Custom tune and throttle lag
3/3/11, 09:11 AM
#1
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Custom tune and throttle lag
One of the claims people make about getting a custom tune from Bama, Steeda, whoever, is that it eliminates throttle lag. Why does Ford - or any other manufacturer - program in this lag in the first place? Better fuel economy? Cleaner emissions? Or do most drivers think an engine feels smoother if it's throttle is less sensitive?
3/3/11, 09:50 AM
#4
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Don't discount emissions and fuel economy as a large reason why electronic throttle cars are designed with roll in.
It's not "lag" as you would think, but instead a rolling of the throttle at certain input points. Smooth throttle changes not only help with economy but reduces shock to the drive train as mentioned above.
It's not "lag" as you would think, but instead a rolling of the throttle at certain input points. Smooth throttle changes not only help with economy but reduces shock to the drive train as mentioned above.
3/3/11, 10:20 AM
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3/6/11, 03:25 PM
#6
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It all depends on the throttle mapping of a stock car. If this were an 05-09 you'd be complaining about factory throttle hang. Every stock car has their quirks and their good characteristics as well. It all depends on finding the right aftermarket tune with the right amount of throttle response for you. Here at Bama, we put together a Street, Performance and Race tune, each with vastly different characteristics. One is going to be the one you enjoy the most. On top of that, our Free Tunes for Life program allows you to call us up whenever you need something tweaked for absolutely free.
3/6/11, 03:34 PM
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3/6/11, 04:38 PM
#8
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Yeah but they're all put in place for multiple reasons. Throttle response is for warranty reasons and longevity just as it is for emissions and EPA. It's also there for safety. Throttle response, torque reduction, conservative air/fuel ratio and variable cam timing, aggressive knock sensors, etc. There's many ways that they keep power down, emissions down, longevity up, etc. The real issue is that the aftermarket doesn't really do anything to harm longevity. You can thrash a stock transmission just as fast as one that's been tuned (speaking generally the same power range). There's just more padding in place with an OE tune. They've got quite a few people watching what they do.
3/6/11, 07:49 PM
#11
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3/8/11, 09:14 AM
#12
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Thread Starter
Thanks for the responses, guys. With the stock tune I don't even notice any throttle lag when accelerating, although I might notice a difference if/when I get a tune. It's when I take my foot off the gas that it seems like the rpm drop slowly, and it would be nice if a tune would negate that slowness.
3/12/11, 05:05 AM
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3/12/11, 05:17 AM
#14
In both the FRPP and Steeda tunes I've tested, the car is noticeably smoother. You gain a lot of precision in the throttle, since the lag/delay is eliminated. After releasing the gas, the engine will decel quicker than stock. Now, I don't have exact measurements, but based on driving with both, these are my findings.
From my time talking with the Ford Racing engineer who tuned my car, he brought up the areas they typically change. Both throttle lag and engine braking are two major points. Seems like for the masses, they "fluff" those a bit to make the car smoother. For the enthusiast crowd, we don't care for that. Taking some of the padding out makes the car feel more alive.
From my time talking with the Ford Racing engineer who tuned my car, he brought up the areas they typically change. Both throttle lag and engine braking are two major points. Seems like for the masses, they "fluff" those a bit to make the car smoother. For the enthusiast crowd, we don't care for that. Taking some of the padding out makes the car feel more alive.
3/12/11, 05:57 AM
#15
Bingo. I had no idea what people were talking about when they said "throttle lag" until I got my tune. I wouldn't classify it as a "lag" per-say, because it felt like how I thought it should...you, know, just like any other car... its just that when you get a tune you have instant power. Its pretty shocking the first time! very noticeable!
Last edited by codeman94; 3/12/11 at 05:59 AM.
3/13/11, 08:10 AM
#16
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When I push in the clutch to shift, the RPM's always go up a little bit. I ask myself "what did you do, push in the clutch before you let off the gas???" so then I very carefully make sure it's 1) off the gas, then 2) push in clutch . . . and it still happens.
Tuner coming this spring!
3/13/11, 10:08 AM
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3/13/11, 02:25 PM
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