Nuke

Ditto what mapitts said (with the exception of giving myself kudos as it hurts to pat myself on the back at my age). I ran a poll a few months back which showed that approx. 2/3 of the forum members were running non-stock tunes. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Maine-iac

Nuke & Mappits,

Thanks for your help, guys. Never meant to imply that anyone was blowing smoke. I do recognize and appreciate the wealth of knowledge on this forum - that's why I'm here. But I'm not a newbie by any stretch. I've been a closet gear head for 30+ years and I'm an engineer. This is my third GT - the past two were both heavily modified - one supercharged. I have a lot to offer but a lot to learn as well. We all have plenty more to learn whether we think so or not. I know it's my decision in the end, but it's always healthy to have a fresh look at new data to make decisions. Based on my research and our discussions I agree that the tune and CAi are the best bang for the buck. These are first on my list. Axle-back exhaust - maybe, but only for the sound - the jury is still out on that one. Thinking about 3.73 gears, but I don't want to sacrifice gas mileage too much since this is my daily driver (I know, LAME excuse!). Need to do some calculation on that and see what other's have experienced.

Thanks again guys. Hatchet buried.....

Nuke

I have a spreadsheet or 2 that you can use to plug in your tire and gear data in order to obtain engine RPM vs vehicle speed. The fuel mileage of our 4.6L's will begin to drop at about 1600-1800 RPM and almost exponentially (or so it feels) beyond the low 2000 RPM range. The first 2 years and 30,000 miles on my Stang were almost all highway running the same 410 mile one-way stretch almost every 2 weeks and using the same gas stations so my fuel consumption data is rather detailed (an engineer on this end, too). At 70 MPH @ ~2000 RPM I averaged 24 MPG (hand calculated) with my 3.55's, including the occasional romp to 130+ MPH when conditions allowed.

PM me with your e-mail addy if you're interested in the spreadsheet(s).

mapitts

Sadly enough there are plenty of them on here that blow smoke and plain just do not know what in the world they are talking about. There are some on here that are just WAY to full of themselves and idiots to boot. That is just the world we live in though. Nuke, 130 +??? Now you know that is breaking the law and Mustangs where not desined for that!!!

Nuke

Odd. I wasn't aware of that.

mapitts

What gear setup are you running now? If you are running 3.31's I would make a move to 3.73's. If you are running 3.55's I would personally let it ride at that. In my own opinion 3.55's are a good setup. Spend the money on something else. If you go from 3.31's to 3.73's your gas mileage may drop 1 or 2 MPG.

Maine-iac

Running a 3:31 currently. I've had 3.73's before, but not on an S197 car. I'd have the dealer install them if I decide to do it just so I have zero warranty issues. That would be pricey...

mapitts

I have had both gears in different Mustangs. Both S197's. The difference is daylight to dark. The '10 I have now has the Track Pack Stage 1. Just found out a month ago there was a Stage 1 and Stage 2. The price to install them may not be as bad ad you think. I do not know if it would keep with your 3/36 warranty or would go with a 1 year / 12K. I did a CAI / tune on the Mustang with the 3.31's. It really does wake it up. At the time I bought the tunes I think AM was using canned tunes, but, I am not sure about that.