Two things I have noticed about the throttle delay issue on my stock Mustang GT w/ manual trans.

First, throttle response is excellent until the motor reaches normal operating temperature. Once it gets warmed up, I notice throttle delay.

Second, the gas pedal recalibration procedure does work, but the car always reverts back to the normal throttle delay over the next few days.

The best way I can describe the issue is when I stab at the pedal, it does react, but just slightly at first...then within a second, the normal power comes on. It's as if the computer is pulling timing just for an instant when stabbing the gas pedal. I'm sure Ford programmed this to eliminate complaints about the driveline clucking. My last Mustang GT (yr. 2000) had instantaneous throttle response and I could easily make the driveline clunk by stabbing the throttle and then letting off quickly.

I have read through hundreds of posts on various Mustang web sites regarding this issue. It seems like even cars with aftermarket tunes still eventually experience this problem. I think the reason people don't report it right away is because the responds very well just after loading the tune. Even if you simply took off your stock tune and then reloaded your stock tune, you would see very little throttle lag for a few days. The throttle will eventually lag again. It's interesting when I read posts about people reloading their aftermarket tunes and reporting drivability improvement.

This makes me not want to invest in an aftermarket tune. Seeing that over 75% of the reason I would even bother to purchase an aftermarket tune would be to eliminate the annoying throttle delay. However, it sure seems like it will always find a way to come back.

 

it's always sad to see posts like this, you're stuck
with a car that you're not happy with.

i think i got lucky with my setup, the extra power
and the ford tune is simply fantastic. when i go
out to start my car, i'm in a good mood and can't
wait to get going.


i hope someday you'll be able to reach some sort
of compromise with the stang and maybe start getting
some enjoyment out of it once again

 

I’m happy with the car overall. Heck, it’s the only 300hp. RWD coupe on the market that can be easily purchased under $30K.

I was just commenting on my belief that you can never completely eliminate the throttle lag. I knew the car had this lag before I signed the paperwork.

 

Well that was a mouthfull. I have yet to read a post on any forum I have been on about the throttle lag coming back. I have however read many posts about people going on long trips and then having it bog down some due to the adaptive learning feature. Somone posted some good info on it but since your so good at searching I'll let you find it. I have no lag when I step on the gas lightly or stab it goes. As hammeron said I am very happy when I get in it and go. I almost look forward to going to work in the morning.

 

At least i am not the only person who thinks that the throttle lag is back after uploading the custom tune from my x-cal 2. at first it is great but after a few days the lag is back. could it be that the timing is off just a little. but since i switched back over to the 89 tune it is real noticable. going back with the 93 tune at soon as this tank is empty. might just have to order the 93 race tune from doug and the 93 torque just to see if it is in the tunes i have and not in the ecu. even with the throttle lag i still look forward to getting in her every morning to go to work. wouldn't have any other car.

 

I can relate to your 1st statement. Throttle response is awesome when 1st started.
But, as far as throttle lag..not anymore after the tune. I remember before my tune,
try to follow me here. You know when you're about to punch it you kind of lean forward
anticipating the throw-back into the seat...well I remember leaning forward, (kind of in limbo
for about a second too long) waiting to be put back into my seat.Felt awkward. After the tune,
it never happens. I punch it---it goes. I think you all know what I mean. So the tune (for me)
works. Now, the dead pedal space is a different story...tune can't fix that one.

 

Must be because you spend so much time making posts instead of reading posts. I see you have 1100 posts, you must be an expert then.

I’m sorry my thread is the first you have heard of this issue.

 

haha...then what does that make me ....there is no reason to be a smart ***. Mike is providing you his opinion from his experience, the same as any one else on here will do.

Some people report that the tune losses pep after awhile and then they reload it. I never have noticed this with my Bamachips tune. You car will never return to the stock performance however. The tune might "dull" just a little since the adpative learning feature can not be turned off completely but you will still have plenty of get up and go that wasnt there when stock.

You mention owning a 2000, things have changeg since then in the auto industry. Many cars have eliminated the throttle cable in favor or a drive by wire system. I know you already know this. Ford didnt make the lag to hide the clunkiness....that is mostly because of the 2 piece DS that they introduced for the car. The programming of the car is not really about this....i would assume it has more to do with MPG amongst other things. Not everyone wants a mustang that jumps off the line for a race.

If you dont want to get a CAI/tune or any other aftermarket products that fines, then dont, but until you actually try a tune and CAI, dont assume you know what will happen how dissappointed you will be.....and even if a "little" lag comes back after a month or whatever, whats the harm in reloading a tune to get it back?

 

Yet more goofy tune questions

Here is a link that Mike might be referring to.

 

Yes, this is what I was saying: (posted by GTJohn) "When a tune is first loaded the KAM is erased and the car seems to run like a bat otta hell during normal driving. Over time / miles it feels like the car isnt performing like it was when the first tune was installed. This is because the adaptive learning in the closed loop (normal driving) has adjusted the A/F / timing and emissions for best performance as seen by the O2 sensors."

We spend the majority of our time in closed loop (part-throttle). GTJohn's statement above simply reiterates my point that even with an aftermarket tune, the car will eventually bring back throttle lag. I suppose the length of time for your car to relearn the throttle lag is debatable, but the fact that it does occur with and without an aftermarket tune is not. That's disappointing to me since I was really hoping the aftermarket tunes would cure this process. I'm not crazy about the idea of loading my tune every few days to reduce the throttle lag.

The gas pedal procedure does help. I find myself doing this every few days as it only takes few seconds. I suppose we could still do the gas pedal procedure with an aftermarket tune. Someone experiencing throttle lag with an aftermarket tune will need to try it and report back.