I see a lot of threads going about people wanting or having a Tuner.

Lets keep the Tuner comments and help inside here.

This is the place to discuss how and where to get your tunes for specific tuners, discuss the good and the bad about particular tuners, and share information that others might use to help decide which tuner might be best for them.

Please try to keep to the subject.

I am looking to upgrade to CAI and a tune. I see alot of private parties selling tuners. My understanding is that tuners are registered to the car when you purchase them and can not be used on multiple cars. Is that true? Thank you.

It is half true...

As an example... I have the Preditor. When I used it to "tune" my car it downloads my factory tune into the unit.

BEFORE I can sell or give it to someone else to use on their Mustang, I MUST install the factory tune from it back onto my car. THEN, I can use it on another Mustang.

However, I can run all the diag tools on anyones car anytime I want - it will also read and clear codes from other people cars.

I just ordered a C&L CAI and SCT X-calibrator 2 kit from Brenspeed. While ordering I was told to note any additional mods installed so they could properly calibrate the program to my exact setup. These are the first mods for my 06 GT but I do plan on adding aftermarket exhaust and eventually a supercharger. Will I need to get new programs/flashes with each mod I add to keep things running right?


I've been lurking on the board for a few days now and I can't believe how much I have already learned about my new Mustang. Thanks for all of the informational tech posts and insightful responses. Please keep sharing the knowledge.

I recently purchased an SCT SF tuner for my V6, 2005 Mustang. The tuner was originally setup to provide the user with a fair amount of flexibility. It allowed the user to scroll through a list of parameters and make selections so that the optimum tune for your vehicle could be achieved. After several attempts and downloads I continued to receive the ERROR MESSAGE Incompatible ECU download updates. I had to finally get three custom tunes from SCT but this resulted in the sacrifice of the all that flexibility.

Has anybody had success with the SCT tuner in it’s original intended mode? Just want to see what other people are finding.

PW----

I am going to get the DiabloSport, but I can't find anyone who uses them to make me a custome tune. I looked at Brenspeed, Bamachips, and Evolution, and they all say that they use the SCT.

What I want to know is, who did your tune? Or did you tune it yourself?

Thanks!

I am not a tuner expert, as you can see from the previous question I had. But, my understanding from reading articles, talking to other owners and reading posts is that the answer would be YES. Depending on the mod you do, your car may still run correctly, but to get the maximum performance from the mod's, you need to get updated tunes. In my search, I have found that most companies that sell tuners have updated tunes for a reasonable cost. You just tell them what you have and they send you their tune that they have found to be most effective. Your best bet would be to contact the company you bought the tuner from, and more than likely they will give you an updated tune for a fairly good price. Again, I don't have personal experience, but after sifting through a ton of posts and contacting sellers of the product, that's what they say.

I am not a tuner expert, as you can see from the previous question I had. But, my understanding from reading articles, talking to other owners and reading posts is that the answer would be YES. Depending on the mod you do, your car may still run correctly, but to get the maximum performance from the mod's, you need to get updated tunes. In my search, I have found that most companies that sell tuners have updated tunes for a reasonable cost. You just tell them what you have and they send you their tune that they have found to be most effective. Your best bet would be to contact the company you bought the tuner from, and more than likely they will give you an updated tune for a fairly good price. Again, I don't have personal experience, but after sifting through a ton of posts and contacting sellers of the product, that's what they say.


Thanks NVR4GIT. I was hoping there would be enough functionality in the X-calibrator 2 to modify one of the tunes it comes with, but I should probably just contact Brenspeed with each upgrade.

hey

iv got a Max MicroTuner for my 2005 mustang gt auto dose any one esle have it and are you happy with it

thanks ?

Who knows of a Predator Tuner? I am getting a Diablosprt very soon and I wanted to get a custome tune for it. I have a CAI & UDP and some suspension work.

I am in SoCal, but am willing to get an emial tune from someone who can help me.

Thanks for all your help!!

S.T. Motorsports, JPC racing and maybe JDM use diablosport. I will say SCT tuners def out number Diablosport tuners but its not necessarily any worse.

