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Performance is not what I'm expecting after upgrades. Slow and bogs the start...putting up worse than stock numbers...

livetoski78

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I did a few pulls recently, and I just don't think I'm getting the performance I should be. Mind you, I'm no stranger to racing and wrenching on cars, so this is leaving me a bit perplexed. I'm doing a brake stand and launching at 2k, traction control off, and in "sport" mode. When I launch, it seems like there is a good .5 -1 second delay before the engine really kicks in, then it pulls hard. This is REALLY hurting my 0-60 times and subsequently, my total ET.

All runs done with:
73 Degree Air Temp
87 Octane
Unleashed 87 Tune
K+N Intake
Turbosmart Bypass Valve

Using the GPS based Race Timer app on my phone, the best run is:
0-60: 7.5s
ET: 13.3s
The ET seems way too fast, so I don't trust this app very much. It also doesn't "feel" like a low 13 ET, not to mention it shouldn't be anywhere near that with just an intake and tune!

Using my Livewire TS+, the best run is:
0-60: 7.8s
ET: 15.88s
I'm more inclined to believe these numbers since it's hooked directly in to the ECU. However, these are pitiful and slower than stock!

Getting to the track to get some "real" numbers just isn't an option right now. I'm wondering if anyone else has compared their Livewire TS+ numbers to actual timeslips to see how close they are? I feel like they're probably pretty accurate, especially given the terrible starts this thing seems to make. Traction is not an issue, so this is literally just the engine bogging EVERY start. I'm not sure what else I can do to prevent it.

I know I'm not going to get the best numbers on 87 octane, but these seem horrendous, even for 87.

I'm about to load the 91+ tune and fill the tank. I'll report back after I can make a few pulls and we'll see what the results are. I guess I was just hoping for more on 87, given the fuel prices right now :(.
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Trigganometry

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There is a stock fly by wire delay but your tune should be eliminating that. There is a difference between both octanes but it isn’t earth shattering. I’ve had mine 2 years now. Ran 91 since I got it. Went to 87 a month a go. Doesn’t have the punch as it did before but still cranks up.
 

AdamHarris

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I believe you need to leave the brake alone when launching. TC off is not always TC completely off.
 

JasonTremor

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I'd swap the stock bypass valve back on and try it again. Which air temp are you logging? Ambient intake air or compressed air temp?

I was seeing some heat related performance impacts on the stock tune and 87 octane. Ran that tank almost empty and switched to 92 octane. Seat of pants performance seems better half tank in.
 
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HarryManback

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Likely need to turn off Advance Trac.
I agree, OP how long are you holding the TC button? A quick press turns off TC, a long press turns off AT.
 
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Frenchy

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I did a few pulls recently, and I just don't think I'm getting the performance I should be. Mind you, I'm no stranger to racing and wrenching on cars, so this is leaving me a bit perplexed. I'm doing a brake stand and launching at 2k, traction control off, and in "sport" mode. When I launch, it seems like there is a good .5 -1 second delay before the engine really kicks in, then it pulls hard. This is REALLY hurting my 0-60 times and subsequently, my total ET.

All runs done with:
73 Degree Air Temp
87 Octane
Unleashed 87 Tune
K+N Intake
Turbosmart Bypass Valve

Using the GPS based Race Timer app on my phone, the best run is:
0-60: 7.5s
ET: 13.3s
The ET seems way too fast, so I don't trust this app very much. It also doesn't "feel" like a low 13 ET, not to mention it shouldn't be anywhere near that with just an intake and tune!

Using my Livewire TS+, the best run is:
0-60: 7.8s
ET: 15.88s
I'm more inclined to believe these numbers since it's hooked directly in to the ECU. However, these are pitiful and slower than stock!

Getting to the track to get some "real" numbers just isn't an option right now. I'm wondering if anyone else has compared their Livewire TS+ numbers to actual timeslips to see how close they are? I feel like they're probably pretty accurate, especially given the terrible starts this thing seems to make. Traction is not an issue, so this is literally just the engine bogging EVERY start. I'm not sure what else I can do to prevent it.

