I apologize for the stupid newb questons in advance... In general, I know how tunerswork and what they do. I know it's a flash device that reprograms your car's ECU to specific settings. I know it's supposed to boost performance. But that's pretty much all I know.I've never actually used one, or have seen anyone use one. So, in no particular order, here are some general questions I have:

How do they work exactly? Do they come from the manufacturere pre-set with specific tunes, or do you "tune" yourself? What settings do you have to adjust? I get the impression that it's pre-set, but I'm not sure...

Can I do the programming myself, or do you have to go to a certified tech guy who does the tuning?

What are the pros of tuning? Obviously, I know you should get a performance boost, especially if you add on CAI and better exhaust system along with tuning, but can tuning be beneficial if that's all you do?

Does it void a new car warranty?

Again, sorry formylame newbie-ness. Thanks...

 

you shouldnt tune it yoursself unless you have a dyno (or some way to test)and know what youre doing in relation to timing and octance and stuff. theorhetically you could buy a crap-load of octane booster and screw with the timing and gain like 40whp. but you'll only see about 15-20 with just a tuner and high octane (93)gas.

you get the better gas mileage because you are smoothing out the air/fuel curve and getting the right mix. Ford has our air-fuel set really high so we can run regular un-leaded.

it only voids the warranty if the dealership would happen to plug in their diagnostic computer and see that you have a file on the cars comp that wasnt theirs. so as long as you save the stock tune to your tuner and re-flash it to stock before you take it in yuore fine. oh. and make sure if you get a cai you take it off too before you go to the stealership.

 

also they come with tunes from whichever place (like VMP or B A MA CHIPS). if you dont buy them from someone who has "custom tunes" for their tuners, that you get to choose, youre getting some cheap cruddy tune that doesnt do that much that comes stock on the flash tuner. i like the looks of B-A-M-A's website just because they have you specify your mods and you get to choose 3 tunes from a list of about 12.

 

Does BAMA still make the apple butter and jellies and such?

 

lol

 

Wait you seriously have to take of your CAI if you take it into the shop?

 

if you take it to ford, yeah, cause if you dont take it offthey might take note of it and void your warranty cause it will cause you to run lean unless you tune it and then youre "screwing up" your computer. if you do tune it and ford sees it they'll void your waranty. it only applies to what was broken though,i mean if your a/c is broken they cant really blame it on your tune or cai. but if you screw up any part of your drivetrain they can call it on your cai or tune and void your warranty and your up a creek with out a paddle.

 

If you bring it to ford for either scheduled maintenance or warranty then yes,it's best practice to remove the aftermarket tune and revert to factory and re-install the factory airbox. Why cause yourself any potential headaches?

 

Well... depends... depends a lot on your dealership... I had my throttle position sensor replaced under warranty even though not only did i have CAI installed I also had my bright purple ZEX Nitrous kit installed in plain sight! LOL! Not to mention i still had the numbers on the windsheild from the track and a helmet in the back seat... LOL!

 

Hey John,
Do you have another stang?