Poll: Cosmetic vs Performance

[Braski]

Yes the aftermarket tunes are THAT much better. The car will drive better, shift better, have more power through the entire RPM range.

And if you get a tune from a specific person at a tuning company, and that person leaves, the company will still take care of you. Each company pretty much has their base file for certain mods, and any tuner from that company can make adjustments and read logs.

Better doesn't necessarily mean the most peak hp. I believe we are going to have to agree to disagree on this sir!

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[cchvyd28]

Better doesn't necessarily mean the most peak hp. I believe we are going to have to agree to disagree on this sir!

A tune from Ford is going to be more conservative on many factors, IE timing, shift firmness and pressure, rpm limit etc. It has to be to be easier on the components of the car to keep the warranty intact. Not saying that aftermarket tunes are dangerous, just saying Ford stays on the side of caution where other tuners will push a bit more. So in that case, if your car is getting more timing, at a higher rpm, yes the peak hp will be higher. Not to mention the much improved shift schedule and feel and overall driveability improvement.

 

[NoVaGT]

If it was me, I'd do what I've done........of course.

CAI & tune (don't let folks scare you about the warranty, that's a bunch of hooey), then suspension.

Trust me when I tell you, a properly sorted suspension is.......amazing. And 30HP more, with a massively improved throttle response, is very entertaining.

FWIW, when your suspension is sorted, the car is........almost boring. It's just not as exciting as when the stock suspension feels like it's threatening to toss you into a ditch at a moments notice. The car becomes stable, planted, the ride is better, harshness is gone, and it even made my transmission shift better.

And dear God skip that rear wing. These cars (especially in your color) look so elegant and sleek without it. And their only use is to mess with your rearward visibility.

 

[Braski]

A tune from Ford is going to be more conservative on many factors, IE timing, shift firmness and pressure, rpm limit etc. It has to be to be easier on the components of the car to keep the warranty intact. Not saying that aftermarket tunes are dangerous, just saying Ford stays on the side of caution where other tuners will push a bit more. So in that case, if your car is getting more timing, at a higher rpm, yes the peak hp will be higher. Not to mention the much improved shift schedule and feel and overall driveability improvement.

I agree a good aftermarket tune should out perform a pp2 tune but I have raced to many cars at the track to say that is the case. Yes, I have alot of suspension work that helps me in the 60 ft but on stock suspension I was still running 115 mph in the 1/4 mid. I seen guys with aftermarket tunes only running 112-114 and even a guy with long tubes trapping only 115. With that said I have seen some tuned cars running faster but with long tubes and or on E85. I not referring to seeing on YouTube but in person at the track the same day I was running.

 

[Bear376]

Performance mods are great if you are into track racing, but the first rule of racing is you are not doing it right if you don't break something. For those of us that want a daily driver, mild mods are acceptable. A car, especially a Mustang is a canvas to express one's vision. And no one should buy a Mustang to leave it a blank canvas. That is what Camaros are for.

 

[Condor1970]

For me it's cosmetic. First thing I did was tint the windows, and buy a nicer set of R350 wheels. The car has plenty of performance for me. About the only performance part I bought so far is a direct replacement AEM dry air filter to replace the paper OEM filter...not much of a mod though.

Oh, and an NRA sticker on the back window.

 

[Tbird232ci]

I chose cosmetic.

If I could start all over with cars in general, I would have much rather spent my money doing track days and driving classes. Drivers mod is the best investment in my opinion.

 

[sw686blue]

Sorry I haven't checked back sooner. Been out pushing the wife aroumd in Royal Crimson w/BAP wheelchair Christmas shopping.

Looks like ..the overwhelming consensus is performance. I spoke with a local dealer yesterday. He did instill a sense of confidence when I asked about them doing the PP2 install. Going to try another dealer tomorrow.

As for my exhaust issue, I don't want LTH. A cat-back or axle back is going to be choice. Trying to find one that isn't super loud, just a bump or two above stock is fine for me.

Thanks to all for the valuable input.

I, too, upgraded my exhaust by installing the Corsa Sport axle-backs. Expensive? Yes. Sound? Glorious!

Perfect amount of loudness and just sounds so good. It really is intoxicating. And the bonus, zero drone.

 

[sw686blue]

As good as my suspension is, I love my exhaust and what it adds to the driving experience just as much.

After installing my Corsas, I spent well over 2 hours driving the car just to hear that exhaust. It is crazy good!!!

 

[samd1351]

Well, I've tried a couple of different Ford dealers, one isn't sure about the PP2 install (they haven't done one in a long time and aren't sure if they'll do it if I bring in the parts), and the other will install the parts but won't install the tune. I'm going to give one or two more a shot.

Anyone in the KC area know of a dealer or an ASE shop that does tunes?

 

[tj@steeda]

Great recommendation!

https://www.steeda.com/Steeda-S550-...esonator-Delete-X-Pipe-2015-2018_p_15368.html

https://www.steeda.com/steeda-s550-h-pipe-555-3611

Let us know if we can help assist!

TJ

 

[serpent]

I would trade in the '17 for a '19 PP2!

 

[samd1351]

Great recommendation!

https://www.steeda.com/Steeda-S550-...esonator-Delete-X-Pipe-2015-2018_p_15368.html

https://www.steeda.com/steeda-s550-h-pipe-555-3611

Let us know if we can help assist!

TJ

Don't worry TJ, you'll be one of the first guys I hit up the day after Christmas!

Bjstang, the 2 Ford dealers I tried are both big dealers in the greater Kansas City area. There are a couple more I'm going try. After that, may look for a tuner shop. Only problem with those, the few around KC aren't open on Saturday! Makes it kind of tough to get a read on them.

 

[Mr. Met]

Not sure how far away Wichita is from you but there is a Ford Performance dealer there.

 

[samd1351]

Not sure how far away Wichita is from you but there is a Ford Performance dealer there.

That's about a 3 hour drive. Might be able to make it a weekend getaway

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