HUGE gains from FICM ONLY tune!

Dieselcraft · Feb 28, 2012

On my to do list

Power Hungry · Feb 28, 2012

Agjake11 said:
i really like the increases the different ficm levels gave on with the race tune already.

from how i read it though the hercules Ficm tune is for stock injectors and a new level will be created for trucks with larger injectors?

We will be working on a set of tunes specifically designed for larger injectors to not only help with performance but also drivability. The thing that is interesting is that on the old 7.3L ECM, the Mass Fuel Desired, Injection Pressure, and Injector Pulsewidth tables were all in the same unit. On the 6.0L, they moved the Pulsewidth ond other related tables to the FICM instead. We (the tuning industry) have known for years about the benefits of modfying the FICM strategies, especially in relation to tuning for modified injectors. Now we're starting to see more and more related tuning between the ECM and FICM.

Things are changing for the better. Where we saw a tremendous learning curve for the 7.3L, now 7.3L tuning is better than ever. We can expect to see similar improvements in future tuning quality in the 6.0L as well.

Agjake11 · Feb 28, 2012

Is there a estimated time frame on the one for bigger injectors? I'd like to get on the list but won't need the one for stock sticks for too much longer.

Mwilbur516 · Feb 28, 2012

Bill, I'm excited for the re-flash. Just outta curiosity, would you recommend I get the Atlas 80 or Hercules reflash? I obviously want as much power as possible while retaining drivability (short order huh?). My goal is to get as much RWHP out of my stock turbo and injectors as possible. I just wanna see how far a DD truck can go on the stock sticks and air. When I'm satisfied, I'm going to move up to either 175/100's and a PMax or 190/75's and a PMax.

Power Hungry · Feb 29, 2012

Agjake11 said:
Is there a estimated time frame on the one for bigger injectors? I'd like to get on the list but won't need the one for stock sticks for too much longer.

I talked to Casserly today and I'm expecting to have the new injectors in next week. It should only take a couple days from there to have the tuning lined up, so we should have the tunes ready in about 2 weeks.

Mwilbur516 said:
Bill, I'm excited for the re-flash. Just outta curiosity, would you recommend I get the Atlas 80 or Hercules reflash? I obviously want as much power as possible while retaining drivability (short order huh?). My goal is to get as much RWHP out of my stock turbo and injectors as possible. I just wanna see how far a DD truck can go on the stock sticks and air. When I'm satisfied, I'm going to move up to either 175/100's and a PMax or 190/75's and a PMax.

Well, we could try each on and see what works best for you. It's mostly going to come down to whether you need to tow anything or not. If you get the bigger FICM program, you lose the ability to detune for pulling heavy loads. If towing is not a concern, then the Hercules program would be fine.

Fox hunt · Feb 29, 2012

Mwilbur516 said:
Bill, I'm excited for the re-flash. Just outta curiosity, would you recommend I get the Atlas 80 or Hercules reflash? I obviously want as much power as possible while retaining drivability

I too was wondering the same thing. I dont tow a lot, but I dont want to loose my ability to use the truck what is intended for- towing. The Hercules sounds awesome but I think its more than I need. Would the Atlas 80 be suitable with a tow tune and still be able to keep things in check you think, or would the Atlas 40 be better?

bboteler · Feb 29, 2012

I'm looking for max mpg's, but the ability to tow light 6k. Can you put together a ficm and PCM tune matched best for my needs??

Mwilbur516 · Feb 29, 2012

Bill, I would like to come by tomorrow and get reflashed if I can. Give me a call.

Power Hungry · Mar 1, 2012

Mwilbur516 said:
Bill, I'm excited for the re-flash. Just outta curiosity, would you recommend I get the Atlas 80 or Hercules reflash? I obviously want as much power as possible while retaining drivability (short order huh?). My goal is to get as much RWHP out of my stock turbo and injectors as possible. I just wanna see how far a DD truck can go on the stock sticks and air. When I'm satisfied, I'm going to move up to either 175/100's and a PMax or 190/75's and a PMax.

