My Wengerd Experience

[Robottrainer]

Very interesting document. Thanks! Mines a 2021. so far I didnt need the drum or can repair. I think the drum issue was a combination of poor design and excessive heat. I dont belive many mustangs had the problem unless you tracked the car. The F150 would have had a more day to day issue since truck, in many cases, are worked hard.

In your case, I doubt the drum was the issue. they were grasping.

Fords initial trans strategy was terrible. most of it done by what is now called AI. unfortunately AI is also garbage in garbage out. they seem to have finally gotten their act together. im sure this crappy strategy has shortened the life of many a transmission.

Yes, they will do a thing to deny warranty.

Fair warning. you are probably looking at about 1000 dollars by the time you buy the HP device for loading the new strategy and the tune.

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[BullittBoy]

Fair warning. you are probably looking at about 1000 dollars by the time you buy the HP device for loading the new strategy and the tune.

That's about right-
399 for the HPVI4
199 for the credits you'll need for the HPVI4 or RTD device(4)
349 for the tune-BUT! Wengerd support is awesome, as are a lot of other tuners. I used 5Star for my 2020 Bullitt but I took it there and had it dyno tuned, not remote tuned. Very happy with 5Star as well, but I have seen so much about Wengerd, I figured I'd give him a try for the MACH 1.

I just did my Wengerd tune in the last week for my 2023 MACH 1. I added the JLT 120MM intake. My car is a A10 car with only the JLT and a STEEDA H Pipe. I can say without a doubt, not only does the car pull harder and run better all around, but the shifting is crisper, perfectly spaced and way better than on the stock calibration. In "S" it really comes alive. Can't wait to hit the strip to see how better it performs.

It took me three tune revisions and 6 data logs I sent to Wengerd over 3 days to get it dialed in. Just make sure you have good top tier gas if you do a 93 tune (or good E85 if you go that route) when you do your runs/data logs. I would put my car on a tender when you flash to make sure your voltage stays constant. A voltage drop in the middle of a flash can cause issues. You don't have to, but it just is a safer way to flash ensuring your voltage remains steady and constant.

Also don't be surprised if you get the "wrench" after you flash a tune. Wengerd said it is not common and doesn't happen on all cars, but he has seen it before. It doesn't happen on my Bullitt when I flash it, but when I flash the MACH 1, it trips the wrench and after the flash is complete, I simply disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reset it and then everything is fine.

Car runs so good. I will use Wengerd again if I do more mods or when I add some boost to the car next year.

 

[Qcman17]

Very interesting document. Thanks! Mines a 2021. so far I didnt need the drum or can repair. I think the drum issue was a combination of poor design and excessive heat. I dont belive many mustangs had the problem unless you tracked the car. The F150 would have had a more day to day issue since truck, in many cases, are worked hard.

In your case, I doubt the drum was the issue. they were grasping.

Fords initial trans strategy was terrible. most of it done by what is now called AI. unfortunately AI is also garbage in garbage out. they seem to have finally gotten their act together. im sure this crappy strategy has shortened the life of many a transmission.

Yes, they will do a thing to deny warranty.

Yeah I read one of the technical threads where EngineerMike mentioned that. Crazy they would develop the software that way for a car. No wonder it’s a shitshow.

I’ve made an appointment for next Friday to have my car looked at again and see what happens though likely nothing. If nothing comes out of it I’m going to have Wengerd tune the car. If something does come then I’ve addressed it while I still have some warranty. I’m going to bring the tsb and push for the testing. I figured another week or so at this point doesn’t matter much. I’ll report back on how that went.

 

[Qcman17]

Fair warning. you are probably looking at about 1000 dollars by the time you buy the HP device for loading the new strategy and the tune.

Yeah I was guessing 800 to 1000 US plus rate conversion and likely duty costs on the device when it gets shipped in. Oof but if it gives me the car I want I’m fine with that.

 

[Qcman17]

That's about right-
399 for the HPVI4
199 for the credits you'll need for the HPVI4 or RTD device(4)
349 for the tune-BUT! Wengerd support is awesome, as are a lot of other tuners. I used 5Star for my 2020 Bullitt but I took it there and had it dyno tuned, not remote tuned. Very happy with 5Star as well, but I have seen so much about Wengerd, I figured I'd give him a try for the MACH 1.

I just did my Wengerd tune in the last week for my 2023 MACH 1. I added the JLT 120MM intake. My car is a A10 car with only the JLT and a STEEDA H Pipe. I can say without a doubt, not only does the car pull harder and run better all around, but the shifting is crisper, perfectly spaced and way better than on the stock calibration. In "S" it really comes alive. Can't wait to hit the strip to see how better it performs.

It took me three tune revisions and 6 data logs I sent to Wengerd over 3 days to get it dialed in. Just make sure you have good top tier gas if you do a 93 tune (or good E85 if you go that route) when you do your runs/data logs. I would put my car on a tender when you flash to make sure your voltage stays constant. A voltage drop in the middle of a flash can cause issues. You don't have to, but it just is a safer way to flash ensuring your voltage remains steady and constant.

