Stupid perfornance Questions

[Luhsleeper88]

hey guys little update im about to start the performance mods and im just going to ask some questions. i am running stock turbos so im not going to do a CAI becasue its simply not needed but i saw this video and just wondering if anybody has done this.

. one more question is what does a thermostat do and im wondering if its worth the 60+ dollars added onto the Gearhead package. i feel like if im spending 600 plus dollars i might as well get it. https://www.ghtuning.com/product/2010-2019-sho-flex-explorer-sport-sct-x4-power-pack-package/.

thanks for any help

 

[Joshw0000]

That's the first I've seen of modifying the stock intake like that. In theory, it should be fine as long as it's tubed low enough not to allow hot engine heat in. And obviously, secured well enough that it can't be dislodged.

I have a similar setup. SCT X4, 93 octane tune, cooler plugs, thermostat, 3 bar map, and oil catch can. I've ran it for about 5 years now without issue (daily driver). Personally, I like the idea of the 170 degree thermostat. Here's what it does:

A factory thermostat opens at around 190 degrees, so the radiator can start cooling the engine. Engine temps can get up to 220+ before they begin coming back down. You'll have good visibility of this when you get the X4. With the cooler thermostat, it's going to open at 170 degrees so the radiator starts working sooner and keeps engine temps cooler. My max is usually around 200ish.

Now, some people think that the cooler thermostat is counter productive. The factory wants the engine to get to 220ish so it should. Others think it's better. More wear on the radiator but less wear on the engine. Cooler engine = more power. I can't say definitely which is best as I'm a hobbyist, not a mechanic. But I can say for sure you will see differing opinions if you ask enough people.

As for the cost of the thermostat, I think you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. There's nothing proprietary about that one. You just need one for the car that's rated for 170 degrees.

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[Luhsleeper88]

That's the first I've seen of modifying the stock intake like that. In theory, it should be fine as long as it's tubed low enough not to allow hot engine heat in. And obviously, secured well enough that it can't be dislodged.

I have a similar setup. SCT X4, 93 octane tune, cooler plugs, thermostat, 3 bar map, and oil catch can. I've ran it for about 5 years now without issue (daily driver). Personally, I like the idea of the 170 degree thermostat. Here's what it does:

A factory thermostat opens at around 190 degrees, so the radiator can start cooling the engine. Engine temps can get up to 220+ before they begin coming back down. You'll have good visibility of this when you get the X4. With the cooler thermostat, it's going to open at 170 degrees so the radiator starts working sooner and keeps engine temps cooler. My max is usually around 200ish.

Now, some people think that the cooler thermostat is counter productive. The factory wants the engine to get to 220ish so it should. Others think it's better. More wear on the radiator but less wear on the engine. Cooler engine = more power. I can't say definitely which is best as I'm a hobbyist, not a mechanic. But I can say for sure you will see differing opinions if you ask enough people.

As for the cost of the thermostat, I think you can find it elsewhere for cheaper. There's nothing proprietary about that one. You just need one for the car that's rated for 170 degrees.

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Could you explain to me what a oil catch can cooler plugs are? Do you think it is needed for my “build” lol. Mine is also a daily driver I got it about a month ago. I’m mostly worried about the tune and how that can hurt the longevity of the internals but with you saying you’ve had that for 5 years it helps.

 

[Joshw0000]

Could you explain to me what a oil catch can is? Do you think it is needed for my “build” lol. Mine is also a daily driver I got it about a month ago. I’m mostly worried about the tune and how that can hurt the longevity of the internals but with you saying you’ve had that for 5 years it helps.

It's an oil/air separator that helps prevent oil droplets from entering the intake system.

It's very easy to install. It bolts on and a hose routes to and back out of it. When I change my oil, there's usually an ounce or two in there which I also dump out. You can lookup YouTube videos for installation and education on them.

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[76FoMoCo]

from my understanding the colder plugs let you run more boost and timing. The factory turbos are only run about half of what they can put out so a tune will give you more boost and the tuner can also add timing. don't be afraid of the tune from a know tuner mike has 70k tuned and 110k total.

 

[Luhsleeper88]

from my understanding the colder plugs let you run more boost and timing. The factory turbos are only run about half of what they can put out so a tune will give you more boost and the tuner can also add timing. don't be afraid of the tune from a know tuner mike has 70k tuned and 110k total.

I don’t know a lot so I don’t think I’m going to mess with those for the time being


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[Joshw0000]

I don’t know a lot so I don’t think I’m going to mess with those for the time being


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With the package you're looking at, that's what you're getting. With the 3 bar MAP (plus other mods) I see about 19.5 max PSI, over the 12ish from the factory 2 bar.

Also, agreed about GH. I used Tori/Unleashed but GH is very well known so I wouldn't have any concerns using them. Just make sure you tell them every single mod you have and your goals so they can account for it with the tune.

Basically, get the parts and tell the tuner about all of them so they can send the tune. Install (or have them installed) and flash the tune ASAP. Don't drive it around long with those parts installed and not tuned as it'll cause issues.

You'll be happy the first time you press the fun pedal.

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[Luhsleeper88]

With the package you're looking at, that's what you're getting. With the 3 bar MAP (plus other mods) I see about 19.5 max PSI, over the 12ish from the factory 2 bar.

Also, agreed about GH. I used Tori/Unleashed but GH is very well known so I wouldn't have any concerns using them. Just make sure you tell them every single mod you have and your goals so they can account for it with the tune.

Basically, get the parts and tell the tuner about all of them so they can send the tune. Install (or have them installed) and flash the tune ASAP. Don't drive it around long with those parts installed and not tuned as it'll cause issues.

