Can a Tune Fix the 10-Speed on a 2023 F-150 Tremor 3.5 EcoBoost? Brooks Found Out
Brooks J.'s 2023 F-150 Tremor 3.5L EcoBoost from Potterville, Michigan.
Customer story · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
Brooks liked his 2023 F-150 Tremor. He did not like the way it shifted. In normal mode it sat in 10th gear at 52 mph and 1,300 RPM. One MPT tune and a shift revision later, he calls it "ECOBEASTED with the tune alone."
The short version
- The truck: 2023 F-150 Tremor with the 3.5L EcoBoost, 10-speed automatic, on 35x12.5R18 tires
- The tunes: MPT 93 PR-X, 93 Daily-Tow and an Adaptive Perf-Trans tune, sent straight to his HP Tuners RTD+ through the TDN app
- The mods: aFe Momentum cold air intake and a Borla ATAK exhaust
- What changed: Firmer, quicker shifts, gears held the way he likes, and power for days in the sand
- In his words: “ECOBEASTED with the tune alone!”
- Would he do it again: “Best investment for my truck so far.” I think that's a yes.
Why tune a 2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost?
For Brooks it came down to one thing: the 10-speed. Plenty of power on paper, but in normal mode the truck was chasing 10th gear at 52 mph and 1,300 RPM, and the shifting never felt like it matched how he actually drives.
He ordered three tunes with Rush My Tunes and an HP Tuners RTD+, so the files went straight to his phone through the TDN app. No laptop needed. His picks: a 93 PR-X for fun, a 93 Daily-Tow, and an Adaptive Perf-Trans tune that cleans up the shifting and throttle without turning the truck into a rocket. That last one was his idea, for when his kid drives it.
Smart dad move. Give the kid the polite tune.
How much power does a tune add to a 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost?
Our dyno-tested tunes for the 2021-2023 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost add over 100 horsepower and over 100 lb-ft of torque, along with sharper throttle response, Turbo Anti-Lag and the option to shut off Auto Stop-Start. Tremor models are supported, and there's no PCM swap or unlock needed. Your exact numbers depend on your fuel, mods and which tune you're running. Brooks is on 93 with an intake and exhaust, and his summary of the difference was one word in all caps.
Can MPT really change how the 10-speed shifts?
Yes, and this is where custom tuning earns its name. Brooks is an industrial controls engineer by trade, so he sent Jose and Ross detailed feedback on how he wanted it to shift, along with his data logs.
Ross built him a 93 PR-X v2 with big changes to the shift schedule. At light and part throttle, both Normal and Sport now carry more RPM before they upshift, so the truck stops lugging around in the tall gears.
“I do like how it shifts, and it does run pretty good.”
Brooks J., Potterville, Michigan
“Chirping shifts, not hanging gears out to dry, shifting how I asked for based on my driving habits. It might take a revision, but that's part of the game, and these guys will get it right.”
Brooks J.
How does it pull on a 35-inch tire Tremor?
Brooks runs 35x12.5R18s, so we built the tune for that tire size. Then he took it to the sand.
“Sand dunes, I don't even have to break 3,200 RPM when climbing. Power for days!”
Brooks J.
Power for days and a shift schedule he signed off on. That's the goal.
What did the data logs show?
When Ross went through his logs, the tune looked solid. The one thing he flagged was intake temperature. His intake temps were climbing to around 160 degrees F, and that's heat soak eating into power. His advice for the next bolt-on: an intercooler and a blow off valve.
“Appreciate the recommendations on potential issues, like an intercooler upgrade to mitigate heat soak. Best investment for my truck so far!”
Brooks J.
Brooks has owned a few Chevys. After all this, here's where he landed:
“I think I love my Ford truck more than my Chevys.”
Brooks J.
Welcome home, Brooks.
Other 2021-2023 3.5 EcoBoost owners chime in
Brooks wasn't the only one with something to say about MPT tunes on a 2021-2023 3.5. Notes like these are why the whole team shows up every day and sweats the details. Here's the rest of the crowd, lined up by the things buyers want to know.
Is the shifting and lag really that different?
“Easy to use, a world of difference. More power, better throttle response, better transmission shift points.”
Jason H. from Coral Gables, Florida · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
“Went with MPT based on their reputation and got 3 tunes. Power gains are impressive with the PR-X tunes. No more turbo lag, improved shifts and way more torque.”
William T. from La Doré, Quebec · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
How noticeable is the extra power?
