Need Advice... SHO vs MKS and Livernois vs ?

[Madyaks]

I'm all set to pull the trigger on an Ecoboost car. I was wondering if I could get some advice on a range of things.

1 - SHO or MKS, I like the looks of a Black on Black SHO as much as anyone, but the MKS is really "nice" inside.
2 - 2011 -2012 vs 2013 - 2014, from what I have read other than the obvious lower miles when getting a newer used car is the better brakes that started with the 2013. Does anyone think the 2013 is a must have over the 2011-2012 for any other reason?

3 - Livernois vs Someone else, I have talked to Livernois a BUNCH of times on the phone and damn they have been helpful with advice, I almost feel like it would be betrayal if I didn't go with them.
A friend of a friend says SCT is the way to go because "you can make adjustments, it's not just a flash and you're done tune"
But the way I understand it Livernois, when you give them the info from your car they custom tune it for your own car, to fit what you have "almost" like you are on their Dyno in the shop.


Any and all advice would be helpful.
I think I am going with Tune, Cold Air, new plugs, thermostat.
I'd like to use the lowering springs too but I read that I would have to do something about camber too?

Use will be daily driver, wanting to knock off unsuspecting fast cars when the chance arises

Anything you can add that you think I should know would be appreciated.

 

[SHOdded]

Can't lose, whether you get a SHO or an MKS. Only thing MIGHT be that the warranty is better with the MKS, and the Lincoln dealerships are usually better/more knowledgeable. The National Customer Service folks are definitely "friendlier" with Lincoln.

2013+ obviously has better OEM brakes than 2010-12, but still can be improved upon if you desire to do so. There are many smaller incremental upgrades, not the least of which are PCM programming, an improved fuel system that supports higher DI pressure, and greater tolerance for more ethanol fuel content. If you get the PP optioned 2013+ SHO, you also get a cooled & monitored PTU, just like the Police Interceptors (PIs) do. Not sure if the MKS has that option, the FordParts site is really cranky at this moment.

 

[rubydist]

don't forget that the Sync system got a major upgrade in 13, and is much more capable and easier to use.

the Lincoln is going to have bumper to bumper 4 yr/50k and if certified 6 yr/100k factory warranty, so that is a big deal to many people.

the EcoBoost MKS are all the same, so PP option. there was an appearance package on the 12 (and maybe 11) MKS that had some neat features, but iirc it was only appearance stuff.

 

[ridered74]

The one plus to SHO over MKS is there are a lot more of them out there, so you can probably get a much better deal on one. Can't go wrong with Livernois whichever way you do end up going.

 

[BamSHO]

Ok, I owned a '12 and now own a '13. My '12 was black, still loved the car, but loved the looks of the '13+ cars. Still warming up to the dash and console of the '13. I did retro fit the '13+ oil cooler onto my '12, and was going to be putting on a bigger trans cooler too. That is a plus on a PP '13+ cars that its already installed at the factory. Brakes, no brainer there, '13+ cars esp, PP cars are light years over the '10-12 cars. I even upgraded pads and rotos on my '12 and it still can't come close to my '13 now in stopping power. Yes you can retro fit the brake booster and master cylinder to '10-12 cars, but it is a little bit of a pain.

As for tuning the car, there are only 2 places I would trust. First Livernois, which you have already been talking too and Unleashed. Hands down the two most reliable tuners out there. I'm Livernois tuned, so yes I would say go to them, but that has to be your choice.

You parts list is great too, but you should add downpipes too.

SHO vs MKS, tuned, they should both run about the same, give the edge to the SHO though.

As for sleeper, trust me, no one is going expect a Taurus or Lincoln to spank them. There is nothing like it.

Hope this helps, geez I'm starting to post like Kraus, please help me.

 

[bpd1151]

Geez I'm starting to post like Kraus, please help me.

LOL..... Too late. You're infected.

No help currently available. Future's bleak as well.

Every reader's eyes will bleed with each subsequent posts you author.

May the good Lord have pity on your soul.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

 

[OmaHahn]

Livernois is PLENTY good for common folk like the majority of us! The ONLY reason you would need a SCT tune is for data logging and trying to get every last HUNDRETH of a second out of your 1/8 or 1/4 mile times! If you go to the track ALL the time and your trap speeds are your life, then Torrie and a SCT is the way. If you're like me and daily drive the car and have a spirited sprint here & there, then LMS all the way!!!

