E30 tuning questions and steps to get there

[JP Strunc]

Im new to the car world especially when it comes to tuning. I want to get my ‘15 sho running on e30 to get some extra hp, I just don’t know the steps to get there. I’ve heard great things about Brad so I’m thinking I’m gonna tune with him. I’ve also heard people say good things about the gh power package with the spark plugs, map sensor, and the sct tuner. I believe I am going to need an ethanol sensor too.
Is there anything else I’m am missing? All
I have done to the car right now is the vta mod and I am getting a k and n drop in filter in the next couple days.

Questions

1. Do I need to buy the 170 degree thermostat if I’m just running e30?
2. Is it safe long term to run e30 with a stock hpfp? I’ve heard people saying they have,
I just don’t know if there are long term effects.
3. I have e85 accesible to me, but for example if I’m in a city and there isn’t e85 on hand, would I be able to run normal e10 87? Again, this would be rare for me to not have e85 on hand, but this is worst case scenario.
4. This might sound dumb, but is there a specific “e30 tune” I just download or is that the ao tune that comes in the gh package
5. This too may sound dumb, but what exactly does a tuner do? If there is just a download file I buy then what need is there for a tuner. Again, go easy on me I’m very new and am still learning

Again please let me know if I am missing anything!!

Thanks in advance to everyone helping me get these questions answered!!


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[Zpak]

Let’s start at the start. You need a tuning device (SCT exc) cooler range plugs, and 2.5 or 3 bar MAP sensor. You do not need the thermostat. I’m not sure GH will tune to e30 on the stock pump but I know Brad will. So can it be done? Yes, but you’re not taking full advantage of the extra octane on the stock pump and especially in cold weather you will really be stretched on its ability so your tune will be dumbed down to compensate.

As for tuning itself. Your tuner will send you tune files that you load onto your device. Then, with said device you flash that tune file into the car. You will have to data log with that new tune file and send it back to your tuner so they can see how it’s running. Then you will get revised tunes sent back and the process continues till you are both happy. With Brad you will start with a 93 or 91 (whatever octane your area’s premium fuel is) get that dialed in, and move to e30. Once you’re on e30 that’s what you have to run unless you flash back to a 93 tune and vice versa.

My opinion, go with Brad and if you want to do e30 right, buy the pump. If the price is too high now just stick with a premium fuel tune.

 

[kryptto]

The thermostat is not needed necessarily. No performance modification for it.

E30 stock hpfp is fine, however it's more about e30 performance and lack of fuel pressure that can bite you. It's truly a 2 part problem, low pressure in tank FP, and maybe the hpfp will not meet the need or the engine. You can discuss your intentions with your tuner. Depends on what other upgrades you are doing as well.

I would speak to either Gearhead if you plan to keep your catted downpipes. Or AJP - both can be a starting point.

There is many many threads here that can answer these questions as well.

The benefits of ethanol, cleaner intake and valves etc. It also has a lower temp of ignition. Colder is better for turbos, and air fuel ratios.

My suggestion, start with regular 93 octane 3bar map, colder range ford plugs, SCT TS, replace your stock airfilter with a K&N drop in and get a tune. Build a relationship with a tuner.

 

[JP Strunc]

Yeah I think I’ll get the 3bar, plugs, and the sct ts. I’ll get in contact with Brad and later on down the line I might just bite the bullet and do it right by getting the xdi35.
Thanks for your guys’ help!!


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[76FoMoCo]

Yeah I think I’ll get the 3bar, plugs, and the sct ts. I’ll get in contact with Brad and later on down the line I might just bite the bullet and do it right by getting the xdi35.
Thanks for your guys’ help!!


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if you order the SCT and/or pump from Brad he seem to respond faster IMO.. get the plugs and 3 bar from GH. FYI E30 is hard to start in the cold weather so if you live in a cold place just put in the 93 tune in the winter. And on road trips when you don't have E30 you can run the 93 tune on 91 but you have to use 91 or better.

 

[stripSHO]

HPFP for just an e30 tune is absolute waste of money. I've been on e40 for like 4 years now without a hiccup.

The problem is that certain tuners want to full-send the turbos at very low RPM just so they can post impressive rod-bending torque numbers that have absolutely no performance value in the real world. HPFP output is proportional to RPM. So when the tuna lugs your engine with all the boost at 2500 RPM the HPFP can't keep up and they conveniently sell you an overpriced part you don't need, to correct their incompetence. Problem gets compounded by overly rich AFR targets that serve no purpose.

Me personally, I prefer not to drive like a ***** so I'll downshift when I need to accelerate instead of trying race at 2500 rpm with the converter locked up. I'm happy, HPFP is happy, car is happy.

Go with Brad btw

 

[stripSHO]

Lol m o r o n censored? Glad to see nothing has changed on this site haha

 

[JP Strunc]

When running the 93 tune from the sct ts do I need the colder gapped plugs or can I run the tune on stock plugs?