Thanks Timmay....I will look into them. :D

I bought a C&L CAI and a SCT SF tuner from RPM outlet before spending much time in the forum. I'm having a heck of time getting the preprogramed tune to work properly for my GT auto without it throwing a couple of "too lean" codes. I called RPM Outlet and they emailed me a tune but it still throws a "too lean" code. Are the preprogramed tunes generic from dealer to dealer or are they installed by the dealer before they send it out? The CAI is my only mod. I'm tempted to send it back and buy one from Brenspeed who appears to be the all around favorite.

I'm not sure if he does anything with the SF tuners but Brent may be able to e-mail you a tune. RPM outlet seems to be nothing but troble for a lot of people on these boards. I never looked into them to much but I thought SF tuners were made for cars that are completely stock.

I'm new to this and all but I just want some general information on tuners... Are they easy to use and how complicated are they really. From reading the other posts it seems like a lot of people are haveing big troubles getting their tuners to work correctly. I have a 02 GT and just want to give it a little more pep than it has to begin with and am definately looking to go with a CAI and was also looking into a tuner to go along with. Please let me know how well these things work and if possible a good tuner for beginers that isn't to hard to use and and understand. Thank you to all. -Mike

ORIGINAL: michiwop

I just ordered a C&L CAI and SCT X-calibrator 2 kit from Brenspeed. While ordering I was told to note any additional mods installed so they could properly calibrate the program to my exact setup. These are the first mods for my 06 GT but I do plan on adding aftermarket exhaust and eventually a supercharger. Will I need to get new programs/flashes with each mod I add to keep things running right?




Yes.. that is why most people do more than one at a time..

Rex

I'm about to get a TI CAI and SCT tuner, but my problem comes when they ask for the PCM. I have no clue what that is, and what the SCT website says makes no sense to me. Anyone have a picture of what I'm looking for? I *think* I have it, but I want to make sure since I'm dropping the money for it.

My mustang is a 05 GT Conv Auto.

forgive me and my "make you want to kill me noob" questions, but what is a tune?[&:]

ORIGINAL: silvermaster92

forgive me and my "make you want to kill me noob" questions, but what is a tune?[&:]


A tune basically is a modification of the “program” that runs the car. Your car has a computer and like any other computer it has a program. The program controls many different facets of motor and transmission (if automatic) operations.

It controls when each cylinder is fired, how much fuel is delivered to each cylinder, the timing, it adjust the fuel based on feedback from the oxygen sensors or what’s known as the A/F ratio (Air/Fuel).

It’s more complex then that with many of tables, such as fuel tables, and depending on temperature, elevation etc it will deliver the correct amount of fuel and time it just right to fire the plug to get the best mileage and least amount of bad emissions from the exhaust.

What a tune means is simply another “program” that overrides the stock program that came with the car. By “twicking” the fuel tables and spark advance/retard it can give you more horsepower and safely as well SO LONG as you purchase from a reputable and experienced “tuner”. Brenspeed.com is a supporting vendor and I have heard nothing but good things from that vendor so you would get a safe “tune”.

A “tuner”, also known as XCal2 and a few others, is the device that holds the tunes on a memory chip. You plug it into the OBDII port (under the dash, by your legs) and it will first upload the factory tune and then download the performance tune.

Typically, from what I have gathered, is a “turner” alone will gain you about 15hp to the rear wheels and if you get a CAI (cold air intake) and depending on fuel octane, you could gain 25 – 30hp to the rear wheels.

oh ok thanks.

I have noticed that alot of company's offer a package that comes with a diable sport or similar programmer. Is that programmer good for multiple uses (it does raise the price of the product quite a bit) and if I already have the programmer and I buy more performance parts will I need to also buy another programmer specific for that part? Im guessing you can buy and download tunes on the internet how does all that work?