 

[Madyaks]

Thanks a lot guys.


If I get a tune, and then add downpipes later do I need to get another tune?

OH, is there any way to get rid of the 2010-2012 grill and get a 3013 and up grill to replace it?

Can the gears be changed?

 

[BamSHO]

No '13+ grilles won't fit. You would have replace hood, fenders, lights, bumper cover to do so.

Yes you will need a tune for DP, but that is a no biggy.

Oh gears, probably could be changed, but lots of $$$ and custom machined gears would have to be made.

 

[steelgiant5]

don't forget that the Sync system got a major upgrade in 13, and is much more capable and easier to use.

the Lincoln is going to have bumper to bumper 4 yr/50k and if certified 6 yr/100k factory warranty, so that is a big deal to many people.

the EcoBoost MKS are all the same, so PP option. there was an appearance package on the 12 (and maybe 11) MKS that had some neat features, but iirc it was only appearance stuff.

I got a 7 year 100k on my certified 13 sho


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Kirk Peters]

Well I once owned a 2010 sho AND an 11 MkS at the same time.
Until 13 the Lincoln did not have the massaging seats or heated steering wheel.
The thx system in the MKS was much better than the sho sony.
Bridge of weir leather in the mks was much nicer than the suede inserts of the sho. Sho is a much nicer looking car imo.

Both cars had a LMS stage 4+ tuner and Cai.
I drove the MKS for about 2 years and drove it hard and never once had a problem. The lms tune was flawless in both cars. Mks ran 0-60 in 4.1 and 1/4 mile in 12.4 and cruising on the highway at 125 kph I got a steady 10.0 litres per 100 k with 91 octane. It was a little better han stock with the tune for milage but a lot better performance wise. I had a few run ins with srt8s and pulled away from them...

 

[FiveLeeter918]

Some great info in here. MKS vs SHO is really just creature comforts, the MKS weighs more but otherwise it's what you like as far as cosmetics and tech.

10-12 versus 13+ is again what you like. 2013 is the start of MFT and eventually Sync 3 (2016) but everything from the 16 can be retrofitted to the 13 so don't let Sync 3 be your defining decision. Brakes can also be upgraded if you go 10-12. Performance Pack has factory "Drift Mode" as they call it with the ability to turn off AdvanceTrak, which can't be done with the non PP models.

As for tuning, I'm obviously partial to Ortiz Performance, but have never used LMS so won't comment on their business practices but I see plenty of reviews above that are par to course. The main drawback as mentions is their proprietary handheld that locks you to their tune and is a paperweight if you move over so you will lose out compared to SCT that can easily be transferred to another user or tuner option.

With the SHO, Ortiz tuned cars have been 12.6 on 93 octane and plugs/map sensor upgrade and 12.3s on E30. We offer free revisions for most modifications aside from turbo upgrades, meth/nitrous, and fuel system changes (injectors, pumps, ethanol blended fuels, race gas). We offer free revisions on these if you purchase the parts from us.

Good luck with your new adventure. If we can help in any way, please let us know.

 

[b4black]

Zombie thread back from the dead.

So I'm bias in thinking the 2013+ MKS is way better looking that the Taurus. It's much more unique. Too many cars with elongated hexagons for grilles (Subarus, Sonatas, Audis, Toyotas and even the new Ram pickup).

Costwise, I found the MKSs don't hold their value. Not many people in the market for used luxury car. This is a BIG advantage when buying used. I was finding the MKS Ecoboost was way cheaper than SHOs.

The only downside in my opinion and when people ask "what is it?" is the stupid name. "It's an MKS - Lincoln's version of a Taurus". Great sleeper car. Fast, quiet, and no one knows what it is.

Looks awesome in Red.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

Zombie thread back from the dead.

So I'm bias in thinking the 2013+ MKS is way better looking that the Taurus. It's much more unique. Too many cars with elongated hexagons for grilles (Subarus, Sonatas, Audis, Toyotas and even the new Ram pickup).

Costwise, I found the MKSs don't hold their value. Not many people in the market for used luxury car. This is a BIG advantage when buying used. I was finding the MKS Ecoboost was way cheaper than SHOs.

