You can do the RTD with ZFG also. For 95% of the world you do not need the MPVI2/+/3.Thanks for the extra information. The 5-star tune that I am looking at actually uses a HP RTD Gen3 tuner device. After reading a lot of reviews and based on your previous suggestions to me, I am avoiding the SCT tuners. AFAICT, the HP RTD Gen3 has all the features of the HP MPVI tuners except for the stand alone logging. Which I assume is needed for the additional tweaking by ZFG that you mention?
But I don't know if the RTD Gen3 can be used with other vehicles. I can't find an answer to that question. I would actually prefer to buy a tuning device that I know can be used on any future Ford trucks or SUVs that I purchase.
I'm not really balking at the cost of the tuner itself though. It's the cost of the actual tunes from ZFG that are making me pause. Only one tune for the 2 credits - $450. Does that price include the extra tweaking that he does for you after reviewing your logs? Or is that an additional charge?
And that price doesn't give me any additional tunes to play with. I really like the idea of being able to compare the performance of a 93 Octane tune vs the Auto Octane tune. To do that with ZFG, I'd need to purchase 2 additional credits for $450.
All this said, I haven't really made up my mind yet. I'm still collecting data points. The attractiveness of the ZFG tune for me is the Auto Octane tune he offers. One and done. And I don't need to worry if I am out of town and the wife puts 87 Octane in the tank. The price difference between ZFG and 5-star is just huge though. $650 and three tunes vs $900 and one tune. I'm having a tough time justifying the additional cost.
All of the initial adjustment is included. Basically a few revisions. You change anything major, or add parts, and there will a charge. FYI you only buy credits once per vehicle, that unlocks that vehicle(VIN) on that RTD/MPVI. Once unlocked you could actually pay for a tune from 5Star...they also support HPT, or any other Tuner that supports HPT.
So with HP Tuners you are paying for 3 things. Hardware(RTD/MPVI3), Credits(Unlock that vehicle), and then the tune(Not from HPT actually). The hardware you can use on MANY vehicles at once, I am currently using my MPVI2 on 3. Credits are once per vehicle. Tunes, you are paying per because they are the intellectual property of the tuner. You are paying for their time and skill, and Adam(ZFG) is the most skilled I have ever worked with.
The RTD no longer needs a laptop for most platforms, and can work with the TDN app to switch tunes and go back to stock.