Best Tuner for Running 91 Octane.

[Miker]

So I am going to get a tuner for my 2005 4.6 with Roush mufflers. Keeping everything stock. Not going to do any engine mods. Just a tune to take advantage of 91 octane and maximize throttle response. Is it really going to cost $400.00 plus for this?
I saw this article stating better throttle response and a 20hp gain at the rear wheels. Also some pre catalytic thing in the intake tube? Also I live in CA so the tune would need to be able to be removed for the bi-annual smog checks.
I saw someone on E-bay selling a Bama tuner and a Ford CAI for a 2005 that I could probably get for around $300 but the chance of a problem with an electrical component like this seems like a big headache to be avoided.
I wouldn't be adverse to installing a CAI if it really does make a difference. I could simply reinstall the original air box when pulling the tune for the smog checks. If the gains from a CAI are minimal I would rather just skip that part.

http://www.alternativeauto.com/05-10_mustang_gt_performance_tune/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295842905248?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=777008&algo=PERSONAL.TOPIC&ao=1&asc=20221115143056&meid=fbb8d6c00b5049ec9f92f24bf27818ce&pid=101612&rk=1&rkt=1&itm=295842905248&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4375194&algv=RecentlyViewedItemsV2&brand=Mustang&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq:bbedd7fa1890a55143053bbfffffac54|pageci:0e5c449c-320f-11ee-b50e-d25219f7b8c3|iid:1|vlpname:vlp_homepage

https://www.ebay.com/itm/295848799765?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=777008&algo=PERSONAL.TOPIC&ao=1&asc=20221115143056&meid=fbb8d6c00b5049ec9f92f24bf27818ce&pid=101612&rk=1&rkt=1&itm=295848799765&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4375194&algv=RecentlyViewedItemsV2&brand=Ford&_trksid=p4375194.c101612.m4236&_trkparms=parentrq:bbedd7fa1890a55143053bbfffffac54|pageci:0e5c449c-320f-11ee-b50e-d25219f7b8c3|iid:1|vlpname:vlp_homepage

 

[Miker]

I just went out and checked for the intake pre catalytic thing and it was there. Pulled it out.

 

[Miker]

Went for a spirited drive and it seems to run a bit better with the honeycomb piece removed from the intake boot. I did notice that it takes a second or two more to return to idle when I come to a stop.

 

[EBABlacknChrome]

Just get an sct, used would still need to be unmarried. Shipping plus 100.00 from sct. So 300 plus the 100.......you may as well just buy one.

I have an old predator that was on my car. Worked fine for what you want to do. I went sct when I started big mods and remote tuning.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[86GT351]

Stay away from BAMA tunes

 

[Miker]

I have emailed VMP and asked about their SCT. They state it comes preloaded with Ford tunes but I cannot see anywhere what those tunes are. I worded my question asking about track use and the ability to remove for street use. I understand some companies aren't even sending things that won't comply to CA.

 

[86GT351]

I have emailed VMP and asked about their SCT. They state it comes preloaded with Ford tunes but I cannot see anywhere what those tunes are. I worded my question asking about track use and the ability to remove for street use. I understand some companies aren't even sending things that won't comply to CA.

Correct. Ever since the EPA crack down companies might be gun shy about putting things in writing about tunes

 

[Miker]

Got the reply from VMP. The pre loaded tunes for Ford would not fit my application. They could however build a custom tune for my car. Price. $399.00 for the tuner and $250.00 for the tune. I think for 650.00 I will pass. It would seem like a tune for a stock setup just to run higher octane would be a simple thing. I guess not.

 

[86GT351]

Got the reply from VMP. The pre loaded tunes for Ford would not fit my application. They could however build a custom tune for my car. Price. $399.00 for the tuner and $250.00 for the tune. I think for 650.00 I will pass. It would seem like a tune for a stock setup just to run higher octane would be a simple thing. I guess not.

It probably is a simple thing. However once the customer word is used pricing goes up. Again, though there are all kinds of legal issues involved with the EPA now.

 

[Forty61]

When I first starting tinkering on my ‘08 I used a ‘no-tune’ intake and the canned SCT tune for my car, it wasn’t perfect by any means but definitely woke it up a little bit.

If you’re just wanting a little something extra I’d investigate that route.