Gearhead Tune Questions

[HELLBOUNDSHO]

I am looking into getting a tune and have decided on GH over LMS as most on here would agree its the better overall tune. However, on GH website it's $499 for the SCTx4 tuner which says it includes "3 tunes" which I have read includes the desired "Auto Octane" tune from GH. It offers the option to add a custom tune for $100. What benefit is there to the custom tune? Please help!

 

[SM105K]

If you choose a custom tune and have E85 available I would opt for a E30 tune. More boost, more timing, more power. Pretty simple.

 

[HELLBOUNDSHO]

If you choose a custom tune and have E85 available I would opt for a E30 tune. More boost, more timing, more power. Pretty simple.

my question is that E30 tune included with the Standard $499 SCT tuner or is that available via the $100 "custom tune" add on?

 

[SM105K]

That would be something you would have to ask Matt @ Gearhead. He will probably see this and chime in. He frequents this form.

 

[OmaHahn]

Or if you have access to 100 octane gas, this is called a race tune. Don't you need a HPFP and/or upgraded injectors for e30, SM105K?

 

[HELLBOUNDSHO]

Or if you have access to 100 octane gas, this is called a race tune. Don't you need a HPFP and/or upgraded injectors for e30, SM105K?

I dont plan on upgrading the fuel pump anytime soon. I plan on getting the GH tune with my 170 thermostat and 3 bar MAP sensor and intake. my question is just do i need the "custom tune" add on option when purchasing the SCT tuner or is the prepacked tunes what people typically run??

 

[SM105K]

Or if you have access to 100 octane gas, this is called a race tune. Don't you need a HPFP and/or upgraded injectors for e30, SM105K?

No, you can run E30 on a completely stock fuel system. I do. Matt (GearHead) and Brad (AJPTurbo) have got these cars dialed in with the E30 tunes.

 

[OmaHahn]

I dont plan on upgrading the fuel pump anytime soon. I plan on getting the GH tune with my 170 thermostat and 3 bar MAP sensor and intake. my question is just do i need the "custom tune" add on option when purchasing the SCT tuner or is the prepacked tunes what people typically run??

Yes you need the scanner for like $499 + the custom tune of $150. BUT... they are great about offering a package deal! Just email them. I'm doing what you plan on doing, I just have the 160 thermostat, CAI, 3-bar MAP and MOST IMPORTANTLY you absolutely need to change your plugs to the colder plug and gap to .027! The tune from Gearhead you want is their Auto Octane "AO" Tune. It allows for variances in octane from 91-95 octane.

 

[OmaHahn]

No, you can run E30 on a completely stock fuel system. I do. Matt (GearHead) and Brad (AJPTurbo) have got these cars dialed in with the E30 tunes.

What's your opinion on differences between the E30 and a 100 octane file?

 

[HELLBOUNDSHO]

Yes you need the scanner for like $499 + the custom tune of $150. BUT... they are great about offering a package deal! Just email them. I'm doing what you plan on doing, I just have the 160 thermostat, CAI, 3-bar MAP and MOST IMPORTANTLY you absolutely need to change your plugs to the colder plug and gap to .027! The tune from Gearhead you want is their Auto Octane "AO" Tune. It allows for variances in octane from 91-95 octane.

what colder plugs do you recommend and where from?

 

[OmaHahn]

what colder plugs do you recommend and where from?

They actually come stock now in the F150 ecoboost trucks, just the Motorcraft 432 - but Gearhead sells these also and pre-gaps them for you.

 

[SM105K]

What's your opinion on differences between the E30 and a 100 octane file?

In the perfect world, I would choose my 100 octane tune. It is the same fuel source everytime from Sunoco. Fuel pressure doesn't dip as much, However, at $8 a gallon it isn't practical. Also my 100 octane tune doesnt have as many revisions on it like my E30 tune does.

E30 does everything I want it to do, and at roughly $3 a gallon it is practical. Soon I will be posting numbers and track times again. It is finally starting to cool off here and I will probably revisit the 100 octane tune as well.

 

[OmaHahn]

In the perfect world, I would choose my 100 octane tune. It is the same fuel source everytime from Sunoco. Fuel pressure doesn't dip as much, However, at $8 a gallon it isn't practical. Also my 100 octane tune doesnt have as many revisions on it like my E30 tune does.

