Gonna install CAI, have tuner questions...

[redbar0n11]

So, I was informed that if I install my CAI, that it requires me to get a 93 tune. That's all fine and well, except I know that tunes have to be relatively spot on for your particular car/setup. I've never messed with a tuner, so I don't know if there are settings to where you can just input what has changed etc, and it will make the necessary adjustments - or if I need to upload a custom tune file.

Can people share tune files if their setups are the same/similar? (obviously if the tuner is the right model to accept that tune)

Or could I/should I just take the tuner - which ever one I end up getting - to a dyno shop to get tuned on the dyno?

OR just buy a tune from AM or some other website?

Complete noob here in this dept. lol

 

[Franchi]

Everybody gotta start somewhere learning on em . No, you don't want to use other people tunes as they are specifically tuned for their PCM code and any mods they might have. What setup are you running? Typically only need a dyno tune if running forced induction or massive cams, otherwise email tune from a vendor like BBR or Brenspeed would work just fine.

And no, can't share tunes because once you use a tuner to upload a custom tune to your car, the tuner then becomes locked to your car.

 

[redbar0n11]

So, if the tuner is locked to the car, how do people sell used tuners to be used on someone else's car then?

All I have are SLP Loudmouths (the straight pipe version - no muffler), and then once I install it, the Steeda CAI.

 

[bw281]

Someone else's email tune could be compatible with yours, given they have the same code and same exact mods, it will work. I would not do this though. You could run an 87 tune for your cai if you wanted. I run a 92 tune and fill up with 93.
If you don't already have a tuner; go with an xcal 3 loaded with three tunes, this would be your best bet for the $. It's up to you which tune you decide on, I went with a single Brenspeed tune. The tune can later be modified for added mods. You can adjust with the tuner for small stuff like gear swaps, different size tires, etc.
If your tuner is locked, that is a huge problem, given how much sct charges to fix this.

 

[redbar0n11]

So, I don't HAVE to go to a 93 tune?? Could'a swore it said that I needed to...

I suppose that I might be losing out on some performance potential if I don't up it to the 93, and instead stay on 87. Idk...

 

[Franchi]

A tuner can be unlocked by either returning the stock tune back to the car ( it will autosave the stock tune when you upload a custom one ) or sending a locked tuner to manufacturer to get unlocked, typically for a fee. SCT charges $150 to unlock a tuner.

 

[bw281]

So, I don't HAVE to go to a 93 tune?? Could'a swore it said that I needed to...

I suppose that I might be losing out on some performance potential if I don't up it to the 93, and instead stay on 87. Idk...

No you don't have to. If you were to buy a new tuner from say Brenspeed, you would get three octane choices for the cai and your setup. Many that go with Bama ask for just higher octane race, torque, tunes. The 93 would be the optimum for your performance out of just the cai. It will not be a night and day difference between the octanes with just a cai.
If you have an auto trans, you willnotice the biggest difference with the tune on your firmer shifts. Those on a budget can get by with an unlocked tuner/used and a single tune file to wake that sluggish factory auto trans up.

With only the cai, you would be losing a few hp/tq by going with the lower octane, but you will be saving $. That matters to some. Especially when filling up with 93 is in the $4 range. I'm not complaining about the added cost, I own a v8 mustang and we get hit on gas and especially insurance. Just something we live with.

 

[GrnBullitt08]

You do not need a 93 tune for bolt ons.

You can adjust via tuner using WOT fuel and spark.

 

[Tbone]

Ya I went with a Brenspeed CAI and tuner combo. I got a 87, 91 and 93 tune. There is a difference in power between the 87 and 93 tune, but not near as much as going from stock to 87. Youll love the difference it makes.

I stick with the 93 tune, costs me like 6 bucks more to fill my tank, but I get alot better mpg outta it so I think it kinda breaks even. Also with Brenspeed, any parts I order that need adjustments to the tune is done so for free from them.

Also the tuner lets me change gear ratios and tire size so my speedo stays correct. Also reads and can clear trouble codes, and can be used for data logging. And like they said above, dont need a dyno tune unless your going into cams or forced induction. Even cams I would trust an email tune.