ORIGINAL: Badazzelanore

I have noticed that alot of company's offer a package that comes with a diable sport or similar programmer. Is that programmer good for multiple uses (it does raise the price of the product quite a bit) and if I already have the programmer and I buy more performance parts will I need to also buy another programmer specific for that part? Im guessing you can buy and download tunes on the internet how does all that work?
When you buy a tuner and mod, you use the tuner to upload a tune into your car - I.E. you change the computer parameters so that the it knows what parts are on the car and that it can correctly balance the A/F ratio, timing etc. If you buy a tuner package (usually comes with a CAI) then you will NOT need to buy another tuner for each new mod you get. You WILL need to either have a dealer like Brenspeed or Evolution install a new tune on your tuner for you to then put on your car. Some dealers will do internet tunes and email them to you but others require you to mail your tuner back and they will reprogram it and send it back to you. OR you can take your car to a performance shop and have your car custom tuned on a dyno.

More newbie questions. I have the SCT. I went to 275/40/19 tires. Will changing the tune for the new tires make a difference or just leave it be? Also I disconnected the rear O2 sensor since I have side pipes. I hear a lot about getting tunes from various shops. Do you contact them with a list of your mods and they email you something you can load in your tuner? The car runs very well, but has never run as well as the Roush Stage 1 in the pic with approx. the same mods. Any suggestions??

So which tuner is better?
Brenspeed, Diablo, Preditor Ect?????

When you get a too lean code does it pop up on the dash or do you have to run a diagnostics with the tuner?

Anybody use this? Granatelli Fuego Flash Tuner

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_10001_10002_130623_-1_10435

THNX

I am new to Mustangs. I took a perfectly fine 2006 GT 4.6 V8 (automatic) which ran perfectly and, it appears, I screwed it up. I added a K&N Tornado CAI, JBA stainless longtube heades, Magnaflow high-flow cats, and Magnaflow mufflers, plus a Hypertech III tuner. I keep getting codes -- not always the same ones, sometimes opposite -- like 2198 & 2196 (rich, or sensor stuck rich), 2195 &2197 (lean, or snsor stuck lean). Usually "just" codes, but eventually a CEL. And sometimes, but not enough,no codes at all. I changed the forward sensors. I have been tuning for 87 octaine (Ford recommends 87, and Hypertech graphs show almost identical lines for 87 & 93), but I am going to try a 93 tune. I am at the point of taking it all out and replacing with stock (I still have the headers and air intake system available).

I would appreciatehelp. TIA.

ORIGINAL: Lawhoc

I am new to Mustangs. I took a perfectly fine 2006 GT 4.6 V8 (automatic) which ran perfectly and, it appears, I screwed it up. I added a K&N Tornado CAI, JBA stainless longtube heades, Magnaflow high-flow cats, and Magnaflow mufflers, plus a Hypertech III tuner. I keep getting codes -- not always the same ones, sometimes opposite -- like 2198 & 2196 (rich, or sensor stuck rich), 2195 &2197 (lean, or snsor stuck lean). Usually "just" codes, but eventually a CEL. And sometimes, but not enough,no codes at all. I changed the forward sensors. I have been tuning for 87 octaine (Ford recommends 87, and Hypertech graphs show almost identical lines for 87 & 93), but I am going to try a 93 tune. I am at the point of taking it all out and replacing with stock (I still have the headers and air intake system available).

I would appreciatehelp. TIA.


Without knowing the relationship between the latest codes and components, my first guess would be malfunctioning O2's or MAF sensor.
Might be the O2's acting up due to the use of high flow cats.
Could also be the MAF due to higher flowand if so,perhaps an adjustment to the global MAF curve is called for.

Just a coupleguesses.
Good luck!
Wolfey2k

I have heard from other websites/forums that a tune could possibly void a warranty. I was wondering if this is true or not?

ORIGINAL: dermad23

I have heard from other websites/forums that a tune could possibly void a warranty. I was wondering if this is true or not?

