I'm new to the mustang scene. I've only had my mustang since Tuesday(19th). Can anyone explain to me what this exactly does. I've been looking it up and I want an answer from a person who has a Mustang.
I've been looking around the forums, and when you change your CAI, you need a XCalibrator 2...I know its supposed to tune your car for the best performance...but how would you tell if you have it on the right setting.
Also, I don't have one...I'm looking to change my CAI way way way later so, I just wanted to know before I start looking for parts.
The tuner's tune replaces the stock tune that is on your car's computer right now.
Most CAI's need a tuner because with the stock tune, the computer cant compensate for the increased airflow that a CAI gives you. If you get a CAI and don't already have a tuner, I would buy both at the same time in a tuner/CAI combo, and the tuner will come custom tuned for your vehicle (you have to give some info about your car to the place you order from).
As for settings, you cant really mess up, because it guides you through the process - all you have to do is select the tune that you want. I actually just installed a C&L CAI and an XCal tune from brenspeed, and its awesome how much better the car drives.
I second that, I just installed a CAI/tuner combo from Tunable Induction (www.tunableinduction.com) and it has made a WORLD of difference. The car feels so much better than stock. At $479, the Tunable Induction set-up can't be beat!
You should also get that crappy v6 muffler off there. Replacing the muffler with an aftermarket or a GT take-off will net you an additional 5-10rwhp.
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Black 2005 Mustang v6, 5 speed, IUP, EUP and Leather.
Razzi 1/4 window scoops, Mustang GT Sway Bars, Flowmaster American Thunder Single Exhaust, Clear Front Turn Signal Lenses, Demolet CAI, X-cal2 91 tune, Hurst Comp/Plus Shifter, FRPP T-Lock, Ford 3.73 gears
Replacing the muffler with an aftermarket or a GT take-off will net you an additional 5-10rwhp.
I dont want to change the subject, but I did read two different things about hp gains. I know that a lot of people here said 5-10 rwhp, but I recently read an article in 5.0 mustang saying that the muffler gave little or no gains..which is true?
Back on subject - yea, there are some good deals for combos out there. And changing the muffler will make it sound much better, regardless of any perf. gains.
I dont want to change the subject, but I did read two different things about hp gains. I know that a lot of people here said 5-10 rwhp, but I recently read an article in 5.0 mustang saying that the muffler gave little or no gains..which is true?
It depends upon the car, really. The 2005+ v6 mufflers are *very* restrictive. Changing to a less restrictive aftermarket (or a GT take-off) muffler will allow the engine to expel exhaust more freely, freeing up extra horsepower. Other cars (possibly 5.0 mustangs, i'm not really sure though) come with less restrictive factory mufflers, so the change to aftermarket yields little or no horsepower gains.
The 2005+ v6's have been dyno proven to gain horsepower with a muffler change. Usually around 5-10rwhp but some even claim to have gained 15, give or take a few.
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Black 2005 Mustang v6, 5 speed, IUP, EUP and Leather.
Razzi 1/4 window scoops, Mustang GT Sway Bars, Flowmaster American Thunder Single Exhaust, Clear Front Turn Signal Lenses, Demolet CAI, X-cal2 91 tune, Hurst Comp/Plus Shifter, FRPP T-Lock, Ford 3.73 gears
Yea..i was just wondering because it was a s197 v6, and they said that there was no meaningful restriction in the muffler, and their dyno showed no increase in hp, which I thought was wierd considering what I heard here.
Hey, one more question guys...I was talking to my brother who got a new CAI on his older mustang, a 2000 I think. And he didn't get the tuner or anything. I was talking to him a bit more and he said if I get a new CAI that I wouldn't need a tuner. Is it just better to have the tuner or do I really need to have the tuner?
Hey, one more question guys...I was talking to my brother who got a new CAI on his older mustang, a 2000 I think. And he didn't get the tuner or anything. I was talking to him a bit more and he said if I get a new CAI that I wouldn't need a tuner. Is it just better to have the tuner or do I really need to have the tuner?
You need the tuner in almost every case. And while there are a few you can run without a tune, they'll all benefit from a tune.
yea..i think the k&n one doesn't need one, and maybe a few others, but a tune really improves how the car performs.
i second this. A tune in itself will increase the performance on a car. Like take an Automatic for example, it will allow it to shift through the gears more smoothly. A stock car is tuned for emissions, horse, and power. Now in the factory, they need to make it pass emosions, so they cut down on the power and horse. Using a tuner will allow you to free up that hidden potential in a car.
I actually noticed that the auto shifts a bit more firm..before the tune I couldn't feel when it shifted, but now I can..I personally like it more.
About emissions..would a tune/CAI need to be removed when testing emissions, or will it be fine left on?
Depends what kind of test and what you've had done to the car. Should pass any sniffer test but say you have an ODBII-only test and have the rear O2 sensors turned off in the tune. The test may detect a 'not-ready' condition and cause a fail. If all you have is a tune and CAI and no exhaust mods, should be no problem with either.
The hp increase with just an intake will be extremely minimal, and you may not get an increase at all. The power increase comes primarily from the tune, the intake just helps to make the tune more effective.
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Black 2005 Mustang v6, 5 speed, IUP, EUP and Leather.
Razzi 1/4 window scoops, Mustang GT Sway Bars, Flowmaster American Thunder Single Exhaust, Clear Front Turn Signal Lenses, Demolet CAI, X-cal2 91 tune, Hurst Comp/Plus Shifter, FRPP T-Lock, Ford 3.73 gears
XCalibrator 2 Tuner - Question. 
(Mods in profile)
