Ford's position on their FRPP CAI and Tune

atldave · 09-26-2009, 10:32 AM

I'm getting close to making a decision about CAI. I'm looking seriously at Brenspeed, Bamachips, and FRPP. FRPP has a brochure that answers the question “Why do certain companies claim to make more power with their
power upgrade kits than you do with your kits?” Their position is that most small companies don't know how to set up adequate control testing on their dynos and don't really have accurate data on RWHP or torque. They also don't do Ford's rigorous testing of long term reliability and extreme environmenal conditions. Their conclusion is that FRPP adds the maximum gains that are safe and reliable. Here's an URL to their article:

http://www.fordracingparts.com/downl...09_Article.pdf

FRPP has the advantages that the CAI won't void the warranty (if the install is done by a Ford dealer), won't cause emissions issues, and is $125 cheaper than Brenspeed or Bamachips. The disadvantage is that the dealer install probably will take back all of the cost savings, FRPP comes with only one tune, and it requires premium gas.

The warranty and long-term reliability issues are factoring big in my mind. Your thoughts?

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Mpov · 09-26-2009, 10:52 AM

You may be misreading the part about honoring the warranty. The FRPP parts are warranted when installed by a dealer. The Ford new car warranty will not cover damage caused by aftermarket parts, and FRPP parts are considered aftermarket. If you put the FRPP CAI and tune into your car, you have the same risk of losing coverage that you would have with other CAIs and tunes.

05 Mustang · 09-26-2009, 10:58 AM

+1^^

I agree.

A warranty is only as good as the person standing behind it. If you are told by a Ford dealer they will warranty everything, I would only suggest to get it in writing.

As far as performance gains, they are all going to be in the same neighborhood as one another..their all just going to look different.

Nuke · 09-26-2009, 11:01 AM

MY and most others thoughts are that you need to make your own decision; FRPP package if you are easily intimidated, wear womens panties and don't mind inferior performance. Aftermarket if you like to get wood every time you go WOT.

My dealership saw my Stang 3 or 4 times for warranty work and never said beans about the CAI & tune (other than "Great looking intake"). Enjoy your car BEFORE the warranty expires.

atldave · 09-26-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mpov

You may be misreading the part about honoring the warranty. The FRPP parts are warranted when installed by a dealer. The Ford new car warranty will not cover damage caused by aftermarket parts, and FRPP parts are considered aftermarket. If you put the FRPP CAI and tune into your car, you have the same risk of losing coverage that you would have with other CAIs and tunes.

I just checked with my dealer and you are exactly correct here. FRPP's statement about warranty coverage means only that they will warranty the CAI itself when dealer installed. The dealer will consider any changes from stock--even using FRPP parts--when making a decision about warranty coverage. The good news is that my service rep said that most of the techs at the shop themselves have CAI units in their own cars and they usually don't care about it unless the mods are really extreme. I don't see much reason to pay the dealer to install the CAI ($170) since the warranty would cover only the CAI itself. Thanks for the response.

BruceH · 09-26-2009, 02:28 PM

You will be better off getting the FRPP intake from brenspeed with tunes.

I had the FRPP (Bullitt) intake and tune at one time. It dynoed at 277hp, af was 12. Changed to a brenspeed tune and went to 285hp with af around 13 and much greater throttle response, it really changed how the car accelerated. The big advantage to buying from brenspeed or another tuning aftermaket place is you get an sct tuner. You will use that long after you outgrow your current mods.

Alot of people just change back to factory intake and stock tune when they see the dealer. If you do your own maintainence they will never see it anyway. BTW our cars don't even need to be greased, most service is changing the oil and filter and looking at the fluid levels you should be checking at every fillup anyway.

BruceH · 09-26-2009, 02:30 PM

I just noticed you have a v6. Disregard the hp numbers, I know the V6 version of the Bullitt intake is different that the V8 and don't even know if brenspeed sells that one.

Tylus · 09-26-2009, 03:35 PM

my car came with the FRPP CAI & Tune from the factory.

I like it. Looks very nice in the engine bay.

I look at it like this. Ford built the car. Ford has all the design spec's at their fingertips. So if they design something, you can be guaranteed that it will be damn near perfect fitting.

Whereas

the aftermarket has to buy/borrow a Mustang. they then have to disassemble that particular part and measure & test fit stuff. They do end up with a decent product...but it was the result of reverse engineering.

2 companies are partnered with Ford though and have access to their CAD and PCM schematics. Roush/Saleen.

If you can get the part with FRPP...do it. Occassionally you'll find better parts in the aftermarket, but 9/10 times IMO the FRPP will be superior...not necessarily cheaper though

GT Bob · 09-28-2009, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylus

2 companies are partnered with Ford though and have access to their CAD and PCM schematics. Roush/Saleen.

Not true. Steeda's intake was the FRPP intake until the Bullitt came along, made by Steeda from all the CAD drawing. Steeda made quite a few of the parts for FRPP actually. Same deal with Borla, BBK, Hurst, and a number of other companies.

Tylus · 09-28-2009, 02:47 AM

I agree with you on principle, but not execution

FRPP contracts out with the aftermarket. I agree 100%. On a Case-by-Case basis though.

Unless that company is specifically selected to design/produce a product, they have to get ahold of a Mustang and then do the testing, fitting and other crap. you will get a different fit/finish...and it will usually be sub-standard IMO.

I did forget about Shelby though in my original post. Roush/Shelby/Saleen have damn near exlusive access to all things Ford.

so yeah, if you buy FRPP, you might be getting just a re-badged Steeda/Hurst product. Ford is freakin' finicky. If a product can pass their muster, I'm all for using it.