Technically that's true, but it varies from dealer to dealer as to how stringent it's applied.
Before taking it for service, most folks with custom tunes will reset theirs back to stock and disconnect the battery for ~15 minutes, which clears the nvram (memory).
The only thing the dealer tech can see is that the computer was reset (not sure about '07s but there is no comprehensive data logging to indicate that specific parameters have been altered).
If the dealer tech asks why power was disconnected the usual reply is that you were getting a gas cap open error (fairly common issue on 05's, 06's) and reset to clear it.

I have a 2006 Mustang GT. So far Ive modified it by adding a AEM brute force CAI, flowmasters, x-pipe, ford racing shorty headers, and a 1 inch throttle body spacer. I was wondering if I'll even get anything from buying a predetor tuner or maybe a SCT tuner and running it on a dyno? Will I get any hp out of it, or am i just wasting money and time? Any adivce would be great, thanks

no help [:@]

I am not an expert. However from everything I have read and speaking directly to other folks who have done mods on their late models like mine, putting all that hardware in is not giving you anywhere near the benefit without having a good tune. I would say call the folks at Brenspeed (that name keeps popping up everywhere here) and tell them what you have and they should be able to set you up. This is not condoning anyone or any vendor officially...this is just based on my experiences from the forums and talking to other stang owners.

So whats the deal with this thread? It sounded like folks are supposed to ask about tuners in here and theres a lot of questions and nobody stepping up to answer them??

My question is where the heck are the group buys on SCT tuners and good CAIs (like say a C&L??)

ORIGINAL: michiwop

I just ordered a C&L CAI and SCT X-calibrator 2 kit from Brenspeed. While ordering I was told to note any additional mods installed so they could properly calibrate the program to my exact setup. These are the first mods for my 06 GT but I do plan on adding aftermarket exhaust and eventually a supercharger. Will I need to get new programs/flashes with each mod I add to keep things running right?


I've been lurking on the board for a few days now and I can't believe how much I have already learned about my new Mustang. Thanks for all of the informational tech posts and insightful responses. Please keep sharing the knowledge.


This is an old post but I figured I'd mention this anyway...according to the Brenspeed website if you purchase your x-cal 2 from them, and later on order a mod part through them they will email you an updated tune for that mod for free...I myself ordered the xcal2 for my07 GTtwo days ago and am eagerly awaiting its arrival! ...is it here yet...is it here yet...

Richie

nm

which (if any) "tuners" would allow me to download a map via labtop? is there at leasta diagnostic software available commerciallyto use through a labtop? im not talking about SEM...

I have just installed the bbk throttle body and bbk cai on my 07 gt manual. i want the best tuner for performance and power. i have emailed one company asking which is best and they are telling me the sct 3rd version i believe. but they are also telling me that i have to do a dyno tune. is that true? no dyno tune places near by so if i have to do that then i might as well give up on a tuner. any help would be appreciated greatly.

oh and one other thing i have taken my mufflers off. i have the setup of the flowmasters but i am kind of liking the sound i have for now. might put the flows on later. thanks again

I also have the bbkCAI and throttle body. when I installed them I did not pop a code. For a while I ran without a tune, it was obvious that the car was running lean. So I got an SCT tuner from a local hotrod shop and also a dyno run. the first run with no tune was around 286hp the last run with tune was 349hp. I also had some catbacks on the car so it might have contributed a small amount. Either way the tune and the dyno helped. By the way the first run with the tune was about 338hp. So the tune by itself helps but to get the most out of it you need a dyno. And also it was a mustang dyno

What is the best place (price/reputation) to purchase a xCAL II tuner? I have looked everywhere and find them differing in price by over 100 bucks but dont know whos gonna give me a good tune loaded on it and whos gonna plug it into a toaster oven and send me a good tune for the old flying toaster screensaver.

I have an '07 GT with the Steeda cold air intake and aDiablo programer, I have it programed with the 91 octane program andthe speed limiter taken off. It is running very strong untill I hit about 95mph then it starts bogging down and spitting and sputtering like it is not getting enough fuel. any ideas on what could be making it do this would be greatly appriciated.

