Stage 4 and my transmission

[Showgun]

I know some are running without any race gas and no problems.
S.

Snorman, I think what you are remembering is that Rick's expert, I believe Rick said his name is Dan, recommended 94octane or above to be safe when running stage 4 to prevent knock in racing conditions.
To me it would seem to be prudent to CYA in this situation for the sake of a few $$$$. JMHO.
Rick can confirm this for you.

I too am undecided on stage 2 or 3 for general use. I think it would be wise for me to use 2 for a while and shift to 3 to get a feel......and possibly move to 4 with 94 octane + a little octane booster (as recommended) just to see for a few days or a tank.
I'll have them all of the tunes and I'd love to know what each is worth at the track in et and mph.

 

[First-SHO]

Will octane boosters be ok, or should you look for race fuel? Just saying if your in an area that does not have 94+ stations?

 

[LMSRick]

Snorman, I think what you are remembering is that Rick's expert, I believe Rick said his name is Dan, recommended 94octane or above to be safe when running stage 4 to prevent knock in racing conditions.
To me it would seem to be prudent to CYA in this situation for the sake of a few $$$$. JMHO.
Rick can confirm this for you.

I too am undecided on stage 2 or 3 for general use. I think it would be wise for me to use 2 for a while and shift to 3 to get a feel......and possibly move to 4 with 94 octane + a little octane booster (as recommended) just to see for a few days or a tank.
I'll have them all of the tunes and I'd love to know what each is worth at the track in et and mph.

When I send the tune files via email, I always include a not that describes them with a "warning" for the stage 4.

My messages states:

The stage 2 and 3 tunes are identical, except the stage 2 has torque management and the stage 3 does not.

The Stage 2 has raised boost, increased timing, removed speed limiter and transmission modifications with reduced torque management.

The Stage 3 has raised boost, increased timing, removed speed limiter and transmission modifications with no torque management.

The has 4 is a more aggressive "run at your own risk" tune and has more boost, more timing, and no torque management. Our tuner Dan said he would recommend higher octane with the stage 4, however I have several customers running it daily with 93 octane and no issues.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[LMSRick]

Will octane boosters be ok, or should you look for race fuel? Just saying if your in an area that does not have 94+ stations?

I would not recommend octane booster in any newer engines. If you put octane boost in a 3V Mustang, it misses and runs horrible.

-Rick

 

[mjhpadi]

I'm still running the Stage 2 tune and I am completely happy with it. Colin, I still think that running the car for at least a couple of weeks stock (to get a feel for it) is a good idea, also that way when you tune it, you will really be able to appreciate the upgrade.

I also agree with you, I think I would consider racing gas if I were running stage 4, however, it is tough to find in my immediate area and the last time I checked it was over 8 dollars a gallon...I would not be surprised to find it is around 10 bucks a gallon now.

 

[Showgun]

I would not recommend octane booster in any newer engines. If you put octane boost in a 3V Mustang, it misses and runs horrible.

-Rick

Pardon, monsieur.....I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Showgun]

I'm still running the Stage 2 tune and I am completely happy with it. Colin, I still think that running the car for at least a couple of weeks stock (to get a feel for it) is a good idea, also that way when you tune it, you will really be able to appreciate the upgrade.

I also agree with you, I think I would consider racing gas if I were running stage 4, however, it is tough to find in my immediate area and the last time I checked it was over 8 dollars a gallon...I would not be surprised to find it is around 10 bucks a gallon now.

Absolutely, MJ, tho I'm not sure I'll wait 2 weeks b4 tuning....I'll try for one.
Yes I do need to get an idea of improvement between each stage, and I believe I'll try them all....with the recommended juice.
I'd really like to try them all at the track some day and see what each stage is worth... might happen this summer.

As to availability of race gas -- The only suggestion I would have is to visit your local municipal airport with a 5 gallon can or 2 whom I believe have 100 octane on any given day.

Another alternative would be a speed shop. If they don't have any, they know where you could nab a couple cans for a little track time.

We have Sunoco 94 at some stations, and I believe PetroCan now has 94 at some stations (at a higher price).....expect airport gas and race gas to bend you bankbook somewhat too.
I believe you know about those prices having raced yourself.

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

TO EACH .... HIS OWN... (shakespeare or whoever),,,,

I am running Livernois stage 4.. in my 5K brick... with 6 of us tooling around Naples, and then going on i-75 to Clearwater, and other long distances... Running 92 Race Track fuel.... NO knock or any other issues with gas... RUNS FANTASTIC... Remember... system will STOP knock... Haven't done many WOT runs, at least when we are under 30-mph...

But... my numbers on A/F, fuel pressures, boost numbers etc.. have been very good. NO over heating issues either.

Race gas will help with overall numbers, but my opinion is that lesser fuel octanes will not hurt the engine with stage 4 tunes.

 

[Showgun]

TO EACH .... HIS OWN... (shakespeare or whoever),,,,

I am running Livernois stage 4.. in my 5K brick... with 6 of us tooling around Naples, and then going on i-75 to Clearwater, and other long distances... Running 92 Race Track fuel.... NO knock or any other issues with gas... RUNS FANTASTIC... Remember... system will STOP knock... Haven't done many WOT runs, at least when we are under 30-mph...

But... my numbers on A/F, fuel pressures, boost numbers etc.. have been very good. NO over heating issues either.

