Tuning with RTD+ and VCM Editor

[mali321]

Hello guys!

I'm finally going forward with tuning my car; decided to go with Wengerd and he recommends the RTD+ device. The car is a 2019 GT manual non-PP (so 3.55 rear gears)

My question is, if I decide to changs rear gears in the future to 4.09, would I be able to use VCM Editor with the RTD+ device to make this change? There was a thread where a member mentioned the process involves changing the BCM with Forscan and the PCM through HP Tuners; however, I'm seeing some conflicting info on Google regarding whether the VCM Editor is compatible with the RTD+ or not. Do I maybe need the MPVI or maybe the SCT X4?

This was the original thread regarding the gear change and the softwares involved. Thanks for your help!

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/2019-up-4-09-rear-gear-swap.175422/post-3722406

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[SnowFox]

The RTD can be used as far as I know.

Imho stick with the 3:55 ratio though

 

[ZXMustang]

VCM scanner might let you change tire circumference, but I dont believe rear gear ratio. And with an RTD, you cant make any changes in the tunefile with it. You would need an MPVI device. Like a 2,2+ or 3. But the RTD is really just for flashing and logging. No tune changes.

 

[mali321]

The RTD can be used as far as I know.

Imho stick with the 3:55 ratio though

Okay thanks for your reply @SnowFox !

Oh really? You don't feel the stock gears (especially non-PP) are too tall? I always need to downshift into darn near red zone to get any decent pull especially at highway speeds.

I know some members have installed 4.56 and even 4.88...that honestly seems too much to me. I've seen some videos on YouTube also...it looks like if you shift close to the red you catch the next gear darn near already in the red. This was on a car with 4.56. Ironically the car with 4.88 seemed to have more revs to go. Must have been a difference in their tire sizes.

In any case, not looking to do it anytime soon. But would like to have a tuning device that is capable of changing axle ratios should I decide to do it in the future.

Thanks again for your input @SnowFox !

 

[mali321]

VCM scanner might let you change tire circumference, but I dont believe rear gear ratio. And with an RTD, you cant make any changes in the tunefile with it. You would need an MPVI device. Like a 2,2+ or 3. But the RTD is really just for flashing and logging. No tune changes.

Okay, thanks for your insight @ZXMustang ! That was what my Google searching was revealing as well. Although when I asked Wengerd they advised I would be able to change axle ratios with RTD, Avid, and SCT. Perhaps he meant he can alter the ratio in the tune file itself.

I may just go with the SCT tuner then. It is about $80 cheaper also (if you include the credits that the RTD requires).

I should see if Wengerd can leave the tune unlocked or whatever the term is, so that I can change the axle ratio on my own using the SCT device.

Thanks @ZXMustang !

 

[S550HPP]

I pretty sure it is why

VCM scanner might let you change tire circumference, but I dont believe rear gear ratio. And with an RTD, you cant make any changes in the tunefile with it. You would need an MPVI device. Like a 2,2+ or 3. But the RTD is really just for flashing and logging. No tune changes.

Yeah RTD is just the interface w car and tune file the tuner can tell you. This is not a self serve platform.

 

[Superspirit]

4.09's are awesome in a naturally aspirated gt. I've been enjoying them for 5 years now. Still get 16 city and 25 hwy.

 

[mali321]

I pretty sure it is why


Yeah RTD is just the interface w car and tune file the tuner can tell you. This is not a self serve platform.

Okay fair enough!
Will try to find out from Wengerd if they can leave the tune unlocked so I can change gear ratios using SCT X4. Thanks!

 

[mali321]

4.09's are awesome in a naturally aspirated gt. I've been enjoying them for 5 years now. Still get 16 city and 25 hwy.

Awesome sounds great! That's what I would expect. I think any shorter like 4.56 or 4.88 may be too much, but 4.09's sound like a good minimum ratio!

Can you share how you set your axle ratio? Was it part of your tune or did you use ProCal/SCT/some tuning device?