Given the aggressive nature of your existing tune, I'd probably go with the Atlas 80 program. We can certainly try the Hercules program and decide if that's a good choice for you, but it's probably going to be overkill once you get your injectors. Of course, it's still hard to say at this point. Would be happy to work with you on this once you step up to the new injectors.

Fox hunt said:
I too was wondering the same thing. I dont tow a lot, but I dont want to loose my ability to use the truck what is intended for- towing. The Hercules sounds awesome but I think its more than I need. Would the Atlas 80 be suitable with a tow tune and still be able to keep things in check you think, or would the Atlas 40 be better?

For a vehicle that is going to be used for towing, I'd stick with the Atlas 40. Going with a higher power level is going to significantly reduce your options and flexibility with using an existing tuner. Going with the Atlas 40 tune still gives you a good margin for pulling heavier loads and then you can turn it up from there with a programmer.

Mwilbur516 said:
Bill, I would like to come by tomorrow and get reflashed if I can. Give me a call.

Give me a shout in the AM. Corey has a Dr. appt. in Lawrenceville, but I would be happy to try and work it in somewhere. :naughty:

Mwilbur516 · Mar 1, 2012

I got the Atlas 80 today. There is a small difference on the low end from a dead stop, but a much more noticeable gain in the middle of the RPM range. From say, a 40mph roll, it pulls a good bit harder. There is more smoke as well, due to increased fuel coming on faster, but with the SPD tune the smoke is still very manageable. The EGT's stayed in check as well. For anyone who knows anything about the I-20 corridor on the west side of ATL, you know about Six Flags hill. I hit the hill at 70 mph, 8psi and about 550* EGT. Mid ways up the hill I was at 72mph, 10psi and 650*. I pushed it up to a little over 80mph almost instantly and only increased boost to 15-17psi and when I let out at the top after holding the 80mph+ the EGT's were still looming below 850*. My truck was unloaded besides about 400lbs of tool box, so I'd guess the weight at around 8100lbs.

I went with the Atlas 80 just because the Hercules makes it near impossible to pull fuel out for heavier towing. My truck is a toy, but from time to time I still have to use it to pull heavier loads, such as tractors from Dallas GA up through the mountains to our place in TN.

I won't even begin to report on mpg's since I was pushing the truck playing the whole way there and back today. it's a bit over 90 miles to PHP from my house so I did more the 180 miles today. But made incredible time. I'll try to report back in a couple weeks on my mpg's and anything else I notice.

Bottom line, If your FICM isn't tuned, you're leaving A LOT of power on the table. My truck really woke up with the FICM tuning. Even the original PHP tune made a huge difference in throttle response. I have had to change my driving habits so I'm not constantly squeaking the rear tires when starting. The new tunes from PHP also incorporate some inductive heating so cold starts will not be an issue either. Bill has really done an awesome job on the new PHP tunes IMO.

Power Hungry · Mar 1, 2012

Mwilbur516 said:
I got the Atlas 80 today. There is a small difference on the low end from a dead stop, but a much more noticeable gain in the middle of the RPM range. From say, a 40mph roll, it pulls a good bit harder. There is more smoke as well, due to increased fuel coming on faster, but with the SPD tune the smoke is still very manageable. The EGT's stayed in check as well. For anyone who knows anything about the I-20 corridor on the west side of ATL, you know about Six Flags hill. I hit the hill at 70 mph, 8psi and about 550* EGT. Mid ways up the hill I was at 72mph, 10psi and 650*. I pushed it up to a little over 80mph almost instantly and only increased boost to 15-17psi and when I let out at the top after holding the 80mph+ the EGT's were still looming below 850*. My truck was unloaded besides about 400lbs of tool box, so I'd guess the weight at around 8100lbs.

I went with the Atlas 80 just because the Hercules makes it near impossible to pull fuel out for heavier towing. My truck is a toy, but from time to time I still have to use it to pull heavier loads, such as tractors from Dallas GA up through the mountains to our place in TN.

