Review: Stillen TruControl Inline power module for 2021+ F-150 PowerBoost

[Invinceable86]

https://stillen.com/products/2021-2...Li3g-V_0Qr8sxQc2XMdQq1RuGgllozJFOEry1d25ojc78

I have a 2022 PowerBoost Hybrid (twin turbo + electric motor) which is already pretty fast but I wanted it even faster lol. A piggyback tuner made sense to me over a ECU tune because of the following:

• Simple plug-in play to Increase horsepower and torque
• Easily removable and won't void your factory warranty
• Bluetooth connection & easy to use phone app

The PowerBoost is a pretty complex vehicle and keeping my factory warranty is a must for me.

I did research between the JB4 and Stillen. The TruControl was the better choice for the following reasons:

• OEM quality harness connectors
• $100 cheaper
• Stillen provides a dyno graph for each specific vehicle and they write their own maps
• I didn't like the fact that the JB4 requires you to run a cable through the firewall to the OBD2 port. This would make it more difficult to remove and reinstall everytime you go to the dealership.
• I understand the JB4 has custom tuning, data logging, and live gauges. Custom tuning was not important to me and could be dangerous if you don’t know what your doing and I could always add a bluetooth obd2 link MX+ in the future which in my opinion has better apps for diagnostics, gauges, etc. and faster connection

According to the Stillen dyno graph on their website. The PowerBoost with Stillen TruControl Installed on map 7 adds 81 whp & 79 wtq peak gains. Also, 100 wtq gain in the mid rpm range.

Installation took me about 30 mins, connecting the Stillen wiring harness to the (2) factory boost / manifold sensors, zip tying the wiring and mounting the unit strapped on top of the battery.

The app is very easy to use, just download it, add product serial number and connect via bluetooth. It connected and downloaded the tuning file in about a minute.

Once everything was Installed I took it for a spin. I started with map 1. Did a dig and a roll for each map up to map 7. I must say the Increased horsepower and torque is definitely noticeable. The 0-60 mph feels very fast. I would say it easily shaved off 1/2 second and probably into the 4 second range.

Some of the Stillen customers also noticed 2-3 mpg increase, as long you're not flooring it everywhere lol.

The app has eco, sport and race modes. You can tweak which map # to use for each of those modes. I’m using map 3 for eco, map 5 for sport and map 7 for race. All maps require 91+ octane.

I also ordered a VR tuned throttle response controller which uses the same Tuning Pro app as the Stillen TruControl. I think the combination will be awesome together.

Stillen will also write and provide a new custom map for aftermarket intakes or a more aggressive map if requested.

See below for pictures of the product and my Installation. I highly recommend it, if any of you have any questions let me know.

Message @Will-Stillen to access discounts.

Sponsored

 

[Hans Moleman]

That’s awesome. Can you do a 0-60 video at Map 7 ?

 

[Icecoldak]

Does it include a Trans tune too--thats a big deal!

 

[EricR]

Cost?

 

[Will-Stillen]

If anyone wants a deal on these please send me a message. I'll hook all the forum members up with discounts!

 

[Invinceable86]

Cost?

$649 minus whatever forum member discounts Will @ stillen can get you.

 

[Invinceable86]

Does it include a Trans tune too--thats a big deal!

Piggyback tuners can't tune the transmission, IMO the 10-speed is already pretty good. I was just looking for more power and throttle response.

 

[Invinceable86]

That’s awesome. Can you do a 0-60 video at Map 7 ?

I can probably get a video soon, once it stops raining here in FL.

 

[Invinceable86]

I also installed the VR tuned throttle response controller. It really improves the factory pedal delay/throttle response. The two together really change the performance and driving experience. It uses the same Pro tuning app. You can add it under the same profile and switch between both products fine tuning, and when you put it in eco, sport or race modes, both will sync up together. I'm still impressed with how much extra power / faster acceleration I'm getting from the Stillen tuner. It's night and day difference when I switch it from no tuning to race mode.

 

[jakearb]

I just transferred my JB4 from a 2023 2.7 to my new 2025 PB. I assume this is basically the same piggy back tuner here. I was just happy I didn't have to buy a new one. I've also got the pedal commander throttle responder controller.
I believe this is the best setup until an actual tune is release...if ever. Doesn't look good for any 2024+ F-150 models.

 

[HammaMan]

Putting a pedal pusher on the PB is antithetical to the platform.

Tell us you don't understand the platform without telling us you don't understand the platform.

 

[Radiganp]

https://stillen.com/products/2021-2...Li3g-V_0Qr8sxQc2XMdQq1RuGgllozJFOEry1d25ojc78

I have a 2022 PowerBoost Hybrid (twin turbo + electric motor) which is already pretty fast but I wanted it even faster lol. A piggyback tuner made sense to me over a ECU tune because of the following:

• Simple plug-in play to Increase horsepower and torque
• Easily removable and won't void your factory warranty
• Bluetooth connection & easy to use phone app

The PowerBoost is a pretty complex vehicle and keeping my factory warranty is a must for me.

I did research between the JB4 and Stillen. The TruControl was the better choice for the following reasons:

• OEM quality harness connectors
• $100 cheaper
• Stillen provides a dyno graph for each specific vehicle and they write their own maps
• I didn't like the fact that the JB4 requires you to run a cable through the firewall to the OBD2 port. This would make it more difficult to remove and reinstall everytime you go to the dealership.
• I understand the JB4 has custom tuning, data logging, and live gauges. Custom tuning was not important to me and could be dangerous if you don’t know what your doing and I could always add a bluetooth obd2 link MX+ in the future which in my opinion has better apps for diagnostics, gauges, etc. and faster connection

According to the Stillen dyno graph on their website. The PowerBoost with Stillen TruControl Installed on map 7 adds 81 whp & 79 wtq peak gains. Also, 100 wtq gain in the mid rpm range.

