Tuning your own Ecoboost Mustang!??

2042 Views 47 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Coyote Chaser, 6 d ago

Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Step 1) I'm taking a course on EFI Tuning.

Step 2) I'm researching equipment needed.

Question, how many of us are doing our own electronic tuning and do you have recommendations for training and equipment?

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #21 · 2 mo ago

Buldawg76 said:
So, I have looked over the HP site and see the MPVI3 dongle is 399 but I am guessing you have to buy credits as well to access the tuning software for the VCM editor and VCM scanner capabilities. Or is that included in the 399 cost. I see they offer different levels or number of credits so just curious as to how many credits we need for our ecos to have full access for tuning.

BD

I've only started doing research. I was hoping to talk with HPtuners at the upcoming NMRA event in Rockingham NC. But, I just can't afford to risk overheating my motor again, so I've decided to sit out, this and maybe the next race.
As for the tuning equipment, I'm concerned that I've missed some expense. I know you have to purchase the device ($400) and at least 4 credits ($49 each), but that seems cheap, compared to what I spent on Cobb's device, etc.
So, I'm still digging to find other expenses.

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Buldawg76

· #22 · 2 mo ago

Coyote Chaser said:
I've only started doing research. I was hoping to talk with HPtuners at the upcoming NMRA event in Rockingham NC. But, I just can't afford to risk overheating my motor again, so I've decided to sit out, this and maybe the next race.
As for the tuning equipment, I'm concerned that I've missed some expense. I know you have to purchase the device ($400) and at least 4 credits ($49 each), but that seems cheap, compared to what I spent on Cobb's device, etc.
So, I'm still digging to find other expenses.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I have come up with as well but just unsure if 4 credits would be enough to do everything, we need to tune our ecos fully. It will be about a year or more for me to even begin getting into the process since I am waiting on my 3/36 warranty to expire (12/8/2020 in service date) so your experience/results will be very informative for many of us here.

I should have talked to HP more in depth while on the power tour last June since they were at all the stops on the tour, but I was not even thinking about doing any of my own tuning having just installed the FP tune in my car and was happy with it at the time. I had not yet found the issues with part of the program being non functional at that time yet. The car runs great just not happy that I got shortchanged on all the functions of the FP tune.

Hoping you find either the HP tuner or another system available to do what we need to take out tuning of our ecos into our own control and abilities.

BD

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #23 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

Buldawg76 said:
Yeah, that's pretty much what I have come up with as well but just unsure if 4 credits would be enough to do everything, we need to tune our ecos fully. It will be about a year or more for me to even begin getting into the process since I am waiting on my 3/36 warranty to expire (12/8/2020 in service date) so your experience/results will be very informative for many of us here.

I should have talked to HP more in depth while on the power tour last June since they were at all the stops on the tour, but I was not even thinking about doing any of my own tuning having just installed the FP tune in my car and was happy with it at the time. I had not yet found the issues with part of the program being non functional at that time yet. The car runs great just not happy that I got shortchanged on all the functions of the FP tune.

Hoping you find either the HP tuner or another system available to do what we need to take out tuning of our ecos into our own control and abilities.

BD

Hopefully I'll figure things out by the end of your 3/36... lol

I do have 1 good tune, revision 6 (93 octane) and if push comes to shove, I can always reload it and head to the track. I ran mid to high 12s with it. And at the time, I was burning mixed fuel (93 pump and VP X85 or E25+) and still had the old stock turbocharger!??

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ihasnostang

· #24 · 2 mo ago

that sounds like enormous task, especially if you are starting from scratch. Tuning an older LS probably isn't too bad, but adding in VCT, boost pressure, wastegate duty cycle etc increases complexity quickly. Its probably going to require a lot of seat time testing out different portions of the map. It would be nice if cobb brought back accesstuner

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #25 · 2 mo ago

Still working on the online tuning courses from HP Academy. It's almost entertaining, similar to a computer game! They do a good job, walking you through the steps. Only draw back is that it is time consuming and will involve a lot of tests and tunes. But, that's all part of the learning process.
Still haven't heard back from HPtuner, concerning the Hardware/Software required and overall cost!?

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #26 · 2 mo ago

"Manage Vehicle Controls. Unlike the average scan tools at your local auto part stores, MPVI3 and the power of VCM Scanner can control functions like open and closed loop, fans, gear select, timing, and air-fuel ratio—without flashing your control module."

Am I reading this right? You can use an HPtuners device, to control your ignition timing and air fuel ratio, and without reflashing (and cancelling your warranty) your ECU??
Being able to modify the big 3 (ignition, fuel and air) is a big deal for self tuner!!

Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #27 · 1 mo ago

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While I'm waiting to hear back from HPtuner!?? I'm working on reprogramming my Split Second piggyback controller.
I've also located a device that will allow me to make changes to my diesel truck! Looks like it could be fun to play with!?

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #28 · 1 mo ago

Chatted with HPtuners, They are similar to Cobb. And just like Cobb, even their Pro Tuners are limited to what they can modify, but at least they are willing to work with the private owner/tuner, and are prepared with both education and support.

