Tuning
This is the most important effective modification. Just an ECM tuning can bring the quarter mile times down to Low 12’s. There are quite a few options when it comes to tuning so I will just recommend the best for each purpose.
To go back to warranty, some people say they can hide a tune by resetting it to stock. This is not true. When you reset the car back to stock , the key cycles are resetted. A dealer will see if you have or had a tune on the car by seeing the key cycles. Some people have dealers that don’t care, others have gotten lucky because dealers don’t look at it. If you’re just going in for simple oil change, they won’t care, but any major repair they put everything under a microscope. Not saying it’s something I’d do, but unplugging the battery and letting the car sit for around 20 minutes also resets the key cycles. Not saying you should use that as an excuse, but something to note 🙂
Ford Performance tune: Honorable Mention
The Ford Performance tune needs to be mentioned because of it’s OE roots. Let’s start with warranty, where it seems like it becomes cloudy. It retains only the 3 year/36k mile warranty (which starts from the in-service date). After the 3/36 warranty, it’s considered an aftermarket part, and could void warranty if it is found to be caused the problem. It’s advertised HP is 430 HP and 467 LB.FT.TQ.. It is a bit expensive at $825, which doesn’t help it’s case. Throttle response and shifts points become noticeably better compared to stock, bit will never be as good as a custom tune. I honestly don’t think it is a good option, if you’re concerned about warranty, just wait until warranty is up and spend the same amount of money on a proper custom tune.
ZFG Tune: My recommended tuner
The ZFG tune is a great tune as recommended by many of those that have purchased it and the numbers that the tune achieves. Adam at ZFG knows how to tune these 10r60s and 3.0L perfectly. He owns all the records for these vehicles. That doesn’t mean his tunes aren’t safe though. These cars are just so awesome they can be safely, and easily put in the 11-second quarter mile, and driven to drop the kids off at soccer practice reliably. Another fun feature that ZFG offers is DMS (Drive mode specific) tuning. This is when each drive mode features a specific custom tune.
Goosetuned: Best tune if you already have an Cobb AccessPort
If you already have an Cobb AccessPort, a great option is TunePlus. Although newer to the game, Adam Brunson at TunePlus is a great tuner, his custom single turbo car was crazy! He is a very experienced tuner and does great work with these cars.
Gearhead Tuning: Best tuner if you already have an SCT Tuner
If you have an SCT tuner already, Gearhead Tuning is solid option.
There are a couple other tuners that do good work, but these three tuners are going to be your top choices.
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