 

[redbar0n11]

Ya I went with a Brenspeed CAI and tuner combo. I got a 87, 91 and 93 tune. There is a difference in power between the 87 and 93 tune, but not near as much as going from stock to 87. Youll love the difference it makes.

I stick with the 93 tune, costs me like 6 bucks more to fill my tank, but I get alot better mpg outta it so I think it kinda breaks even. Also with Brenspeed, any parts I order that need adjustments to the tune is done so for free from them.

Also the tuner lets me change gear ratios and tire size so my speedo stays correct. Also reads and can clear trouble codes, and can be used for data logging. And like they said above, dont need a dyno tune unless your going into cams or forced induction. Even cams I would trust an email tune.

Well, I guess I should look into how much a tune is gonna cost me, and then figure out what my total cost would be to get a used tuner and then a tune separately -- might just be worth it to buy a package from somewhere that includes the tunes.

I'll prolly go with the 93, cuz like you said, it's not that much more to fill up. And if you indeed get better MPG, then it does cancel the cost out - plus you have the better performance. So, can't really lose there.

I'm about empty right now, so I should prolly fill up with 93 now, so by the time I get around to the install, I should have the 87 flushed out.

 

[AMDanBailer]

Getting a tune is the best way to ensure your getting the best performance and most reliable drivability out of your Mustang. That's very important if you are going to be installing a CAI and even more important when your intake requires a tune.

If you purchase one of our tuners: http://muscle.am/nV5qoW
not only do you get enrolled in our free tunes for life program, but you also gain access to the vast tuning experience our team of Tuning Specialists. Couple that with free standard ground shipping and you have a really great opportunity to go faster more safely and for less of a headache.


Our Tuning Specialists are here to take your calls and answer any questions you might have regarding the tuning process M-F 9-530PM EST. If you want to find out more, please feel free to call them or PM me!

Have a good one!

 

[Franchi]

You can get a used unlocked X3 for about $250 usually and single custom tune are generally $75. So looking at $325.

But if you plan on really modifying the performance of your car, buy an X3 from someplace new as they typically will give you free tunes for future modifications with it like American Muscle or Brenspeed long as you buy the parts from them.


EDIT: DOH! Ninja'd by Chris! lol

 

[Tbone]

Chris and Franchi are right, if you plan to slowly modify the car, intake, throttle bodies, longtubes, cams, all that requires a tune so buying new can save you money in the long run with the tunes for life deal. Be aware though that some places you have to buy the part from them for a free tune, otherwise theres a surcharge.

Its a great mod, youll really enjoy it. I had to relearn how to drive the car after, so much snappier.

And quick question, which CAI did you get?

 

[redbar0n11]

Chris and Franchi are right, if you plan to slowly modify the car, intake, throttle bodies, longtubes, cams, all that requires a tune so buying new can save you money in the long run with the tunes for life deal. Be aware though that some places you have to buy the part from them for a free tune, otherwise theres a surcharge.

Its a great mod, youll really enjoy it. I had to relearn how to drive the car after, so much snappier.

And quick question, which CAI did you get?

It's been a while since I bought it - but I bought it used from someone here on the forums - I'm pretty sure it's a Steeda CAI.

I have a feeling that I might find a good deal on the tuner used, and then I'll just buy the 3 tunes from Bama for $150 so that I can be in their lifetime tunes program.

 

[AMDanBailer]

It's been a while since I bought it - but I bought it used from someone here on the forums - I'm pretty sure it's a Steeda CAI.

I have a feeling that I might find a good deal on the tuner used, and then I'll just buy the 3 tunes from Bama for $150 so that I can be in their lifetime tunes program.

That's a great way to do it, too! Just make sure the SCT tuner is unlocked and will work for your car/application before you buy it!


Sorry Franchi, I'm slick like that

 

[redbar0n11]

Pretty sure this is the one I have:

http://www.steeda.com/store/steeda-cold-air-intake-for-2005-thru-2009-ford-mustang-gt.html

 

[redbar0n11]

That's a great way to do it, too! Just make sure the SCT tuner is unlocked and will work for your car/application before you buy it!


Sorry Franchi, I'm slick like that

Do your tunes work only for the SCT? Or do they work on other tuner models?