Did a baseline for my GT today

[mbuckcoyote]

Hello all,
I took my '11 Mustang GT, Manual Trans, 3.73s down to PRE Racing today and did a base line pull before I added some mods I have. It was done on a "Dyno Dynamics Dynamometer". The results were 345WHP and 355LB/FT. According to the standard calibration of 15% parasitic loss, that equates to 406BHP and 418LB/FT at the crank. This was running 87 octane.

Never heard of this type of Dyno but, then again, this is the first time since HS I have dynoed a car of mine. Anybody have any experience with these Dyno's?

Anyway, there were 4 pulls and no change for each one for numbers. All done in 4th gear. He gave me a reason he used 4th gear that had to do with driving conditions, the fact that the dyno is a "load bearing" dyno (ah, aren't all dynos load bearing that don't just do the engine?) and some other issues I don't remember.

I did this baseline because I have a few mods that will soon be installed on my GT and will be going back down to run another set. I will be putting on a set of Borla axle backs (Touring) which will pobably not show much gain and bought a SC Cortex tuner to change the engine tunning (of course ).
I bought the Cortex almost a month ago but, it doesn't work. I have SC looking into the problem and hopefully will get it resolved within the next couple of days.

When the Cortex gets resolved, I will load the 87 octane performance tune and take the car back down and check the numbers. This will determine whether I keep the tuner or send it back. If it doesn't measure up. I bought this type of tuner because it's about the only one you can use on another vehicle just by adding another program. The other vehicle has to be of the same manufaturer as mine is (Ford Ranger) so it may be worth having.

I attached the dyno sheet to this thread. Hope it comes out ok...

 

[jag989]

Those numbers look right on

You should get a little more if you switch to a higher octane.

 

[mbuckcoyote]

Yeah, that's what I figure as well. My main interest is whether or not the Cortex is worth keeping once I'm able to down load a tune. I'm still going to use the 87 for the performance tune as I figure any numbers I get from that tune will obviously be more for a 91 octane tune. the stated numbers for the the Cortex are: 12.9whp and 19rwtq for the 87 tune and only a little bit better for the 91 tune. If We had 93 octane, those numbers would more than double and almost triple according to SuperChips.

 

[TheCPE]

So you don't plan on using 91-93 octane ever?

I can't imagine that you'll see more than 10hp gain from an 87 tune.

 

[mbuckcoyote]

To start with, we don't have 93 octane here in Oregon so, that's out. But, sure, I'll use the supplied 91 tune from time to time and it will get me some more power. At present though, I'm concerned with the Cortex tuner giving me the state numbers. If it doesn't do what SuperChip claims, it goes back. Other than that, I'm perfectly satisfied with the numbers as currently stated on the Dyno sheet. If the Cortex does what SuperChips says it'll do, I'll enjoy the 421Hp and 440Lb/Ft at the crank using the 87 tune. Anything more is going to be gravy.

 

[StreetsideStig]

Out of curiosity, how much did your dyno test cost? I've never had it done, and I've always wondered.

 

[mbuckcoyote]

$65 for a baseline pull, four total...

 

[JaysonMFK]

Dyno Dynamics dyno's are top of the line, and no, not all dynos are load bearing. You also usually want to test in the gear that's closest to 1:1 ratio.

Grats on the nice ride and the numbers.

PS: The 87 octane tune is mostly pointless. Get a 91-93 tune. As the car has potential from the factory for more power than 87 can provide.

Trying to get more will just cause the stock computer to pull more timing once it registers any slight(below what you feel and hear) knock, basically negating the performance gains. Whereas you have much more wiggle room with the higher octane fuels before any detonation occurs.

This is coming from a Supra tuning background, so things may be a little different but in the long run an engine is an engine. Hope that helps!

 

[mbuckcoyote]

Thanks for your input, JasonMFK. I'm not dyno savy when it comes to dynos even though I've been a professional mechanic (now retired) for 35 years. My goal isn't really to get as much HP and torque as my car can handle but, more of just having fun with my car. According to SuperChips, the Cortex tuner on 91 octane only produces 1 more HP and 1 less lb/ft of torque that the 87 tune. If we had 93 octane here it would get almost 3 times more of both. With this in mind, the 87 tune is the most efficient. That said, I can load either 87 or 91 or go back to stock using the Cortex. This tuner will also allow for more than one vehicle as long as it's the same make, Ford or Chevy.

I'm not going for a dyno tune as, once done, can't be turned back to stock without going back in and paying to have it turned back other wise, I might go for the gusto!

 

[JaysonMFK]

Ever thought of switching to the SCT X3? I think it's on sell right now.

SCT SF3/X3 Power Flash Tuner w/ 3 Free Custom Tunes (11-12 GT) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

It will hold 3 tunes of whatever you like, one for 87 and a fuel efficiency, one for 93 performance, one for emissions for when your feeling green. lol

Plus if you ever add an exhaust or intake or change anything about the car, you can have them email you a new tune that fits the new parts list better.

 

[mbuckcoyote]

Yes, I have thought about the SCT tuner. The only thing that kept me from getting that tuner was that it can't also be used for my truck, '07 Ranger 4x4. The Cortex allows for both my car and my truck and as far as I know, the only one that can provide that feature. The Cortex, by the way, will also do as the SCT does and will have 3 tunes on board: 87, 91 and 93. There is a glitch with the Cortex however. I have had it for almost a month now and it doesn't recognize my car! I have been working with SuperChips to resolve this. They're supposed to write a new program calibration for my car but, as of yet, haven't gotten anything from them.

Should they go much longer with out a fix for this, I will return it for a refund and go with the SCT. Won't be able to use it with my truck but, I will live with that I guess...