Ford's powerful 6.7 Powerstroke deserves all the praise it gets. The engine has been commercially successful, and that's because of its astounding capabilities. To further increase its abilities, a programmer, also called a tuner, can be of great help. And that's exactly what we're going to look at in our feature today.
(If you want to learn more about programmers and tuners, check out our Ultimate Guide to Tuners, Programmers, and Chips)
SCT Performance - 7015 - X4 Performance Tuner - Custom Power Flash Programmer- Ford
Edge Products 85400 CTS2 Diesel Evolution Programmer
SCT Performance - 5015P - Livewire TS+ Performance Tuner and Monitor - Ford Preloaded and Custom Tuning
Superchips 1845 Flashpaq F5 Programmer
Bully Dog - 40460B - GTX Performance Tuner & Monitor - Custom Tunes and Wifi Enabled
In-cabin, separate monitor
Made for a multitude of Ford products, the SCT X4 Performance Programmer doubles up as one of the best tuners for the 6.7 Powerstroke. It's not CARB-exempt but at the same time, it won't accept any emission-/delete-related tunes, either. And don't worry about how small it is - that definitely doesn't affect its performance.
Built-in screen offers real-time monitoring
Its 2.8-inch screen doubles up as a real-time display when you aren't using it to navigate through various options on the device. It can monitor various parameters like exhaust gas temperature, air-fuel ratio, coolant temperature, etc. And like any other tuner worthy of this list, it can also detect and clear engine diagnostic codes.
While it doesn't support switching on the fly, it can store 10 custom tunes and also accepts changes to vehicle parameters made to accommodate modifications. For instance, both axle ratio and tire size can be changed, the TPMS can be recalibrated/switched off, and even a speed limit can be imposed using this OBD-II programmer. It can be updated over Wi-Fi and also saves the stock tune, should you decide to revert to that in future.
Despite a smaller form factor, the SCT X4 has a lot to offer. Buyers must pay close attention to compatibility and warranty - both of which can be checked with the seller. More tunes for the 6.7 Powerstroke are available and can be purchased from SCT.
The Edge Products 6.7 Powerstroke tuner offers both the ability to monitor in real-time what your Ford 6.7 Powerstroke is doing and also introduces a variety of new tunes to your truck. The 5-inch high-resolution touchscreen allows in-cabin monitoring and tuning whereas the OBD-II-connected tuner can add up to 180 hp, depending on the truck.
First, the basics: for Ford trucks, the Edge tuner isn't CARB-exempt. Its use on emission controlled vehicles (road-legal) isn't allowed as well, which means if you're getting the Diesel Evolution, it's gotta be for off-road/closed-circuit activities.
You can update it through the Internet, and it also offers the ability to tune shift points, adjust and correct speedometer, etc. The display comes with multiple-gauge screen layouts, with fully customizable backgrounds, and input for the rear camera.
The Diesel Evolution CTS2 is compatible with various 6.7 Powerstroke Ford trucks including the F-250 (model years 2011-2015), F-350 (2011-2015), F-450 (2011-2015), and F-550 (2011-2015). A recent update last year included the 2017-2019 models of trucks with 6.7 Powerstroke diesel. With this, there are three stages (Economy, Tow, and Extreme), with maximum power and torque increment offered at 120 hp and 220 lb-ft respectively.
Edge Products is one of the best 6.7 Powerstroke tuners, because of the experience and power boost it offers. There are mixed reviews for the product, with some being positive while others have reported that it's not problem-free - it tends to freeze with certain vehicles, among other things.
Like the smaller X4 mentioned above, the SCT Livewire TS+ comes with tunes for a wide range of Ford products. With a larger color display, it has a better monitoring ability, and can even add up to 103 hp and 221 lb-ft. It's compatible with the 6.7 Powerstroke Ford trucks, but we'd suggest you confirm with the seller before making a purchase.