Also don't be surprised if you get the "wrench" after you flash a tune. Wengerd said it is not common and doesn't happen on all cars, but he has seen it before. It doesn't happen on my Bullitt when I flash it, but when I flash the MACH 1, it trips the wrench and after the flash is complete, I simply disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reset it and then everything is fine.

Car runs so good. I will use Wengerd again if I do more mods or when I add some boost to the car next year.

Thx was the A10 shifting in your Mach sketchy at times too?

 

[John S]

Is rev-hang something that can be deleted in a tune? I want the throttle to respond to my gas pedal command when I'm up-shifting my TR3160 and the ECU doesn't always allow enough RPM drop to skip-shift. Example: During a WOT 2-3 shift the ECU keeps the RPM high to insure a smooth transition into 3rd however if I decide I'm not going to continue maintaining WOT and I let off the throttle to skip into 4th or 5th I have to wait for the RPM to drop, and it's not because of flywheel inertia, it's because the ECU is interfering with my gas-pedal command to immediately reduce throttle position.

 

[galaxy]

Is rev-hang something that can be deleted in a tune? I want the throttle to respond to my gas pedal command when I'm up-shifting my TR3160 and the ECU doesn't always allow enough RPM drop to skip-shift. Example: During a WOT 2-3 shift the ECU keeps the RPM high to insure a smooth transition into 3rd however if I decide I'm not going to continue maintaining WOT and I let off the throttle to skip into 4th or 5th I have to wait for the RPM to drop, and it's not because of flywheel inertia, it's because the ECU is interfering with my gas-pedal command to immediately reduce throttle position.

Yes. It's an on/off switch and I think it's called throttle hang/rev hang or one other name. Looking for it now. But yes, can turn it off and it does what you're describing. But, it's not as drastic as you may be hoping for. It's not as agressive as in a carbureated car where the throttle just cuts when you lift. It's better, but with all the smooth drivability nannies you get with a fuel injected car, it's still a soft rev down. That also can probably be tuned out, but that's beyond my capabilities.

 

[BullittBoy]

Thx was the A10 shifting in your Mach sketchy at times too?

I wouldn't say sketchy but the adapt tables needed to be reset for sure. It shifted kindy hard from 1 to 2 when I was WOT. I bought my car used with 25K miles on it. When you take it in, I would just have them reset the trans adapt tables and then it takes a few drive cycles for the car to "learn" your throttle habits. But if you get it tuned, the trans gets tuned as well. If the car has 25K miles or more, and if not done already, I would service the trans with fresh fluid and a new filter. I assume they did that when the valve body got addressed?

I got mine tuned due to adding the JLT intake but getting the trans tuned is a side benefit. I just got back from a nice, spirited drive just now and love the results of the tune from Wengerd. Load the TDN app on your phone. You'll need to "link" to Wengerd to start the process. He'll send you a code you enter in the app to set up your account, assuming you use HP tuners. Not sure about using the SCT handheld device, for those usually, you get the tune emailed to you and you load it to the device, then flash the car.

If you go HP Tuners, once he makes your first tune, you'll see it in a folder in the TDN app and you will flash it from your phone to the car via the ODB interface you decide to use. I like HP Tuners and already had a MPVI4, so all I had to do was buy credits for the MACH 1 and link to Wengerd. There are other ODB tools you can use with Wengerd like SCT but I prefer HP Tuners since I have multiple cars/truck I use it on. Plus I like the HP Tuner software on the laptop to look at my log files.

1000 bucks seems like a lot and it is, but you end up with a better driving car, more power and the ability to grow and mod the car if you do future upgrades. You only have to buy the credits once per vehicle.

 

[Headless Horseman]

Wengerd is a great person to deal with. I cant count the number of revisions I've had for me and my OCD. Wengerd helps me no matter the problem. My car drives the way it should've from the factory thanks to that man. The last revised tune he sent me came as a complete surprise. I'd done injectors and a fuel pump. I did my logs and after 2 revisions he said everything looked great and I was good to go. I was happy the car was phenomenal. About three weeks later he sent an email saying try this tune. Completely surprised I immediately uploaded it. I was mindblown he actually had improved it even more! I dont know the difference in the two tunes. Wengerd reminds me of the type of people who made this hobby so engaging and enjoyable for me.

 

[Bullitt_Will]

That's about right-
399 for the HPVI4
199 for the credits you'll need for the HPVI4 or RTD device(4)
349 for the tune-BUT! Wengerd support is awesome, as are a lot of other tuners. I used 5Star for my 2020 Bullitt but I took it there and had it dyno tuned, not remote tuned. Very happy with 5Star as well, but I have seen so much about Wengerd, I figured I'd give him a try for the MACH 1.

