Got my CAI and Bama tunes today...

[Sparty92]

But it's 10 degrees out in Detroit. Snow and ice everywhere.

I scored a huge deal at American Muscle the other day (email coupon) so I HAD to buy it! I got a JLT CAI with the SCT SF3 Tuner. I got the following tunes:

1. 87 Street
2. 91 Performance
3. 93 Race

Will my pants get wet with any of those tunes?

I was thinking I should just wait until Spring to install all this stuff. What do you guys think?

My car is completely stock except for some Roush mufflers and a Hurst. My car is a stick...and has 62K miles on it right now. Yes, I'm a little late to the party.

How do the Bama tunes compare to say, Blow By Racing or Brenspeed tunes?

Thanks!

 

[ski]

My 05 GT has the Bama 93 Race tune, and it pulls hard over the entire rpm range. Some users say it makes the throttle too sensitive, but that's exactly how I like it => Just like a cable operated throttle.

One suggestion. After installing a tune, recalibrate the throttle body/gas pedal.
- Turn the key to the 'ON' position(do not start the engine), and wait for the dash warning lights to go out and the chime to stop.

- Turn off all electrical accessories.

- Press the gas pedal all the way down in one smooth motion while counting to 5 (1001, 1002....).

- Slowly release the gas pedal while counting to 5.

- Wait 6 seconds.

- Turn key to 'OFF'.

- Wait 6 seconds.

- Repeat the procedure 2 more times.


Enjoy!

 

[Sparty92]

So what exactly will this do for the throttle....this procedure you talk about? Is this something I could do NOW...before I install all this stuff in the Spring?

Thanks.

 

[AMChrisRose]

The throttle relearn procedure won't be necessary with the stuff installed. It helps out a little bit with the car in stock form. Congrats on the great deal on the CAI & Tunes! Definitely make sure to post back after you've had a chance to try them out...

 

[ski]

The throttle relearn procedure won't be necessary with the stuff installed. It helps out a little bit with the car in stock form.

Gotta respectfully disagree.
My GT recently suffered from a slight hesitation problem during WOT.
Performed the TB/GP recalib, and the hesitation was history.

Also, doing the recalib has tightened up the throttle response, especially at low rpm's.

 

[Sparty92]

Sooo...

I have this stuff in my living room, whispering to me every day. I was wondering if you guys think I should install it in the dead nuts of winter in Michigan? Or just wait until Spring?

I would prolly only run the 87 street tune (which is why I spec'd that one out...for winter) for now. I do need to seriously clean the engine compartment though...and I wanted to do that before the install.

Also, any thoughts on the Bama tunes...over say, Brenspeed stuff? Or are they pretty much all the same (from reputable tuners)?

One other question:
Do you guys carry the tuner in your car? I mean, if I go to fill up from 87 to 93 octane, I don't think I should drive away until I retune the car, right?

Thanks!

 

[ski]

Your call regarding when to do the mods.

Some like BC, others prefer Brenspeed.
Suggest doing a search on all of the Stang forums to help with your decision.

You can carry the tuner in your car if you want, but it's not absolutely necessary.
You'll be ok switching from 87 to 93 gas with the 87 tune installed.
However, if you switch from 93 to 87 gas with the 93 tune installed, then just drive conservatively until you install the 87 tune.

 

[AMChrisRose]

Gotta respectfully disagree.
My GT recently suffered from a slight hesitation problem during WOT.
Performed the TB/GP recalib, and the hesitation was history.

Also, doing the recalib has tightened up the throttle response, especially at low rpm's.

I should reiterate, the way that WE set up the throttle, the relearn procedure will not make a difference. We set it up to give you a certain desired torque and desired throttle angle, and that's it. No learned values.

Also hesitation has absolutely nothing to do with the throttle mapping. It was probably stored somewhere else in the keep-alive memory.

 

[AMChrisRose]

Sooo...

I have this stuff in my living room, whispering to me every day. I was wondering if you guys think I should install it in the dead nuts of winter in Michigan? Or just wait until Spring?

I would prolly only run the 87 street tune (which is why I spec'd that one out...for winter) for now. I do need to seriously clean the engine compartment though...and I wanted to do that before the install.

Also, any thoughts on the Bama tunes...over say, Brenspeed stuff? Or are they pretty much all the same (from reputable tuners)?

One other question:
Do you guys carry the tuner in your car? I mean, if I go to fill up from 87 to 93 octane, I don't think I should drive away until I retune the car, right?

Thanks!

I think you should install the 87 Octane for the winter. That's what I'm running on my 2007 GT. I pick up some mileage, a tiny bit of power and a good amount of driveability. Much better than stock.

As for our tunes compared to competitors, you really have to drive them both.

These polls between us and competitors pop up all the time: 2011 Mustang V6 - Which Tune Is Better ... So Far ? - Ford Mustang Forums

I can only tell you that the quality of our tuning is unmatched. I'm very happy with the level of quality in regards to our tunes. We ship hundreds of tunes a month and get tons of dyno results back and driving impressions. Everyone is very satisfied.

