Mod help for 2006 V6 Mustang (Manual)
08-03-2014, 07:11 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 36
If this is your main goal:
To max out your bang for the buck remember that a fancy CAI intake tube is purely cosmetic, you can just buy a high flow filter and get the same added air flow and sound. So called no-tune CAI's often end up needing a tune as the computer controls are very picky and that leads to a lot of deals on used CAI's.
Free tunes are nice but you have no plans for any mods for at least 4yrs it seems. At that time you may or may not keep the car and who knows what the tune/tuner market will look like in the future. I imagine the standard handheld will phase out and move onto your phone. Custom tuning cost has steadily gone up so if that trend continues AND you keep the car and BAMA is still in business (just being realistic, not a prediction) then lifetime tunes is a deal.
I wouldn't count on a mileage tune paying for itself but the tuner is a big help in reading and clearing trouble codes. This plus having the Forums and google can save you a lot of cash when issues pop up and you need to know what is wrong.
To max out your bang for the buck remember that a fancy CAI intake tube is purely cosmetic, you can just buy a high flow filter and get the same added air flow and sound. So called no-tune CAI's often end up needing a tune as the computer controls are very picky and that leads to a lot of deals on used CAI's.
Free tunes are nice but you have no plans for any mods for at least 4yrs it seems. At that time you may or may not keep the car and who knows what the tune/tuner market will look like in the future. I imagine the standard handheld will phase out and move onto your phone. Custom tuning cost has steadily gone up so if that trend continues AND you keep the car and BAMA is still in business (just being realistic, not a prediction) then lifetime tunes is a deal.
I wouldn't count on a mileage tune paying for itself but the tuner is a big help in reading and clearing trouble codes. This plus having the Forums and google can save you a lot of cash when issues pop up and you need to know what is wrong.
I've also been getting a pain in the *** P0420 code that seemingly cannot be eliminated. So for that reason alone, a tuner sounds nice.
08-03-2014, 08:32 PM
#12
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,396
Really, the only performance mods I want are the tuner, CAI, and eventually a true dual exhaust. Would I need a re-tune upon installing a dual exhaust? If not, then passing on the free tunes wouldn't be a big deal at all.
I've also been getting a pain in the *** P0420 code that seemingly cannot be eliminated. So for that reason alone, a tuner sounds nice.
I've also been getting a pain in the *** P0420 code that seemingly cannot be eliminated. So for that reason alone, a tuner sounds nice.
If you erase it and it comes back, I would consider checking your O2s.
08-03-2014, 10:15 PM
#13
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Stroudsburg, PA
Posts: 1,148
"Known to throw codes"?? Not sure where you are getting this information but this is certainly not true. I have never had a vehicle throw a code from an intake nor ever heard of it until now. Unless someone puts a tune-required intake on with no tune I don't see how a CAI would throw a code. The non-tune intakes use the same diameter as stock if not slightly larger. The computer will adjust to the CAI. Sure, with a tune you're going to see better results, but there will still be noticeable/minimal gain without a tune.
examples:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...t=CAI+code+CEL
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...=tune+CAI+code
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s...=tune+CAI+code
And a generic google search for CAI and CEL issues
08-03-2014, 11:04 PM
#14
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,396
If you've been following the 4.0 forum for any length of time you would be aware of this issue. Its not a huge problem but not uncommon. The question is bang for the buck so a little bang with maybe 30% chance of no bang at all I can't recommend for his situation. Try a search on Tune CAI Code or some other key words and you will see what I'm talking about.
examples:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...t=CAI+code+CEL
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...=tune+CAI+code
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s...=tune+CAI+code
And a generic google search for CAI and CEL issues
examples:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...t=CAI+code+CEL
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...=tune+CAI+code
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s...=tune+CAI+code
And a generic google search for CAI and CEL issues
Weird.. This is the first i've heard of it. I had an 05 4.0 that I put an intake on and it ran smoothly. Guess it's just the luck of the draw.
08-04-2014, 12:36 AM
#15
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 36
If you've been following the 4.0 forum for any length of time you would be aware of this issue. Its not a huge problem but not uncommon. The question is bang for the buck so a little bang with maybe 30% chance of no bang at all I can't recommend for his situation. Try a search on Tune CAI Code or some other key words and you will see what I'm talking about.
examples:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...t=CAI+code+CEL
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...=tune+CAI+code
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s...=tune+CAI+code
And a generic google search for CAI and CEL issues
examples:
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...t=CAI+code+CEL
https://mustangforums.com/forum/4-0l...=tune+CAI+code
https://mustangforums.com/forum/v6-s...=tune+CAI+code
And a generic google search for CAI and CEL issues
Gotta love risk-taking, though...
