Shift Firmness with X3 Tuner
 

So I purchased a SCT X3 Tuner from a local shop last week. I am using the 93 Strategy tune from SCT for the JLT intake on my 09 4.0 auto. I have the shift firmness set on 25% which is the highest it will go and I am very disappointed. While the shift is firmer I was hoping for a 2nd gear chirp when shifting from 1-2 but it's still way too soft for that. I have it set on 25% for 1-2 and for 2-3 and it's not that much different than stock. I'm just wondering if there is something that i'm missing here or if that's just how the tune is from SCT?

The SCT tunes are garbage; probably about 5-10 RWHP lower than a good custom tune from AM or Brenspeed, as well as not having better shift points, fuel mapping, etc, that are included in the tune from AM or Brenspeed.

Dump the canned tunes.

I am prolly going to get a dyno tune done in the spring.

Dyno tunes will gain you a few single digit RWHP over a good custom tune so if you race or Motor-X, then by all means, dyno. Otherwise, custom tunes are superb and you typically get 3 different tunes, each with it's own ... personality.

Aggressive Shift Points
 

I have an 07 GT with the 5 speed automatic. Last fall I had the Brenspeed Detroit Rocker cams along with a FRPP CAI installed. Had the SCT tuner with a Brenspeed tune too. A shop did the install but had some issues with the tune so he did a chassis dyno on it along with aggressive shift points (93 octane). Car would break loose at 1-2 and chirp the tires at 2-3. It was great for a while but I started having trans issues such as the P0745 (trans pressure switch) code from time to time as well as the OD light flashing. Plus I have always felt the tune wasnt "right". I contacted Brenspeed who re-wrote the tune along with stock shift points and I installed it. Car felt like it had more power, better acceleration and still chirped the tires 1-2. Since the car is a daily driver I found that the aggressive shift points were creating driveability issues. Going back to the stock shift points cured the P0745 code as well as the flashing OD light. Just thought id toss this into the mix. Im real happy with the Brenspeed tune. I also contacted John Lund and inquired about his tunes but he honestly said it wont be that much more different then a Brenspeed tune.

If you want to bark 2nd and chirp 3rd get the AM-Bama Race tune.
It's quite aggressive.
I'm using the AM-Bama 91 Street with reduced shift pressures.
I do go WOT every now and then, but I'm not into barking and chirping.

I'll just wait and get a good tune down the road, it's good enough now for how little i've been driving the car lately.

You can order a single CUSTOM tune from American Muscle and the tech can email the tune directly to you. Once you receive the email with custom tune attached, attach your SCT X3 tuner to your computer and upload the custom tune to your SCT tuner. Once the custom tune is on your SCT tuner, upload to your mustang. This will most likely be less expensive than getting a dyno tune. Just my 2 cents.

The canned tunes are going to be all that aggressive. However, a Bama Custom tune can definitely provide that "Bark" you're after! Let me tell you a little bit about how we write our tunes.

For every Bama Tune we ask you 19 questions about your specific Mustang, including your unique mods and style of driving. This info helps us write custom tunes from the ground-up for your Mustang's mods that will give you the most horsepower that we can safely deliver. We're also constantly developing our tunes! Between our 14 different Project Mustangs and tons of street/track and dyno testing (on our in-house Dynojet 224xLC), we're looking for any minor tweaks to be made that can benefit you guys. We're also part of Fords Technology Transfer Program & Work very closely with Ford to insure that all of our tunes are perfect!

Last but not least, our free tunes for life program. Basically any time you add a new modification to your car, want a different tune, revisions, datalogs etc... we can just send you a new file!

A dyno tune is a great way to get your car dialed in. However, if you're not done modding your car, it's not the best option!

Please let me know if you have any questions or need some assistance in the near future! 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

Dan do you guys do custom dyno tuning in house if a customer brought their car up to get tuned?