performace help

[Tony trinh]

hi guys im new here, I have a 2010 SHO that ive had for a few months now. I have put E3 spark plugs in and a K-N CAI on it currently. I bought a Superchips flashpaq F4 tuner from orileys pretty cheap. haven't ben able to program it yet because error code e-54 pops up and also says I have to wait for them to make a tune for it. never used one before so that's a new world for me. I also have muffler delete mod. what else can I do to make it faster?

 

[SHOdded]

Welcome Tony! Sadly, I will ask you delete some of your current mods to help the engine. It's good that you changed the plugs, but E3 does not have a good reputation. Stick with Motorcraft or NGK, they work very well. And be ready to change plugs on a tuned engine more frequently than stock, because the plugs will get used up much faster (think 25-30K).

Delete the Superchips tuner. UGH. These types of "tuners" make it look like they make the car go faster, but you need a REAL tuning device to make it go faster correctly and safely. For example, an SCT X3/X4 or a MyCal are currently your best options. With tunes loaded, they can run up to $600 new. But this is the most significant and worthwhile investment (next to having your maintenance up to date of course).

Muffler delete and CAI are fine.

Power per mod - a rough idea:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,808

Maintenance needs include the drivetrain primarily - transmission, PTU/PTO, and RDU. PTU first, trans second, RDU last in order of major concerns. A coolant and brake flush are always advisable. Run quality oil/filter, at a minimum as specified by the owner's manual.

 

[yo tony]

There are quite a few reputable tuners for our cars. Check out unleashedtuning.com torrie will happy to answer any questions u may have. Lots of folks use livernois on the board with great results and they are active on the board. A tune will net u 50 ish horsepower from either of these and is the first place to start.

 

[2012korn]

Why on earth would you put e3 plugs in?? I promise you those are doing you any good at all.

 

[Tony trinh]

Why on earth would you put e3 plugs in?? I promise you those are doing you any good at all.

I put the e3 plugs in because I took the first persons advice I asked. I don't have much knowledge ofsparkplugs so I thought those would be a good choice.

 

[Tony trinh]

Welcome Tony! Sadly, I will ask you delete some of your current mods to help the engine. It's good that you changed the plugs, but E3 does not have a good reputation. Stick with Motorcraft or NGK, they work very well. And be ready to change plugs on a tuned engine more frequently than stock, because the plugs will get used up much faster (think 25-30K).

Delete the Superchips tuner. UGH. These types of "tuners" make it look like they make the car go faster, but you need a REAL tuning device to make it go faster correctly and safely. For example, an SCT X3/X4 or a MyCal are currently your best options. With tunes loaded, they can run up to $600 new. But this is the most significant and worthwhile investment (next to having your maintenance up to date of course).

Muffler delete and CAI are fine.

Power per mod - a rough idea:
http://www.ecoboostperformanceforum.com/index.php/topic,808

Maintenance needs include the drivetrain primarily - transmission, PTU/PTO, and RDU. PTU first, trans second, RDU last in order of major concerns. A coolant and brake flush are always advisable. Run quality oil/filter, at a minimum as specified by the owner's manual.

Thanks for all the help. ill look at replacing those e3 plugs with the nkg plugs and investing in a good tuner. I thought I would try it out since I got my hands on it pretty cheap.

 

[SHOdded]

I understand completely But still glad you are willing to make changes! You will find it all for the better, no doubt.

 

[2012korn]

Motorcraft sp534 for plugs.

 

[Tony trinh]

just got back with new spark plugs and got my money back for the tuner I bought. I got ngk spark plugs to replace the e3 plugs. also this might sound like a dumb question but what it the difference between stage 1 performace tune/mods through stage 4??

 

[2012korn]

It's all how lms packages things together in kits to sell them.....the reality is. If you talk about "stages" you just look like a fool.

 

[SHOdded]

• 2010-12 SHO STAGE 1 ECOBOOST PERFORMANCE PACKAGE, INCLUDES TUNER & WINDSTORM CAI, NEW PLUGS AND 160 DEGREE EVENFLO THERMOSTAT- INSTALLED INCLUDES BONUS 3-BAR MAP SENSOR
• Stage 2 - Adds Thunderstorm Exhaust (turboback)
• Stage 3 - Adds Thunderstorm Downpipes
• Stage 4 - Adds pregapped spark plugs

The tunes for each stage will be appropriate to that stage. At least I THINK that's what the stages are ... I am sure LME will chime in soon.

 

[yo tony]

just got back with new spark plugs and got my money back for the tuner I bought. I got ngk spark plugs to replace the e3 plugs. also this might sound like a dumb question but what it the difference between stage 1 performace tune/mods through stage 4??

The Cold air intake is a waste of money if u are looking strictly at performance but it's nice hearing the turbos.

 

[limited02]

I just tuned my from LMS a few weeks ago and still learning what all tunes they offer. If I were you, I'd go straight to the Stage 4+ 91. We do have 93 around there, but I have to go a little out of my way to get it so I'll be going back to my 91 Stage 4+ once I try my two other 93 tunes.

 

[Tony trinh]

okay so the tunes are upgraded or modified to the aftermarket parts you install

 

[yo tony]

okay so the tunes are upgraded or modified to the aftermarket parts you install

Yes but each tuner does things differently. Depending on what your power goals and wallet allows. Unleashed will tune for other vendors parts and doesn't require having certain mods before getting others. As far as I can tell livernois does but that takes the guess work out of it for you. There are others like SSI, let, and brew city boost that are putting out some impressive tunes. Talk to the tuners and see what is best for you.

 

[SHOdded]

Stay away from SSI, if you value your SHO.

 

[limited02]

okay so the tunes are upgraded or modified to the aftermarket parts you install

You can get any Stage tune you want except Stage 5 because that's for meth injection. They will accommodate any mods you have for each stage tune you decide to run (cai, dp's, exhaust, etc). I only did thermostat, SP-534 plugs and 3-bar sensor and as mentioned, currently running their 93 Stage 4+ tune.

 

[Tony trinh]

You can get any Stage tune you want except Stage 5 because that's for meth injection. They will accommodate any mods you have for each stage tune you decide to run (cai, dp's, exhaust, etc). I only did thermostat, SP-534 plugs and 3-bar sensor and as mentioned, currently running their 93 Stage 4+ tune.

so running 93 stage 4+ tune over say stage 1 tune or what ever make it faster?

 

[Tony trinh]

Yes but each tuner does things differently. Depending on what your power goals and wallet allows. Unleashed will tune for other vendors parts and doesn't require having certain mods before getting others. As far as I can tell livernois does but that takes the guess work out of it for you. There are others like SSI, let, and brew city boost that are putting out some impressive tunes. Talk to the tuners and see what is best for you.

my wallet isn't too huge lol but im trying to just get up to 400 AWHP. if I just want to run at 400 hp what do I need/ should I do

 

[SHOdded]

I wouldn't say 400 AWHP is "just" or "only" Stock, SHOs have approx 285 AWHP or so, you are looking to add 115 more. That's a 40% increase!

The routine drop in mods have been a tune, 3 bar MAP, colder TStat. Then bolons including downpipes and meth injection. With that, it is quite possible to get to 400 AWHP or more. Without meth it traditionally hasn't been possible, but tunes/tuners are evolving, so it may be possible today.