Tuner questions

[sarmikgar]

I have been doing some reading and I am about to order a SCT SF3, will be the first mod(cai in box still) on a 63k 03 GT auto. I just wanted to double check on the order of the "build" I want to go in and if/how the tuner will be used, not sure I understand it all yet. Here is what I would like to do and the order I plan to do it in:

get tuner(ordering today I think)
decide on octane rating tune (probably 87 perf. if it has it, 91 for track)
set trans shift points/firmness settings (one of the main reasons I am going with SCT)
set tune for CAI

Install my CAI

3.73 install (next month or so)
set tune for gear change

O/R X pipe install (probably by x-mas)
75 shot (8 months to a year away)
email order tune or dyno tune (for nitrous for use at track, would keep previous 87 or 91 octane tune for DD)

(of course this last tune after the nitrous install may need to be on a dyno and I believe would be unrelated to the previous tune totally so I could switch to it at the track, but would be set up for the changes already made anyway ..OR they could be remade to the tune.. if I am understanding things correctly, still not sure here)

If done in order like this with the SF3 do the the modifications made along the way all "stack" or work together? Or are you cancelling out/overwriting the octane you tuned for to tune for CAI/trans/gears etc?

I think what I am asking is can you install a "canned" tune/mail order/dyno tune and then make the additional changes on top of it such as gear ratio/CAI/trans shift points etc?

Sorry for the dumb questions, Im from the obd-1 generation. Wish there was more information on this stuff.

Also wanted to ask, if I buy the tuner from American muscle and at a later date want to buy an email tune from Brenspeed or Bamachips etc can I do that? Or will they not make a tune for it since it was not bought from them?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[joshjwc9]

You have a great outline on what you want to do with your car. A tuner can help you out big time in an automatic especially. Pertaining to your questions, yes you can go back and alter a tune in an Xcal (timing, gear, tire, etc. etc.) Also, I would highly suggest ordering your tuner from AmericanMuscle.com They now have free tunes for life when you order an SCT tuner, it might take a little longer to get to your house since they have to write a tune, but it will be worth it. Also, PM AMNick for a discount code since all members get a small discount on all purchases through Americanmuscle.

They other tuners you listed should make a tune for your car, just make sure that your tuner is up to date on firmware versions, or else there may be issues with tunes that they write for you. But, like I said, AM can give you free tunes for life, so you really don't have to worry about it until you do nitrous to your car.

In addition to your mods listed, I would highly suggest finding a Mustang shop that can weld subframe connectors. They will make such a big difference in handling of your car. And it isn't that expensive. Also, the other big mod I suggest is a Cobra Brake Kit of some sort, and make sure you do Stainless Steel Brake Lines too, those two will make your car handle and stop so much better and they aren't that expensive anyways!

 

[sarmikgar]

You have a great outline on what you want to do with your car. A tuner can help you out big time in an automatic especially. Pertaining to your questions, yes you can go back and alter a tune in an Xcal (timing, gear, tire, etc. etc.) Also, I would highly suggest ordering your tuner from AmericanMuscle.com They now have free tunes for life when you order an SCT tuner, it might take a little longer to get to your house since they have to write a tune, but it will be worth it. Also, PM AMNick for a discount code since all members get a small discount on all purchases through Americanmuscle.

They other tuners you listed should make a tune for your car, just make sure that your tuner is up to date on firmware versions, or else there may be issues with tunes that they write for you. But, like I said, AM can give you free tunes for life, so you really don't have to worry about it until you do nitrous to your car.

In addition to your mods listed, I would highly suggest finding a Mustang shop that can weld subframe connectors. They will make such a big difference in handling of your car. And it isn't that expensive. Also, the other big mod I suggest is a Cobra Brake Kit of some sort, and make sure you do Stainless Steel Brake Lines too, those two will make your car handle and stop so much better and they aren't that expensive anyways!

Will be getting other mods for sure, after the nitrous I would like to get the trans done(transgo kit or j mod or something, and more stall), then do susp/chassis and then maybe step up to 100shot, and that will be plenty for me to have fun with.

Yes my plan was to order from AM, I was directed by another source to get the SF3 3015 over the X3 3000 so I could use the preloaded tunes to tune with until I get the nitrous install done then get a custom tune. Is this the right choice for what I want to do? Seems correct to me from what I understand of tuning with tuners, wouldnt mind another opinion!

Thanks again.