one thing you are looking at with a tune is driveability. if you get the 87 octane tune, it will make the car run much better. it may not increase PEAK horsepower, but it will make power delivery much smoother across the entire rpm range.

IMHO it is def worth it if you don't want to run premium.

 

i cant speak to the value of having the tune-

but i can say a fair amount of stations around here quit selling midgrade and premium in the gas spike because no one was buying it.

...something to consider if you run out of gas in BFE and hoof it to to the only gas station for 50 miles.

that would lead to another acronym: SOL

 

I have used an '87 octane tune from FS on my wife's car. Which is a 2.3 5 spd with cossie CAI and flex, 65 mm tb, and a few other things. The car definitely drove much better afterwards. I would downshift much less often on the highway for typical maneuvering situations. It was smoother and pulled harder across the RPM range.

Though at the moment I run a 93 octane tune and it definitely makes more power than the 87. But I definitely want to keep the '87 for when gas gets back up to $4/gal.

 

when we talk about drivabilty, what are we talking about? the sales rep from Focus Sport said that the 87 tune would increase your rev limiter, and etc...

he pretty much told me that if you want to use 87 octane, it be best just to set the flasher on stock and not waste the money.

 

If you are primarily looking for power, the 87 octane files are not worth it. The 91 octane and higher programs are the way to go and I'd leave it at that. However, if you want to run 87 octane, but NEED control of parameters like idle, EGR, rear 02, etc. then it's worth it. That's all there really is to it.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^

thanks for the response! i'm going to order one pretty soon. do you have them in stock?

 

The difference in cost of 87 and 91 in my opinion is not that earth shattering. I think you would be better off with the 91 or better files, I did it on my 04 ZX3 and it made a noticable difference. Here's a question for FS VP. I originally got my SCT programer to stop the cut off at 105mph. Since I have bought it and set my car up with it I have added a FS CA Intake and the FS Exhaust. Should I send it back to you guys for any upgrade files or am I fine with what I currently run?

 

^^^^^^^^^^^

thanks for the response! i'm going to order one pretty soon. do you have them in stock?

Yes, we have them in stock.

 

The difference in cost of 87 and 91 in my opinion is not that earth shattering. I think you would be better off with the 91 or better files, I did it on my 04 ZX3 and it made a noticable difference. Here's a question for FS VP. I originally got my SCT programer to stop the cut off at 105mph. Since I have bought it and set my car up with it I have added a FS CA Intake and the FS Exhaust. Should I send it back to you guys for any upgrade files or am I fine with what I currently run?

If you had stock and then are running the parts you have listed there is no need to purchase new programming. However, if and when you do need new programming, I just email you the file(s), there is no need to mail the flasher back.

 

That is sweet!! I will remember that for the future.

 

If you had stock and then are running the parts you have listed there is no need to purchase new programming. However, if and when you do need new programming, I just email you the file(s), there is no need to mail the flasher back.

are your tunes pretty safe? should i be OK as long as i'm not redlining every second? i already started putting 93 octane in the car to have it ready.

 

the tune fs offers is the best you can get short of a dyno tune.

 

87 don't do it.

 

I flashed my car yesterday. How long does it take to go into effect? Should I disconnect my battery? Thanks in advance guys.

 

I flashed my car yesterday. How long does it take to go into effect? Should I disconnect my battery? Thanks in advance guys.

I have only seen a tuner done on a focus once(Paulhaskew) If I recall it does it right away. regardless...FS supplies instructions with it

 

^^^^^^^^ :lol: yes it should have taken effect right away

 

yea, the car has felt a lot better as I've driven it more. i did test out the car and it took off like a bat outta hell. i think i even spun the wheels in 3rd gear. it feels like a new car especially when shifting. it's like if the car wants to get ready for the next gear. i'm happy though. thanks Focus Sport!!!

 

87 don't do it.

ever hear of the graph under peak horsepower? I bet the tune smooths out that powerband. Once the supra is back up and running it's on my "to do" list along with a steeda intake.

<l><l>

 

Thing I cant stand on my 08 is the hanging revs...omfg

how much did the tune help on that?

 

i really don't have any. that's probably why it feels like jumping into the next gear.

 

dude if you have an 87 tune it wouldnt hurt anything to peg leg a couple gallons till you can get to some lower octane... i mean i know there are issues with running higher octane on that low of a tune but i mean come on most cars have a factory 91 tune on the stock ecu lol... even though it recommends you to run an SVTF on 91 i run mine on a mix of 93 and 101 with no issues and im bone stock

 

^^^^I've never heard of there being any kind of problem running a car on a higher octane (i.e. running 93 in a car that normally runs 87). of course that doesn't mean anything really lol i'm not really an expert on the subject.

 

sigh.....

From the FAQ.... (stock duratecs)

Gasoline! Which is right for my Duratec?
All Duratec engines at the time of this list are designed to run on 87 Octane. Some points about gasoline:
Using higher octane gasoline will not offer more performance, nor help keep your engine cleaner, and may be potentially harmful to your engine. Gasoline differs from state to state, and sometimes even county to county. For example, California's gasoline burns significantly cleaner than other states. It has been noticed that the Duratec engines might be a little particular about gasoline of a lesser quality, so take care as to which brand/location you choose.

<l><l>

 

i'm actually using 93 octane with my tune. i didn't get the 87 tune. i only asked if it was worth it.

updates....no more bogging on launching. i'm having more and more fun every day.

 

ugh making me jealous cuz the tune for the 08s isn't ready yet and thanks for clearing that up for me snake eyes, i wasn't aware.