[Dextas' Stang]

I have just purchased a SCT SF3 handheld tuned for my 96GT as I'm getting rid of the cats and need to stop the O2 sensor engine codes.

I have a couple of questions, firstly as mine is a 1996 do I have to disconnect the battery after I tune it? Both terminals or just one?

Also I've looked into it and there's a lot you can change. What suggestions does anyone have for shifting, spark etc etc? Mine is the 5 speed and I have a few mods and in a week or so will have the off road H pipe fitted.

Thanks

 

[SoCal2V]

No, you do not need to disconnect the battery. Just follow the instructions in the user manual and any onscreen prompts the device gives.

As far as adjusting shift points, your car is a manual trans so you can do that with your left foot and right arm, haha. As far as adjusting the spark timing, *on the record* that is somewhat of an advanced adjustment and should only be made with proper engine monitoring equipment (like a tuning shop would have) as to be sure that no predetonation is occurring. Off the record, I have a different device than you but I did advance spark timing as far as it would go on the device and have no issues. My personal recommendation is that you have a custom tune made, let somebody who knows what they're doing make these sort of adjustments. You could have Bama, Brenspeed or one of several others over here create the tune file, email it to you and then by plugging the device into your computer upload the tune file into the device and then transfer it to your car.

 

[AMWill]

SoCal2V gave you accurate & quality advice. I do agree, you should stick with a custom tune written for your application. Let the professionals adjust your tune to your liking, so you won't need to perform any adjustments yourself. That will insure your setup is safe at all times and you're making the maximum about of power!

If you have any questions about our Bama custom tunes, please let me know! Or give one of our Bama Tuning Specialists a call directly @ 888.257.1770. They'll be more than happy to answer any of your questions!

Shane

 

[fordman777]

OP you got any dynos in your area?

 

[Dextas' Stang]

Okay, thanks for te advice.

Thought I'd check as I heard somewhere that with cars up to 1996 you had to disconnect the battery afterwards for the tune to work. Of maybe it was pre 1996...hmm.

Right I'm with ya, I wasn't too keen on going right into all the nitty gritty bits as I'll probably break something, I'll leave it to the professionals.

I bought the tuner from More Power Tuning and it comes with 3 custom tunes made by them so once I get it I can fill out a big custom tune form and then they'll make my 3 custom tunes and email them to me. Just wondering does anyone know what the 'skip shift' part of a tune form means? It has the options 'stock' or 'off'.

 

[SoCal2V]

No idea what "skip shift" would mean.... I would ask the people writing the tune, that could be an important decision, haha. My only guess is it's something that would only apply to cars with an automatic transmission.

 

[Dextas' Stang]

No idea what "skip shift" would mean.... I would ask the people writing the tune, that could be an important decision, haha. My only guess is it's something that would only apply to cars with an automatic transmission.

Yeah I'll get hold of MPT and see what they say. I think your right it sounds something to do with automatics, but I'll still check it out and see what they say.

 

[AMWill]

Skip shift settings only apply to S197 Mustangs. It's a factory gear lock-out for manual transmissions that will force you to shift from 2nd to 4th during light throttle and light load cruising speeds. Ford starting using this to increase the Mustang's overall MPG. However, it can be pretty annoying if you want to shift into 3rd instead of 4th while cruising, IMO. I've always deleted it on my own cars and family cars. Regardless, it doesn't matter what you select in the tuning form, the car isn't equipped with a skip-shift system.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help clarify!

Shane

 

[Dextas' Stang]

Skip shift settings only apply to S197 Mustangs. It's a factory gear lock-out for manual transmissions that will force you to shift from 2nd to 4th during light throttle and light load cruising speeds. Ford starting using this to increase the Mustang's overall MPG. However, it can be pretty annoying if you want to shift into 3rd instead of 4th while cruising, IMO. I've always deleted it on my own cars and family cars. Regardless, it doesn't matter what you select in the tuning form, the car isn't equipped with a skip-shift system.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help clarify!

Shane

Right thanks for the info at least I got that cleared up. I do have another question. On the More Power Tuning custom tune form you have to select what octane level you want. Either 87,89,91 or 93. Is it Research Octane Number (RON) or Motor Octane Number (MON) that applies to tune forms? As here in the UK we have regulations that mean the lowest octane level we get is RON 95 or MON 87 and I'm not sure what number I'm meant to be looking at?

 

[AMWill]

Right thanks for the info at least I got that cleared up. I do have another question. On the More Power Tuning custom tune form you have to select what octane level you want. Either 87,89,91 or 93. Is it Research Octane Number (RON) or Motor Octane Number (MON) that applies to tune forms? As here in the UK we have regulations that mean the lowest octane level we get is RON 95 or MON 87 and I'm not sure what number I'm meant to be looking at?

It's most likely for Motor Octane Number (MON). However, you'll have to contact MPT directly to verify. I'm sure they'll say MON, though.

Shane