Considering Tune(s) from Unleashed... Is CAI worth it? etc..

F

Fastrack

New member
Hi,

I decided to post here instead of the Unleashed section as these are more generic tuning questions.

I've read on numerous forums and nothing has changed since I bought the JLT CAI for my Mustang.  Some think they are a waste of money (It does change the exhaust sound on the Mustang.. it seems not much on the Ecoboost because of the turbo's).

My plan is to get the SCT iTSX over the X4 so I can wireless monitor the vehicle using my Tablet.  Is this a waste of money?  It's $100 more than the X4.  Will I be data-logging more than a few times?  I currently do not own a "smart phone", but I may in the future.  I downloaded the App for my tablet and it looks like it has some nice features.

My vehicle is a 2014 Flex Ltd w/Ecoboost

So some questions before I order...
1) MAP 3 - required..? Good idea?

2) 1 Colder Plug - I'm planning on NGK 6510's (they come pre-gapped to .044", some say to gap these to .032-.036" ??) For my snowmobile the NGK rep said NOT to gap iridium plugs as you can break the electrode.  Is it not true for these plugs?

3) CAI or just keep the stock paper filter - I've had no issues with the Cone filter in my Mustang.
rmostat[/b] - This is colder stat I would assume to better cool everything with the increased boost?

I have yet to dig into the motor cause I just purchased this vehicle, but are the rear plugs easy to change out?  What needs to be removed do so?  I do all my snowmobile maintenance including motor rebuilding, and most of my car maintenance as well.  Just not sure about this vehicle.

I sent an email to Torrie and he answered most questions and responded within 8 minutes.  I've decided to go with Unleashed as he'll tweak the tune based on data logged output.

Ben
 
1. Great idea, if you don't start with it you'll just be wanting it shortly thereafter.

2. Colder plugs great idea. Not exactly sure which ones the Flex guys use. I'd ask Torrie specifically which ones he prefers to tune with.

3. Stock filter seems great on these Ford's. But MDESIGN has a great product to consider. Only one I'd suggest.

Good luck on the tuning venture. Alot of personal experience here with 4dr building a beast of a Flex.

Rich

 
Agree with Rich pertaining the CAI,or you can go with a AEM dryflow panel filter for sustained gains,regarding a 3-bar map is essential for your flex to achieve more boost than the stock 2-bar which has a limit of 12,make sure you have a revised tune for the 3-bar.
 
3 bar, cooler t -stat, and plugs aren't a have to items.  But for the low cost they will help optimize the tune and get the best performance. 

The plugs are easy to change. The rears I loosed the intake pipe. To allow easier access. There is one small bolt holding down each coil pack and a sliding lock electrical connector. Didn't take very long to do.

3 bar sensor is one screw to swap the sensor.

I got the 170 t stat and it's a simple job too.  Pop the filter lid off loosen one worm drive clamp and twist out the sensor.  Two bolts hold the t stat cover on.  Use of a small plastic pop bottle helps contain the leak.    The hardest part has been getting the car to Burb. I started the car with heater on Max 3 times.  With plenty of time for the car to cool down each time.  Topping the coolant off after cold and it's been good.

With the plugs you do have to be careful not to damage them. But recommended gap is between. 28-.32. I set mine at .30 using feeler gauges.

I still have factory box for my intake
 
So some questions before I order...
1) MAP 3 - required..? Good idea?
YES, as Rich & Z have said.  2-bar (on top of intake) is good to 14.7 psi.  3 bar is good to 25.4.  Main reason for 3 bar is greatly increased accuracy and better ability to finetune vehicle.  If you go to bigger turbos, that will also allow for sustained boost beyond 14.7 psi.  Do not run stock tune with 3bar in place (as when you revert to stock for warranty service).

2) 1 Colder Plug - I'm planning on NGK 6510's (they come pre-gapped to .044", some say to gap these to .032-.036" ??) For my snowmobile the NGK rep said NOT to gap iridium plugs as you can break the electrode.  Is it not true for these plugs?
They NEED to be gapped to 0.028 (per Torrie/Unleashed), or 0.030 (LME & others).  I believe you can order them from tuners pre-gapped so you don't have to do it.  If you do it yourself, just be careful not to touch the center electrode and take your time.

3) CAI or just keep the stock paper filter - I've had no issues with the Cone filter in my Mustang.
  • K&N - sound +, performance 0 to slight negative; better off just running the filter in stock airbox for performance
  • Airaid - sound 0, performance variable (increased performance dependent on proper seal of unit to hood)
  • MDesigns - sound (unknown, possibly +), performance + (based on 1 dyno), definitely helps keep air charge cooler (based on developer's data)
  • LME - ?

4) Thermostat - This is colder stat I would assume to better cool everything with the increased boost?
Yes, cooler thermostat needed for "hotter"/tuned operation.  Probably a good idea anyway in extremely hot climates (desert-type); vehicle needs to be tuned for this to work correctly
 
Every reputable tuning co recommends and will advise you to install a lower stat and colder plugs for optimal performance and safeguard the engine,in regards to a 3-bar its only an option if your seeking more boost for better performance.
 
Wow.  Ton of replies..