 

[ski]

Also hesitation has absolutely nothing to do with the throttle mapping. It was probably stored somewhere else in the keep-alive memory.

If the hesitation was stored in the KAM, then why did only recalibrating the TB/gas pedal eliminate it?

 

[AMChrisRose]

That's what I don't understand. The throttle has nothing to do with timing/fueling or any engine operation other than throttle unless your "Max Scheduled Torque" is scaled wrong in the tune and it's throwing off VCT, which has spark adders and subtracters, and affects cam angle.

Regardless, that would be a flaw in the tune.

 

[ski]

Hmmm....
I may be the only S197 GT owner who can fix a tune flaw with the gas pedal.

 

[Sparty92]

Thank you for the info, AMChrisRose (and others)...

It's only 23º here in the Motor City...a bit cold to turn a wrench. I am thinking of installing this stuff after Xmas as I have a week off from work.

Chris, a few questions for you:
1. The AM website and all related materials showing tuners says "Up to 30HP on a stock Mustang GT." I'm wondering what is needed to get that number? I assume this is RWHP?

2. Do you have a list of all the stuff that's tweaked in a tune? Just curious, that's all.

3. A reputable, local Mustang tuner likes to tune a little more conservatively, so you're guaranteed not to blow up your car. He states typical gains from a CAI/Tune to be about 20HP at the wheels, give or take a few HP. How close to the ragged edge do you guys set your tunes at?

Thanks again for the amazing deal!

 

[Sparty92]

These polls between us and competitors pop up all the time: 2011 Mustang V6 - Which Tune Is Better ... So Far ? - Ford Mustang Forums

Holy CRAP! I just watched your embedded video on the new V6! Amazing! And that was with 87 octane?

I was thinking of getting 4.10s installed (stick car)...and with a 93 race tune I guess I'll be doing wheel stands! Well, maybe not...but still!

Man...I wish it would warm up already!

 

[Mustanglvr2006]

I was thinking of getting 4.10s installed (stick car)...and with a 93 race tune I guess I'll be doing wheel stands! Well, maybe not...but still!

That was GREAT!!!!!! I almost fell out of my chair when I read that

I will say the 410's and the 93 Race tune I run from Bama and the C&L Racer CAI (my GT's an Auto) its an amazing difference over stock, chirping every shift including 4th gear

 

[demea]

I just did my CAI and loaded my custom tune on Saturday morning (not from Bama, though).
I did 4.10's last Monday as well.
All's I scan say is I'm extremely impressed with the car now. Throttle lag is gone and it shifts perfectly(auto)...nice and aggressive in every gear at every speed.

I love driving it now!

UDP and charge motion delete plates in the Spring!

Anyone considering a custom tune/cai combo...I highly recommend it!

 

[Sparty92]

Everyone seems to be driving automatics around here...so I can understand how you'll notice the change as being fairly dramatic with shift points and all that.

Can anyone who drives a proper(!) manual transmission car please comment on how the change will feel?

Thanks.

 

[SSnakeGT127]

I was thinking of getting 4.10s installed (stick car)...and with a 93 race tune I guess I'll be doing wheel stands! Well, maybe not...but still!

Not quite yet bro but she'll definitely want to raise that front end up

For most N/A 3Vs these 2 mods (CAI/Tune & gears) alone will be the biggest SOTP feel you will ever get from your car weather is auto or manual.

The funny thing is when I bought my 05 GT (March 08') It came with a Steeda CAI w/ 93 tune.. (canned tune) as far as I know, and even more shocking I didn't even realize my car also had FRPP 4.10 gears until I took it to a Mustang motorsport shop to put a set of the same gears that it already had in it.

But trust me Sparky, the reason I didn't even know about the 4.10s done to my car is because I never actually drove a stock 05-09 GT before I bought mine so I assumed mine pretty much performed just like a stock GT and every knows what happens when we assume...

But Seriously, once you install your CAI and load your custom tunes, the power and driveability you feel now after will be huge. you will be asking yourself why you haven't done this sooner .. and if you do throw 4.10 gears into the mix later, your going to want to shop for some tires shortly

Either way bro you won't regret it. enjoy your tunes

 

[ski]

...once you install your CAI and load your custom tunes, the power and driveability you feel now after will be huge. you will be asking yourself why you haven't done this sooner...

+1
BTW, my 05 GT is a manual.

 

[Sparty92]

So my plan was to install my CAI/Tunes over New Year's weekend.

Well, that plan has changed considerably.

Instead, I'm going with the following:

2011 Mustang GT 5.0 (401A)
Black, Brick Red Interior with Cashmere Stripe
HIDs
6MT with 3.73 gears
Comfort Pkg.
Security Pkg.
Brembo Brakes

I'm going to have to return the intake (unless someone wants to buy it!)...but I have to keep the tuner...so I guess I'll get a tune for spring or something after I get a few miles on this bad boy.

Pics to come soon. Like. This weekend.