Is a Tune Worth It on a 2019 F-150 5.0? Alonza's 95,000-Mile Coyote Says Yes
Alonza G.'s 2019 F-150 STX 4x4 in Glasford, Illinois.
Customer story · 2018-2020 F-150 5.0L Coyote
Alonza's 2019 F-150 had 95,000 miles on it and had never given him a reason to complain. Then he tuned it. Now his only complaint is that it runs so good, he can't stop shopping for more parts.
The short version
- The truck: 2019 F-150 STX 4x4 with the 5.0L Coyote V8, 95,000 miles, mostly stock
- The tune: MPT Alpha Auto Adapt, loaded on an SCT BDX before it shipped
- What changed: More horsepower, better shifting, and auto start-stop turned off
- The one hiccup: A misfire from his worn-out factory spark plugs. New Motorcraft plugs fixed it.
- In his words: “This truck runs like a completely different truck.”
- Would he do it again: “I wish I would have bought this tuner when the truck was new.”
Why tune a 5.0 that already runs fine?
Plenty of Coyote owners are right where Alonza was. Nothing's wrong with the truck. It starts every morning and does its job. You just know there's more in there.
“Bought my F-150 new in 2019 and it's been stock factory except for exhaust, leveling kit and rims. At 95,000 miles I decided to breathe some new life into it. I told myself, self, you always wanted a tuner on this dude, why not buy one. After finding the MPT site and reading reviews, I pulled the trigger.”
Alonza G., Glasford, Illinois
He went with our Alpha Auto Adapt tune on an SCT BDX and picked the Prioritized Order option, so his tune was built and loaded before the BDX left the shop. He added a Reische 170 degree thermostat, and Ross set the fan settings to take advantage of it.
Never tuned anything before? Neither had he.
“Not being very tech savvy, I didn't understand the instructions. I called the tech team for assistance and they turned me into a downloading professional within minutes.”
Alonza G.
That's what we're here for. If you've never plugged a tuner into anything, call us. We walk people through it every day.
The one hiccup: 95,000-mile spark plugs
This one was maintenance, not the tune. The truck felt great in Sport mode, but revving it in park or neutral, it would stumble around 2,500 RPM. Alonza sent Ross a video. Ross asked the usual questions, and the answer was the factory spark plugs, still in there at 95,000 miles and worn out. His advice: put in a new set, and stick with Motorcraft on this engine.
“I was a tad skeptical because the truck ran fine before the tune. I was also sticker shocked when the new plugs were $95. But I sucked it up and replaced the plugs as suggested. The misfire problem immediately went away.”
Alonza G.
While they were at it, Alonza mentioned he forgot to ask for auto start-stop to be turned off. Ross sent him an updated file with it shut off.
“I appreciate the new file you sent to get rid of the annoying auto start button. Tell your boss I suggest they give you a paid day off, like a Friday, so you can have a long weekend.”
Alonza G., emailing Ross
I'm the boss. Noted, Alonza.
How does a tuned 2019 F-150 5.0 drive?
“This truck runs like a completely different truck! I'm super impressed with the horsepower and shift patterns this tuner has added. I wish I would have bought this tuner when the truck was new. I didn't know what I was missing in performance.”
Alonza G.
And his one complaint:
“The truck runs so good now, I find myself thinking about buying more performance parts for it.”
Alonza G.
That's a complaint I can live with.
What other 2018-2020 F-150 5.0 owners say
I love reading reviews like these. Everybody at MPT puts in the work every single day, and this is what makes it worth it. Alonza's not the only one. These owners run the same Alpha Auto Adapt tune on 2018 to 2020 F-150 5.0s, and here's what they told us, sorted by the questions we hear most.
Will I actually feel a difference?
“It's like a totally different truck. Throttle response, the shifts and low end to mid range power is impressive. Well worth the money to me. And if they don't believe what the right tune can do, they can sit shotgun and go for a ride.”
Alan B. from Clay, Michigan · 2020 F-150 5.0
Yeah, I bet, Alan. Save me the shotgun seat.
“Ever since I added the MPT tune, it feels so much faster. The throttle response is insane, and it honestly doesn't feel like the same truck. This is my favorite upgrade I've done to it, hands down.”
Bradley C. from Hewitt, Texas · 2020 F-150 5.0
Does it fix the 10-speed shifting?
“We took it on a 1,000 mile road trip and all I can say is I love it, especially the shifting. It hit every gear, no shudder, no hard up or down shifts. I've had it for over 4 years and it's never run or shifted this good.”
Josh P. from West Springfield, Pennsylvania · 2018 F-150 5.0
“Very pleased with the tune and customer service. I've never had a tune simply work the way it should right as I leave the driveway.”
