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To tune or not to tune

PltFX4

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A tune is not normally the first thing you do to a bone stock vehicle; usually you remove restrictions on the intake and exhaust first. I plan on a high flow cat as the first bolt on.
Modern OEM cats seem to cost most engines just 3 hp... for the cost of a new downpipe with high flow cat, IMO, not worth the trouble. Maybe when the OEM cat clogs up or rusts out and needs replacing, OK.

We Have Proof: Catalytic Converters Do Not Rob Horsepower
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NerkyMohawk

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Actually I just doubled checked the CARB exemption. It states the Ford Performance only markets the tune and box.
 
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bmidd

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If you're spending the money, spend it on something other than a Ford tune.
 

Justamessenger

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Modern OEM cats seem to cost most engines just 3 hp... for the cost of a new downpipe with high flow cat, IMO, not worth the trouble. Maybe when the OEM cat clogs up or rusts out and needs replacing, OK.

We Have Proof: Catalytic Converters Do Not Rob Horsepower
But they didn’t compare the 2.3 EB cat with any of the available 3” mandrel bent cats. The Ford part is a restriction in the otherwise 2.5” exhaust, it isn’t mandrel bent so it might be 2” at the narrow passages. Just look at the comparison on any install video.
 


NerkyMohawk

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But they didn’t compare the 2.3 EB cat with any of the available 3” mandrel bent cats. The Ford part is a restriction in the otherwise 2.5” exhaust, it isn’t mandrel bent so it might be 2” at the narrow passages. Just look at the comparison on any install video.
Pretty sure remember the performance facebook group mentioning the 3 inch downpipe with a full 3 inch exhaust is good for about 10 to 15 more HP. With both you'd be spending at least the same amount as a tune. While any tune would give you considerable more.

I have a bunch of bolt ons except for injectors and a bigger turbo and by far the biggest improvement was just a tune. Pretty sure that is for all ecoboost engines.
 
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Frenchy

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Pretty sure remember the performance facebook group mentioning the 3 inch downpipe with a full 3 inch exhaust is good for about 10 to 15 more HP. With both you'd be spending at least the same amount as a tune. While any tune would give you considerable more.

I have a bunch of bolt ons except for injectors and a bigger turbo and by far the biggest improvement was just a tune. Pretty sure that is for all ecoboost engines.
Remember that if you only focus on Horsepower, you will be disappointed all the time. You also have Torque to consider along with the fact the entire Power Band and not just the peak power point.
 

NerkyMohawk

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Remember that if you only focus on Horsepower, you will be disappointed all the time. You also have Torque to consider along with the fact the entire Power Band and not just the peak power point.
I agree, but a tune impacts both of those as well. A tune gives about 100 torque, a downpipe wont give that. Now that downpipe will defiently help open up the low end and high end of the power curve. Does not change that bang for buck a tune is the best for improving the ecoboost. Then that tune is only going to help increase the improvements of all the bolt ons.
 

Frenchy

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I agree, but a tune impacts both of those as well. A tune gives about 100 torque, a downpipe wont give that. Now that downpipe will defiently help open up the low end and high end of the power curve. Does not change that bang for buck a tune is the best for improving the ecoboost. Then that tune is only going to help increase the improvements of all the bolt ons.
That applies for any Engine, not just the Ecoboost.
 

Burnt Money

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I’ve been running the Livernois tune for 80k miles with zero issues. My favorite is the 93 performance. I run the tow/haul tune most of the time due to towing so often. My opinion from everything I have read on this forum over the years is Livernois and Unleashed would be my pick. I’m sure there are probably other great tunes available. These 2 seem to be the most popular and everyone likes the results and the support from both from what I can tell.
 

jflogerzi

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Honestly its not worth it. I run the Livernois tow haul tune because I tow alot 5000 LBS... not sure I can tell the difference. Try driving in tow hual mode with stock tune and 93 octane
 
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Frenchy

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Honestly its not worth it. I run the Livernois tow haul tune because I tow alot 5000 LBS... not sure I can tell the difference. Try driving in tow hual mode with stock tune and 93 octane
Keep in mind that the Tune alone changes the Torque Curve a bit and it is still best to use Tow Haul Mode both Stock and Tuned while Towing.
 

PltFX4

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But they didn’t compare the 2.3 EB cat with any of the available 3” mandrel bent cats. The Ford part is a restriction in the otherwise 2.5” exhaust, it isn’t mandrel bent so it might be 2” at the narrow passages. Just look at the comparison on any install video.
I know it's splitting hairs, but we were talking cat... stock vs high flow... not a bigger downpipe, etc. The point was that cat is NOT the power stealer it's made out to be. I'm sure the bigger pipe, mandrel bending, etc. WILL make a good bit of difference (it does on one of my cars). But cat alone, not so much.
 
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DranC

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I had the FPT done also and really liked it. But the very best thing I did was install Banks PedalMonster!. This device is customizable and removes every pause/lag from the accelerator to the PCM. My truck will shit-n-git now buddy!
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