The only downside in my opinion and when people ask "what is it?" is the stupid name. "It's an MKS - Lincoln's version of a Taurus". Great sleeper car. Fast, quiet, and no one knows what it is.

Looks awesome in Red.
View attachment 11251

haha didn't realize the thread start date until you posted

 

[ridered74]

haha didn't realize the thread start date until you posted

I could tell easily by my "can't go wrong with Livernois" comment. LOL! I'd still say they're fine for the 10-12's tho.

 

[Airborne]

Zombie thread back from the dead.

So I'm bias in thinking the 2013+ MKS is way better looking that the Taurus. It's much more unique. Too many cars with elongated hexagons for grilles (Subarus, Sonatas, Audis, Toyotas and even the new Ram pickup).

Costwise, I found the MKSs don't hold their value. Not many people in the market for used luxury car. This is a BIG advantage when buying used. I was finding the MKS Ecoboost was way cheaper than SHOs.

The only downside in my opinion and when people ask "what is it?" is the stupid name. "It's an MKS - Lincoln's version of a Taurus". Great sleeper car. Fast, quiet, and no one knows what it is.

Looks awesome in Red.
View attachment 11251

Yes, bought an MKS, you can get them cheaper because they don't hold there value. Something a little more rare and I think they look better. No PP though. Only going to get a used one though, stopped making them in MY 2016. So, better act quick if you want a low mileage one. Lincoln dealers are way better to deal with, however they love and welcome Ford customers, too! Even F250's! It was comical to see the techs put seat protectors and floor mats when I went in for new tires. First time it had been washed and vacuumed I'm 3 years.

 

[ridered74]

Derp....... ummm I would argue that comment now (about the 10's - 12's) knowing full well what happened to me alone. Least not to mention all the other tune related issues and failures experienced by so many others since this thread's creation.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Your situation is not really applicable to anyone else, and all of their issues that I have seen have been with the 13+ models. You would probably still be singing their praises if you hadn't swapped your injectors and ran into issues wouldn't you?

 

[Angrymongoose]

He is hardly the only one with a 10-12 that had issues. Setting aside the entire tune, if you looked at the machine work on the block that LMS built for him, it looked like something you would expect from a high school shop project at best.

Even moving past all that, they way LMS handled everything was pure awful. As a business owner you never personally and publicly attack a customer like that, EVER. The sheer lack of professionalism by them was truly astounding.

 

[802SHO]

I had issues with my LMS tunes on my 2010 years before BPD has his catastrophic failure. They had me chasing boost leaks that didn't exist. 11psi meth tune? Pathetic. I switched tuners bc of it and their lack of tuning support, which I strongly believe led to the issue BPD had with his upgraded injectors. They didn't know how to tune for them. Still don't. More than that, their lack of explanation when asked specific questions was very less than technical, certainly less than professional. Me, "Why do I need a 3 bar map sensor if I'm only tuned for 10 psi? Ethan, "The map sensor does more than read boost. Alas we wouldn't be selling parts of they didn't work". Ummmm ok?

Then I watched a video of a Ford Engineer talking about the SHO 3.5 Ecoboost and said, "Factory 12 psi boost"...I nearly shit my pants...WHY AM I RUNNING LESS BOOST THAN STOCK? Then it was check your boost guage connections...you should be seeing 14 psi. Checked everything...nothing wrong. Bought their Meth kit...opted not to pay 3,000 for install...grew a pair of balls and installed myself. And downloaded their stage x meth tune....took it for a spin....wow I'm at 11 psi now! F this! Joined EBPF and after introducing myself...sent Brad a PM...rest is history.

 

[ridered74]

He is hardly the only one with a 10-12 that had issues. Setting aside the entire tune, if you looked at the machine work on the block that LMS built for him, it looked like something you would expect from a high school shop project at best.

Even moving past all that, they way LMS handled everything was pure awful. As a business owner you never personally and publicly attack a customer like that, EVER. The sheer lack of professionalism by them was truly astounding.

The motor has nothing to do with whether their tunes for the 10-12's are ok or not, neither does anything else you brought up. What issues were there with the 10-12 tunes? I paid extra close attention as I ran their tune on my 11 up until march of last year when I sold it with 170K miles on it. 70K of those miles were with the LMS tune.

Every issue I recall seeing was with the V11 tune for the 13+ models.