I won't even begin to report on mpg's since I was pushing the truck playing the whole way there and back today. it's a bit over 90 miles to PHP from my house so I did more the 180 miles today. But made incredible time. I'll try to report back in a couple weeks on my mpg's and anything else I notice.

Bottom line, If your FICM isn't tuned, you're leaving A LOT of power on the table. My truck really woke up with the FICM tuning. Even the original PHP tune made a huge difference in throttle response. I have had to change my driving habits so I'm not constantly squeaking the rear tires when starting. The new tunes from PHP also incorporate some inductive heating so cold starts will not be an issue either. Bill has really done an awesome job on the new PHP tunes IMO.

Glad you're having fun with it! DEFINITELY keep us in the loop as far as what you find in regards to fuel economy. I'm have some difficulty getting any accurate economy estimates as there seems to be some stiffness in my right leg that occurs every time I drive the truck. :morons:

ENJOY! :ford:

FirstSixOh · Mar 1, 2012

I am intersted in 2 things: What MPG, and will this truck pass a CA smog inspection?

Mwilbur516 · Mar 1, 2012

FirstSixOh said:
I am intersted in 2 things: What MPG, and will this truck pass a CA smog inspection?

My fuel mileage increased 2-2.5mpg on my first FICM tune from PHP. And if you live in Comi-fornia, buy a prius and sell that truck to someone who lives in a state that will allow them to enjoy it!

oke:

Bill would have to tell you weather or not it would pass Comi-fornia emissions. I know my truck wouldn't!:naughty:

Fox hunt · Mar 2, 2012

Sweet! Thanks for the report Mwilbur. 80 atlas for me it is. I'm sure you can probably pass CA emissions. Even with just the ficm tune its just a but more than a tow tune and I've never seen smoke with my tow tunes. I live I CA and I'll be giving it a go

but like already stated I'm sure Bill will know more

Gearhead · Mar 2, 2012

What I would like to see is a simple ficm flash that complements existing programming. Something like the early 03 ficm (but with mild inductive heating) with a slight bit of fuel on the order of 10 percent over stock with the timing restirctions removed. This would allow the maximum power tunes to be able to control the fueling and torque curves delivered to the TCM properly and give a little extra to allow the injectors to be used to their full potential.

Power Hungry · Mar 2, 2012

Fox hunt said:
Sweet! Thanks for the report Mwilbur. 80 atlas for me it is. I'm sure you can probably pass CA emissions. Even with just the ficm tune its just a but more than a tow tune and I've never seen smoke with my tow tunes. I live I CA and I'll be giving it a go but like already stated I'm sure Bill will know more

The Atlas 40 shouldn't have any problems passing CA smog. I ran it for a while on my truck and it's really clean. The Atlas 80 smokes a little on a snap test, but is otherwise pretty clean even when I'm on it hard. The Hercules... well, that's another matter.

Gearhead said:
What I would like to see is a simple ficm flash that complements existing programming. Something like the early 03 ficm (but with mild inductive heating) with a slight bit of fuel on the order of 10 percent over stock with the timing restirctions removed. This would allow the maximum power tunes to be able to control the fueling and torque curves delivered to the TCM properly and give a little extra to allow the injectors to be used to their full potential.

Matt, it's already done and has been for some time, although we did a few more updates to it this past week. It is now the Level 1 tune on the FICM programmer and has the later mild-I/H strategy.

Fox hunt · Mar 2, 2012

Well dang, guess I'll follow the laws and go with the atlas 40. Does the atlas 40 allow am ecm tune writer the tune writing flexibility Matt was talking about (he writes my tunes so I was curious)?

Pizza pig · Mar 2, 2012

yeah but only until the pw is maxed out for stock injectors. Once you have bigger injectors then it will come alive.

Dave · Mar 2, 2012

Power Hungry said:
Matt, it's already done and has been for some time, although we did a few more updates to it this past week. It is now the Level 1 tune on the FICM programmer and has the later mild-I/H strategy.

Bill is this the one you put on my rig in September of last year? Or which one was that?

Ive got some things in the works and will probably be hitting you up for a new set of tunes sometime over the next month or so.