xnuke1

I drive a 2014 Automatic GT Base. Only option is Sync and power driver seat. It is my DD and I want to modify it over time. Eventually getting a blower on it. I won’t take it to the track but want to have a fun car I can enjoy every day. This is the very first car I have owned in the last 25 years of driving which I want to mod.

The first mod I’d like to share here is the tune. Since that is also the most recommended starting mod out of the box. It is the most effective bang for the buck mod available, at least in my opinion. Especially for us Auto guys. I had a 2013 manual, but hated it and swapped it out for the Auto with the long term intention of going FI.

2 major companies stood out for me. American Muscle with their BAMA tunes and Steeda. I had read a lot of people thought the canned tunes are Ok, but that you had to go to a smaller volume tuner to get maximum results. Or of course get a dyno tune. I agree that a dyno tune by a competent tuner can safely squeeze the power out. But this is a DD with no other power mods.
Another reason I like AM and Steeda is that they stand behind their products. Steeda reports a ZERO incident rate with their tunes. AM provides a guarantee behind their work. So the risk is minimal with either company.

I started with BAMA and their SF3 tuner. Got 4 tunes included. Everyone knows them.. Street, Performance, Race, and Hybrid. They should be named… Smiles, Giggles, LOL, and Holy $hit. Since these are the things you do and say once the tune is loaded and you smash the pedal. It completely transforms the driving experience. They say you can improve your fuel economy over stock. I don’t see how anyone could possibly keep their foot out of it once they experience how much fun this car is to drive. I believe the claim, I just can’t reproduce it. Cause once I get on it, mentally, I’m 12 again.

Once I loaded the BAMA tunes I noticed a couple of issues. I had very very firm shifts. Everyone is different, some people want that brick to the face hard shift. At parking lot speeds though, it feels like a bucking bronco. And the wife actually commented on how uncomfortable it was. I agreed, it was totally unnecessary to have that hard a shift at 5mph. The other issue I had is that during shifts under acceleration, the RPM’s would rise 400 or so, then drop, and then upshift to the next gear. It wasn’t a smooth transition and was a very odd sensation. Like someone driving a manual who stayed on the gas too long before changing gears.

I emailed BAMA and reported my problems and also asked Shane here on the forums to lend a hand. Within a couple days I had new tunes in my inbox. Ryan McDonald was the tuner who made adjustments and worked with me. He fixed all the issues on the first attempt. I data logged the Hybrid tune and he noticed there was too much fueling at idle. Sent me an updated map very quickly. The only thing canned with these tunes, is that they start with a baseline. But through data logging and customer feedback, I have a unique custom tune for my car. The level of customer service and response is fantastic.

I also worked with Steeda. Both Gus and Tim are top notch professionals. First revision with Steeda had a very firm shift characteristic at low speed. Same as with the BAMA tune. After communicating what I was looking for and providing data logs on their tune, I was quickly sent an update to try out. Steeda nailed it. Throttle response is telepathic, shift feel was exactly what I was looking for. The downshifts were quick and when on it, kept the car in the power band and held higher rpm shifts. And again, the customer service was excellent. The Steeda in regards to power delivery is 98% of the Hybrid. It just doesn't chirp the tires on the 1-2 shift.

Of the two tunes, the BAMA Hybrid is more aggressive compared to the Steeda Performance. I understand the philosophy of Steeda to work within a safety margin they feel comfortable with. Which explains why the Steeda isn’t as aggressive as the BAMA. AM has experience tuning a boatload of cars and they stand behind their product. So I have no doubt the Hybrid tune doesn’t over reach the ability of the motor. Of all the tunes sent, only the Hybrid has the power to scratch the tires on the 1-2 shift at WOT (very fun). And that is the tune I am running on a daily basis.

I have read over and over how conservative these tunes are compared to the more focused speed shops like VMP, LUND, Brenspeed, Lethal Performance etc… I just don’t see how. There really is only so much you can do with a stock setup. I think both companies I chose to work with got the most out of my car safely. Between American Muscle and Steeda there is a clear winner. You and me. Having experienced both companies technical competence and customer service, you honestly can’t go wrong with either. As Mustang enthusiasts, we are very fortunate to have a competent and responsive after market. I for one am glad to have the many choices out there. The competition is good for us.

I hope this review helps someone decide where to go for their tune. And if any other tuner companies would like me to test their tunes and compare to AM or Steeda, just let me know.

XEDES

Great review. Thanks for sharing your views.

AMDanBailer

Great review! Thanks for taking the time to type this out, it will be very helpful for a lot of forums member.

I'm glad to hear the Hybrid tune is your favorite and that you run it on a daily basis. I run the exact same tune on my 2011 GT and have the same feeling as you, every time I stab the throttle!

Keep up the great work with your build and feel free to hit me up if you ever have any questions or need some assistance!
Our Bama Performance tuning specialists are here in the building Monday-Friday from 9AM-5:30PM EST and Saturday 9AM-5:30PM EST. You can hit them up directly at 888.226.9764 and they'll get you squared away!

-Dan