and fueling to increase ignition timing, which results in increased power. Tuning is required if you want to get the most out of your bolt-on mods.
Top Ford F150 5.0 Coyote Tuners
Here are our top 5 F150 5.0 Coyote tuners:
- Motorsports at Livernois
- Racing by Lund
- All Motor Research Laboratories
- Tuning by OZ
The following are the top 5 F150 tuners in terms of price, performance, customer service, and dependability. This is not a full list of 5.0 Coyote F150 tuners, as there are many more, but it does represent the best options. Our price estimates include both the equipment and the tune itself.
1) F150 5.0 Coyote Tuning by Livernois Motorsports
Price: $599.00
Livernois Motorsports from Dearborn Heights, Michigan is our top choice for an F150 tuner. Livernois Motorsports is one of the greatest F150 tuners on the market, with a stellar reputation in the F150 community. They are well-known for both their performance/tow tunes and their customer service. Livernois Motorsports provides custom tuning for all 2011+ F150s equipped with the 5.0 Coyote engine.
Livernois’ custom tune for the 2011-2014 F150s will provide 24 wheel horsepower and 26 wheel torque. On 87 octane, Livernois’ tune adds 20 wheel horsepower and 13 wheel torque, or 30 wheel horsepower and 32 wheel torque on 93 octane. The gains for the 2018-2020 F15s are 31 wheel-horsepower and 42 wheel-torque, and the gains for 2021+ are 37 wheel-horsepower and 45 wheel-torque – all on 93 octane.
Depending on your truck’s needs, Livernois Motorsports offers both performance and tow tunes. Tow settings will prioritise low-end torque over top-end power, whilst performance tunes will prioritise horsepower. Some of their tunes are also Whipple Supercharger Stage 1 and Stage 2 compatible. Livernois Motorsports is also the only option for tuning F150s manufactured after 2021. Because no other tuner has figured out the PCM like Livernois, they are your only option if you have a 14th Gen F150.
Livernois Motorsports use a customised tuning device known as the “MyCalibrator.” They are one of the best options in the F150 community and have a lengthy history of performance. They are also one of the least expensive solutions on our list because they do not require the purchase of an additional tuner. The MyCalibrator is already included in the purchase price.
2) Lund Racing 5.0 Coyote Tuning F150
Price: $699.00 – $1,199.00
Lund Racing is our second recommendation for F150 tuners. Lund has long been a fixture in the F150 tuning scene, and their work on the 5.0 Coyotes is outstanding. They do not have their own unique gadget and instead rely on HP Tuners tuning equipment.
Lund F150 tunes can adjust for a wide range of modifications, such as bigger cams, ethanol fuel, intakes, and injectors. They are excellent choices for any build level, from a basic tune to cammed out ethanol monsters. They are also capable of handling supercharged/turbocharged and nitrous applications.
Lund is more expensive than some of the others because they demand the purchase of HP Tuners credits and gadgets. However, because Lund provides solid performance, the price is easily justified if you’re serious about tuning. Lund Racing should be at the top of your list, especially if you have a vast mod list.
In terms of pricing, they are in the middle of our list. Part of this is due to the additional cost of the tuning device, but they are still quite reasonable – especially given their reputation.
3) F150 5.0 Coyote Tuning by All Motor Research Labs
Price: $725.00
All Motor Research Labs is our third recommendation for F150 tuning. AMRL is well-known in the F150 tuning scene, and their products have been used on numerous high-powered F150 projects. HP Tuners are used only by Motor Research Labs, with either the nGuage or RTD tuning devices.
AMRL can tune almost any setup, and they claim to be able to get the 5.0 Coyote F150 to run in the 8s through the quarter mile with forced induction. F150 single cabs will run in the mid-to-low 12s with just E85, which is a rather simple mod for the 5.0 Coyotes. They aren’t as well recognised for their towing tuning, but for racing, they are an excellent choice.
AMRL also boasts affordable price, with their tune costing only $325 and the rest made up of HP credits and the gadget. Their song is known as the cannibal tune, and for good reason: it eats.
Related : The Guide to Tuning a 5.0 Coyote Mustang GT
4) F150 5.0 Coyote Tuning by OZ Tuning
Price: $669.00 – $1,370.00
Another well-known name in the F150 tuner world is OZ Tuning. They only use HP Tuners and can handle any type of modification. OZ Tuning provides two types of “Omega” tunes: one for basic mods and another for more sophisticated setups with bolt-ons.
OZ Tuning also handles forced induction tuning and has Roush supercharged tunes. Their tunes place a premium on performance, fuel economy, and towing. They are well-known in the Mustang GT tuning world and have received rave reviews from the majority of their clients. OZ Tuning is one of the best tuners on the market in terms of power and performance.
OZ Tuning is smack in the middle of our price range. They do necessitate the purchase of HP Tuners credits and a tuner, however this is included in the price of the tune. We wouldn’t call them a low-cost alternative because they provide a good product and have reasonable forced induction tuning.
Summary of Ford F150 5.0 Coyote Tuning
Overall, tweaking the F150 is an excellent approach to improve factory performance and power. A tune will make the truck much more responsive while also increasing horsepower and torque throughout. Ford F150 tuners will add 20-40 horsepower, and it can add much more with various supporting upgrades.
Livernois Motorsports, Lund Racing, All Motor Research Labs, and OZ Tuning are our top F150 tuners. They all provide comparable performance and are well-regarded in the F150 tuning community. Livernois Motorsports is the only choice that has its own proprietary tuning device, and all others require the purchase of one separately. They are all reasonably priced, with the final amount largely determined by your mod-list.
The Livernois Motorsports tune option is our favourite of the bunch. They provide the most affordable bespoke tuning while significantly improving power output and drivability. The Livernois procedure is quite fast, and they can also assist with other performance enhancements.