Torrie sells the 6510's (1 colder 6509 is stock), I'll have to see if he pre-gaps them. I usually order my NGK plugs from a site in Canada with free shipping ($9.29cdn here each).. www.clubplug.ca

Now I understand the need for 3-bar MAP, Torrie's reply was a bit confusing!  Makes perfect sense.  And I am seeking more boost so this is a requirement.... :)

Panther427- Thanks for the write up, sounds easy! Do you use your stock box with a panel filter or the stock paper filter?

I gap plugs using feeler gauges as well, I hate those "spark plug gapper tools".

I like the idea of the AEM dry panel filter.  But if the stock will do the trick, I'll stick with that.

As for warranty.. Return to stock, Swap back to a 2-bar MAP.  What about the plugs?  I've read about the TSB's on detecting after-market mods etc.. So I'm well aware of this.

Ben
 
Updated plugs would be fine for the short period you have the vehicle in for service, no need to change them out.  Vehicle will run a little richer during that time (due to stock tune for higher gap plugs), that's all.
 
Currently the CAI, if done for performance is not cost effective... but there are many reasons to get one other than performance... just be advised... I have an MDesign and love it!
 
I think I'll wait and order the CAI later.  The MDesign does look sweet, from the pics I saw looks like it's designed more for the Taurus engine bay.

Does the exhaust sound change with it?  Someone said on another forum that because of the turbos it really doesn't change much. 

BigMac what is the reason you got it?  Other than it looks very very cool

Ben
 
Fastrack said:
I think I'll wait and order the CAI later.  The MDesign does look sweet, from the pics I saw looks like it's designed more for the Taurus engine bay.

Does the exhaust sound change with it?  Someone said on another forum that because of the turbos it really doesn't change much. 

BigMac what is the reason you got it?  Other than it looks very very cool

Ben
Click to expand...

Ben... I got it because it looks sweet, avoids heat soak problems of metal... CF and plastic... FYI... Fabbing in plastic is MUCH more costly than metal... It will heat up but transference is slower and the air moves faster...I got to make input into the design... Right now there's no more than 5 of these beauties installed.  Flow is direct (even though the saxophone still exists.  I hope to dump test during the holidays comparing to stock and no filter or intake at all, but no promises.... Bottom line mostly for eye candy AND to make room for a methanol reservoir!
I hear a little turbo spooling... But not much more... I do have hearing loss and rarely drive with windows down... This car is pretty quiet.
 
Ha!  That's what I figured.  But your not alone,  the engine bay of my '05 stang looks like it came out of the show room yesterday. I clean everything including the engine mounts!  I just wish Ford spent .10 and painted the flywheel, as its rusted.. Haha.. People do think I'm insane.  But a clean engine is a happy engine.  Granted I only have 25,000km on it.


Ben
 
I hate mucked up engine bay... only fingertips should get dirty unless you're doing internals and only if you open something or check oil... I like to open the hood and watch people's faces!

I agree Ben, many things that should be painted... or painted well... aren't... Heck, it gives me something to do...
next project is (1) True CF engine cover... hope to get it in about 3-4 weeks, True CF battery cover and underhood fuse panel lid pending.... also replacement of all underhood tubing with black SS wrapped on black AN fittings.... then I'll start on the wire looming.  I'd like the valve covers black too!

BTW, my neighbors set up lawn chairs and come out to watch me wash the ride (I only trust 1 other person to do it...'cuz once a scratch, always a scratch... The car is coated... I never use anything beyond soap (no wax, sealant, or detailer.  I do put Aerospace 303 to tires and plastic throughout the car and engine bay.

I use 3100psi PW, foam canon, water through my (spotless) deionizer, and blow-dry with my Metro Megablaster... I do not touch the car when washing or drying (No bucket technique). They think i'm crazy too!  I am a bit OC, of course, so welcome to the club!

Apologies for getting so verbose... but I obviously found someone who values appearance as much as I do!
 
If you can bear to see an empty engine bay for a while, BiGMaC, some time on an engine stand would make the longterm appearance job much easier.  Then you could polish/paint the block, heads, valve covers, transmission.  Replace (& coat) all the tubing you wanted to.  Clean & paint the engine bay.

Anything else I can do to feed the obsession?  :D
 
The problem with my Mustang and the Borla exhaust, JLT CAI, I drive about 95% of the time with the windows down, and in 4th gear.. LOL  Every overpass I go under I downshift.  The gas mileage I get is pretty bad (420km/260 miles)/tank (60L/10g).. HAHA. 

There was one tunnel I went in, about 6' wider than the car (200'-300' long) single lane... I stopped did a small little burn out... My ears popped and I could not hear properly for over an hour.  I was quite worried.. LOL

I went the other route with my Mustang, I used Zaino since day 1.  It was clay barred 2 days after I got it (smoothed it out like butter).  3 coats of z2 pro (with zfx between them) and z6 on top (no z8 at the time from what I remember).  I usually try and get 1 coat of z2 a year, if not z8 applied often holds up the smoothness.  I'm going to clay bar again next year for it's 10th birthday.. May 12, 2005 -- I guess the cars p

I think you might be a bit more insane than myself :)  But pretty close.. haha 

I'm not sure how to detail the Flex yet!  I'm just under 6' and I can't even see the roof.  I'm not sure if I'll do Zaino this time.

SHOdded.  From the sounds of it... I don't think BigMac needs anymore "tips" LOL.  He might just do it..

Ben
 
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