Bad Octane? Spark Plugs? Whipple Mustang.

[KT3]

Hey!

So, I’m sure the reception from the type of details I’ll get will be interesting, but I think it’s safe to say everyone has a feel for their car, so when somethings not the same as it was, we can only assume.

I have a 2019 Mustang GT, Gen 5 Whipple - A10. (13.7k KM’s).

A couple months ago I took my car out of storage to get the OPG’s done. I did my best to drain the fuel, and fill up at a common gas station (94).

My shop said the car was pulling timing, and it MAY be due to bad octane. So they added booster and told me to stop going to that one station.

Car felt great, the booster really changed the dynamics, at least the noise (the pops were insane). Of course after the booster finally depleted, the car was back to its “normal” stage. The sound, the performance, everything was to its normal standard (sound wise).

As of 2 weekends ago, I noticed the car sounding differently, and i’m not talking about idle or having an engine light come up or running codes… But I noticed that the aggressiveness of the pop/ backfire wasn’t as “aggressive… So I thought, okay maybe it’s the fuel.. Car was sitting for 2 weeks at that point.

I drained the fuel, filled up… Again, this weekend, and same issue… Just not really giving that same “ooomf”. Very “shy” and wasn’t as sensitive when decelling. (Imagine forcing a burp but it isn’t coming out).

So I’m wondering if it could be a combination of bad fuel, plugs are going…? Not sure.

Sponsored

 

[babrams3]

What fuel is the car tuned to? And these engines are sensitive, a hot day versus a cold day can be a dramatic difference in "oomf". Hot day down here in florida mine is suttle and a little laggy. Cold day and that thing shouts and crackles, much snappier

 

[KT3]

What fuel is the car tuned to? And these engines are sensitive, a hot day versus a cold day can be a dramatic difference in "oomf". Hot day down here in florida mine is suttle and a little laggy. Cold day and that thing shouts and crackles, much snappier

The car is tuned for 93/94. I only fill up for 94. Also interesting take, because I find that on a hot day it’s way more aggressive versus a cold day. My theory was because when it’s hot the engine is running hotter so in theory it’s creating bigger explosions, versus a cold day, the engine is cooler, therefore creating weaker ones..

 

[drive_55_not]

The car is tuned for 93/94. I only fill up for 94. Also interesting take, because I find that on a hot day it’s way more aggressive versus a cold day. My theory was because when it’s hot the engine is running hotter so in theory it’s creating bigger explosions, versus a cold day, the engine is cooler, therefore creating weaker ones..

You've got that backwards, Cold air = BIGGER Power causing explosions which is good.


Hot air will cause weaker power robbing explosions, which is bad.

Past that, what do the data logs look like?

.

 

[KT3]

You've got that backwards, Cold air = BIGGER Power causing explosions which is good.


Hot air will cause weaker power robbing explosions, which is bad.

Past that, what do the data logs look like?

.

Fair enough, I agree with you. That makes a ton of sense, but here’s the thing… I noticed in the colder months (september, october) when it starts to get chilly, the car behaves as it does now… With less explosion (from an exhuast aspect) l. I understand it’s “boost” season”, but also i tend to think when they change to “winter blend” the car is less aggressive…

Since it’s mid July, i’m a little concerned why i’m already experiencing this, which is why it made me wonder…

The car goes into the shop this Friday coming up, so i’ll keep you guys updated. Just wondering what it could be, or if i sound crazy lol.

Sponsored