Forum Discussion

jmcgilvary's avatar
jmcgilvary
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016

5 STAR TUNING X4

Does anyone have experience and opinions on this?
I have a 2002 Bounder, just does not see to really have the guts to tow, and I hear this does make a difference.
Wanted to know of peoples experiences and or testimonials.
Where did you buy, and how much?
Thanks in advance!
  • I guess, like all questions when somoene asks opinions, the answers represent both sides.
    I have seen some RV'ers on YOuTube who have them (not paid endorsements) talk about the difference.
    I am not always concerned about towing, I don't, as yet> have a TOAD, rather a 12' trailer and a Harley or a Golf Cart.
    I believe I may try it and see. That darn downshift going over a bridge on the Fla Turnpike, St. Lucie Waterway drives me nuts, and if all I have to pay is $500 to stop that, it could be worth it (he says tongue in cheek)
    Thanks to alll for your answers.
  • I put one on my 98 Ford V-10 after engine change. Its ok. But the big difference is the fact that I can monitor engine and transmission parameters. I like having a tachometer, transmission temp, real engine temp and inlet air temp displayed. Since I lost an engine because the poor engine temp gauge on those year Fords it is nice that I can watch important information when going over hills in hot weather.
  • For the inexpensive cost of 5 star and instant noise relief gained by re-programming the dumb factory tranny/shift settings, the tuner effort is the best value out there.
  • hanko wrote:
    timmac wrote:
    It does have HP/Torque improvements, not a lot but will make your motorhome do better in the hills where you need the HP/Torque the most.

    I have 5 Star with the full Banks Power Pac system on a 08 V-10 Bounder and I tow 6000 lbs with ease and still maintain around 6 to 7 mpg.


    Its nothing you notice in the seat of your pants

    Well, it all depends on your pants. I have 5star since about 4 - 5 years, and I love it. And yes, with my rather light motorhome, I can feel the additional power pretty well.
    It allows me to cross the Donner Pass in CA in the car lane, because I go way to fast for the truck lane that is full of lame diesel pushers!
  • timmac wrote:
    It does have HP/Torque improvements, not a lot but will make your motorhome do better in the hills where you need the HP/Torque the most.

    I have 5 Star with the full Banks Power Pac system on a 08 V-10 Bounder and I tow 6000 lbs with ease and still maintain around 6 to 7 mpg.


    Its nothing you notice in the seat of your pants
  • Change to a lower (numerically higher) axle ratio. Cost about $750. Best bang for the buck in towing power, beats all engine mods you could spend thousands on.
  • It does have HP/Torque improvements, not a lot but will make your motorhome do better in the hills where you need the HP/Torque the most.

    I have 5 Star with the full Banks Power Pac system on a 08 V-10 Bounder and I tow 6000 lbs with ease and still maintain around 6 to 7 mpg.
  • I dont think 5 star is a performance enhancing item. Its basically re programs the transmission to rid some of the foolish shifting patterns from the factory. I have the 5 star on my 2014 allegro and its fantastic for what it is. I also have banks power pac with the headers and KN air cleaner and that woke the thing up.