I got an RPM Outlet gift certificate for Christmas, and I am planning on buying the SCT tuner/C&L CAI package. I called RPM and they said that they don't offer a custom tune, and that it was simple enough that I could do it on my own. (Which I don't agree with). I went with RPM becuse they are considerably cheaper ($500), but how should I go about getting the custom tune installed after I receive the tuner?

Im hearing alot of good things about Brenspeed's tunes, has anyone dealt with AmericanMuscle.com's tunes? I am looking at the SCT Xcal 3. Thanks!!

I bought a low-miles, still under warrantee'05 GT w/auto tranny from a big So.Cal.Dealer that does aftermarket add-ons. They asked me did I want anything done, and I said'supercharger.' So I got an S2 S-trim Vortec and a Tuner, a Predator, that they set it up with - it came along with it in a box, don't know a thing about it except what it is. It can modify the stock Electronic Control Module settings that control the motor, shifts, fuel, etc toimprove performance. I assume there was a modification added from stock totake care of the blower, and that's why I have the Predator.

The one thing they did wrong was set it up for 93 octane and they have the only pump within 35 miles, California being a 87, 89, 91 octane state generally although 93 is not illegal, just can't be found or worth the drive. I asked this question once before and someone posted toset ? to '3' since I can easily get91, but I can't find the post.

Another question I have is, does the 'tune' from the Predator change several things, so the GT will go like helleven more than stock already, plus my 'tune' added in astandardsetup for the blower? Or is the 'tune' just like factory untilyou start to really work on it or spend money on custom tunes from Diablo?

Another question, please. I notice the 'gas-saver' system tries to kick theshift up on the auto by bypassingwhat I assume is 2nd, and going direct to 3rd. Ittries to do it even when I'm kind-of pedal to the metal and is really annoyingshifting back and forth on its own like it has a brain. Can I make this stop without a'tune' or will turning off Overdrive mode make it stop?

Just from reading and reading and reading, I've decided on the FRPP GTA's, the better ones from Borla for mufflers, since I am in a big apartment complex with old folks and little kids that don't need to hear abig roar every timeI come and go - but I still want some when I'm out driving.

Lots of good info here. Any on my questions above will be greatly appreciated.

BTW, soup fans, forced induction is absolutely the place to start, along with a dynotune. Vortec says this blower adds 120rwhp, so if you figure that in with Fordslittle white lie about stock 300rwhp(more like250-260) plusother recommended andinexpensivetricks - you're already well at/above "real" 400 rwhp.

'05 GT Auto
Vortec SQ S-Trim
Tungsten Grey w/California
'Appearance Package'
Blue stripes and nifty Chromed Wheels (came with it)

i have a ? what is the better tuner the sct or the prediter or r they the same thanx for the help

ORIGINAL: NVR4GIT

I am looking to upgrade to CAI and a tune. I see alot of private parties selling tuners. My understanding is that tuners are registered to the car when you purchase them and can not be used on multiple cars. Is that true? Thank you.

I just purchased an '08 GT and I amconsidering the FR Power Upgrade Package - CAI and Tuner (plus mufflers). I am planning on going through the dealer because of warranty issues -plus I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to tuning a car.

First question, does this give the increased horsepower (20hp?)throughout the speed/hp curve?

Second question, how much more is this costing me by going through the dealer instead of aftermarket - ball bark $. Should I take the risk and figure out how to do it myself.

Third question, it is my understanding that if I go from the 3.55 stock gear to the 4.10, that will have to be tuned also.

Thanks!!

My stock2005 GT auto. did 14.02 with 3.73 gears. After the XCal2 and CAI (both from Brenspeed, great people by the way)install on 93 octane tune, I ran a best 13.23 run. That's a huge E.T. reduction for around $600. I would guess this performance increase is due to the advanced timing (hp increase unknown). Thankfully Ford detuned this great car to keep insurance rates low (comparatively). By the way, changing the tunes is very simple (87, 91, or 93), takes me about 2 minutes. It's very simple to use.

