I have run the 5 star 87 performance tune and the 91 performance tune minus 1 degree global spark, the shifting was definitely positive, NOT harsh for the most part. Sure every once in awhile you hit it just right like when you just mashed it in 1st and then lifted right before it shifts, sure it'll bang a bit but even stock it'll bang at that moment. I found the full throttle shift to be perfect, as well as it is adjustable in the menu to lighten the line press and change rpm from gear to gear.
What I didn't like was the constant downshifting, and at approximately 20% throttle it would wind a bit too much ( approx. 2800-2900 rpm) mostly 2nd to third before it would shift, but other than that the 90 octane performance tune was very snappy, powerful and consistent. The short excursion off road was a fun boost too. So far I've spoken to 2 peeps @ 5* and both conversations were good in the sense they answered some questions on adjustability @ part throttle for the shifting ( no adjustability ) as well as a few other misc questions
I recently loaded the 5*"Daily Street" tune @ 87 Octane plus 2 degrees Global Spark ( 89 octane ) I have only put 60 miles on it so far and with the 2 performance tunes it took about 120 miles on the two to fully learn both the truck and myself to the tune's so I'm not done evaluating quite yet. The 90 octane perf tune lost 1.4 mpg ( 14.3 TO 12.9 )and so far approx the same for the daily street tune, mileage is a concern but Total Performance in the end would be worth it if I'm happy
My observation of the "Daily street" tune so far is ..... Definitely lazier than the 90 octane perf tune, but peppier than stock. The trans shifts are very close to stock shifting, in fact too close for my liking. You have to remember I'm based at 4,400 feet and you lose a bunch of ponies here, which with the "Torque Management" turned back on with the "Daily Street" tunes affects not only trans shift strategy but throttle angle as well.
I will most likely have to have something "Custom Tweaked" Either in the Performance or "Daily Street" tune to be Satisfied. I keep mentioning the Altitude where I'm at, seems everybody thinks it will be learned and it will be fine, its not. In stock form @ this elevation to me this truck is a dog, it shifts way too soon in stock form, never consistent on throttle angle per load and so on...........
I have been working on cars / Trucks for 37 years, owned my shop for 19 years, Diagnose vehicles with driveability problems daily, I have raced both 1/4 mile and roundy round with cars, and 1/4 mile with boats. I played with Tuners for a few years too ( Hondas Skunk mainly ) Mapped Holly Pro-jections and Edelbrocks stuff too.
Now granted, shit is newer and smarter these days for sure, and they seem to adapt much better but it doesn't make up the 4.4% less oxygen that we lack from Fallon Nv's " Top Gun" raceway to Sacramento Ca's Raceway.
In another words about 16% to 20% percent less horsepower depending on vehicle and how modified it is, IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The tunes developed are usually @ sea level, I have far less HP than you do when you all are developing these tunes, so for me in the end it will be........... Who is willing to make the adjustments to the tunes to make me happy?