Pre-loaded with tunes; Shift-on-the-fly available
It comes with 10 pre-loaded tunes. That's in addition to its ability to offer shift-on-the-fly (on select trucks), read and clear engine codes, set user-adjustable warnings, among other things.
It's not CARB-exempt but SCT maintains that the product won't support changes to the emission system. It also aids mileage, which can be a great thing if your truck is a daily driver. The 4-inch color touchscreen comes with an ambient light sensor and can log and monitor the data. Like on other displays (such as the Edge above), you can customize the look, and you can also connect a reverse camera to it.
The SCT Livewire TS+ is a combination device. Those who've used the tuner have reported a substantial increase in performance, but on the other hand, one has to purchase tunes from SCT, so that's going to be some more money out of your pocket.
An easy-to-use handheld tuner, the Superchips Flashpaq is a great way to tune your truck but without attracting too much attention, even inside the cabin. It has a 2.8-inch color screen with a straightforward interface and offers the standard fare of features on tuners. It also gets a 2-year powertrain warranty and can be updated from the internet through USB.
If you're looking for power upgrades you'll be happy to learn that there are three tunes for 6.7 Powerstroke: Performance (120 hp increase), Heavy Town (48 hp increase), and Mileage XS Save (80 hp increase). You can also correct the tire size, adjust speed and rev limiters, read and clear DTCs, control the TPMS, and even fiddle with tuning for shift points and firmness.
Although Superchips maintains the device is 50-state legal, the coverage for 2011-2016 6.7 Powerstroke engined trucks is pending. So just make sure to cross-check your truck's compatibility and the CARB status with the seller.
It improves drivability but without costing a ton or needing to do a million changes to your truck. The lack of CARB exemption and a large screen for monitoring might be some deterrents though. But otherwise, it's a great choice. Users have noticed a power increase and many love the simplicity of the device.
The thing with most tuners is that while they offer astounding features and unshackle your truck, they don't look great. The device looks a bit out of place in the cabin (especially when we talk about the newer cabins) or the overall interface of the screen seems dated. But none of that is true with the Bully Dog GTX. It comes with a magnetically attaching touchscreen display (5-inch; capacitive touch), can be switched on in just 10 seconds, and does everything else a tuner of its caliber is expected to do.
Monitor and record performance data
You can get custom tunes from Bully Dog's dealers, record vehicle performance data (at 35 fps) as you drive to review later, and also monitor a variety of engine parameters. The tuner can save up to 20 custom tunes, and you don't even need to connect the device to a computer to add new tunes - it's all done via Wi-Fi.
Settings like axle ratio, TPMS, tire size, speed limiter, etc. can be corrected/adjusted, in addition to the inclusion of an airbox without running into a check engine warning/light. Speaking of engine error codes, you can detect and also clear those with this tuner. And since it's a 35 fps recording, the playback of performance data is bound to be smooth. The same can be said about the capacitive touchscreen.
The Bully Dog GTX seems to be one of the few future-ready tuner combinations. The high-resolution monitor is also a big positive, in addition to the tuner itself. Confirm with the seller whether the device is compatible with your truck model before you make the purchase.
What is the Best Programmer for a 6.7 Powerstroke?
Programmers and tuners for cars are just like amplifiers for speakers. Like how you'd need an amplifier to achieve optimum results from the speaker, by using a tuner you'll enjoy the truck at its maximum potential. Having said that, just be careful with the extreme power tunes because that ends up creating an extra load on engine and drivetrain components, wearing them down faster.
Among the 6.7 Powerstroke programmers we've mentioned here, the and offer simplicity and a smaller form factor. But if you're after a more serious approach for monitoring what your truck is doing, the , SCT X4 Superchips Flashpaq Edge Products Diesel Evolution SCT Livewire TS+, and Bully Dog GTX are solid choices. The GTX offers a great screen and has a very quick start-up time. The Diesel Evolution offers a solid power upgrade (and assured compatibility with 2017-2019 models of 6.7 Powerstroke), and the Livewire comes loaded with Shift-on-the-fly (on select truck models).
