I just got my 06' Mustang on Monday, and I've been checking out several message boards since I ordered her back in August. I've seen a lot of topics about tuning the car, and something to do with a torque limiter, and CAI, and Dyno. I have no idea what all of this is about, so that's what I'm asking.

What exactly is meant by having the car tuned? How does this affect the car? How much does it cost? Where/How do you get it done? What are the positives/negatives?

What is the torque limiter?

What is CAI?

And what is Dyno?

Thanks.

 

torque limiter is built into the software that comes onboard a stock v6. Notice if you stomp on it from a start you have that hesitation before launching? you can tune most of that away with a handheld tuner. You can take your car to a speed shop and have them tune it for you, but you could just buy a tuner offline and load a tune yourself and as you learn more, change around some variables. The tunes onboard the tuner are typically good. You can also tune away your speed and rev limiters. A tuner runs about 400$. a CAI (cold air intake/induction) kit can run from 180-280$ (just a ballpark). RPMoutlet.com sells a nice tuner/intake bundle for 450 or 489. The positives is better throttle response, and much more fun to drive. Negatives might include warranty issues, but you can throw on the stock airbox/tune if you need to take it in for warranty work. A dyno is a machine used to measure the horsepower put to the wheels of the car (typically)

 

Ok, that clears some things up. What's the best tuner to get? And what's the best place to get one? And is it possible to do any damage if you don't know what you're doing? Also, does a tune help your gas mileage? Do you have to use premium or anything?

 

Here's some good info on the SCT X-Cal2 for the V6 from Alternative Auto... I highly recommend Lidio...

Alternative Auto V6 info

 

Your gas mileage can be improved with a good tune, but with the newfound power of your pony you'll have a hard time backing off the gas. The tuner (well mine, anyway) gives very explicit directions on screen during the tuning process. If you were to mess with your timing not having a good idea of what you were doing, you could lean out your engine, or possibly make it run too rich. If you just load the pre-fab tune on the tuner, it's simple.

 

The dealers/tuners actually set limits on what you can change and how much... which in theory should prevent you from damaging your car... like the most spark I can add is 2 degrees... The only thing I've changed on my tune is tire size, gear ratio, and tranny shift schedule... I've had no need to change fuel, timing or anything else...

 

So.....what you're saying is, I should just get one and just use the tune that's on it already I should be ok? I don't really plan on doing much modding or anything, but a little extra HP, and better acceleration sounds like a pretty good idea.

If I need to take the car in for warranty work just reset it back to stock?

 

Yep, it truly is plug and play!!! You will not believe the difference!

And if you take the car back to the dealer you simply do the "Return to Stock" option...

of course I had some warranty work done the other day... Zex nitrous kit completely installed in plain view, X-Cal2 tune loaded, helmet in the back seat (which they commented on! ) and big white numbers on the glass from the track... Dealership took care of the problem... no issues... Gosh, I have a great dealership!!! LOL!

 

Ok, now scrming you said you haven't had to change fuel or anything. I think I usually get 87, and the xcal2 on that one site says 89 or above. Doesn't that mean I'd have to use 89 or higher?

 

Yes, Lidio designed his tune for 89.. so you'll need to step up from 87 to 89... He told me once why he did that... but dang... I'm an old guy and I've forgotten... I run 93 Octane since I never know when I may want to turn the nitrous one... Oh... and Lido's 93 tune is amazing... LOL!

 

OK, I took the plunge and ordered Lidio's tune and an Xcal-2. That built-in off the line lag is really annoying.

I kinda forgot to ask - but does Lidio include both the 89 AND 93 octane tunes? I get my gas from a place that only carries 87 and 93.

 

I know he has an 87 and an 89... I think he also has a 91... I not sure what he's loading on the x-cal2 by default these days.... when did you order it? any chance you can catch them before they ship?

 

This morning. Should I call them back tomorrow?

I was also sneaky and inquired as to whether they were providing a TMS discount. Lidio was not there.

 

yeah, maybe they haven't shipped it yet... and you can double check what tunes they loaded...

 

So...did they offer a discount?

 

OK, the good news is I was able to request the 91 octane tune (had not shipped out yet)

Bad news is I was so happy about this, I forgot to ask about a discount. I'll find out in a day or two when the charge hits.

 

Ok, one last question. Why didn't Ford have the stock tune bring out these advantages of the car? Why did they limit it?

 

in the words for my buddy, an engineer at Ford, "we want to make sure your drive train makes it through the warranty period".... at which point I call him a dink... LOL!

 

So does this mean that a tune "might" hurt our engines over time?

 

I don't think it will "hurt" the engine.. but the extra low end torque will most likely increase the wear and tear on some of the drive line components... Some one more knowledgeable can please chip in here! LOL!