“Talk about a wake up call to the EcoBoost! My truck drives like a whole new machine. Throttle response is better. Way more power. Cleaner shifting. Better in all aspects.”
Michael K. from Rockford, Michigan · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
Rockford and Potterville. Michigan's EcoBoosts are waking up.
“I was looking to unlock the full potential of my 2022 3.5L EcoBoost, and MPT knocked it out of the park. The performance of my truck is unreal. I have friends that can't believe how much more power my truck has.”
Robert G. from Markdale, Ontario · 2022 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
What's setup and support like?
“Super easy process to get set up with the tunes I wanted and to get them loaded. Extremely satisfied and highly recommended!”
Michael K. from Rockford, Michigan · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
“My truck has become light and I can feel the boost in horsepower and torque. The customer service and support is absolutely amazing.”
Mutasem M. from Dubai, United Arab Emirates · 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
Shop this combo
Here's what's on Brooks's Tremor that you can grab from us.
MPT Tune
MPT Custom Tune, 21-23 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
Custom built by MPT for your truck, tires and mods. You pick your tunes (PR-X, Daily-Tow and more) after checkout, with 90 days of preference-based tuning and data logging support.
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Tuner
Plugs into the OBD2 port and loads your MPT tunes through the TDN app on your phone. No laptop needed. It also reads and clears codes and records data logs.
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Mods
aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake (21-26 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost)
Sealed intake with a Pro 5R oiled filter that fits the 2021+ 3.5 EcoBoost, Tremor included. Put it on your tune form and we'll build the tune around it.
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Mods
Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust (21-25 F-150 2.7L / 3.5L)
Borla's loudest, most aggressive cat-back sound. Also available with chrome tips. Check your cab and bed length when you order.
Shop itAlso on Brooks's truck: 35x12.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires.
Before you tune your 2021-2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost
Can a tune fix the 10-speed shifting on a 2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost?
An MPT tune can change how the 10-speed shifts on a 2023 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost, which is exactly what Brooks J. from Potterville, Michigan was after. His 2023 Tremor was sitting in 10th at 52 mph and 1,300 RPM in normal mode. MPT's 93 PR-X v2 carries more RPM before upshifting at light and part throttle in both Normal and Sport, and he says he likes how it shifts. Other 2021-2023 owners point to cleaner shifts, better throttle response and less turbo lag.
How much horsepower does an MPT tune add to a 2021-2023 3.5 EcoBoost?
An MPT tune adds over 100 horsepower and over 100 lb-ft of torque to a 2021-2023 3.5 EcoBoost, based on our dyno-tested tunes. Fuel, mods and tune choice all change the final number.
What if I want the shifting changed after a few weeks?
If you want the shifting changed after a few weeks, tell us. Every tune comes with 90 days of preference-based tuning and data logging support. Brooks sent feedback and logs, and Ross reworked his shift schedule in the next revision.
Is the HP Tuners RTD+ hard to use?
The HP Tuners RTD+ isn't hard to use, and no laptop is required. MPT sends your tunes to the TDN app, and you load them from your phone through the RTD+ plugged into the OBD2 port. If you get stuck, call 407-636-7077 and we'll walk you through it.
I'm running 35s. Does the tune account for that?
The tune accounts for 35s if you tell us about them. Put your tire size and axle ratio on the tune form and we build the tune for them. Brooks runs 35x12.5R18s.
Which gas should I run with a 93 tune?
Run 93 with a 93 tune. The fuel in the tank has to match or beat the octane the tune was built for. That works in one direction only: you can run an 87 tune with 93 in the tank, but not a 93 tune on 87. E85 tunes are their own thing. Brooks runs 93 octane tunes.
How quickly will my tunes be ready?
Your tunes are ready in 3 business days on a standard build. Rush My Tunes gets them done in 24 hours on business days, which is what Brooks picked.
Taking it to the dealer?
Before taking it to the dealer, flash it back to stock. The RTD+ keeps your stock file, and you can reload the MPT tune when you get it home. Warranty questions are between you and Ford, so ask your dealer if you're unsure about your coverage.
Does MPT tune trucks outside the US?
MPT tunes trucks outside the US. The owners in this story are in Michigan, Ontario, Quebec, Florida and the United Arab Emirates. Tunes are built for your vehicle and sent to you, and support is by phone and email.
Ready to sort out your 10-speed?
Take it from Brooks and the owners above. Questions first? Call us at 407-636-7077 or email us. We do this all day, every day.
Shop the 21-23 F-150 3.5 EcoBoost tuneDownload the PDF: Brooks's 2023 F-150 Tremor story