2014 SHO Livernois package installed review

[SHONufFordTough]

Got my Livernois windstorm CAI, 3 bar, plugs, and T stat installed last week and of course a tune. So far I have only installed the 91 tune (they sent a 91 and 93 tune plus stock). It has made a complete world of difference in the car. The shifts are must faster, harder, and there is much more power. 2nd gear feels like 1st did before, 1st gear honestly feels similar to how my 440 WHP 2000 GT with a full suspension and drag radials launched on the street. Driveablity wise I cannot detect any difference in the engine or the way it revs/feels/acts.


There have been some changes to the tuning on the 13+ cars compared to the 10-12 cars that I was not aware of. Apparently they no longer offer "stages" but just tunes based on what octane rating you desire plus your mods. Honestly, I am a bit concerned about this, as I was planning on running around with stage 2 to keep some of the TQ managment and not push the car so hard. This is no longer an option.

My only complaint is that the shifts are somewhat harder than I would like under partial throttle (or even very light throttle) acceleration. Its something to get used to, but before the tune you wouldn't notice the shifts at all, now there is a destinct but very slight **** between each gear. Not really sure its even an issue, as I have always heard that harder shifts are acutally better for the transmission as it slips less. I am a little concerned that this may end up tearing something up/causing premature wear, but not concerned enough to remove the extra power and speed.

 

[KrotzRocket]

I am ordering the LMT windstorm tuner package this week so I am interested in how the install went. Any tips advice or something to watch out for? When I talked with Livernois on the phone last week they were very good about answering all my questions and Anthony in sales the guy I was talking with told me most of the sales staff are involved with and participate in tuning . So my question is if you have contacted them about your shifting concerns and what feedback you received ?

 

[SHOdded]

How many miles do you have on the new pkg, SHONuf? There is a period of PCM re-learn after uploading a new tune. The shifts should smooth out over time, as the PCM adapts to your driving style.

 

[SHONufFordTough]

I am ordering the LMT windstorm tuner package this week so I am interested in how the install went. Any tips advice or something to watch out for? When I talked with Livernois on the phone last week they were very good about answering all my questions and Anthony in sales the guy I was talking with told me most of the sales staff are involved with and participate in tuning . So my question is if you have contacted them about your shifting concerns and what feedback you received ?

A couple of things:

1. Dont make the mistake I did and install the CAI, then try to install the thermostat. The thermostat is under the CAI. I got all excited to get the CAI on there and then had to take it all back apart.

2. Let the car sit overnight before trying to remove the stock thermostat. I let it sit for 2-3 hours and it was still hot as **** (these cars seem to take forever to cool off). Get a crapload of rags and stuff them under the thermostat, and just swap them really fast when you get the bolts out. I had one **** of a mess in the garage before I got it done, coolant everywhere. It probably wasn't a 1/4 gallon but it looked like a 55 gallon drum. I ended up backing the car out into the driveway and running a hose past the CAI to wash down all the coolant. I think there is a good chance if I had let it sit overnight most of the coolant in the engine would not have come out, but I am not sure.

3. Only one spark plug was a pain, the back right hand one. I ended up pulling a few bolts off one of the vac/boost lines to get room, but it wasnt bad.

4. Make sure you put the 3 bar sensor into the top of the manifold. If you didnt order a 3 bar, get back online to Livernois and order it now. Might as well since there is no staged tuning.

 

[SHONufFordTough]

How many miles do you have on the new pkg, SHONuf? There is a period of PCM re-learn after uploading a new tune. The shifts should smooth out over time, as the PCM adapts to your driving style.

I have noticed it did get a little better. I put it in Thursday night, so I probably have 150-175 miles on it now. Just kinda scares me to run around with it "fully tuned" all the time, but I typically don't floor it when I drive the car anyway.

On that note, Saterday night I did have a little run in with a agressive squid dummy on a very very small CC sport bike. I think he was pretty surprised how long that 4500 LB 4 door stayed on his bumper lol.

 

[Aeterna]

Any idea how much faster your 0-60 time is now

 

[SHOnUup4]

I suggest a good 20 mile break in period when flashing a tune...this is normal driving with no spirited launches to let the ecu figure out the new parameters.

Ive been running the most aggressive tune for 24k on a 2011 SHO, car is running better today than when we bought it.

Being tuned you need to stay up on the maintenance alot more than than the suggested intervals by Ford. PTU would be one of the most important to keep an eye on I'd say, along with running a high quality motor oil.

Don't know how accurate the Wallace racing calculators are, but my 1/8th mile stats plugged in nets a 0-60 in 3.73 seconds.



Rich

 

[KrotzRocket]

A couple of things:

1. Dont make the mistake I did and install the CAI, then try to install the thermostat. The thermostat is under the CAI. I got all excited to get the CAI on there and then had to take it all back apart.

2. Let the car sit overnight before trying to remove the stock thermostat. I let it sit for 2-3 hours and it was still hot as **** (these cars seem to take forever to cool off). Get a crapload of rags and stuff them under the thermostat, and just swap them really fast when you get the bolts out. I had one **** of a mess in the garage before I got it done, coolant everywhere. It probably wasn't a 1/4 gallon but it looked like a 55 gallon drum. I ended up backing the car out into the driveway and running a hose past the CAI to wash down all the coolant. I think there is a good chance if I had let it sit overnight most of the coolant in the engine would not have come out, but I am not sure.

3. Only one spark plug was a pain, the back right hand one. I ended up pulling a few bolts off one of the vac/boost lines to get room, but it wasnt bad.

4. Make sure you put the 3 bar sensor into the top of the manifold. If you didnt order a 3 bar, get back online to Livernois and order it now. Might as well since there is no staged tuning.

Thanks for the tips and for suggesting the 3 bar, I'll do it.

 

[OmaHahn]

I installed my 93 LME tune about 2 months ago (mods are in my signature). I didn't give the car any miles for a break-in period, I drove about 5 miles to an isolated road and tore into her!!! I got all 4 tires to spin and I was all giddy! I figure it would be better for the PCM to learn the way I drive and learn to favor performance variables rather than "babying," it while learning. It runs great now and the hard shifts go away. Only once in a while in traffic going slow the trans decides to shift into 2nd and it jerks but only because there's no acceleration happening still basically idling.