Also, regarding the code I've been getting, I already replaced the spark plugs, O2 sensors, and checked for vacuum leaks and found nothing. Next thing I'll probably do is check for an exhaust leak...trying not to get too off topic here, though.
08-04-2014, 12:54 PM
#16
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 3,666
In the past, I purchased the Airaid CAI and installed with no custom tune and drove around close to 8 months and experienced NO issues. However, the performance gain was minimal and was only felt in the higher RPM range. Once I uploaded my custom Brenspeed tunes, I felt an instant change in performance! It felt like a totally different car. =)
If money is tight, purchase the Airaid CAI first, then save up for the SCT hand held tuner with custom tunes and add it later. That's exactly what I did!
BTW, Airaid is the same company that produces the Roush CAI, which is a very reputable company!
If money is tight, purchase the Airaid CAI first, then save up for the SCT hand held tuner with custom tunes and add it later. That's exactly what I did!
BTW, Airaid is the same company that produces the Roush CAI, which is a very reputable company!
Last edited by kevinmalec; 08-04-2014 at 01:05 PM.
09-01-2014, 10:43 AM
#18
Cut & Paste Expert
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 13,322
The dual exhaust will increase the eargasim quotient but
not the performance aspect as the OEM exhaust flows
free enough compared to OEM exhausts of the past.
The biggest bang for the buck in the muffler dept is
an OEM GT M/T passengers side muffler take-off.
In the suspension dept, front and rear GT take-off sway bars
along with Polyurethane bushings will help the handling 100%.
Especially if your V6 has no rear sway bar...
Base model V6es have NO rear sway bar and only
a small 31.5mm front sway bar.
Only Pony Packages had a 18mm rear sway bar.
Pretty squirly cornering under power with no rear sway bar...
not the performance aspect as the OEM exhaust flows
free enough compared to OEM exhausts of the past.
The biggest bang for the buck in the muffler dept is
an OEM GT M/T passengers side muffler take-off.
In the suspension dept, front and rear GT take-off sway bars
along with Polyurethane bushings will help the handling 100%.
Especially if your V6 has no rear sway bar...
Base model V6es have NO rear sway bar and only
a small 31.5mm front sway bar.
Only Pony Packages had a 18mm rear sway bar.
Pretty squirly cornering under power with no rear sway bar...
09-01-2014, 06:02 PM
#19
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 36
The dual exhaust will increase the eargasim quotient but
not the performance aspect as the OEM exhaust flows
free enough compared to OEM exhausts of the past.
The biggest bang for the buck in the muffler dept is
an OEM GT M/T passengers side muffler take-off.
In the suspension dept, front and rear GT take-off sway bars
along with Polyurethane bushings will help the handling 100%.
Especially if your V6 has no rear sway bar...
Base model V6es have NO rear sway bar and only
a small 31.5mm front sway bar.
Only Pony Packages had a 18mm rear sway bar.
Pretty squirly cornering under power with no rear sway bar...
not the performance aspect as the OEM exhaust flows
free enough compared to OEM exhausts of the past.
The biggest bang for the buck in the muffler dept is
an OEM GT M/T passengers side muffler take-off.
In the suspension dept, front and rear GT take-off sway bars
along with Polyurethane bushings will help the handling 100%.
Especially if your V6 has no rear sway bar...
Base model V6es have NO rear sway bar and only
a small 31.5mm front sway bar.
Only Pony Packages had a 18mm rear sway bar.
Pretty squirly cornering under power with no rear sway bar...
Appreciate the advice on the suspension, but honestly, I'm perfectly content with the handling as is. Right now, I really just wanna focus on HP and also getting a badass sound.
Also, I read up on the differences between these two CAI's on the manufacturer's website (http://www.americanmuscle.com/airaid...ai-0509v6.html and http://www.americanmuscle.com/airaid-cai-0509v6.html). However, it did not seem to specify which CAI performs better. Can anyone clarify this for me?
09-01-2014, 10:50 PM
#20
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 421
Also, I read up on the differences between these two CAI's on the manufacturer's website (http://www.americanmuscle.com/airaid...ai-0509v6.html and http://www.americanmuscle.com/airaid-cai-0509v6.html). However, it did not seem to specify which CAI performs better. Can anyone clarify this for me?
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