Picking up a SHO, tune question.

[Snorman]

Looks like I'm picking up a 16k mile '10 Ingot Silver SHO on Wednesday for my "runabout" in New Jersey.
From what I've read, the Livernois tune seems to be the popular choice.
A few questions...
1. I assuming I need to buy an SCT handheld tuner, correct?
2. Does Livernois provide the tune when you buy the handheld?
3. Is the difference really as drastic as some have stated?
4. Is the tune download as simple as it is in other Ford vehicles? In one of my cars, I simply plug in the SCT to the OBD2 port, scroll through the menus and download the tune I want. Takes about 5-10 minutes at most.

Thanks.
S.

 

[Retnavy]

Here's your answers!

1. Yes you need to buy the tuner unless you have one that can be updated with latest firmware. If this is the case, PM Rick at Livernois or call.

2. Yes! Once you get the tuner, you send the strategy code back, and tell them what mods you have installed, like a CAI, etc. They will then send you 3 tunes to download into the tuner. 2 of the 3 tunes require premium fuel.

3. A BIG FAT YES HERE! The difference is like night and day.

4. Yes again. Plug it in and start the process!

The biggest bang for the buck is the tuner/tunes. Buy it and enjoy the new found car.

 

[Fishrising]

2 of the 3 tunes require premium fuel.

Not necessarily true. 2 of my 3 tunes require 93 octane, my 3rd is suggested to run higher than 93. It all depends on what tunes you ask for when you purchase them. I believe Rick can also do a 91 octane tune, but it will effect the performance gains.

 

[LMSRick]

Looks like I'm picking up a 16k mile '10 Ingot Silver SHO on Wednesday for my "runabout" in New Jersey.
From what I've read, the Livernois tune seems to be the popular choice.
A few questions...
1. I assuming I need to buy an SCT handheld tuner, correct?
2. Does Livernois provide the tune when you buy the handheld?
3. Is the difference really as drastic as some have stated?
4. Is the tune download as simple as it is in other Ford vehicles? In one of my cars, I simply plug in the SCT to the OBD2 port, scroll through the menus and download the tune I want. Takes about 5-10 minutes at most.

Thanks.
S.

Congrats on the purchase!

As Retnavy posted, if you don't have an SCT device you will need to purchase one. If you do have one, it will need to be updated with the latest firmware.

Once you receive the blank tuner, we will need an email with your strategy code, serial number from your SCT device, mods (if any) and what octane fuel you run.

I will let other post their feelings on how drastic the changes are since I'm a bit biased

Downloading the tune is the same as any other Ford vehicle. The first flash takes quite a while when backing up the stock tune, after that it doesn't take long at all.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[RavensFan79]

In these cars a tune has been shown to make a big difference. Livernois car ran head to head with a stock 2011 5.0.

 

[Topcat55]

Octane

Hey Rick,


Do you have tunes for octanes lower than 93 ? If yes or no I would like to know the paramaters for the different tunes . The prices per tune & how many come with the Tuner , ETC .

Thanks, Topcat55

 

[RavensFan79]

Hey Rick,


Do you have tunes for octanes lower than 93 ? If yes or no I would like to know the paramaters for the different tunes . The prices per tune & how many come with the Tuner , ETC .

Thanks, Topcat55

I know they offer a 91 octane tune

The redline is bumped up to 6400 and the speed governor is turned off.

There are improvements to the shift patterns of the automatic.

I'll leave the rest of up Rick.

 

[Snorman]

Congrats on the purchase!

As Retnavy posted, if you don't have an SCT device you will need to purchase one. If you do have one, it will need to be updated with the latest firmware.

Once you receive the blank tuner, we will need an email with your strategy code, serial number from your SCT device, mods (if any) and what octane fuel you run.

I will let other post their feelings on how drastic the changes are since I'm a bit biased

Downloading the tune is the same as any other Ford vehicle. The first flash takes quite a while when backing up the stock tune, after that it doesn't take long at all.

Thank you,

Rick

Okay...so you email the tune, I load it into the handheld and download to the car?
I have an SCT tuner for my '03 Cobra, but think I'll need another for this car.
S.

 

[LMSRick]

Hey Rick,


Do you have tunes for octanes lower than 93 ? If yes or no I would like to know the paramaters for the different tunes . The prices per tune & how many come with the Tuner , ETC .

Thanks, Topcat55

The stage 1 can be used with any octane, because it is only the trans that is modified.

