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93 Octane Tune Questions?

OP
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Hey OP, I recently got a 93 tune from Rob Shoemaker (former PBD) through Lethal Performance. Although mine is a 16 GT with a MT, I have a similar mostly stock setup like you; a CAI and Corsa catback. Personally, the tune was worth the cost for me ($450 all in) and I don't think you'll be disappointed either if you went through with it.

I happened to score a brand new open box SCT BDX for $150 though, which is a steal. So that offset the $300 cost of the tune for me and made it worth it. However, it would have cost a lot more if I had to buy the SCT for retail though, and I'm not sure I could have justified the expense in that case.

Rob claims my tune should get me roughly 30-40 more WHP, but idk for sure since I don't have any plans to dyno it. He also never mentioned any specific torque numbers. All I know, is the car pulls a lot harder and is much more responsive. Before the tune, I didn't think the car could be more fun to drive, but I was wrong lol. I have no regrets, and I don't think you will either. Unfortunately, E85 isn't widely available near me, otherwise I'd pay for a flex tune somewhere down the line. But for now, the 93 tune is more practical for me.

Personally, since you have an unlocked SCT already, just go with one of the reputable tuners that use that device, which you already seem to have researched. Starting from scratch to go with Lund for almost $1k doesn't seem feasible for a stock car that you don't plan on modding any further. Just my 2¢.
Funny you say this. I was just reading up this morning on PBD and came across Shoemaker having his own tuning company now. Based on my research PBD and Lund seem to be one of the best and oldest to the platform.

I was considering PBD due to using SCT BDX instead of HPT for Lund. The difference of $500 is pretty significant. If I decide to do SCT, would you suggest going directly to Rob instead of PBD (I'd imagine they are still using his files?).

I know you have MT, but is the tune only for normal mode or are all mods (S+, Track etc) impacted?

Does Rob have his own website with more info? I couldn't find it aside from his insta and Lethal's website?
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BlueThunder16

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Funny you say this. I was just reading up this morning on PBD and came across Shoemaker having his own tuning company now. Based on my research PBD and Lund seem to be one of the best and oldest to the platform.

I was considering PBD due to using SCT BDX instead of HPT for Lund. The difference of $500 is pretty significant. If I decide to do SCT, would you suggest going directly to Rob instead of PBD (I'd imagine they are still using his files?).

I know you have MT, but is the tune only for normal mode or are all mods (S+, Track etc) impacted?

Does Rob have his own website with more info? I couldn't find it aside from his insta and Lethal's website?

Not sure if Rob and PBD are still sharing the same tune files. I learned about Rob and his reputation over the course of a couple months researching tuners when I was getting ready to pull the trigger. I've read many people say he was the backbone for S550 tunes when he was working at PBD, and I also read there were other great tuners there as well. Who knows....I guess the debate has gone back and forth and will probably continue to. If you decide to go with Rob, you can only buy his tunes though Lethal Performance.

As far as driving modes, I believe my tune applies to all of them, but I never drove my car in anything other than sport mode.
 

BlueThunder16

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OP, I responded to your last question somewhere back there in case you missed it. You can PM me if you have more questions since I just went through all this. Tuning is new territory for me so I'll answer what I can
 

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I've had a 2014 GT and a 2019 Bullitt. Have had tunes from Lund, Ford Performance and Livernois.

Lund - felt like stock in almost every aspect save for a little bit more throttle response. Time slip showed about a 30hp gain on a 2014.

Ford Performance - Best throttle feel hands down. Slower than Lund by .15 seconds and 1mph at the track. Part of this was because of the rev limiter on the tune, was not raised high enough with 3.73s (S197 car).

Livernois: Have 93 performance and flex tune on the 2019 Bullitt Just getting the E85 tune learned last couple of days due to thunderstorms. At 72% learned right now and it's night and day difference. Pulls like crazy from 4,000rpm - 7600rpm. No issues at all with cold start up on E. Cranks no different than with 93 octane. Revs up smoother, cleaner, runs 10-degrees cooler.

The 93 octane tune has a noticeably more bottom end, and a nice gain up top. They are a partner of Fords, and likely have access to every parameter available. If you're just doing a 93 tune, it's a great value at $599. For a basic tune only car, that's all you really need. If you're looking at a Flex Tune, even better, it's $100 add on, saving $300+ over the competition.

It seems like of all the "name" tuners, PBD has a number of less than stellar comments about shifting, starting, etc. Lund is plug and play but the cost is a bit much. Livernois with their Ford partnership is what ultimately sold me coupled with the value. Does what I wanted without having fiddle with fuel testing.
 

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The 93 octane tune has a noticeably more bottom end, and a nice gain up top. They are a partner of Fords, and likely have access to every parameter available. If you're just doing a 93 tune, it's a great value at $599. For a basic tune only car, that's all you really need. If you're looking at a Flex Tune, even better, it's $100 add on, saving $300+ over the competition.
except it's a "dead end" ref their tuning devices, yes?
Other tuners use standard hardware (HP, SCT) so you can run any number of different tunes, should you desire...
 

ZXMustang

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If you must use SCT, then get it from Rob Shoemaker/Lethal or Shaun at AED. For HP Tuners, get a wengerd tune. Forget the horseshit lund or PBD garbage. You are getting canned tunes and they will "fire you" if you push back even a little. They dont value their customers, or repeat business. Just on to the next bolt-on car looking for that quick $500. Moreso Lund. His company and his attitude are toxic and he needs to be taken out of consideration for any future business from sites like this. Seeing people who know nothing, and never used his products/tunes incessantly pushing his name is vomit inducing.

Save yourself the cash and get with Rob Shoemaker or Derel Wengerd. I have my own thoughts on Shaun with AED as well, but at least his tunes make his piss poor attitude worth having to deal with.
 

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ZXMustang

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Did you look into what it can do ? No ? K.
I use HP tuners and have a real custom tune. Not sure what you’ve convinced yourself of, but canned tunes are just a starting point. You are leaving a ton on the table.
 

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ZXMustang

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Very good. Please let me know if I phucken mentioned custom tunes, thanks.
You said your canned tunes couldn’t be beat. Lol. I remember when canned tunes were cool like 20 years ago. Diablosport is a fukken joke and has been for like 5+ years.
 

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You said your canned tunes couldn’t be beat. Lol. I remember when canned tunes were cool like 20 years ago. Diablosport is a fukken joke and has been for like 5+ years.
Right. I shoulda know better than to argue with tards. You win bud.
 

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except it's a "dead end" ref their tuning devices, yes?
Other tuners use standard hardware (HP, SCT) so you can run any number of different tunes, should you desire...
It is, but what are you plans for the car? They can tune to your mods for usual bolt on stuff. Everyone's stuff is essentially a copy and paste base file. Why wouldn't it be? Manufacturers don't custom tune every car off the assembly line. With common modifications, everything should be relatively close with regards to fueling and air flow. The biggest variable is fuel quality in your area. Lund was able to add in a few degrees of timing on the bottom for me simply because the 93 in my area is very good and consistent.

I know that gets thrown around a lot, "but what if I decide to put a blower on it!!!" Okay...then what's another $300 if you're spending $10,000? Are you REALLY going to buy one in the future, or is it going to end up on a used car lot in 2 years? My junk usually does, that's why I don't worry about it.
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