ORIGINAL: Toby7

I have an '07 GT with the Steeda cold air intake and aDiablo programer, I have it programed with the 91 octane program andthe speed limiter taken off. It is running very strong untill I hit about 95mph then it starts bogging down and spitting and sputtering like it is not getting enough fuel. any ideas on what could be making it do this would be greatly appriciated.


Are you sure you loaded the right tune, the one intended for the Steeda intake? I'd ditch the canned Diablosport tune completely if I were you, get in touch with Bamachips and have them write you a new tune. The canned Diablosport tunes are weak anyway.

Nice idea PW. A thread just for tuning.

Selecting a CAI can be difficult. You ask the question "which CAI should I get" then you get a 100 replies.

Here is a nice read. Then make a dicision.

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/m5lp_0601w_cold_air_intake_comparisons/index.html

Even a stock Mustang could benefit from a custom tune. Increased MPG, if your an automatic........better shifting and torque converter management.

Oh by the way, anytime you make a change to the way an engine flows air it is best to get a tune. The accuracy of the Mass Air Flow Transfer Function in the programming is critical to optimal performance.

Later

Hey, I just installed an Injen CAI on my 06 GT. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but I won it in a raffle at a Mustang show, so I couldn't complain too much. Now even though that CAI doesn't require a tune, I'm thinking about getting a tuner for the overall performance enhancements they give.

I'm most likely going to go with Brenspeed. I've heard nobody on here ever talk bad about them, and their free tune adjustments for Brenspeed purchased parts is awesome. I just have a question about what you get. Their site says that after you place the order for an SCT X3, they'll contact you be email to see what mods you have, etc. How many tunes do they write for you? I know Bamachips does 3, and I think I remember hearing that Brenspeed does that too, but I just wanted to double check.

Thanks guys!

Hey, I just installed an Injen CAI on my 06 GT. It wouldn't have been my first choice, but I won it in a raffle at a Mustang show, so I couldn't complain too much. Now even though that CAI doesn't require a tune, I'm thinking about getting a tuner for the overall performance enhancements they give.

I'm most likely going to go with Brenspeed. I've heard nobody on here ever talk bad about them, and their free tune adjustments for Brenspeed purchased parts is awesome. I just have a question about what you get. Their site says that after you place the order for an SCT X3, they'll contact you be email to see what mods you have, etc. How many tunes do they write for you? I know Bamachips does 3, and I think I remember hearing that Brenspeed does that too, but I just wanted to double check.

Thanks guys!

I have never heard of the CAI system you are using, so I cant comment on the CAI.

As stated in my previous post, anytime the flow of air into the engine is changed from stock it is best to have the car tuned. Even using a different than stock air filter can effect the air flow.

The dealers Advantage lll value files list most of the the popular CAI's. So its no problem for them to program for a popular CAI.

What you may have to do is to dyno your car, get the pull file on CD so that you can email it to you tuner of choice. Please make sure the pull includes HP, Torque and A/F.

Then he can email you back a tune based on your mods and dyno pull. It may take several attemps to get it perfect. So, be patient.

Later

I ran a Granatelli CAI for about a year before I bought an SCT at Brenspeed. I gave him my module # and CAI/exhaust setup and he programmed two tunes for different octane and sent the tuner to me. Car is an auto and chirps the tires up thru 3rd gear. No issues over 100.

One of the mods I eventually want to do with my 08 is a CAI and tune. Quick question, though: what kind of performance increase could I expect with JUST a 93 octane tune and everything else stock?

American Muscle apparently offers free tunes for life for SCTs if you buy parts from them. What I'd like to do is get the tuner first if that adds noticeable pep over stock then get the free updated tunes as I add the mods.

I got an RPM Outlet gift certificate for Christmas, and I am planning on buying the SCT tuner/C&L CAI package. I called RPM and they said that they don't offer a custom tune, and that it was simple enough that I could do it on my own. (Which I don't agree with). I went with RPM becuse they are considerably cheaper ($500), but how should I go about getting the custom tune installed after I receive the tuner?

AVIOD RPM OUTLET LIKE THE PLAGUE :(
its a welll known fact aroung the forum here