by "RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
Published 06/29/2017 at 17:24
by "RightFootDown" (rightfootdown)
Published 06/29/2017 at 17:24
No Tags
STARS: 3
One of the most overlooked modifications to any performance vehicle is the ECU tune. By tuning the vehicle, signals sent from the computer are adjusted in real-time to optimize engine performance. A custom tune can enhance your car in ways you probably didn’t think. Video at the end.
I recently visited PTUNING in Manassas, Virginia to witness the wonders of custom tuning first hand on Kevin’s Fiesta ST .
This particular Fiesta ST is a street car. It’s not a race car, but Kevin wants to get the most out of the Ecoboost 1.6 liter engine and has come to PTUNING for a little #tunedbytoan, a premier custom tuner in the DC area. Toan and PTUNING have been developing tunes for the Fiesta ST since their release. They use a Dyno Dynamics load bearing dyno that allows for simulation of all engine loads and allows for quick turn around of custom tuning adjustments.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Kevin brought his Fiesta ST in with a handful of basic modifications. The turbo was fed by a CPE Xcel air intake , with piping wrapped in heat-deflecting material. Mishimoto charge pipes and Depo Racing intercooler kept intake temperatures low. Exhaust flows through the factory downpipe and catalytic converter and exits out a FSWerks 2.5 inch catback. The ECU was tuned with COBB Tuning’s Access Port and an unnamed off the shelf tune.
The car ran great but Kevin was expecting higher numbers. Keep in mind the Dyno Dynamics dyno typically reads lower, but the base line dyno pull was 188 WHP and 206 WTQ and was consistent.
Next up, Toan tuned the Fiesta ST for 93 octane, which would be used for one of the two maps that could be selected on the fly from inside the car using the steering wheel. The other would be an E30 tune, which is a mix of 93 octane and E85.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Even on 93 octane we were shocked by the improvements made with the custom tune. The final results tune blew away the off-the-shelf tune but it’s not only about the peak numbers. Power under the curve was substantial.
We saw a measured 20 or more horsepower and torque bump in the low end, with the gap tapering off as the turbo simply ran out of steam on the top side. This means more power, sooner.
The factory turbo was maxed out however introducing E30 still has great benefits. While horsepower stayed roughly the same, the E30 fuel provided a richer air-to-fuel mixture and resulted in reduced internal temperatures. This allowed for more engine timing and even more boost.
When all was said and done, Kevin’s Fiesta ST received over two dozen custom tuning revisions. Opting to go with custom tuning via an E-Tune could achieve the same results but would take weeks, if not months. That’s something to consider when looking to get your ride back on the road.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
For those interested, we found that the Fiesta ST’s factory fuel system will support about 240 whp. A larger turbo will reduce low end torque but offer more top end horsepower.
Enjoy this tuning story? Share on Facebook, follow us or leave us a note in the comments below!
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
06/29/2017 at 17:36, STARS: 0
Keep in mind the Dyno Dynamics dyno typically reads lower...
In every video or article I’ve ever seen with a dyno, I’ve NEVER heard of anyone’s reading anything but “Way lower, your car definitely makes a LOT more hp that what it says.”
"R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet" (r-saldana)
06/29/2017 at 18:03, STARS: 0
lemme see them dyno shots tho
"beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard" (beardsbynelly-Rikerbeard)
06/29/2017 at 18:11, STARS: 1
That’s why dyno results for bragging are hardly relevant. Unless you’re testing on the same dyno as everyone else at a dyno comp then you should only use it for tuning. There’s three dynos in my city and all three get different results on the same day.
Time sheets don’t lie though.
"Matsayz" (matsayz)
06/29/2017 at 20:03, STARS: 0
The real bragging rights are the baseline to max power achieved. But of course that’s too simple.
Also, why did this guy not replace the damn downpipe?! He’s got money for a new intercooler and intake and charge pipes but no downpipe...where most of the power is made
"gettingoldercarguy" (gettingoldercarguy)
06/29/2017 at 20:29, STARS: 0
Because so many people use Dynojets which read a bit above. Plus, you can game dynos to read high numbers depending on which dyno you have, how you place the car on it and the pressure of the tires. So, if that particular dyno operator states that their dyno reads low, you know what to expect. And if all you’re looking for is a magic number, go elsewhere.
"beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard" (beardsbynelly-Rikerbeard)
06/29/2017 at 20:55, STARS: 0
Beats me, I don’t know a whole lot about he specifics of the Fiesta ST.. but don’t they have the cat in the downpipe or something? Perhaps cost/emissions regs holding them back?
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
06/29/2017 at 21:47, STARS: 0
They make aftermarket catted downpipes. That said, those dyno numbers for the first box tune are about what Matt Farah got stock, actually less torque than stock. On just my tune, filter, and exhaust(stock dp) someone else modded the same made around 210whp and 270wtq.
"beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard" (beardsbynelly-Rikerbeard)
06/29/2017 at 23:47, STARS: 0
different dyno’s get different results. Sure there’s a bit of a gap, but it could just be the dyno calibration or different temperature in the shop.
"DoomsdayMelody" (doomsdaymelody)
05/08/2019 at 22:32, STARS: 0
On top of that they always post “peak” runs. People go around acting like power output doesn’t vary with the weather (temp, humidity, elevation) or with heat soak. Bragging like: “ My car makes xxx horsepower!” No, your car CAN make that figure, but doesn’t always.