The Evolution is an incredibly...
The Evolution is an incredibly capable little computer about half the size of your TV controller, and it can produce over 50 additional horsepower.
You can also modify the WOT (wide-open throttle) shifting. These are the points at which the transmission will shift when you are at full throttle. Raising these values will help keep the engine in its peak powercurve after a shift. The speed at which the transmission shifts (standard shifting) can also be modified, and "Shift Firmness" can be increased, all of which will improve 0-to-60 and quarter-mile times.
The "Rev Limiter" feature can be used to prevent the engine from over-revving and helps the engine take advantage of the power at higher rpm. The "Speed Limiter" restricts the top speed of the vehicle. Raising this value is recommended only for off-road or racing applications, but it can be lowered in situations where young drivers may have a heavy foot.
After plugging in the cable...
After plugging in the cable to the back of the Evolution, it was fitted into the molded plastic dash pod.
The "Fuel Octane" rating can be modified but should be matched to the actual fuel you are using. The "WOT Fuel" option lets you adjust the amount of additional fuel injected into the cylinders at WOT (full throttle) but does not affect normal driving.
A diagnostics scanner built into the Evolution is a powerful tool which allows you to view and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) on your vehicle. It can also record a data stream, 5 parameters for 1 minute, in half-second intervals. A USB cable is supplied which allows you to retrieve the data onto a computer, display it, and using Lightning PC software, even graph the data. You can also download the latest software for the Evolution from the Edge website for free.
A&B The first step in the...
A&B The first step in the installation is to pop open the convenient access panel on the driver side of the dash.
If you're really into speed, the Evolution will record your 0-to-60 times and quarter-mile times. After choosing this feature, the Evolution asks you to press a key when you're ready. A Christmas Tree-type light sequence tells you when to start. As you drive, the screen displays your current speed and gives you the results when the speed or distance has been reached. It even tells you your reaction time - measured from the last yellow light (there are three) to when you punch the gas pedal. It will also tell you if you floored it before the green light. Later, using the Lightning software, the "Records" section will tell you your best speed and time and your most recent run data, which can be used to determine approximate horsepower and so forth.
In the "Setup" menu, virtually every aspect of the screen can be customized. Using the "Alerts" function, you can set specific parameters for spark, engine oil temperature, engine temperature, and transmission temperature. The Evolution automatically records the highest value of some of these, so you can view them later and clear them.
Before we did our road tests,...
Before we did our road tests, one of the Edge technicians double-checked the truck's PCM to make sure we were starting in the factory program.
To find out what the Evolution really feels like, we headed out on some back roads around Ogden. Our demo truck was an '05 four-door F-150 with the Triton 5.4L V-8. Before we did our road tests, one of the Edge technicians double-checked the truck's PCM to make sure we were starting in the factory program. Using the Level 1 setting, "Transmission Only," I could definitely feel the quickness of the shifts. Unlike some Edge diesel engine performance chips, you cannot reprogram the Evolution on the fly. You must stop, turn off the ignition, and select the level you wish to use.
We did several quarter-mile runs using the Evolution's built-in timers. I'm not an experienced drag racer, so my reaction time was pretty low, but I did manage to shave off close to a full second going from stock to Level 3, "High Performance." I reached 83.2 mph in the quarter-mile and clocked a 16.88 - nothing a little practice couldn't improve. Any claims of better fuel economy are hard to judge. My feeling is, if you have more power, you'll probably use it, and it won't necessarily be economical.
The first step in the installation...
The first step in the installation is to pop open the convenient access panel on the driver side of the dash.
On the SuperFlow WinDyn dyno, the Triton 5.4L V-8 went from 179.9 hp at 4,413 rpm in the stock setting to 211.0 hp at 4,997 rpm in Level 2 and up to 230.7 hp at 4,539 rpm in Level 3. That's a hefty gain of 50.8 ponies with a corresponding jump of 53.7 lb-ft of extra torque! Not bad for a 10-minute install.
When you consider all the other features the Evolution Programmer/Monitor includes, it is an incredibly capable little computer about half the size of your TV controller. Applications include both the 4.6 and the 5.4 Triton V-8s. Suggested retail price is $489.00. Giving your F-150 an Edge just doesn't get any easier!
Corrected F-150 ChartsPeak power for each curve:Stock/Level 1Horsepower: 179.9 at 4,413 rpmTorque (lb-ft): 248.9 at 3,607 rpm
Level 2Horsepower: 211.0 at 4,997 rpmTorque (lb-ft): 264.7 at 3,633 rpm
Level 3Horsepower: 230.7 at 4,539 rpmTorque (lb-ft): 302.6 at 3,563 rpm