Race gas will help with overall numbers, but my opinion is that lesser fuel octanes will not hurt the engine with stage 4 tunes.

Good to know Bob...thanks

.won't hurt but won't allow max potential either, by reducing timing slightly.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Snorman]

Snorman, I think what you are remembering is that Rick's expert, I believe Rick said his name is Dan, recommended 94octane or above to be safe when running stage 4 to prevent knock in racing conditions.
To me it would seem to be prudent to CYA in this situation for the sake of a few $$$$. JMHO.
Rick can confirm this for you.

I too am undecided on stage 2 or 3 for general use. I think it would be wise for me to use 2 for a while and shift to 3 to get a feel......and possibly move to 4 with 94 octane + a little octane booster (as recommended) just to see for a few days or a tank.
I'll have them all of the tunes and I'd love to know what each is worth at the track in et and mph.

lol...that would be Dan Millen, pretty well known in the Mustang community and racing world.
I agree, I'd like to try the Stage 3 tune as well, and plan on documenting performance gains for it against the Stage 2 tune. I might be back at Atco next week.
Throwing a few gallons of race gas in it isn't a problem, I have plenty at home, I just don't want to do that in a Taurus.
S.

 

[RavensFan79]

I know in mine the 1-2 shift is pretty rough with the Stage 2. Feels like the engine is going fly out. I can't even image Stage 3 or 4....

 

[LMSRick]

lol...that would be Dan Millen, pretty well known in the Mustang community and racing world.
S.

Dan....







-Rick

 

[Showgun]

lol...that would be Dan Millen, pretty well known in the Mustang community and racing world.
I agree, I'd like to try the Stage 3 tune as well, and plan on documenting performance gains for it against the Stage 2 tune. I might be back at Atco next week.
Throwing a few gallons of race gas in it isn't a problem, I have plenty at home, I just don't want to do that in a Taurus.
S.

You mean as opposed to a race car, or it would be a waste in a Taurus? -- not clear on your point there.

I know you don't want to but if you needed the octane because you want to try stage 4 (IF you want to try stage 4) then what's the alternative?

Yeah Dan Millen (I've heard the name b4 -- actually I rode along with him once to Burger King in his 6 second 'stang -- haha, not really tho I would have liked to) recommends "higher octane for stage 4"..
What could we use then (for stage 4)? Would we chance 93 as others are and not having issues or not take that chance and go with what Dan recommends: a higher octane?

That's not a gamble I would take. But that's my choice.

 

[LMSRick]

You mean as opposed to a race car, or it would be a waste in a Taurus? -- not clear on your point there.

Dan would rather be safe than sorry and doesn't want anyone to hurt their cars... ahhh race gas. We've run run gas in a lot of cars that most people would never think of running it in.

We had a 12-second turbo Escalade. It was 6,100 lbs. on 24" wheels with 5 tvs and full of stereo "stuff" and I can remember pulling up to the pump filling with turbo blue and they guy running out saying "NO, NO, NO... you can't put that in there" or pouring C16 in it at the track :woo-hoo:

-Rick

 

[Showgun]

Dan would rather be safe than sorry and doesn't want anyone to hurt their cars... ahhh race gas. We've run run gas in a lot of cars that most people would never think of running it in.

We had a 12-second turbo Escalade. It was 6,100 lbs. on 24" wheels with 5 tvs and full of stereo "stuff" and I can remember pulling up to the pump filling with turbo blue and they guy running out saying "NO, NO, NO... you can't put that in there" or pouring C16 in it at the track :woo-hoo:

-Rick

.......ok, and that's ok to do is it Rick? not going to hurt anything right? and, as Dan suggests, is probably prudent practice?

Just trying to clarify.

 

[LMSRick]

.......ok, and that's ok to do is it Rick? not going to hurt anything right? and, as Dan suggests, is probably prudent practice?

Just trying to clarify.

I wouldn't run it straight in the taurus and I wouldn't want to damagae the cats, so I'd try to find unleaded race gas and mix a few gallons with a tank to be extra safe.

-Rick

 

[Showgun]

I know in mine the 1-2 shift is pretty rough with the Stage 2. Feels like the engine is going fly out. I can't even image Stage 3 or 4....

Interesting comment Raven. I've not heard that b4. I think I"d better start with stage 2 and see. Then go higher if I feel want.

Thanks for the feedback. That's what I need.
Cheers,

 

[LMSRick]

Interesting comment Raven. I've not heard that b4. I think I"d better start with stage 2 and see. Then go higher if I feel want.

Thanks for the feedback. That's what I need.
Cheers,

I don't know if I'd describe it as rough, but definitely more noticeable/firm at WOT than stock.

-Rick

 

[Showgun]

I wouldn't run it straight in the taurus and I wouldn't want to damage the cats, so I'd try to find unleaded race gas and mix a few gallons with a tank to be extra safe.

-Rick

Got ya. That's more succinct and understandable. I can tell that what one puts in the tank is going to have an effect big time on the cats, especially in newer cars

>a tank of 93 or 94 including a couple gallons of race gas for a slight boost in octane so as not to damage the cats.

How's that?

 

[mjhpadi]

I don't know if I'd describe it as rough, but definitely more noticeable/firm at WOT than stock.

-Rick

I agree Rick, I never felt that the shift was rough even under WOT, I think it feels firmer, but not like it is "banging" the transmission. I think it feels like a nice firm shift...never ever have I felt like it was ******* the trans.