So I bought a 2005 Mustang GT a couple months ago. It's my first modern car that I've cared enough about to actually increase the performance. I've had other modern cars, obviously, but they're normally SUVs that I use for common day things. As for performance cars, I've normally stuck with the classic stuff, having a 66 Mustang, 55 Chevy Bel Air and 44 Vicky so far(yes, I noticed the years).

So my problem is that, from just reading message boards, I've come to learn that getting your Mustang tuned is the best way to increase performance straight off. Also, I have plans for engine upgrades, including a cold air kit, new pulleys, new throttle body, and probably motion control plates as well. Apparently it's good to have tunes done when you make modifications like this as well.

So I have a few questions about 'tuning', since I've never had to do the computer tuning before. I'm sorry if some of these are 'common-sense' questions, but I thought I'd just include everything that came across my mind recently. It can't hurt to ask.... can it?

First, when do I tune? Is it only after engine upgrades? Should I tune when I add a new exhaust system? To what extent do modifications need to be to have a new tune?

Second, do I need access to a dyno for every tune? I know Predator has a tune specifically built for cold air intake upgrades, but since I want to add morethan just that, will I need to go to a dyno for it? Can I get Predator to write a custom tune for my vehicle without them actually having access to it?


I guess that's it for now. Probably no-brainers for some of you guys, but I'm a newb here. Feel free to add anything else you think someone without a clue might need to know as well.

 

Hey Krazed...how's it going. The rule of thumb is that you should tune when you affect the flow of air in and out of your car. For example, if you get a CAI, you should get a tune. Many people don't and some even see gains, however, this is not the safest. The stock tune is extremely rich...a CAI leans things out a little. So the net result is more HP. Its not safe because you can't blow a motor running rich, but you can running lean.

With regards to an exhaust...if you are just putting on axle backs, you probably don't need a tune because you really aren't doing anything but getting a nice sound. Longtube headers and x-pipes will require tunes or you will lose power.

Given that the stock tune is so rich, you should get a tune. This is the first thing that I would do. In fact that's what I did. With the stock tune, the car felt sluggish after 5000rpm, but with the 94 octane tune, throttle response has been increased dramatically and the car just pulls all the way to redline. I've increased my rev limiter to 6500rpm also...thinking of moving it up to 7000 for the future

You don't need access to a dyno everytime unless you want to see the effects of each mod. The tunes that come loaded with the pred are really just generic canned tunes that were created for most cars. But to get the most out of your tune, you really should get it dyno tuned or datalogged-tuned because every car is slightly different . My car did not like the canned tunes because my car was pinging like crazy! So Paul at Steeda took my car out with my X-CAL 2 and his laptop and datalogged my car for about 5-10 minutes. he then created an optimized tune for my car using 94 octane. It just accelerates with an urgency that the stock car never did...and I gained 3-4 mpg to boot!

Diablo can't really write a custom tune without your vehicle, but they can help you with minor modifications that you can do on your own with the pred. Its actually very simple to do.

 

Thanks Blacksheep, I appreciate the response. I was only worried about needing a dyno because they're hard to find where I am(Louisiana). The nearest one I can find is about a hour and a half away, and I still don't know if they do tunes for Predator. I suppose the best thing to do would be get a tune with the cold air intake, and then have another custom tune done with I put on the UD pulleys, throttle body and motion plates.

 

Actually a custom tune can be written with Diablo software the same as with SCT, and with either the person developing your tune does not have to physically be the one dyno-ing your vehicle. All required information can be transferred by e-mail. Whether a Predator or a XCal 2 is used for with custom tuning does not matter, since it is simply the means of downloading the tune to your ECU. The only important issue is does your favorite tuner use Diablo or SCT software to write your tune.

 

so what you're saying is dyno the car and then email the dyno sheet to diablo or SCT. I guess its possible to do it this way. The question is would it be cheaper, faster and less hassle just to let the person dynoing the car tune it? At least this way, if there are issues, the tuner can fix it right away.

 

Not necessarily to Diablo or SCT directly, but rather to a professional tuner who uses their software. Say if someone doesn't have or know of a good tuner locally but does have access to a dyno, then there are several good tuners who can use your dyno and datalogging information to modify your stock tune by e-mail the same way a local dyno tuner would. The one I used has a turnaround time of less than 24 hours and charged a very reasonable $75 for unlimited Predator tunes. It's an option to consider, but you are correct that it would be faster to have the dyno facility tune your car, as long as the tuner has a good reputation.

 

The tuner you used, was it someone who generally does this kind of work, or a normal tuner who you know has a good reputation?

 

He had received good reviews from numerous members of a Mach 1 forum that I am a member of, and he tunes with Diablo CMR software. I already had a Predator so I contacted him and the results have turned out very well. He also sells Predators with unlimited custom tunes included. I am sure there are SCT dealers who offer the XCal 2 with the same arrangement. Probably if you ask here on the forums most people are going to recommend the brand of flash tuner they have. I won't do that because I have never used a XCal 2, and I don't think you would be disappointed with it or a Predator.

 

This post answered several questions i had, but it still didnt cover the financial part. How much does a tune cost? I heard from a friend that they charge like 100 an hour to tune your car, which is rediculous if youve bolted on a throttle body or a CAI. The tune will cost more than the product. is this true?

 

it really depends on the shop...Is this for an 2005 ? If it is, you need a tune for almost any mod because the the new computer is extremely sensitive. Any mod that affects air movement in and out of the car should be tuned or you will more than likely lose power.

I got my custom tune from steeda.ca free when I bought the X-CAL2...my car was datalogged for 5-10 miuntes on the road, then a tune was optimized for my car so you don't always get dinged. But if you get a dyno tune, you'll more than likely have to pay for dyno time and tune time. Consider yourself lucky if you only pay $100 if its a dyno tune