Community Forums

bdickson · 09-18-2013, 05:20 PM

OK, burning question of the day: does the computer in the F53 have a learning mode? I just drove from Oregon to North Carolina and I swear the shifting with the 5 Star got even better the more miles I put on it. I know that some vehicles reset the computer when the battery is disconnected, but does installing the 5 Star do some kind of reset?

clyon51 · 09-18-2013, 06:12 PM

The 5 Star simply replaces the stock control programming of the stock with the new.

ghutch · 09-18-2013, 06:35 PM

It is my understanding that in the 2011 and up, the ECM is a "learning" ECM. You are correct in seeing performance changes as you drive. I believe that a return to stock will start the learning all over. I have about 5000 miles since my tune and it drives better with each trip.

cucamelsmd15 · 09-19-2013, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghutch

It is my understanding that in the 2011 and up, the ECM is a "learning" ECM. You are correct in seeing performance changes as you drive. I believe that a return to stock will start the learning all over. I have about 5000 miles since my tune and it drives better with each trip.

"Learning" is kind of a misnomer to be honest, but that doesnt stop manufacturers from selling it as some sort of black magic.

What really happens is that when you reset the ECU and the associated controllers, it resets to a "known safe" configuration. It then optimizes the loops for engine timing, AFR, shifting etc while you drive. So yes, the more you drive it, the better it will get to a point obviously.

jamesrxx951 · 09-19-2013, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cucamelsmd15

"Learning" is kind of a misnomer to be honest, but that doesnt stop manufacturers from selling it as some sort of black magic.

What really happens is that when you reset the ECU and the associated controllers, it resets to a "known safe" configuration. It then optimizes the loops for engine timing, AFR, shifting etc while you drive. So yes, the more you drive it, the better it will get to a point obviously.

Actually it is not a necessarily a "safe" configuration. In most cases the transmission will flare or in rare cases shift hard. But in most cases shift flares. The fuel tables are reset back to base trims. The "learning comes in with the engine side for determining if the fuel trims are to lean or to rich. It adjust them as needed. For instance, if you have a vehicle that can run E85 and reset KAM, the engine will run very lean for a while until the fuel tables determine that E85 is being used.

The shift patterns and feel is based on timing that the input shaft shows the shift. Shift feel in electronic terms is basicly a calculated expected time to see the input shaft drop the expected RPM. To fast of a speed means a firm shift, to much time means a delayed or flared shift. If you were to drive most torque shift transmissions with the adaptives turned off, you would most likely burn the clutchs because of the shift flares.

Thorchini · 09-19-2013, 07:35 PM

Mine seems to run better every time I take it out. I think part of it is me just learning the rig and adapting to it better. Knowing the shift points and what the capabilities are helps me drive it correctly. I do like the tune, worth the money in my book.

Fiesta48 · 09-20-2013, 12:34 PM

I added the 5 Star SCT tuner to my '05 2V 310 HP V10 and now to my '11 362 HP 3V V10. It helps the newer engine more than to older. More power, higher vacuuum at same speed, shifts up at lower RPM's but still shifts down in hills as needed. The $510 (Initial-$405, then $105 to upgrade) I've got invested will takes years to pay back but for every day use, I'm enjoying it now.

cucamelsmd15 · 09-23-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

Actually it is not a necessarily a "safe" configuration. In most cases the transmission will flare or in rare cases shift hard. But in most cases shift flares. The fuel tables are reset back to base trims. The "learning comes in with the engine side for determining if the fuel trims are to lean or to rich. It adjust them as needed. For instance, if you have a vehicle that can run E85 and reset KAM, the engine will run very lean for a while until the fuel tables determine that E85 is being used.

The shift patterns and feel is based on timing that the input shaft shows the shift. Shift feel in electronic terms is basicly a calculated expected time to see the input shaft drop the expected RPM. To fast of a speed means a firm shift, to much time means a delayed or flared shift. If you were to drive most torque shift transmissions with the adaptives turned off, you would most likely burn the clutchs because of the shift flares.

Valid point, and "known safe" probably isn't the best term. "Default baseline" is probably better.

KSCRUDE · 12-02-2013, 10:02 AM

Anybody thinking about getting the 5 Star Tune, just do it, you will be glad you did. Just got back from a 5 day Thanksgiving trip and we have over 7K on the rig now with Five Star at 700 miles. This thing pulls like a freight train now. Must be getting broke in as it didn't run this good when I first did the tune. If you leave the cruise off and just drive by you foot it will pull big hills on the interstate and never downshift. Will cruse 75 or 80 with ease pulling a toad on a trailer. Although I don't like to drive this fast, hard to hold it down without cruise. Rides like a dream with the Koni shocks and handles great with the Cheap Handeling Fix and the added rear trac bar. We this thing was new, before mods, it handled like crap and had no power. And rode like a lumber wagon. Can't say enough about Newmar as this is a very solid well built coach. Here it is setting south of Wichita at the Kansas Star Casino.

KSCRUDE · 12-02-2013, 10:03 AM

The badge.

TOMFEN · 12-02-2013, 11:02 AM

Anyone know the approximate HP increase is with the 5star tune is? I have it installed on an Itasca 27N, it does make a big difference in power and shift points.

My prior MH was a Brave 30W with the 8.1L GM engine in it. I had Brazels Ultra Power Mod on it, which is similar to the 5Star Tune. The Ultra Power Mod gave it a 62 Hp increase in HP, this was by running it on the dyno before and after the Mod. Just wondering if the 5Star is about the same.

Tom

KSCRUDE · 12-02-2013, 07:02 PM

They told me at Five Star that it should give you around 50 HP at the crankshaft and about 75 FPT. So we should be around 400 plus HP and around 500 FPT after the tune. That's more then a 7.3 power stroke and probably about like the 6.0 power stroke. But peak torque on a 362 HP V10 is around 3700 rpm and peak HP comes in about 4800 rpm. At 3000 rpm, my rig with 5.38 gears is doing about 75 mph in high gear. Your always running way below peak HP and torque. The 3.5 Ecoboost puts out about the same max torque as the V10 at about 2200 rpm. The Ecoboost trucks drive like a diesel in many respects. Gobs of low end torque.

Shuffster · 12-18-2013, 08:04 AM

I just purchased a 2010 motorhome on the F53 chassis. It drives and shifts like it may have the 5 Star tune. Is there a way I can find out? (do not know previous owner).

bdickson · 12-18-2013, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shuffster

I just purchased a 2010 motorhome on the F53 chassis. It drives and shifts like it may have the 5 Star tune. Is there a way I can find out? (do not know previous owner).

call Mike at 5 Star and ask him if he can tell from the VIN number.