Ok, sorry to beat a dead horse here, as I am sure CAI/Tune questions are filtered through all the time. But I am basically new with modding mustangs and have some concerns. I have a 2010 GT, 5MT (feel like I am dying bread with the 4.6). Car is two years old and still under factory warranty. I recently purchased the JLT/SCT CAI and Tuner package from American Muscle. I was excited about the purchase, but when it arrived I got cold feet. Here are my concerns:

1. Voiding a warranty with the tune.
2. Having to take out the tune and CAI (since CAI can't run without the tune) every time I bring the vehicle in for service (oil change, 20K mile service, etc). My concern with this is mostly time, hassle, screwing things up.

I spoke to BAMA about some of my concerns and they gave me some feedback. They said there should be no problem with the Tune and that replacing the CAI back to stock takes no time, and that I should do that a week before any service

I started to second guess the JLT CAI and thought maybe I return that for a CAI that doesn't require a tune (Airaid) and combine that with the SCT tune. That way I can reset the tune back to factory and not worry about having to properly replace the CAI back to stock. Although, BAMA said some dealerships still might have a problem with a non-ford CAI still installed.

With all that being said, I am looking for some feedback:
1. Experience with the JLT/CAI package?
2. Experience bringing the vehicle in for service (removing the CAI and Tune)? Do you do that?
3. Thoughts on running the SCT tune with a no tune required CAI? How much of a difference in power gain/loss is there compared to a tune required CAI? Thoughts on doing this for ease of transition?
4. Not so important question- I was a little disappointed the sound tube gets disconnected with the JLT CAI. I see most folks think it is not big deal and the sound tube is more gimmicky, but I kind of like it. What sort of sound do you get from the car at that point?

 

I can't comment on the current brands you are speaking of, but if you are looking for piece of mind with a CAI/Tune let me give you some of our facts.

We have had 0 issues with our CAI/Tune voiding a warranty or causing any issues to an engine. We test our products to the limits so the customer doesn't have to. With a CAI/Tune it is very difficult to screw up a tune that would ultimately harm or void the warranty on the engine.

With that being said if you purchased a Steeda CAI/Tune and you needed some work done, then you could bring it to a Steeda authorized retailer and have little to no issues of them working on the car. We have built many relationships through the years with Ford dealers and have many dealerships that sell Steeda products. In short no dealer should turn you away with a CAI/Tune, but if they do we you have options.

Lastly, the warranty void is opening a can of worms. In short a dealership can not deny warranty unless an investigation is done to prove that indeed the aftermarket part did cause the damage. In that case Steeda would stand by their product and go to bat for you regarding the investigation.

Like I said, I can't comment on the other brands, but if you are nervous, I just wanted to let you know there are reputable companies that you can rely on.

 

I have a 2010 with only 28k mileage and have no warranty except electrical. I'm pushing 557rwhp. Cams, rollers, supercharger... The whole 9!! Also I drive it like I stole it. I'll about any 5.0 around.

 

Before supercharging the 4.6L 3V in my '07 GT, I went with the JLT CAI and really liked it. I used a Diablosport Predator tuner and had great results (very low 13's in the 1/4 mile with 4.10's and drag radials as the only other mods at the time).

I never removed the JLT CAI and tune for trips to the dealer. They don't touch the computer or airbox for oil changes and routine maintenance.

As TJ noted, warranty coverage can't be denied unless there is a clear cause & effect relationship between a modification and the failure in question. CAI's are safe mods, so do it and enjoy your GT!!!

 

Off topic much?


TJ said it best... Voiding a warranty requires an investigation. I can't comment on there ability to go to bat for you or what not but when I bought my steeda intake the were a couple of issues and they were incredibly patient with helping me work through them... Plus I got a hand written thank you letter from my sales rep great company

As far as dealer service if you establish a good relationship with the techs doing your work they will usually bend over backwards to help you out all it usually tAkes are a thank you and some friendly convos

 

Warranty is the least of my problems, seems the Ford dealerships will always try to people some bs story about why it's not covered. My headlight pigtails melted with factory bulbs and they told me that they didn't believe it happened with factory bulbs. Claimed they have never seen that before then tried to charge me $55.00 for merely looking at them and saying yep they burned. So I said screw it, I'll build it the way I want and fix it myself

 

I appreciate the replies by everyone. Put my mind at ease a little. I know what I will be installing this Saturday!

 

If you want the sound tube to still be usable, go with a C&L CAI for a 2010. That's what I'm running and the tube does make a difference, to me anyway.

 

Hmmm, I guess I missed that when looking for CAI's. I already have the JLT in my possession (not installed yet). My thought is I would waste some money to return the JLT (shipping/restock fee) and then spend extra for the C/L (almost $100 more than JLT) just for a sound tube. Not sure that is worth it???? Guess I need to be more detailed in my research, lol

 

Ummmm, Congrats?

 

On my 2010 Gt Premium I just installed a Steeda CAI with the SCT tuner. It sure is a lot of fun to drive

 

I also had a C&L CAI with a tune on my 2010 GT. The car came alive after 3000 rpm's. Love the new feel. No problems from the dealer at all. The only problem I had, is I found a Roush Supercharger M90 for dirt cheap. WOW! What a new Mustang I have now. So I will sell the C&L CAI this winter. Just enjoy the mustang any way you go.

 

Colgate: two questions for you-

1 how much do you want for the C&L ?
2 what was the deciding factor in going with the m90 rather than upgrading to a 2011/2012 mustang? I have been teetering on the line of supercharging or getting into a 2012. Thoughts?

 

I installed the jlt and tune last weekend....night and day, and fun and addicting to drive

 

I'm really glad to hear that you're happy with your JLT CAI and Bama tuner combo! There are thousands of 05-10 Mustangs out there running that same combo from us with the same results that you posted. Rest assured as the largest SCT dealer in the world, the Bama team has tons of experience working with customers through both emissions and dealership guidelines. We've got literally several thousands of 05+ owners who have been back to the dealership with and without a Bama tune and CAI and haven't had to intervene more than a handful of times.

The Bama team is right about driving the car stock for a few days to set all of the switches before taking it back for service, if you're concerned. That way, you don't have to worry about getting questioned. Point blank, if a dealership isn't mod friendly, it doesn't matter what brand CAI or tune you have - they're gonna hassle you. You don't want to have to worry about not being able to take it to YOUR dealer or whatever dealer is convenient. So, just either find out if the service manager with your dealership cares or go back to stock and avoid the whole thing! It only takes a few minutes to call and talk to your local dealer and it also only takes a few minutes to be back in stock form.

You made a great choice going with the Bama Tuning team! Let us know if you need any help at all down the road. Your tuner is just a call a way, with no middle man!

Enjoy!

 

Thanks Chris. Actually brought the car in for some regular maintenance and told them about the tune and CAI. The could have cared less and actually started talking to me about how they install supercharges and what they would recommend. All good!

 

Most dealers are alright with simple mods like a reflash and CAI. I'm glad that you were straight-forward with them and they were cool with it! I always tell people to be upfront with their service manager, who knows they might be cool like in your case!

AM and Bama are both really happy to hear that you're enjoying your tunes. Please feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions in the future!

 

I have a 2010 airaid cai currently available.

I added a shaker Hood scoop and procharger which deleted the airaid

 

is the steeda cia still available for the 2010 gt? Didn't see it on a,m site. would like to get one installed along with a good tune. Not sure who to have do the tune.

 

Merv,

It is on their website, do a search for Steeda parts and you will come come across it on page 3.

Best Regards,

TJ