From what I understand, if I purchase an unlocked nGauge through someone other than Lund, I can accept tunes from any tuner that supports HP Tuners. If I would like Lund to write a tune for this nGauge, they would "require" me to download their proprietary software onto the device (effectively making it a Lund-locked nGauge) and then write the tune.
This does not seem to be the case with the SCT X4, however.
And lastly (Lcrfshadow), based upon my research, I did not see a different nGauge for different year Mustangs. All nGauge's seem to be the same device and it is only a tune-delivery and monitoring/logging system that plugs into your OBDII port (just like SCT). Only the tunes would differ.
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***AND SOMETHING I JUST DISCOVERED***
Lund has revised their previous support pricing and duration. Previously, a Lund tune came with 3 months of tune support and allowed for minor revisions. To purchase an extra 3 months of support beyond that (or at a later time) would cost $50.
Their current policy is
"Tuning revisions for minor modifications are free of charge up to 6 months after you’ve received your initial tune. The countdown starts from the time you receive the tune(s) which may be up to 7-10 business days following your order. Following that period, cost to renew for an additional 6 months of support is $150.
For customers changing to a different intake manifold, all aftermarket manifolds for 11+ incur an additional $100 fee. If it is OUTSIDE of the 6 month support window, the $100 does not buy you another 6 months of support. You will have to pay again."
ALSO:
"The Safety and Performance Review is included with the purchase of a mail order tune or datalog review/tune revision for up to 6 months after date of receiving the tune(s). This gives our customers peace of mind if they have any doubts about the way their car is performing, and can also help diagnose issues possibly being caused by something mechanical or install related."
So, it would appear that if I am considering getting a new tune, it would save me at least $150 to swap intakes within that 6 month window (as far as tuning goes).