All other tunes are for premium fuel only. We typically tune for the highest octane that can be had in your area. We set them up for 93 octane most of the time, but I have customers that can only get 91 octane. For these customers, we have to scale the timing back a bit.

The tuner and all of our tunes sells for $499.99 + Shipping. If you already have an SCT device, we can email the tunes to you for $250.00.

The stage 1 has transmission modifications with reduced torque management

The stage 2 and 3 tunes are identical, except the stage 2 has torque management and the stage 3 does not.

The Stage 2 has raised boost, increased timing, and transmission modifications with reduced torque management.

The Stage 3 has raised boost, increased timing, and transmission modifications with no torque management.

The has 4 is a more aggressive "run at your own risk" tune and has more boost, more timing, and no torque management. Our tuner Dan said he would recommend higher octane with the stage 4, however I have several customers running it daily with 93 octane and no issues.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[mjhpadi]

The price on the Livernois website includes the tuner and all their tunes. They are great to do business with and will provide any support you need. It's really pretty easy to put the tune in the car, but it takes about 20-25 minutes the first time.
I have been running the Stage 2 tune and it really improves the car. I know Stage 3 is the same as far as increase in boost and timing, but Stage 2 has torque management, Stage 3 does not. I'm so impressed with the Stage 2 that I haven't even considered the 3 or 4 yet. I'm very pleased with what the Livernois tune has done. Sorry Rick, I must have been typing while you were posting...didn't mean to repeat your info.

 

[Snorman]

So $500 for the tuner and the tunes?
S.

 

[dramsey]

Rick, how many tunes can an SCT tuner hold? I have one now, it came with a tune for my Saleen when I upgraded to a smaller supercharger pulley from Brenspeed. Presumably it now contains the original Saleen tune and the Brenspeed tune. Should I buy another tuner for the SHO, or can I use my existing tuner?

 

[RavensFan79]

Rick, how many tunes can an SCT tuner hold? I have one now, it came with a tune for my Saleen when I upgraded to a smaller supercharger pulley from Brenspeed. Presumably it now contains the original Saleen tune and the Brenspeed tune. Should I buy another tuner for the SHO, or can I use my existing tuner?

3 tunes on the XCal 3

 

[LMSRick]

Rick, how many tunes can an SCT tuner hold? I have one now, it came with a tune for my Saleen when I upgraded to a smaller supercharger pulley from Brenspeed. Presumably it now contains the original Saleen tune and the Brenspeed tune. Should I buy another tuner for the SHO, or can I use my existing tuner?

As Ravensfan mentioned, it will hold the stock file and 3 additional files.

Unless you flash the Saleen back to stock, you cannot use the tuner on another vehicle. In your case, I would recommend buying a tuner for the SHO.

Thank you,

Rick

 

[Fishrising]

3 tunes on the XCal 3

But don't forget you can have as many tunes as you want on your computer and swap the 3 on the tuner at will. So, you are not limited to 3, just 3 at a time on the tuner.

I've got 3 tunes from Livernois and 3 tunes from Unleashed on my computer. But I only have the 3 Livernois tunes on my tuner right now (hint..hint)

 

[ddever]

/delurk

The tune really does provide a plainly noticable, significant increase in performance. I've been running Livernos' stage 2 for about a week, on 92 Octane, and next to an underdrive pully for a stang, it has provided the best bang for the buck out of any single mod I've ever done to a vehicle.

I'm very happy with it.

/relurk

 

[mjhpadi]

So $500 for the tuner and the tunes?
S.

In a word YES...I think they should consider charging more, although I'm sure most think it's enough, it really is a great deal at that price. Remember, several people have gotten improved mileage with the tune, but that's only if you keep your foot out of the throttle.

 

[RavensFan79]

In a word YES...I think they should consider charging more, although I'm sure most think it's enough, it really is a great deal at that price. Remember, several people have gotten improved mileage with the tune, but that's only if you keep your foot out of the throttle.

It's in line with pricing for Mustang tunes. Let's not get carried away here. They have a great product and good service.

 

[harder99]

Curious about any warranty issues when using a tune. Also, please explain what "torque management" is. I am assuming that torque is reduced under certain conditions in the stock tune to protect the vehicle. Thanks

 

[mjhpadi]

As I understand it, with torque management, torque is reduced when the transmission shifts putting less stress on the transmission during shifting. Without torque management there is no reduction during shifts. This is the only difference between the stage 2 and stage 3 tunes. I am running the stage 2 tune, however lots of people are using stage 3 tune on their daily driver cars without any problems.