Exhaust And Tune

[91mini]

I'm familiar with basic mechanics of a vehicle and do minor to mid range projects on my own but have no clue about tuners.

I bought my stang in 05 the way I wanted it from the factory. The only thing I immediately done to it was the duck bill rear spoiler, California dream functional ram air hood and Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust.

After all this time I want to get a little more power and a more aggressive sound. I've always used 92 octane fuel and after lurking for a while have read a lot about tuning that would really unleash some power. Bad thing is I'm kind of scared to do a tune on my own.

If I buy a tuner I plan to add O/R H pipe at the same time which I can install myself. Money permitting I may get some long tube headers to go with it but think this will be a job that I will have to pay someone to do.

So I'd like some opinions on:
1. Can a person who's never done a tune but can follow instructions well do it themselves?

2. How much difference would long tubes headers plus O/R mid pipe differ from only installing O/R mid pipe to the stick headers? HP, sound, and value for HP per dollar.

 

[earleys94gt]

1. You can install your own tune on your own, but if you are uneasy I'd let a more experienced person install it. While many are "plug & play", a novice could potentially adjust too many things. For the best, personalized tune, a dyno tuning session would yield the best results as opposed to a "box" tune. This route is more time consuming, and can be somewhat expensive, but I feel it is more effective.

2. Long tubes will add more power/torque in the lower RPM's, but take a little away in the upper RPM's. They will definitely improve the sound. Along with the Flowmasters, you might wake the neighbors.

 

[Bullitt95]

1. Can a person who's never done a tune but can follow instructions well do it themselves?

2. How much difference would long tubes headers plus O/R mid pipe differ from only installing O/R mid pipe to the stick headers? HP, sound, and value for HP per dollar.

1. If you buy a CAI with tuner (I recommend the JLT series 3 CAI with SCT X4 tuner), uploading the new tune from your tuner to the ECU is child's play if you follow the instructions to the letter.

2. LT headers + shorty offroad midpipe = ~18rwhp/22twtq gain
BBK TL shorty headers + standard length offroad midpipe = ~14rwhp/18rwtq gain
Stock manifolds + standard length offroad midpipe = ~8rwhp/10rwtq gain

For headers/midpipe you'll need a custom tune whereas if you do the midpipe alone, you'll just need a modified tune that disables the downstream O2 sensors to avoid setting off the CEL.

Long tubes will add more power/torque in the lower RPM's, but take a little away in the upper RPM's.

You'll gain torque across the whole rpm range with long tubes but the gain will be greatest in the 3000-5000rpm range with smaller gains on either side.

 

[91mini]

As for the cold air mentioned I already have the California Dream / Concept hood with ram air installed.

From my research I really don't want to spend the money on a dyno tune as I'm not going to heavily modify, just bolt ons. At the same time I'm scared of the "canned" tunes as a lot of forum chatter is against them but it seems these are the purist. The people who think that you "must" have the the best of everything no matter the cost.

I think I've seen enough people happy with the "canned" tunes to move forward with it. Thinking of American Muscle SCT X4 but want to makes sure they can adjust for the ram air I already have. I sent an email last week and received an automatic response saying they would get to me. Ive replied to the email with no response. It makes me uneasy but I'll try to call this week to see if I can get anyone.

 

[timjimmy]

I'm happy with Brenspeed. Anytime any issue comes up with either my tune, a part, an install or, frankly, pretty much anything, I pick up the phone and they are quick to answer with an applicable response. Their prices are almost always cheaper, they in house test tons of parts, and they sell a lot of different kits that they've engineered and tested. I have nothing to complain about.

 

[timjimmy]

Except their website is ehhh.

 

[Bullitt95]

From my research I really don't want to spend the money on a dyno tune as I'm not going to heavily modify, just bolt ons.

Me neither, which is why I opted for a Brenspeed custom CMCV delete tune by e-mail since I bought my CAI & SCT X3 from them.

 

[trigga415]

I'm happy with Brenspeed. Anytime any issue comes up with either my tune, a part, an install or, frankly, pretty much anything, I pick up the phone and they are quick to answer with an applicable response. Their prices are almost always cheaper, they in house test tons of parts, and they sell a lot of different kits that they've engineered and tested. I have nothing to complain about.

I plan to get most of my power mods from Brenspeed. Might even make the trip out east to have some installed.

 

[trigga415]

I really don't want to spend the money on a dyno tune as I'm not going to heavily modify, just bolt ons.

I'm looking at doing mostly bolt-ons too but want to get a dyno'd base so I know where I'm coming from.

 

[timjimmy]

I missed an opportunity last weekend to get a $50 dyno run or I'd have some numbers for you.

 

[trigga415]

Don't know why I really need to; it's probably just the geek in me. It'll probably be 250-270 from what I've read.

 

[timjimmy]

It's always nice to know for sure.

 

[Bullitt347]

I put the Brenspeed Detroit Rocker cams in my 08' Bullitt and am super pleased with the results. Those cams, some exhaust, a tune and underdrive crank pulley netted 325rwhp and 317rwtrq. And all of that with the stock catalytic converters

 

[timjimmy]

None too shabby.