Originally Posted by JFitz

Shell, Exxon or preferably Chevron 93 octane. I doubt it's a fuel issue. A slight ticking of the lifters is something that can happen when running $#!tty fuel on hot days. I switched to a 93 Brenspeed tune from an 87 (I forget the point of me asking for an 87) and it almost eliminated the problem. It is NOT a knock. Likely valve clatter. Think I'm going to schedule a dyno tune with Brenspeed to get it tuned perfect.

From what you're explaining, it sounds like you have an issue with the car running lean. Which means too much air/not enough fuel. It will do fine until it gets to upper RPM's and then trip a light and feel underpowered. Your engine derated at that point to save itself.

Check:

MAF sensor plugged in/clean/functioning properly. Check around few threads about cleaning a MAF sensor.

Breather tube from cam cover to intake is whole. (If the 5.0 has one. It's got to have a way to maintain crankcase pressure, but I'm a 4.6 guy.)

Intake tube is whole and not leaking at throttle body, filter, or in between.

Last and most obvious, ensure that Bama/Brenspeed/Steeda/WHOMEVER has the complete and correct list of ALL aftermarket go fast parts installed AND that they have the proper codes from your ECM if you have gotten a factory update at somepoint. My 06 had been reflashed at some point with updated protocols and that rendered my first set of Brenspeed tunes defunct. A simple phone call checked this, but you need to make sure your tuner knows whatever they need to know.

Part of that is your job, but what you really need is an experience tuner to ask the right questions.

Originally Posted by jayed53

Let me also be clear that I have spent thousands at AM for my mustangs over the years. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to my friends. I just feel that my tuner/cai combo was not at all what was advertised for MY car. I have no doubt that they are running perfect on countless other vehicles. Didn't want this thread to turn into a bash session against a company that I feel is among the best that I have dealt with for Mustang parts... I just want it to work as advertised lol.

Originally Posted by shinerttu

I just want to second your opinion. I have had nothing but issues with my Bama tunes and it has been a disheartening experience. I don't know if its my car or what, but I'm seriously at the point where I am depressed with the performance and I don't even want to do anymore performance mods now (see how long that lasts). This experience is making me want to buy something like a Rousch so I don't have to "mod" my car for the performance I desire.

I'm at the point where maybe I am jaded but I am curious how many of you running tunes are actually getting knocking/pinging and you dont even realize it. I only have axle back exhaust and even then its very hard to hear the pinging. The only reason I believe I can hear is because it was very bad at first and now my ear is "trained" to hear it. Some of you guys running offroad exhaust I doubt could hear a pinging at WOT.

I have had my Mustang for 10 months now and have dropped about 3k so far, about 1.5k so far at Bama. Their service is great and everything else I have bought has been perfect. Again I don't mean to bash them because I WILL continue to do business with them. Their website is in a class of its own!

Originally Posted by scottmach

I still don't understand while anyone would put up with a crappy tune. You could get a base tune from someone else that would be light years ahead of an Obama tune. Some had good luck in the past with Bama but what they don't know is the head tuner has since left the company.

Originally Posted by 2k232

This makes me feel a little uneasy, lol since I just ordered my tune tuner and intake from AM.com.... will post a update when it comes in tho.

Originally Posted by jayed53

Yea man I'm starting to believe you...I may consider getting it from a different tuner if I can find a good deal, I just don't want to drop all kinds of money just to have a bad experience again. Who do you recommend?