Genxer
Well-Known Member
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- #1
Well, I finally decided to go to the dark side and put a tune on my car, albeit a conservative 91 octane tune. I knew it would bring power down some from a 93 but I'd rather be on the safe side of things. I decided to go with VMP since they already sell my CAI kitted with a tune, and the chances of that setup being vetted and settled out is pretty high. They also build and tune for superchargers which should make my setup child's play for them. I already had the PMAS "no tune" CAI and had been running it for probably a year. (The "no tune" PMAS utilizes its own MAF sensor to work properly with the enlarged intake tube diameter) With the CAI alone my drivability was completely stable, idled good, no hiccups or DTCs, and I decided to see what adding a tune would do.
After some questions back and forth with a very responsive support staff at VMP I pulled the trigger and bought the handheld tuner/tune. I rec'd the new BDX (SCT) tuner with cloud capability. I thought the newer one would be the way to go but as you will read a little further in, it has issues.
For the way they write this tune I needed to put my stock MAF sensor back in to use with the CAI. After getting the old MAF back in I installed the VMP tune. The BDX backed up the stock tune as usual, and then completed the new tune. The first thing I noticed is a check engine light. I read the code, P0315. After 3 attempts to clear it with no success I was a bit concerned. Google was my friend. I quickly found out that what was needed is a crank relearn. So, off to reconnect the tuner and run the relearn function... only I couldn't find it in the menu. I called and asked VMP about this and they were under the impression this new BDX box had the same functions as the X4, but promised to follow up with SCT. In the meantime I called a local Mustang specialist/tuner and he was able to connect an X4 to clear the code for me. FYI, you do not have to marry a car to the tuner unit to run a crank relearn.
After I was set, VMP called me back and said that indeed the BDX does not have the crank relearn function and SCT has no plans to add it (I bet VMP dumps the BDX at some point) I also noticed the "KMP"? function is not on there either. At this point I'm thinking "Geez, I should have just gotten an X4." Then VMP offered to send me out an X4 and trade in my BDX. I quickly agreed since I may need this function again! When I loaded the stock tune back and then retuned with the X4 guess what popped up again? P0315. However this time I simply did a relearn and was done. You may need to do a relearn when changing out some driveline components. Reading about other's experiences, my impression is that between tuning and making part changes, the P0315 popping up is not a consistent occurrence but it can happen. That is why I wanted to have the capability to clear it.
This is why I went with a reputable and well-known tuner, these guys were very attentive and helpful before AND after the sale. I am thoroughly impressed with VMP.
As for the 91 tune, so far so good. It feels more responsive generally, but above 3000 rpm it pulls much harder than it used to, and revs up quickly! I'd say the PMAS alone added some mid to upper rpm power, but in conjunction with the tune the difference is fantastic. It has been cold this last week so I'm not getting much traction, but this thing will get loose in 2nd in a heartbeat. I've felt the car twitch when I nail it in 3rd as well. Startup and idle have been normal and I haven't encountered a single drivability issue. I hit 90 before the end of an on-ramp which caught me off guard. Revved up, it is a beast.
Overall, my first experience tuning has been a good and I would do it again, and I would definitely work with the same company again.
After some questions back and forth with a very responsive support staff at VMP I pulled the trigger and bought the handheld tuner/tune. I rec'd the new BDX (SCT) tuner with cloud capability. I thought the newer one would be the way to go but as you will read a little further in, it has issues.
For the way they write this tune I needed to put my stock MAF sensor back in to use with the CAI. After getting the old MAF back in I installed the VMP tune. The BDX backed up the stock tune as usual, and then completed the new tune. The first thing I noticed is a check engine light. I read the code, P0315. After 3 attempts to clear it with no success I was a bit concerned. Google was my friend. I quickly found out that what was needed is a crank relearn. So, off to reconnect the tuner and run the relearn function... only I couldn't find it in the menu. I called and asked VMP about this and they were under the impression this new BDX box had the same functions as the X4, but promised to follow up with SCT. In the meantime I called a local Mustang specialist/tuner and he was able to connect an X4 to clear the code for me. FYI, you do not have to marry a car to the tuner unit to run a crank relearn.
After I was set, VMP called me back and said that indeed the BDX does not have the crank relearn function and SCT has no plans to add it (I bet VMP dumps the BDX at some point) I also noticed the "KMP"? function is not on there either. At this point I'm thinking "Geez, I should have just gotten an X4." Then VMP offered to send me out an X4 and trade in my BDX. I quickly agreed since I may need this function again! When I loaded the stock tune back and then retuned with the X4 guess what popped up again? P0315. However this time I simply did a relearn and was done. You may need to do a relearn when changing out some driveline components. Reading about other's experiences, my impression is that between tuning and making part changes, the P0315 popping up is not a consistent occurrence but it can happen. That is why I wanted to have the capability to clear it.
This is why I went with a reputable and well-known tuner, these guys were very attentive and helpful before AND after the sale. I am thoroughly impressed with VMP.
As for the 91 tune, so far so good. It feels more responsive generally, but above 3000 rpm it pulls much harder than it used to, and revs up quickly! I'd say the PMAS alone added some mid to upper rpm power, but in conjunction with the tune the difference is fantastic. It has been cold this last week so I'm not getting much traction, but this thing will get loose in 2nd in a heartbeat. I've felt the car twitch when I nail it in 3rd as well. Startup and idle have been normal and I haven't encountered a single drivability issue. I hit 90 before the end of an on-ramp which caught me off guard. Revved up, it is a beast.
Overall, my first experience tuning has been a good and I would do it again, and I would definitely work with the same company again.
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