Cameron K. from Niverville, Manitoba · 2019 F-150 5.0
Is it worth it on a high-mileage truck?
“It had a slight shifting issue when cold, and it would knock on 87 octane. The shifting issue is gone now. Highway mode is very snappy and feels like the stock sport mode. The knocking is gone and the engine is much quieter too. 175,000 miles now and it still runs great.”
Ken M. from Westminster, Vermont · 2018 F-150 5.0
175,000 miles and still going. That's a Coyote for you.
Can I switch between 87, 93 and E85?
“Love this tune on the 5.0. I had their tune back when I had my 2.7, so going with them again was a no-brainer. Knowing I could go from 87 to E85 without having to flash a new tune is awesome.”
Gregg L. from Spring, Texas · 2019 F-150 5.0
“The tune is truly adaptive between the different octanes. Since this tune also works with E85, I've been filling up with E85 and I can tell it is automatically adapting to it. I have zero regrets. It is absolutely worth the cost and I would not want to drive my truck without it.”
Ian T. from Denton, Texas · 2018 F-150 5.0
Shop this combo
Here's exactly what's on Alonza's truck.
MPT Tune
MPT Alpha Auto Adapt Tune, 18-20 F-150 5.0L
Custom built by MPT for your truck and mods. Adapts to 87, 89, 91, 93 and 98 octane plus flex fuel blends up to E85, with 90 days of preference-based tuning and data logging support.
Shop it
Tuner
Holds your MPT tunes, gets updated tunes over WiFi, reads and clears codes, and puts the truck back to stock any time.
Shop it
Mods
Reische 170° Performance Thermostat (RP-FORD-50)
Direct fit with a 5-year warranty. Ross set Alonza's tune with more aggressive fan settings to take advantage of it.
Shop itAlso on Alonza's truck: K&N filter in the stock intake, Flowmaster American Thunder cat-back, leveling kit, and 285/70/17 BFGoodrich tires.
Questions 5.0 owners ask before they buy
Is a tune worth it on a 2018-2020 F-150 5.0?
Owners say a tune is worth it on a 2018-2020 F-150 5.0. Alonza G. from Glasford, Illinois tuned his 2019 F-150 5.0 at 95,000 miles with the MPT Alpha Auto Adapt tune and says it runs like a completely different truck, with more horsepower and better shift patterns. Other 2018-2020 5.0 owners point to sharper throttle response, better 10-speed shifting, and being able to run 87 octane up to E85 on one tune.
Do I need new spark plugs to tune an F-150 5.0?
You don't need new spark plugs to tune an F-150 5.0. Alonza's truck just needed them: he was still on the factory plugs at 95,000 miles and they were worn out. If your plugs are due, replace them. Ross recommends Motorcraft plugs on this engine.
What fuel does the Alpha Auto Adapt tune run on? Can I run 89 or E85?
The Alpha Auto Adapt tune runs on 87, 89, 91, 93 and 98 octane, plus flex fuel blends up to E85, without flashing a different tune. Alonza runs 93.
Will a tune hurt my gas mileage on a 5.0?
Most 5.0 owners tell us a tune doesn't hurt their gas mileage, with an honest catch. Ian T. from Denton, Texas: “I do get a little better fuel economy, though it's hard to see those gains as I enjoy being more heavy footed with the tune.” Your right foot decides most of it.
How long does it take to get my tune?
Standard tunes are built in 3 business days. Rush My Tunes gets them done in 24 hours on business days. With the Prioritized Order option, your tunes are built and loaded on the tuner before it ships, and orders placed by 4 PM Eastern on business days ship the same day.
Can I put my truck back to stock before a dealer visit?
You can put your truck back to stock before any dealer visit. The tuner returns it to the stock tune any time, and we recommend doing that before any dealer service. Warranty questions are between you and Ford, so ask your dealer if you're unsure about your coverage.
Can MPT turn off auto start-stop?
MPT can turn off auto start-stop. Put it in the comments on your tune form. Alonza forgot, so Ross sent him an updated file with it turned off.
I'm not tech savvy. Can I still do this?
Not being tech savvy is fine. Pick the Prioritized Order option and MPT builds your tune and loads it on the tuner before it ships. If you get stuck, call 407-636-7077 and we'll walk you through it.
Do I need to live near MPT in Florida?
Living near MPT in Florida isn't required. The owners in this story are in Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Manitoba. Tunes are built for your truck, emailed or preloaded, and support is by phone and email.
On the fence about your 5.0?
Take it from Alonza and the owners above. Questions first? Call us at 407-636-7077 or email us. We do this all day, every day.
Shop the 18-20 F-150 5.0 tuneDownload the PDF: Alonza's 2019 F-150 5.0 story