I began doing some modifications to my 05 v6 automatic and am wondering how far i can go before i need a tune. I installed a throttle body spacer and CAI and right now my engine pings a little unless i use 93 octane. I want to get a new muffler put on and possibly a new throttle body.
If I needed a tune, can custom shops do these for me or will they be so expensive that i might as well buy a diablo or some comparable tuner?
You already need a tune with a CAI. If I remember right on what I've read, the stock V6 pulls about 550 cfm and the C&L CAI pulls just over a 1000 cfm. That's why Bamachips.com sells the CAI and a tune as a combo pack. Until I got a tune for it I'd remove the CAI or stop driving it. Your running lean and hot right now. Those that have a CAI already will chip in with any corrections where I might be wrong when they get off work today and log on. Here's a quote from the Bamachips site:
"When installing this or ANY aftermarket intake upgrade that replaces the factory air filter and meter assembly, you must make the necessary tuning adjustments to your computer. If not, your air/fuel ratio will run considerably leaner than stock and the vehicle will not operate properly, causing undesirable driving conditions."
From what I understand (working on a list of mods I want to add myself) the throttle body spacer does virtually nothing for you.
I just ordered a Xcal2 with the 3 common custom tunes '87 perf 91 perf & 91 torque' from BAMACHIPS.COM for $399 +$10 S&H yesterday. I think having a chip tuner is virtually a must because if you go to a dyno shop and have them tune it without you having one, you can't go back to stock if you need to take it to the shop. Not having one will also make it tougher and more expensive (constant trips to the dyno shop) to do minor tuning changes when later mods are added.
The three most common tuners that I've found are the Diablo Predator, SCT Xcalibrator 2 and the SCT Livewire. I decided on the Xcal2 over the newer Livewire because it looks like they still have some software bugs to work out of the Livewire. The Diablo predator website is DIABLOSPORT.COM and the other two are SCTFLASH.COM. You can get them 'tuner with custom tunes' as package deals from several different places. I decided on Bamachips after having read a LOT of forum threads and everone seems real pleased with them.
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2005 V6Mustang coupe. Automatic. Black with Charcoal Interior
Mods: JLT CAI, Bamachips 91 race tune, single Mustang V8 muffler, Mustang V8 swaybars
Looks: smoke front turn signals, sequential taillights, 14" shorty antenna, MRT rear window louvers and a little chrome for the interior 2000 C5 Corvette convertible, Torch Red with Black Interior. Full of options, Corsa exhaust 1990 Ford Bronco 351ci engine- it runs.
they do make CAI's that do not require a tune. it just happens that the one i installed will work better if i get a tune. and the throttle body spacer did improve the power. I am checking out the diablo to see if if will work for my application. i am mainly wondering how far i could push it, say if i took the CAI off, before i needed a tune.
they do make CAI's that do not require a tune. it just happens that the one i installed will work better if i get a tune. and the throttle body spacer did improve the power. I am checking out the diablo to see if if will work for my application. i am mainly wondering how far i could push it, say if i took the CAI off, before i needed a tune.
It has been dyno proven that installing a CAI without a tune will net you next to no power increase, even on models that do not require a tune. The TB spacer is also quite a controversial piece as well but most who have gone the way of the TB spacer will tell you that its worthless. I'm not calling you a liar, just stating the facts. Any power increases you've felt are most likely in your head.
I recommend getting a tuner to go with your CAI, and at least a GT take-off muffler to start. Tuning does WONDERS for v6 automatics, and will make good use of your CAI. Think 20rwhp. The muffler will net you roughly 10rwhp give or take 5. Beyond that you might consider an underdrive pulley, gears/t-lok rear end, and possibly an aluminum driveshaft.
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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
in order for the tune to work do i need to have a specific model of CAI or will it adjust to what is best for the engine? I dont currently have a name brand intake, it is pieced together through some new products that autozone carrys. I am looking at the diablo predator, any suggestions on which brand to get?
I have heard that a good single muffler is just as good as duals and you don’t have to mess with a new bumper cover or cutting the existing one. if I have enough cash after this I am thinking about adding a new BBK throttle body.
How much does a new rear end cost and do I just order it and go to a mechanic to have it put on? Thanks for all your help!
In order for the tune to accurately adjust your computers parameters, it will have to be CAI specific so yes, you will likely need to buy a name brand CAI. You could get your car dyno tuned with your current intake but that would probably cost more than just buying an intake/tuner pack from the 'net. I recommend the SCT X-cal2, many people prefer the Predator tuners but the results are pretty much the same. Intake/tuner combos can be had from anywhere between the Tunable Induction kit ($479 shipped at TunableInduction.com) and the C&L kit ($625 at Bamachips.com). I have the Tunable Induction kit and it is fantastic. Good quality parts, excellent customer service and overall a good experience. Bamachips is also a very highly thought of company.
You're right about the muffler, a dual set-up has very little or no performance advantages over a good single muffler. Unless you're going FI, you can stay single and you'll run just fine.
A new set of gears + T-lok + labor should cost you $800-900. Make damn sure you get an experienced mechanic who knows what he's doing; a bad gear install can ruin the gears, the t-lok, and your rear-end.
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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
V6 Modifications requiring tune 
