Tune up, not just a "tune"

[yellerstang]

It seems everyone in all of the forums that I have been reading talks about the tune you can get from a programmer. No one mentions "tune up".

I know that spark plugs can go 100,000 miles in some cars, but I am wondering, can I get a performance tune up without the cost of a hand held tuner? Is there such an offering out there somewhere?

Do any shops offer a quality tune up along with a computer tune up that does not require me to buy a $$$$ hand held unit?

Next question.... can a Ford dealer hack into the performance parameters that the tuners use? Can they firm up my shifts, raise shifting rpm, or any thing else that the tuners do? I havent seen anyone else ask this question.

I have a 2000 GT convertible with the automatic. Lookin for info...

Thanks

Jess in Shamokin, Pa.

 

[GDawg]

As far as I know Ford will not mess with your tune outside of OE tune. If you want a tune up without messing with the computer, change your plugs (don't use long life plugs), PCV, fuel filter, air filter, clean your MAF, put in some injector cleaner, change your oil, do your tranny fluid, go to synthetics maybe, detail your engine bay, empty your ash tray... (not trying to be a smart ass, just having fun) Other than that, if you want a more aggressive tune, you are back to what everyone is talking about in the forums... reprogramming your computer with a chip they can flash. Check Craigslist in your area or look in the yellow pages for performance shops and go from there.

 

[yellerstang]

tune

Thanks for the info. I have some homework to get to now, gotta figure out what I want vs. what I need, then figure how to PAY for it .

You have been helpful.

Jess

 

[Three50won]

There's also the Steeda timing adjuster. I have one but I never used it because I use a programmer. I also think you can do the J-mod trans thing but that is pretty involved and I don't know what years you can do that on.