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[76FoMoCo]

You can run on stock plugs but get your lazy azz out and change the plugs. Your buggy will like it.

 

[kryptto]

When running the 93 tune from the sct ts do I need the colder gapped plugs or can I run the tune on stock plugs?


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Colder range plugs when running a tune and higher octane. Can you sure, it is best based on miles to replace your plugs and coil packs, you will be pushing more power and expecting more on older equipment.

I am not saying this to u specifically, but many folks for expedience and lowering costs ask us the group, can they save time and money by short cutting. While doing these projects do the right thing, double check the gaps and ask your tuner for gap spacing they wish to see.

 

[SM105K]

Lol m o r o n censored? Glad to see nothing has changed on this site haha

Holy Shit! He lives!

 

[BradM]

I'll add my two cents given the build in my signature. The colder thermostat and plugs are to give your engine the best chance of achieving full timing (no pre-ignition). Otherwise your knock sensors may pull timing. I could not have achieved my times with the stock HPFP on E30. My fuel demand was maxed out so I went with the XDI HPFP. You won't be able to run E85 with stock injectors or stock HPFP as ethanol requires more volume to be used vs. gasoline. If you just want to fool around on the street, Brad can give you the best advice of 93 vs. E30. I ran Brad's 93 tune for awhile and it was definitely better than stock. But then I wanted more.

 

[SM105K]

HPFP for just an e30 tune is absolute waste of money. I've been on e40 for like 4 years now without a hiccup.

The problem is that certain tuners want to full-send the turbos at very low RPM just so they can post impressive rod-bending torque numbers that have absolutely no performance value in the real world. HPFP output is proportional to RPM. So when the tuna lugs your engine with all the boost at 2500 RPM the HPFP can't keep up and they conveniently sell you an overpriced part you don't need, to correct their incompetence. Problem gets compounded by overly rich AFR targets that serve no purpose.

Me personally, I prefer not to drive like a ***** so I'll downshift when I need to accelerate instead of trying race at 2500 rpm with the converter locked up. I'm happy, HPFP is happy, car is happy.

Go with Brad btw

Stripsho isn't wrong. He tuned my Lexus remotely and I never had a single issue with the tune. Dude knows what he is talking about.

 

[JP Strunc]

Thoughts on the ts preloaded 93 tune? If I don’t need to spend the money to get a custom tune file then I don’t want to. However, if the preloaded tune isn’t any good I would be more than happy to get it properly tuned through Brad.


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[SM105K]

Thoughts on the ts preloaded 93 tune? If I don’t need to spend the money to get a custom tune file then I don’t want to. However, if the preloaded tune isn’t any good I would be more than happy to get it properly tuned through Brad.


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Go with Brad. Canned tunes are not optimal.

 

[JP Strunc]

I know I’m beating a dead horse here, but just to reiterate some things. I just want to be 100% correct before I go down this rabbit hole. Ps. the sct ts livewire has been purchased.
1. Run e30 in summer and 93 in winter (I live in Midwest with cold, harsh winters)

2. Don’t use preloaded tunes only get custom ones from Brad preferably.

3. Get these spark plugs to run e30 and 93

https://www.ghtuning.com/product/fo...m-12405-35t-gapped-spark-plugs-0-026-0-028-2/ spark plugs..


4. Get the 3 bar map sensor from gh.

5. I will be able to run 91 octane in a pinch, but not recommended for daily use.

Thanks guys for all the help!!!


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[kryptto]

I know I’m beating a dead horse here, but just to reiterate some things. I just want to be 100% correct before I go down this rabbit hole. Ps. the sct ts livewire has been purchased.
1. Run e30 in summer and 93 in winter (I live in Midwest with cold, harsh winters)

2. Don’t use preloaded tunes only get custom ones from Brad preferably.

3. Get these spark plugs to run e30 and 93

https://www.ghtuning.com/product/fo...m-12405-35t-gapped-spark-plugs-0-026-0-028-2/ spark plugs..


4. Get the 3 bar map sensor from gh.

5. I will be able to run 91 octane in a pinch, but not recommended for daily use.

Thanks guys for all the help!!!


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I would have to say that sounds about right.

 

[76FoMoCo]

Sounds about right. If you are going on a road trip and want to run 87 just change out the 3 bar back to stock and re flash it. only takes about 5 minutes and the plugs can stay. now you will have almost a 100 WHP and over 100 WTQ you will find the car can now spin the tires so with this comes wheel hop. One more thing you will need since we are spending your money is the AD trans mounts, they come with 2 mounts that are stiffer then stock. I suggest only putting in one as they pass vibration to the body. At first it's a bit loud but give them a few thousand miles to mellow out. one is more then plenty to keep the wheels planted. ENJOY!

 

[JP Strunc]

Does it matter if I get the front or the rear trans mount from Anthony?


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[Texas Marauder]

Just get the rear.