I just did my Wengerd tune in the last week for my 2023 MACH 1. I added the JLT 120MM intake. My car is a A10 car with only the JLT and a STEEDA H Pipe. I can say without a doubt, not only does the car pull harder and run better all around, but the shifting is crisper, perfectly spaced and way better than on the stock calibration. In "S" it really comes alive. Can't wait to hit the strip to see how better it performs.

It took me three tune revisions and 6 data logs I sent to Wengerd over 3 days to get it dialed in. Just make sure you have good top tier gas if you do a 93 tune (or good E85 if you go that route) when you do your runs/data logs. I would put my car on a tender when you flash to make sure your voltage stays constant. A voltage drop in the middle of a flash can cause issues. You don't have to, but it just is a safer way to flash ensuring your voltage remains steady and constant.

Also don't be surprised if you get the "wrench" after you flash a tune. Wengerd said it is not common and doesn't happen on all cars, but he has seen it before. It doesn't happen on my Bullitt when I flash it, but when I flash the MACH 1, it trips the wrench and after the flash is complete, I simply disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reset it and then everything is fine.

Car runs so good. I will use Wengerd again if I do more mods or when I add some boost to the car next year.

What benefit did you see in the Bullitt? I’m interested in tuning mine, but it feels like most of the changes benefit the the automatic transmission versus the manual. An E85 tune is out of the question since I live in an area that doesn’t have an E85 stations. Thanks.

 

[Beaujangles]

I used Wingard on my ESS boosted Bullitt (93 octane, 125 pully) no issues at all other than having to do a serious wheel and tire upgrade, as the stock 275s didn't stand a chance in the lower gears at WOT...as for a NA tune, I ran a Steeda tune by James which was also problem free prior to going boosted...

 

[BullittBoy]

What benefit did you see in the Bullitt? I’m interested in tuning mine, but it feels like most of the changes benefit the the automatic transmission versus the manual. An E85 tune is out of the question since I live in an area that doesn’t have an E85 stations. Thanks.

Well, I had 5Star install Stainless works headers, GREEN Cats and a H Pipe. The biggest improvement was the low end to mid range pull. It pulls way harder now and I don't think you need to add the headers to get that from a tune, but it doesn't hurt. FORD's stock calibration is not bad, but there is always some there to be had with a good tuner. I want to upgrade the intake as the stock GT350 intake is nice, but I want to remove that carbon filter in there and tweak the tune to get s little more. My car is at 485/435 right now, so if I massage the intake and get the tune updated, I should be able to get right at 500 to the wheels. What I am really wanting now though is a Tremec Magnum XL swap! The new ones are plug and play and keep the down shift rev matching and back up camera with a more robust trans that can handle some track abuse. I already have a set of beefed GForce up axles I need to install. Stockers will only handle so many launches at the track before they let go. Same for the MACH 1, fresh axles inbound so my girl and I can go to the track and beat on them without fear of breaking axles.

 

[Robottrainer]

That's about right-
399 for the HPVI4
199 for the credits you'll need for the HPVI4 or RTD device(4)
349 for the tune-BUT! Wengerd support is awesome, as are a lot of other tuners. I used 5Star for my 2020 Bullitt but I took it there and had it dyno tuned, not remote tuned. Very happy with 5Star as well, but I have seen so much about Wengerd, I figured I'd give him a try for the MACH 1.

I just did my Wengerd tune in the last week for my 2023 MACH 1. I added the JLT 120MM intake. My car is a A10 car with only the JLT and a STEEDA H Pipe. I can say without a doubt, not only does the car pull harder and run better all around, but the shifting is crisper, perfectly spaced and way better than on the stock calibration. In "S" it really comes alive. Can't wait to hit the strip to see how better it performs.

It took me three tune revisions and 6 data logs I sent to Wengerd over 3 days to get it dialed in. Just make sure you have good top tier gas if you do a 93 tune (or good E85 if you go that route) when you do your runs/data logs. I would put my car on a tender when you flash to make sure your voltage stays constant. A voltage drop in the middle of a flash can cause issues. You don't have to, but it just is a safer way to flash ensuring your voltage remains steady and constant.

Also don't be surprised if you get the "wrench" after you flash a tune. Wengerd said it is not common and doesn't happen on all cars, but he has seen it before. It doesn't happen on my Bullitt when I flash it, but when I flash the MACH 1, it trips the wrench and after the flash is complete, I simply disconnect the negative terminal on the battery to reset it and then everything is fine.

Car runs so good. I will use Wengerd again if I do more mods or when I add some boost to the car next year.

Not surprising it might take a couple of tries. There are variations car to car. its why some have more and/or different problems than others.

 

[John S]

What I am really wanting now though is a Tremec Magnum XL swap! The new ones are plug and play and keep the down shift rev matching and back up camera with a more robust trans that can handle some track abuse.

Built in cooler pump, too? These cars have sooooo much potential I wish AWD was available to utilize the extra power the way a BMW M3/M4 Competition can break into single digit quarter mile times in full street trim (reliably) with a simple tune.

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