2008 Gt- Advice on "pinging sound" while accelerating

Hi, very difficult to discern your noise. Do you have any CEL’s? If you have a Scantool there may be a pending Code, not yet throwing a CEL. Advanced Auto, A-Zone will hook you up for free. First, I’d call/Email BAMA and let them know what’s going on & if they have your Intake and any other Bolt-on’s Correctly (even an axleback exhaust). They will have you do a Datalog, you send it off WIFI and they can check the Tune and Sensor feedback. (I’m assuming you have an SCTX4 (WIFI Tuner) or the older X3 Model.
For troubleshooting, You can revert it back to the Stock Tune and it may or may not run right on it, or it may run fine. If they gave you a High Octane Tune, too-usually you get 2 initial Tunes, try that other Tune.(you have “Tunes for life?”) Or, you can just reflash the CPU with the same Tune..go to the Stock Tune, then reflash with the Tune you’re running now. I’d had an AIRAID on my 08’ GT, it had no bottom end, BAMA Tune they gave me had a few issues, I am a Programmer and have the SCT Programming Software & modified the timing Curve/Total Timing, and it now runs perfect.
Sounds like too much Timing, or it’s running lean, in your case. I’d pull a Spark Plug, disconnect Ignition and look for Soot, or signs of Detonation.
What I heard sounded like a non- linear clicking, not in unison with the Motor. Like a piece of MIG Wire bouncing around in the Front Exhaust. Or a Rusty Flake. This all started after your Mod’s, most likely something Simple.i’d check over all your Work, any Sensors wires you may have disturbed, no CAI leaks, vibration. Does the Car do this Cold, or only at operating temp.?
-Any Welding done on the Exhaust, recently?
- That BAMA Tune for 87 Octane May be corrupt, or didn’t flash correctly. Try the other Tune, or Stock, get a hold of them, first- Datalogging and emailing it is a few days...
Other possibles:
1) Exhaust Manifold leak at higher flow rates- if you’re foot is in it under a load (they blister through 1st and 2nd, 3rd Gear it has a longer Gear- Motor fighting to get higher RPM’s. Could just be a leak there, or in the Exhaust somewhere.
2) You have any CEL’s pop up, or does the CEL light flash when under hard 3rd Hear acceleration? 1 sec on, one off, Flashing CEL indicates a Misfire...
3) does the Motor run hotter than normal at any point, or do you have no other issues other than this “ping”?Oil Pressure OK, just above the center on the Stock Gauge.
4) Seafoam has affected (3)
Mustangs, (2) Corvettes highly negatively..Yet I know one Buddy that swears by it. Not the best stuff. Just My personal opinion....
5) Your Traction control, turn it off and see it there’s a difference.
6) Ensure there is not a foreign Body, I.e; Wrench, Bolt, etc stuck in your Front Suspension..
7) Grab a piece of threaded Rod or something you can stick on the Valve Cover to “feel” or even hear over each Cylinder where it’s making the sound loudest.
8) Pull the Plugs and ensure the Gaps are correct, no Water got in the Plug area.
9) Run the Car at night and look for any Crossfire between Plug Wires/Ground.
10) is the Motor & Tranny Mounts OK,? look for cracks in the Rubber & evidence the Motor’s moving more than it’s normally allowed.
Post any other information & answers to the questions when you get a chance, here.
Hope this information helps! Cheers!! John