Overwhelmed

[JmW78]

Purchased!

Whipped out my digital camera to snap some pics and my battery is dead so those will have to come later.

They did not have a 7 year/100,000 mile extended warranty so I had to go with the 5 year/100,000.

Already had her past 115 on the way home, make that the on ramp...oh boy am I gonna get in some trouble

Taking it back to the dealer Monday to apply the protection package and an appointment to get some tint done Friday, so I will post some pics when I get that done.

I can't wrap my head around all gadgets, so frickin cool, this is gonna be fun!

 

[EcoBrick Bob]

CONGRATULATIONS!

You will love it!

Our brick is 1 yr old and already has 19K!

 

[PonySHO]

Congrats and welcome to the forum! :wave:

 

[SHOvinstuff]

Congrats...you'll enjoy it a lot.

 

[LJRuddy]

So, I'm getting a ride in it tomorrow, right?

 

[SHOrod]

Congratulations! With the freezing rain that may be coming in today you may want to keep it in the garage tonight.

-Rod

 

[JmW78]

Congratulations! With the freezing rain that may be coming in today you may want to keep it in the garage tonight.

-Rod

Just put her in there. I have a very tight single car garage and let me tell ya, the first time I parked it there and took it out was nerve-racking.

With the couple inches of snow we got yesterday climbing the side streets in awd was phenomenal! This is my first awd vehicle and I am hooked, I don't think I could go back...man what a difference!

Advice on what type of gas to use as I am nearing my first fill up? Anything really beneficial?

 

[SHOrod]

Seems some folks have had questionable experiences when using lower than 91 octane fuel. I'm not sure anyone's confirmed their issues were due to the fuel, but for the small price difference per gallon I prefer to use 91+ octane and haven't had any concerns.

-Rod

 

[JmW78]

Cool, thanks for the help.

 

[JmW78]

All tinted up, looks great!

I'll get pics thrown up as soon as I can, been really busy, no time to stop at Interstate for the ridiculously hard to find camera battery needed.

LOVE the car, as do my friends, given them all a shot behind the wheel. They can't believe they are driving a Taurus.

So, pretty sure I want the Livernois Tune 2 and the H&R springs I have been reading about, couple questions though.

What does the install do to my warranty? Is the tune something I can do myself or do I employ someone? I know I'll need someone to put on the springs so, can anybody in central Iowa recommend a mechanic?

Also, should I be using full synthetic oil when I do changes? If so, should I do one now to get rid of whatever they put in initially?

Thanks for the help!

 

[JmW78]

Thanks to whoever took off my leash!

Nice not to have to wait hours, sometimes a whole day to see your post put up

 

[SHOrod]

The general concensus is the tune will only void your warranty in the event the failed items can be shown to be directly due to the tune. The consensus is also that the reality is it often becomes the burden of the vehicle owner to push the issue and prove the tune was NOT the cause of the failure. There is a rather lengthy thread on this forum already so I won't elaborate any further. If you are curious, that will be a good exercise for the "Search this thread" feature. The dealer will have the ability, at a minimum, to determine that the software has been changed in the car since "birth."

As for installing the tune, you should be able to do it yourself. It's pretty straightforward once you get the tight cap off the diagnostic port. The first time will take several minutes since the programmer will download the original software to internal memory so you can revert back to it later.

I do pretty much all my own work so I don't know of any shops in your area that I would recommend for the spring work.

I'm curious what others say re: oil changes. I believe our cars come from the factory with synthetic oil. I have owned my car since June and just rolled 3500 miles. The oil's pretty dark so I've been considering changing it if for no other reason than it's been in the car about 8 months.

-Rod

 

[mjhpadi]

I think the cars come with Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic Oil (5W-20). It's also the oil that some dealers use for oil changes. I change mine every 3000 miles because it really looks very dirty. I know it's not a very scientific way of doing changes, but I feel most comfortable with the 3000 mile oil and filter changes. I still have two "free" oil changes to use at the dealer, then it's going to be fully synthetic for me.

 

[Showgun]

I think the cars come with Motorcraft Semi-Synthetic Oil (5W-20). It's also the oil that some dealers use for oil changes. I change mine every 3000 miles because it really looks very dirty. I know it's not a very scientific way of doing changes, but I feel most comfortable with the 3000 mile oil and filter changes. I still have two "free" oil changes to use at the dealer, then it's going to be fully synthetic for me.

I also do mine at 3000 or thereabouts but then I don't do a lot of miles or hwy miles either.

Certainly time is a factor as well as miles: After a few months apparently acids (from condensation) build up in the oil and can do damage.

I too will go fully synthetic when it comes time to change.

 

[JmW78]

There is a rather lengthy thread on this forum already so I won't elaborate any further. If you are curious, that will be a good exercise for the "Search this thread" feature.
-Rod

I did read through that thread, it seemed murky at best so I was just looking for a more solid answer.

I guess then, for those that have it, is it worth it? What problems could arise from the tune that the warranty then may not cover?

 

[gregoire]

Treads already exist for the warranty and oil questions posed, extensive discussions they are with many opinions. Cant wait for pics of your tint, prolly get mine done next weekend.

 

[SHOrod]

I should have typed "Search this forum" but it doesn't matter since you're familiar with the feature already.

Agreed that there isn't a hard and fast re: tuners and warranty. Seems to come down to your dealer and your relationship with that dealer. What items may not be covered? I'd say it would be pretty difficult to prove that a tune did not have an effect on failures of the powertrain (many engine issues, transmission issues, transfer case, differentials). And since this powertrain is pretty new, it's anybody's guess how robust it will prove to be. But a tune certainly wouldn't have an impact on the power windows, power seats, audio system, sunroof, etc.

-Rod

 

[shaker281]

I agree with SHOrod. I would only use a tried and tested tune by a reputable tuner (i.e. Livernois). That being said, if you raise boost and reduce torque management or alter A/F and timing, Ford could easily make a case to refuse to honor virtually the entire power train warranty ( Engine, tranny, AWD, diffs, axles...). Even the catalytic converters can be fried if the catalytic over temp feature is turned off.

http://way2evil.com/tsb/tsb10-02-06.pdf

Remember, these cars are not overbuilt like the GT500 (forged engine internals, cera-metallic racing clutch, TR-6060 trans).

Anyone know what the driveline (AWD, trans, driveshafts) torque specs max out at?

 

[Showgun]

It's a gamble we've all considered and accepted if we go ahead with this mod.

What bothers me somewhat is the possibility that there's a manufacturer's defect in one of the powertrain components that could be attributed to a tune.
This tune would take Ford off the hook for any such repairs -- unless you have a special kind of relationship with your dealer who could 'cover' for you.

Knowing that, tho, I believe that Ford has put the SHO together well and shouldn't give me any issues, especially taking my driving style into account.

I also believe that Livernois has taken these concerns into account with their testing and not marketed a tune that will be destructive provided the owner isn't too hot-footed and gives due care and diligence. (read maintenance)

It's an expensive gamble but one that's worth taking (for me).

I wish everyone luck should they need it.

C.

 

[JmW78]

Thanks for the info all, some good advice.

To gamble or not, hmmm...I am a poker player