You may have a couple of things to address.
First of all raising the idle speed, idle can not really make much of a difference in the engine life, I will double check with a tuner, and I see no point in raising the idle and no up side for sure.
If the vehicle is pinging at high RPM, you need to make sure you’re using good quality fuel, I recommend premium grade Amoco/BP, Mobil or Sunoco brands. I have been involved in pump fuel testing for off-shore boat racing, and these fuels test much better then others, its not just octane but the way fuels are refined that make fuel more detonation sensitive.
Also the type of exhaust you’re running can make the vehicle more sensitive. You’re using side exhaust, some systems can be restrictive. I have not seen side exhaust on the 05 GT yet, but I worked at Steeda for five years and am a Mustang enthusiast, so I am familiar with exhaust systems in general. If the system has to make the 180 degree turn to make the transition to side exit tailpipes, it bottles up heat, and that causes detonation.
Basically, make sure you have the best fuel you can find. Your exhaust is what it is.
The DiabloSport flash programmer gives you all the freedom to make needed tune changes, so make adjustments to global timing if need be, remove 1-2 degrees of timing to see if this eliminates the detonation. Remember if the vehicle if detonating, the timing change, to eliminate detonation, could increase power. When your detonating it kills power, a proper calibration based on fuel, atmospheric conditions, altitude, etc. will make for a stronger running engine, even with less timing.
Bottom line; do not push your vehicle if it’s detonating. This can cause damage and is a risk you do not want to take. If the car is pinging, take your foot out of it.
There is nothing better then a dyno tune, with the modifications you have it’s not a necessity, but AF live on the dyno is always an advantage. All vehicles and conditions can be different and a dyno will allow for fine tuning to your specific situation.
Thanks,
Nick Spinelli
DiabloSport Sales Manager
[email protected]