E30 does everything I want it to do, and at roughly $3 a gallon it is practical. Soon I will be posting numbers and track times again. It is finally starting to cool off here and I will probably revisit the 100 octane tune as well.

Awesome, excellent point about the cost of 100 octane!!! I'm going to email Matt for the E30 tune! Are you 100% positive you don't experience any issues at all with E30? You were VERY kind and emailed me the calculator to figure how to get E30, but if you don't mind just replying to this and let me know what you do? I have 93 octane and E85 right down the street from me - is it like 4 gallons of E85 with 93? Thanks sir!

 

[SM105K]

Awesome, excellent point about the cost of 100 octane!!! I'm going to email Matt for the E30 tune! Are you 100% positive you don't experience any issues at all with E30? You were VERY kind and emailed me the calculator to figure how to get E30, but if you don't mind just replying to this and let me know what you do? I have 93 octane and E85 right down the street from me - is it like 4 gallons of E85 with 93? Thanks sir!

I have never had a problem with my E30 from Brad. My car has always run great. Your estimate is pretty close. I fill up fill at 1/4 tank. That is rougly 14.5 gallons. 4 gallons of E85 and 10.5 gallons is E31. If you are using E85. I can only get E54 out of the pump here, so I mix is at a 1:1 ratio which nets me E33 which I am fine with.

https://www.brewcityboost.com/about/ethanol-calculator/

The calculator will put you right on the money every time.

 

[76FoMoCo]

http://www.georgebelton.com/E85Calculator.php
the only problem with the E30 is its deceptively smooth. That and trying to keep your foot out of it and the smile off your face.
If you look at my sign I have run a few other tunes also along with a stint with LMS. and the E30 is my favorite DD tune.

 

[76FoMoCo]

https://www.amazon.com/Etched-Ethanol-Content-Tester-Gasoline/dp/B07NMV8WGP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3D20JXCIQJVGY&keywords=ethanol+fuel+tester&qid=1570137085&s=gateway&sprefix=etho,aps,255&sr=8-5
https://www.amazon.com/Holley-26-147-Fuel-Tester/dp/B00FTSIEZQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3D20JXCIQJVGY&keywords=ethanol+fuel+tester&qid=1570137135&s=gateway&sprefix=etho,aps,255&sr=8-6

you should have one of these so you know what % the E content is. It also can very during the season. The place I get E85 puts a sticker with the % on the pump and I found them to be very close. They run 85% E in the summer and 70% E in the winter.

 

[OmaHahn]

https://www.amazon.com/Etched-Ethanol-Content-Tester-Gasoline/dp/B07NMV8WGP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3D20JXCIQJVGY&keywords=ethanol+fuel+tester&qid=1570137085&s=gateway&sprefix=etho,aps,255&sr=8-5
https://www.amazon.com/Holley-26-147-Fuel-Tester/dp/B00FTSIEZQ/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3D20JXCIQJVGY&keywords=ethanol+fuel+tester&qid=1570137135&s=gateway&sprefix=etho,aps,255&sr=8-6

you should have one of these so you know what % the E content is. It also can very during the season. The place I get E85 puts a sticker with the % on the pump and I found them to be very close. They run 85% E in the summer and 70% E in the winter.

Stupid question... how do you get fuel into that little tester tube - without getting fuel everywhere or at least on your fingers/hands? Even when I try to barely pull the lever on the pump a good amount comes out.

 

[SM105K]

I keep a gatorade bottle in my trunk with my tester. It has a wide opening. I fill it barely and just pour the rest in the trash honestly. It is only a couple of ounces.

 

[76FoMoCo]

I keep a gatorade bottle in my trunk with my tester. It has a wide opening. I fill it barely and just pour the rest in the trash honestly. It is only a couple of ounces.

This^^^ and a bottle of water too. I have a small plastic measuring cup and a rag.

after you shake it and let it sit for a minute just turn it upside down and up once and let it sit again and it will separate faster

 

[OmaHahn]

http://www.georgebelton.com/E85Calculator.php
the only problem with the E30 is its deceptively smooth. That and trying to keep your foot out of it and the smile off your face.
If you look at my sign I have run a few other tunes also along with a stint with LMS. and the E30 is my favorite DD tune.

You've run E30 and no HPFP and no upgraded injectors either?