Installation took me about 30 mins, connecting the Stillen wiring harness to the (2) factory boost / manifold sensors, zip tying the wiring and mounting the unit strapped on top of the battery.

The app is very easy to use, just download it, add product serial number and connect via bluetooth. It connected and downloaded the tuning file in about a minute.

Once everything was Installed I took it for a spin. I started with map 1. Did a dig and a roll for each map up to map 7. I must say the Increased horsepower and torque is definitely noticeable. The 0-60 mph feels very fast. I would say it easily shaved off 1/2 second and probably into the 4 second range.

Some of the Stillen customers also noticed 2-3 mpg increase, as long you're not flooring it everywhere lol.

The app has eco, sport and race modes. You can tweak which map # to use for each of those modes. I’m using map 3 for eco, map 5 for sport and map 7 for race. All maps require 91+ octane.

I also ordered a VR tuned throttle response controller which uses the same Tuning Pro app as the Stillen TruControl. I think the combination will be awesome together.

Stillen will also write and provide a new custom map for aftermarket intakes or a more aggressive map if requested.

See below for pictures of the product and my Installation. I highly recommend it, if any of you have any questions let me know.

Message @Will-Stillen to access discounts.

I did research between the JB4 and Stillen. The TruControl was the better choice for the following reasons:

• OEM quality harness connectors
• $100 cheaper
• Stillen provides a dyno graph for each specific vehicle and they write their own maps
• I didn't like the fact that the JB4 requires you to run a cable through the firewall to the OBD2 port. This would make it more difficult to remove and reinstall everytime you go to the dealership.
• I understand the JB4 has custom tuning, data logging, and live gauges. Custom tuning was not important to me and could be dangerous if you don’t know what your doing and I could always add a bluetooth obd2 link MX+ in the future which in my opinion has better apps for diagnostics, gauges, etc. and faster connection

JB4 has OEM quality connectors on their plugs as well.

JB4 with bluetooth harness is $30 more, not $100 more. They now have a free app

JB4 has specific dyne charts on their website, for multiple maps as well

The OBdII connection is a requirement if I were to use anything that modified stock computer data. No way I would want the device guessing without seeing what the factor ecuy sees. It's also a hardwired connection so there is no breakdown in data communication. I don't want that important of a connection to fail at wide open throttle. This connection also only takes a couple minutes at most to fish through the firewall, not a big deal if taking to the dealership.

Data logging is crucial to see how the vehicle is performing and whether or not you are running beyond your fuel/capacity. Now I don't know that the Stillen doesn't data log, but based on your comment of not needing it I would assume it doesn't.


While I think competition is super important I am still going to be running a JB4 all day over the Stillen commander.

 

[Will-Stillen]

Just to clarify, the STILLEN TruControl doesn’t guess or operate independently of the ECU. It’s not a standalone or blind piggyback system.


The TruControl module rides directly on top of the factory ECU and responds in real time to the same sensor data the ECU is seeing. So if a parameter shifts — fuel trims, throttle input, boost pressure, etc. — the module responds accordingly. If the ECU backs off due to knock, load, or another condition, TruControl backs off too. That’s what makes it such a safe and adaptive solution.


You're also right that data logging is a critical part of tuning, especially at higher performance levels. While TruControl isn’t a full ECU flash platform with advanced logging capabilities like EcuTek or HP Tuners, it’s designed to safely enhance performance within the factory ECU’s tolerances — which keeps reliability intact without requiring intrusive wiring or OBD integration. That’s why there’s no hardwired OBDII connection required — it keeps things clean, reversible, and still adaptive to factory input.

 

[HammaMan]

The OBdII connection is a requirement if I were to use anything that modified stock computer data. No way I would want the device guessing without seeing what the factor ecuy sees. It's also a hardwired connection so there is no breakdown in data communication. I don't want that important of a connection to fail at wide open throttle. This connection also only takes a couple minutes at most to fish through the firewall, not a big deal if taking to the dealership.

Indeed. W/out being able to see what's on the OBD, a boost fooler cannot see what the ECU is seeing without tapping a specific sensor (I mean undecrypted canbus can be sniffed but that's taking the hard road to put it lightly given PID tables are available). Without monitoring OBD, the system can't safe if MIL/CEL occurs.

Monitoring timing would require a CPS and coil interception and cannot be inferred strictly from IAT/MAP (nevermind what additional safety is gained from seeing knock data). The canyon between devices blindly manipulating sensor data alone vs doing so while monitoring the ECU can be consequentially massive.

 

[jakearb]

Putting a pedal pusher on the PB is antithetical to the platform.

Tell us you don't understand the platform without telling us you don't understand the platform.

To each their own.
I had the pedal commander on my previous 2.7 EB. It works just fine on the PB as well. I like being able to control the pedal sensitivity. I did drive it for a few hundred miles before putting it on and it's definitely better stock that the 2.7 was. For whatever reason, I felt like I had to mash the pedal to get any decent acceleration out of the 2.7. Maybe it was just me... I already had it so might as well use it again!

Sponsored