New here, got some basic questions

[JadenA]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the EB engine and I am excited to start looking for some possible upgrades. I have a 2015 Taurus SHO (Non-PP) and I already have a k&n CAI and Z23 power stop brakes that I installed earlier this year. I am looking at tuning the car and have decided on going with a gearhead tune as every thread I have read has suggested it. I have also thought about getting a cat-back exhaust system for my SHO because I would like to have some noise over the stock exhaust. I am open to any advice as I am new to the SHO.
My basic questions are:
1. Which tune company do people suggest?
2. For Gearhead, which combination should I go for?
3. With a tune, is it needed to get a 3 Bar Map, performance spark plugs, and a 170-degree thermostat?
4. Which cat-back exhaust should I look for (Corsa seems good but a little pricey)?

 

[luigisho]

I think you should take all your hard earned money and change every driveline fluid before you really get into bumping up the hp/torque. It's not as fun sounding, but the PTU is a known weak point and will leave you with a mess if it goes unchecked. In fact I would look at an extended powertrain warranty (engine and drivetrain components--from Ford via online discounter) if the mileage isn't too high. Really you want to go zoom but that's nothing if the awd goes boom. Taurus (especially SHO models) has always had a weaker trans setup based on fwd architecture. Get the tranny and ptu fluids done and make sure the coolant is fresh to try and keep the water pump happy. You won't like when it's angry.
and yes you need a 3 bar map, maybe t stat- ask your tuner, There are a few on here. I would look at Gearhead, Ortiz is bumping around on the forum, and SM105K is using Abclmnop I forget but he says they are great with the tuning. Good Luck!

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome!

#1. Mum's the word
#2. Start with the auto octane tune. See if you want to go further.
#3. No. But you open the door to more hp/tq if you do.
#4. People are now more into removing the third cat/resonator and/or mufflers. What is your priority ... Sound or power?

And as luigi said, maintenance should be top priority.

 

[zoomlater]

Welcome!

 

[JadenA]

I think you should take all your hard earned money and change every driveline fluid before you really get into bumping up the hp/torque. It's not as fun sounding, but the PTU is a known weak point and will leave you with a mess if it goes unchecked. In fact I would look at an extended powertrain warranty (engine and drivetrain components--from Ford via online discounter) if the mileage isn't too high. Really you want to go zoom but that's nothing if the awd goes boom. Taurus (especially SHO models) has always had a weaker trans setup based on fwd architecture. Get the tranny and ptu fluids done and make sure the coolant is fresh to try and keep the water pump happy. You won't like when it's angry.
and yes you need a 3 bar map, maybe t stat- ask your tuner, There are a few on here. I would look at Gearhead, Ortiz is bumping around on the forum, and SM105K is using Abclmnop I forget but he says they are great with the tuning. Good Luck!

Thanks for the reply, I got 62k on the car right now and when I was at 60k, I did the transmission fluid. Looking at doing the PTU fluid.

 

[JadenA]

Welcome!

#1. Mum's the word
#2. Start with the auto octane tune. See if you want to go further.
#3. No. But you open the door to more hp/tq if you do.
#4. People are now more into removing the third cat/resonator and/or mufflers. What is your priority ... Sound or power?

And as luigi said, maintenance should be top priority.

With an exhaust, I would mostly like better sound but some power. Muffler delete is cheaper but I would rather not deal with a drone at highway speeds.

 

[SHOdded]

You can add helmholtz resonators to delete the drone once the frequency is identified. If you search on SilverSHO's posts, you will find how he accomplished it.

 

[luigisho]

Just keep the waterpump issue in the back of your mind. Fresh fluid to keep the seal and everything humming. There is a slight issue with some pumps leaking internally putting coolant into the motor. That's no bueno