Tune without bolt ons?

[MHW100]

My understanding is that the 3 bar, plugs, tstat, cai etc do not at hp or torque themselves and that it is the tune itself that does that i.e. the parts aid the tune .

I'm not tracking it and just want a bit more kick from stock . Something that I can put back to stock without removing parts when taking it in for service .

Is just putting the tune on going to provide a spirited drive or will the bolt one make that much of a difference?

 

[SHOdded]

The tune is the biggest difference for sure.

3bar MAP - allows finetuning of higher psi levels, including spikes. The 2bar measures 14.7 psi accurately, the 3bar 29.4 psi.
Plugs - an optimization tool, whether you use stock (SP534) or colder plugs (SP542 e.g.). Adds performance consistency more than anything else. Now, MSD coils do add a bit of oomph, and supposedly smooth out rough idle as well to some extent.
TStat - Mostly useful initially, it allows coolant flow thru the radiator earlier than stock (typically 20-30F earlier). But most effective when combined with tune update to allow fans to come on earlier/stay on longer.
CAI - Most effective with a full bolton system including downpipes and turboback exhaust. Otherwise a dropin filter will achieve more for less $$$.

HTH.

 

[MHW100]

The tune is the biggest difference for sure.

3bar MAP - allows finetuning of higher psi levels, including spikes. The 2bar measures 14.7 psi accurately, the 3bar 29.4 psi.
Plugs - an optimization tool, whether you use stock (SP534) or colder plugs (SP542 e.g.). Adds performance consistency more than anything else. Now, MSD coils do add a bit of oomph, and supposedly smooth out rough idle as well to some extent.
TStat - Mostly useful initially, it allows coolant flow thru the radiator earlier than stock (typically 20-30F earlier). But most effective when combined with tune update to allow fans to come on earlier/stay on longer.
CAI - Most effective with a full bolton system including downpipes and turboback exhaust. Otherwise a dropin filter will achieve more for less $$$.

HTH.

Thank you for the details . For what I'm doing with the car do you think I should bother with the parts?

 

[SHOdded]

The plugs should be fairly new, but still having a new set does not hurt since a tune will eat em up faster anyway. Maybe plan for it a few K miles down the road.

The 3Bar MAP is definitely an easy and recommended mod. Just keep the 2bar and tuner in trunk with the Torx tool so you can always swap out as needed. If you tune, you should be keeping the tuner in the car, for long trips anyway.

The dropin filter is easy peasy, why not! 0.1 sec in the 1/4 mile is nothing to cry about from such a simple mod.

TStat - iffy, it is totally up to you. More important is changing fan behavior in the tune. The problem is that fans cost electricity, electricity costs mpg, etc. So passive cooling is much preferred. Maybe instead of having fans come on at lower temp, come on at normal temp but stay on longer. IDK who has done this, but worth tossing the idea around with your tuner.

Beyond that, using good fluids in the powertrain, keeping the maintenance schedule tight should be the "mods" to focus on.

 

[MHW100]

The plugs should be fairly new, but still having a new set does not hurt since a tune will eat em up faster anyway. Maybe plan for it a few K miles down the road.

The 3Bar MAP is definitely an easy and recommended mod. Just keep the 2bar and tuner in trunk with the Torx tool so you can always swap out as needed. If you tune, you should be keeping the tuner in the car, for long trips anyway.

The dropin filter is easy peasy, why not! 0.1 sec in the 1/4 mile is nothing to cry about from such a simple mod.

TStat - iffy, it is totally up to you. More important is changing fan behavior in the tune. The problem is that fans cost electricity, electricity costs mpg, etc. So passive cooling is much preferred. Maybe instead of having fans come on at lower temp, come on at normal temp but stay on longer. IDK who has done this, but worth tossing the idea around with your tuner.

Beyond that, using good fluids in the powertrain, keeping the maintenance schedule tight should be the "mods" to focus on.

Thank you for the comprehensive analysis . What I'm reading is that if not tracking then maybe just go for the 3 bar with the tune . Would that be a fair assessment?

 

[Lostneye]

Thank you for the comprehensive analysis . What I'm reading is that if not tracking then maybe just go for the 3 bar with the tune . Would that be a fair assessment?

The 3bar and drop in filter are 10 mins tops to change and worth doing.

 

[MHW100]

Which filter supplier do you pros recommend?

 

[SHOdded]

Oiled filters: K&N is a perennial favorite. Green Filter will also work well.

Dry but reusable filters: AEM DryFlow has worked well for me in my naturally aspirated Edge. Don't know if anyone has used it on the Ecoboost tho.

 

[SM105K]

The tune is the biggest difference for sure.

3bar MAP - allows finetuning of higher psi levels, including spikes. The 2bar measures 14.7 psi accurately, the 3bar 29.4 psi.
Plugs - an optimization tool, whether you use stock (SP534) or colder plugs (SP542 e.g.). Adds performance consistency more than anything else. Now, MSD coils do add a bit of oomph, and supposedly smooth out rough idle as well to some extent.
TStat - Mostly useful initially, it allows coolant flow thru the radiator earlier than stock (typically 20-30F earlier). But most effective when combined with tune update to allow fans to come on earlier/stay on longer.
CAI - Most effective with a full bolton system including downpipes and turboback exhaust. Otherwise a dropin filter will achieve more for less $$$.

HTH.

I have SP542 plugs, K&N drop in, stock T-Stat, and a AJPTurbo E30 tune (worth every penny). In the AZ heat my car put down 366 hp and 414 tq to the tires. It ran a 12.85 at 107 at the track. Realistically I think it can run a 12.50 and break the 400 AWHP mark "Tune" only because the air temps are dramatically lower now.

Just the tune itself made the car completely different. Most tunes on 93 octane pick up between 40 to 60 hp and most pick up 100 lb of tq. That makes the car safe still, but really exciting to drive.

 

[MHW100]

Thank you all for the help and advice.

 

[MHW100]

Oiled filters: K&N is a perennial favorite. Green Filter will also work well.

Dry but reusable filters: AEM DryFlow has worked well for me in my naturally aspirated Edge. Don't know if anyone has used it on the Ecoboost tho.

Do you have a part number for the K&N ? I can't seem to locate the an oiled unit .

 

[Lostneye]

33-2395

 

[MHW100]

33-2395

Thanks on its way

 

[SHOdded]

Yeah, I believe it is a common part number for any vehicle that runs the 3.5/3.7 Cyclone or 3.5 Ecoboost engine. The 2.0EB and 2.3EB in Edge/MKX/Taurus/Explorer models as well.
https://www.knfilters.com/search/applications.aspx?prod=33-2395