What Is a Tune?

A tune is a recalibration of your vehicle’s PCM (engine computer) that controls how the engine and transmission operate. This includes:

• Airflow and fuel delivery

• Ignition timing

• Torque and load calculations

• Variable camshaft timing

• Transmission behavior

Proper calibration ensures these systems work together correctly—especially when aftermarket parts or different fuel types are involved. At Powerlab, tunes are not a generic file. Each one is developed using data log analysis to ensure your vehicle performs consistently, safely, and as intended in real-world conditions.

How Does Remote Tuning Work?

Remote tuning is a step-by-step calibration process based on your vehicle’s unique data.

1. Read and Submit Your Stock File

2. Receive Your Base Tune

3. Data log and Upload

4. Receive Tune Revisions

5. Repeat Steps 3-4 Until Final Revision

Turnaround for revisions is 1-2 business days, and remote tuning is completed in stages—not a live session, unless one has been purchased and scheduled.

What Are Credits?

Credits are used to license your vehicle to an MPVI or RTD. They’re only required one time - once your vehicle is licensed to your device, it’s for life.

You DO NOT need credits if using an RTD or MPVI that you’ve previously licensed to your vehicle.

You DO need credits if purchasing/using an RTD or MPVI for the first time.

My Vehicle Is Already Tuned And I Can’t Return It To Stock - Can You Still Tune It?

Yes — we can still tune your vehicle.

Most existing tunes incorporate a tunerlock, which prevents reading the PCM. To remove this, we can provide a genuine, VIN-matched stock file that safely restores your PCM to its original state. The process requires:

• An RTD3 or older, or an MPVI2 or newer

• A Windows laptop

• The “Stock Tune” add-on

Are Powerlab Tunes Safe?

Yes! Safety and reliability are a top priority in every Powerlab tune.

Modern Ford platforms rely on complex systems that must work together correctly—fueling, torque modeling, camshaft timing, and transmission control all play a role in longevity. When these systems are calibrated properly, the vehicle operates safely within its intended limits.

At Powerlab, every tune is developed using real data log analysis and refined in stages. This allows us to monitor engine behavior, identify potential issues early, and ensure the tune remains consistent under real-world conditions. We also maintain or enhance OEM failsafe strategies.

Our goal is not just to make more power—but to deliver it in a way that is predictable, repeatable, and mechanically sound.

Do You Have A Burble/Ghost Cam Tune?

Yes, we offer novelty tunes!

Novelty add-ons are applied to an existing Powerlab tune and sent as a separate tune file.

Novelty tunes can be purchased under “Add-Ons”.

Do You Have An E85 Tune?

Yes, we offer tunes for running ethanol-based fuels. We package these tunes with our flex-fuel tune for a safe, seamless transition between fuels.

Not all setups are compatible with E85. Contact us to verify if your vehicle is properly equipped to run ethanol-based fuels.

Can I Run Flex-Fuel All The Time?

Our flex-fuel tunes allow for safe transition between gasoline and ethanol blends. However, we recommend using the flex-fuel tune primarily for transitioning between fuels, not as a permanent substitute for a dedicated fuel-specific tune.

This is because the PCM relies on inferred ethanol content rather than a true ethanol sensor. While effective, it is still an estimation—not a direct measurement.

For maximum consistency and performance, a dedicated fuel tune (E85, E50, 93, etc.) is always the most accurate and best performing option.