Not sure what I will do, but even if I just reload my stage 3 OTS tune and head to the track with a tank of 93 octane (spiked with a little VP X85 ethanol), I should be able to run high 12s (without over heating my combustion chambers) in the quarter mile. And that's within a 1/4 of a second to the E85/NX2 professional tune I took to the NMRA Spring Break Shootout.

Reactions: 1

ihasnostang

· #29 · 1 mo ago

Coyote Chaser said:
Chatted with HPtuners, They are similar to Cobb. And just like Cobb, even their Pro Tuners are limited to what they can modify, but at least they are willing to work with the private owner/tuner, and are prepared with both education and support.

Not sure what I will do, but even if I just reload my stage 3 OTS tune and head to the track with a tank of 93 octane (spiked with a little VP X85 ethanol), I should be able to run high 12s (without over heating my combustion chambers) in the quarter mile. And that's within a 1/4 of a second to the E85/NX2 professional tune I took to the NMRA Spring Break Shootout.

what are you going to do with your port injection then? if you switch back to an OTS i would definitely ease into, and progressively work your way up with the throttle, giving the computer time to learn

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #30 · 1 mo ago

ihasnostang said:
what are you going to do with your port injection then? if you switch back to an OTS i would definitely ease into, and progressively work your way up with the throttle, giving the computer time to learn

Thanks, it is a concern definitely. For now, I'm approaching the port injectors, as a source of cooling my combustion chambers. I have excess into the controller with my laptop, and after I rewrite the fuel map, I'm hoping, I can adjust the multiplier in a negative direction. Starting very low and watching the AFR and head temperatures.
I ran the OTS, stage 3 tune with blended fuel during the 2021 racing season, that's how I broke into the 12s in the quarter mile. But, since my motor was compromised by excessive heat, during the spring break shootout, I'm a little spooked. But I definitely want to at least try it out during testing.

Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #31 · 1 mo ago

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I went ahead and ordered the HPtuners' MPVI3
Not to bad, under $625, including 4 credits and tax.
I will probably still run the Cobb stage 3 OTS tune at the June NMRA event, I know I can safely run high 12s in the quarter mile, w/o detonation. And there are 2 major events in the fall, and I want to run at least 1 of them.

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #32 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

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Insane!
I've been reviewing old data, looking for base tunes, and found this... 12.60s on a Cobb OTS tune!
I had forgotten that I made it into the mid 12s...
And that was with only 3 mods! An eBay Intercooler, a downpipe and my diy air intake.
This stage 3 OTS tune will be a good base tune to build on!

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Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #33 · 1 mo ago (Edited)

Thanks for nothing; Cobb, EMS and PDtuning

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This ECU is tuned by a Cobb Accessport (The CCF portion = Cobb Custom Features).

They "lock" the ECU preventing a normal read. You will need to uninstall the Accessport from the vehicle before reading.

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ihasnostang

· #34 · 1 mo ago

can't say i'm not surprised they are locked. tuner doesn't want someone copying their tune.

Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #35 · 1 mo ago

ihasnostang said:
can't say i'm not surprised they are locked. tuner doesn't want someone copying their tune.

Real nice guys!

EMS and PD don't have anything I want! However I was planning to use the Cobb stage 3 as a base for building my first tune!!

ihasnostang

· #36 · 1 mo ago

i don't think you can get into the cobb OTS maps either? i tried several ways just and i think the only way to look at cobb maps is with Accesstuner, which is currently unavailable

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MD18EcoStang

· #37 · 1 mo ago

Coyote Chaser said:
Real nice guys!

EMS and PD don't have anything I want! However I was planning to use the Cobb stage 3 as a base for building my first tune!!

How would you do that? You need Accesstuner to work off their OTS tunes.

Coyote Chaser

Discussion Starter · #38 · 30 d ago

MD18EcoStang said:
How would you do that? You need Accesstuner to work off their OTS tunes.

Easiest way is to find someone at the track, with an accesstuner
Next easiest would be to forward the file to a code reader.
Then there is accessmanger, which is time consuming, but educational.

I'm just pushed for time, this is a project for off season. I'm still planning on running the Cobb 93 octane stage 3 OTS tune, along with a (slightly modified) piggyback controller, at the June race. And there is a good chance that I will run it again in September/October. But, I should have the databugs* worked out by early next year!?

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MD18EcoStang

· #39 · 29 d ago

Coyote Chaser said:
Easiest way is to find someone at the track, with an accesstuner
Next easiest would be to forward the file to a code reader.
Then there is accessmanger, which is time consuming, but educational.

I'm just pushed for time, this is a project for off season. I'm still planning on running the Cobb 93 octane stage 3 OTS tune, along with a (slightly modified) piggyback controller, at the June race. And there is a good chance that I will run it again in September/October. But, I should have the databugs* worked out by early next year!?

You know I wish you the best! 😁

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ihasnostang

· #40 · 29 d ago

i'm looking thru other ford forums and trying to find people who seem to have accesstuner by their posts but hardly any of them have PM's open to try and get the install file from them.

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