Thanks!

 

[SnowFox]

[

Okay thanks for your reply @SnowFox !

Oh really? You don't feel the stock gears (especially non-PP) are too tall? I always need to downshift into darn near red zone to get any decent pull especially at highway speeds.

I know some members have installed 4.56 and even 4.88...that honestly seems too much to me. I've seen some videos on YouTube also...it looks like if you shift close to the red you catch the next gear darn near already in the red. This was on a car with 4.56. Ironically the car with 4.88 seemed to have more revs to go. Must have been a difference in their tire sizes.

In any case, not looking to do it anytime soon. But would like to have a tuning device that is capable of changing axle ratios should I decide to do it in the future.

Thanks again for your input @SnowFox !

I replied way to fast and dont like my comment anymore lol.

Gears obviously come down to how you drive and how you want it to feel. Ignore my opinion.

 

[mali321]

[



I replied way to fast and dont like my comment anymore lol.

Gears obviously come down to how you drive and how you want it to feel. Ignore my opinion.

Absolutely fair! No worries and thanks for your input!

Yup I understand there's 2 sides to this topic: whether to change the rear gears or to adapt my driving style to work with what I got. Unfortunately I'm one of those who does not want to change his driving style haha, just kidding, but more seriously like you said it's just a matter of preference. Because I've always found the gearing to be wayy too tall ever since I got the car, so when I found the topic of changing the rear gears I personally had always been drawn to it. Who knows, I might be making a huge mistake and/or it may not be worth all that $$. I'm not doing it right now but if I do and it isn't worth it then it will be an expensive lesson for me to learn ;)

Regardless I appreciate yours and everyone else's input! Thanks @SnowFox !

 

[Superspirit]

Awesome sounds great! That's what I would expect. I think any shorter like 4.56 or 4.88 may be too much, but 4.09's sound like a good minimum ratio!

Can you share how you set your axle ratio? Was it part of your tune or did you use ProCal/SCT/some tuning device?

Thanks!

I have the ford performance tune and set it with the pro cal.
Also the 19gt's have the D4 trans. Putting in 4.09's just moved the shift points back to where they were in the plain mt82. The D4 gearing is much higher hence the need for the 4.09 change. Lots of threads discussing it.

 

[ZXMustang]

I have the ford performance tune and set it with the pro cal.
Also the 19gt's have the D4 trans. Putting in 4.09's just moved the shift points back to where they were in the plain mt82. The D4 gearing is much higher hence the need for the 4.09 change. Lots of threads discussing it.

I just tuned a guy with the frpp performance pack/tune. There was a ton left on the table from that tune. Talk about blowing his mind. Good base, but it was surprisingly rich and needed a ton of refinement.

 

[mali321]

I have the ford performance tune and set it with the pro cal.
Also the 19gt's have the D4 trans. Putting in 4.09's just moved the shift points back to where they were in the plain mt82. The D4 gearing is much higher hence the need for the 4.09 change. Lots of threads discussing it.

Yup definitely, that's what sort of prompted me to start looking more into it! Apparently the 4.56 are closer to the 3.73 in the regular MT82, but some people say that is too much gear even on the factory PP for those years. And of course on the other side there's those who say "don't fear the gear" and send it haha

At this point, even though I'm not doing it anytime soon, I'm leaning more towards the 4.09 as you and others have been very happy with it, so thanks for sharing your feedback and letting me know the tool you had used! I know ProCal is perfect/no issues for up to 4.09 gears.

In terms of why I plan to go with Wengerd (in case it helps others make a decision), like ZXMustang mentioned, a few users had commented that the FP tune is more safe/conservative than others. There's a difference over stock for sure, absolutely, but because it is a warrantied tune I guess it may be a little more on the safe side. Which is good if someone plans to get the tune while under warranty (or just feel comfortable knowing it's an OE tune, which I understand).

 

[SheepDog]

Don't buy an RTD. get the MPVI3

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