I know I'm not going to get the best numbers on 87 octane, but these seem horrendous, even for 87.

I'm about to load the 91+ tune and fill the tank. I'll report back after I can make a few pulls and we'll see what the results are. I guess I was just hoping for more on 87, given the fuel prices right now :(.
Running 87 octane and a vented type(50/50counts) I'm not suprised you lowered your performance. Thats on you buddy
 
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livetoski78

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Ok, so got back from loading the 91+ tune, putting some 93 in, and creating some havoc on the back roads ;). I just went with the SCT this time. At 68 degrees (ambient air temp) 0-60 improved to 6.8s, but ET only dropped to 15.66s. Better, but still slow. I forgot to mention before, these are all 2WD pulls. I also apparently need to hold down the traction control button to turn off Advance Trac…wasn’t aware of that. I’ll try that and see what happens. That’s probably what is causing the launch delay.

More to come…just trying to get things faster that stock at this point. I may try blocking off the intake from the engine bay so it only sucks through the snorkel. It shouldn’t be too hot under there at only 68 air temp, however. I trust K+N’s engineering, though.
 
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Mustangman02232

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Run at a real track, and the manual clearly says 91 is recommended for maximum performance……
 
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StarLord

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probably takes at least 2-3 tanks for fuel for the ECU to register the octane change. simply filling up with 91/93 after running 87 for forever won't yield much performance difference. Even if you reset the ECU after making that change, still takes a bit for the computer to adjust for new fuel. Do you have stock air box and a K&N filter or is it a "cold air intake"? If you are pulling warm air in from the engine bay, ambient air temp won't matter much. Another thing to watch for is just heatsoak. Best way to keep performance up is to minimize heat in the system.
 
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JohnnyO

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I believe you need to leave the brake alone when launching. TC off is not always TC completely off.
This---^
There is a second traction control turn-off. Hold the button down for about 5 seconds and you should see it.
 
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livetoski78

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probably takes at least 2-3 tanks for fuel for the ECU to register the octane change. simply filling up with 91/93 after running 87 for forever won't yield much performance difference. Even if you reset the ECU after making that change, still takes a bit for the computer to adjust for new fuel. Do you have stock air box and a K&N filter or is it a "cold air intake"? If you are pulling warm air in from the engine bay, ambient air temp won't matter much. Another thing to watch for is just heatsoak. Best way to keep performance up is to minimize heat in the system.
It’s the K+N CAI. What they actually do however, and I have no idea why, is have a foam filter on the top of the box which is held down by the lid. It really looks like it’s pulling air through that, as well. I keep an eye on my IAT when running these tests to make sure it stays cold enough.
 
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txquailguy

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Why would you be pulling dyno runs with an 87 octane tune? Just curious....because that seems like a waste of time and money. I guess what I mean is......what would you be comparing that too? A stock tune?

IMO....I would not even look at power generation in these trucks till the temps drop into the 60's or 50's. I have noticed a huge drop in boost pressure when it starts warming up in the Spring. The only time I can get over 24 psi of boost right now, here in Colorado at approx. a mile high is early in the mornings before it starts warming up good. That is temps in the Mid to high 60's....other wise, when it gets hot out I'm looking at like 18-20 psi.
 
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livetoski78

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Why would you be pulling dyno runs with an 87 octane tune? Just curious....because that seems like a waste of time and money. I guess what I mean is......what would you be comparing that too? A stock tune?
Exactly. I have an 87 tune and 93 tune from Unleashed. Since gas is rediculous right now, I was comparing the 87 to 87. I did try the 93 and saw a little bump in performance. The numbers just aren’t what I was expecting compared to what others are getting. I starting to think I’m going to have to go intercooler, piping, and 3” downpipe and exhaust to see any real performance gains at this point.
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