You'll be happy the first time you press the fun pedal.

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Yes but the problem is that I don’t know my goals and I know that a pre-tuned setup isn’t better than say a dyno tune or a email tune but it’s plug and play so it’s a **** of a lot easier. I’m thinking about getting the X4 with the 91/93 octane tune will do just fine.


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[Luhsleeper88]

It's an oil/air separator that helps prevent oil droplets from entering the intake system.

It's very easy to install. It bolts on and a hose routes to and back out of it. When I change my oil, there's usually an ounce or two in there which I also dump out. You can lookup YouTube videos for installation and education on them.

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What oil catch are you running?


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[Joshw0000]

Yes but the problem is that I don’t know my goals and I know that a pre-tuned setup isn’t better than say a dyno tune or a email tune but it’s plug and play so it’s a **** of a lot easier. I’m thinking about getting the X4 with the 91/93 octane tune will do just fine.


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It sounds to me like you want a daily driver with a 91/93 tune. So they'll modify it for more power with stock or modify it with the bolt ons. Just depends how much of an upgrade you'll get.

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[Luhsleeper88]

It sounds to me like you want a daily driver with a 91/93 tune. So they'll modify it for more power with stock or modify it with the bolt ons. Just depends how much of an upgrade you'll get.

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Yeah I think a little flash tune will be fine. I would like to start building it more as I learn. Also one more question. What exhaust would you go with I know flow is a big deal but I also heard that you want to have a little bit of back pressure. I think I may have to get a full exhaust system because the guy before me messed it all up. I don’t even know what’s going on I know he did a terrible weld job because I had a couple exhaust leaks that I fixed.



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[Joshw0000]

Yeah I think a little flash tune will be fine. I would like to start building it more as I learn. Also one more question. What exhaust would you go with I know flow is a big deal but I also heard that you want to have a little bit of back pressure. I think I may have to get a full exhaust system because the guy before me messed it all up. I don’t even know what’s going on I know he did a terrible weld job because I had a couple exhaust leaks that I fixed.View attachment 88621
View attachment 88622


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Ok, that should be fine.

I kept the factory exhaust with electronic cut outs to bypass the mufflers that I can control as needed.

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[Luhsleeper88]

Ok, that should be fine.

I kept the factory exhaust with electronic cut outs to bypass the mufflers that I can control as needed.

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I’ve seen those that’s cool as $$$$


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[Joshw0000]

I’ve seen those that’s cool as $$$$


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They're not as deep sounding as I'd have liked. If I had it to do over, I'd probably move them up the exhaust system (before cats maybe).

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[Joshw0000]

What oil catch are you running?


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I'm using a JLT.

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[SM105K]

Don't mess with the factory air box. With a K&N drop in filter it will flow more than your stock turbos can. Also it is sealed from engine bay, and gets direct ram air from the front of the car. If anything modify the weather stripping on the hood to allow more air flow.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Yeah I think a little flash tune will be fine. I would like to start building it more as I learn. Also one more question. What exhaust would you go with I know flow is a big deal but I also heard that you want to have a little bit of back pressure. I think I may have to get a full exhaust system because the guy before me messed it all up. I don’t even know what’s going on I know he did a terrible weld job because I had a couple exhaust leaks that I fixed.View attachment 88621
View attachment 88622


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This does not look like a terrible job. The welds may need help but what they did is remove the resonator. The second photo is just the flex pipes are breaking down from age. Until they are leaking, I would not worry about them. They are part of the down pipe assembly and not cheap to replace correctly. They either need cut off and new ones welded on or they need down pipes. Personally, when they are leaking, I would replace them with performance catted down pipes from one of the reputable brands you see in everyone's mod list.

 

[Luhsleeper88]

This does not look like a terrible job. The welds may need help but what they did is remove the resonator. The second photo is just the flex pipes are breaking down from age. Until they are leaking, I would not worry about them. They are part of the down pipe assembly and not cheap to replace correctly. They either need cut off and new ones welded on or they need down pipes. Personally, when they are leaking, I would replace them with performance catted down pipes from one of the reputable brands you see in everyone's mod list.

What pipes and downpipes would you recommend? I really don’t want a super loud gross shitbox sound you know?


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[Ta2dResqr]

Yes but the problem is that I don’t know my goals and I know that a pre-tuned setup isn’t better than say a dyno tune or a email tune but it’s plug and play so it’s a **** of a lot easier. I’m thinking about getting the X4 with the 91/93 octane tune will do just fine

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GearHead is not a pre-tuned setup. The SCT does not come with any tunes (even if you ask for a 91/93 tune). When you get your tuner, he will need the strategy code. Once he gets that, he will send you a base map. Then you install all of your parts and your tune. This is a drive-able tune but not optimized. You will then take data logs in the conditions he requests (I think it was idle, cruising at steady speed, 0-60, and a full 3rd gear pull.) Then he will edit and send it back. You will do this a couple times till it is optimized for your car. Similar to a dyno tune, often called a street tune.

 

[Luhsleeper88]

GearHead is not a pre-tuned setup. When you get your tuner, he will need the strategy code. Once he gets that, he will send you a base map. Then you install all of your parts and your tune. This is a driveable tune but not optimized. You will then take data logs in the conditions he requests (I think it was idle, cruising at steady speed, 0-60, and a full 3rd gear pull.) Then he will edit and send it back. You will do this a couple times till it is optimized for your car. Similar to a dyno tune, often called a street tune.

That sounds complicated. If I waited to install a exhaust I would have to redo the whole tuning process? Is there a form that’s in depth about that or maybe a video. That would be a big help


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