• Sign Up! To view all forums and unlock additional cool features

    Welcome to the #1 Explorer ST Forum and Explorer ST community dedicated to Explorer ST owners and enthusiasts. Register for an account, it's free and it's easy, so don't hesitate to join the Explorer ST Forum today!


Took the ZFG plunge

Messages
56
Reactions
26
Points
7
Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
#1
So after getting the IC, downpipes, and exhaust I had told myself to wait awhile to get a tune installed on my 24' with only 800 miles. Well, apparently I'm super impatient and took a plunge and just ordered a ZFG DMS custom tune. I'm really intrigued with the drive modes switching. I also couldn't wait to get these bolt on upgrades unleashed to their potential.

I'm looking at this not only for power improvements, but the stock transmission behavior kinda drives me nutty , and hoping to see more commonsensical transmission behavior out of this as icing on the cake. Anyone else with a ZFG tune observe a more well behaved transmission whether daily or performance modes?
 

Messages
95
Reactions
40
Points
17
Location
Gurnee, IL
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#2
I currently have ZFG and am not overly satisfied with the results and turnaround. Trans still bucks from 1-2 in "race" mode and I was told by ZFG that the trans needs to learn. Usually, tune updates take a week, sometimes longer. Overall, the tune is better than stock and I do notice a big change in performance. Few things have me concerned.

Have you considered other tuners, such as Goosetuned?
 

OP
enphor
Messages
56
Reactions
26
Points
7
Location
Charlotte
Vehicle
2024 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
I currently have ZFG and am not overly satisfied with the results and turnaround. Trans still bucks from 1-2 in "race" mode and I was told by ZFG that the trans needs to learn. Usually, tune updates take a week, sometimes longer. Overall, the tune is better than stock and I do notice a big change in performance. Few things have me concerned.

Have you considered other tuners, such as Goosetuned?
I looked all around and was between goosetuned, zfg, and livernois. Besides now I haven't picked up on any negative vibes from ZFG and seemed there was a good consensus they are a solid outfit. I shied away from goosetuned because I don't like Cobb much and actually threw away my Cobb tuner and not going to go buy another.

edit: I expect "race" mode on any tune will have hard shifts all around and 1-2 is probably one of the toughest shifts on a transmission with a hard pull.
 

2020FordRaptor

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,472
Reactions
707
Points
162
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#4
So after getting the IC, downpipes, and exhaust I had told myself to wait awhile to get a tune installed on my 24' with only 800 miles. Well, apparently I'm super impatient and took a plunge and just ordered a ZFG DMS custom tune. I'm really intrigued with the drive modes switching. I also couldn't wait to get these bolt on upgrades unleashed to their potential.

I'm looking at this not only for power improvements, but the stock transmission behavior kinda drives me nutty , and hoping to see more commonsensical transmission behavior out of this as icing on the cake. Anyone else with a ZFG tune observe a more well behaved transmission whether daily or performance modes?
I know that everyone loves how the transmission is updated to shift with the tune. It's interesting that @Grabber is saying otherwise, there might be a weird variable that is changing his experience. I think that you'll be extremely happy all around with the tune. Going to @Grabber point of referring to another tuner, I think ZFG is the best choice because they have so much experience with these platforms, holds all the records, have all positive reviews, and are actually cheaper then Goosetuned.
 

Cruising68

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,626
Reactions
1,185
Points
262
Location
Chicago, IL, USA
#5
I know that everyone loves how the transmission is updated to shift with the tune. It's interesting that @Grabber is saying otherwise, there might be a weird variable that is changing his experience. I think that you'll be extremely happy all around with the tune. Going to @Grabber point of referring to another tuner, I think ZFG is the best choice because they have so much experience with these platforms, holds all the records, have all positive reviews, and are actually cheaper then Goosetuned.
I agree with all you said. I love mine. However, there is no denying sometimes it takes a bit to hear back from Adam. Everything has been a couple business days for me but others have waited longer. I still recommend him however.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

2020FordRaptor

1000 Post Club
Messages
1,472
Reactions
707
Points
162
Location
Nevada
Vehicle
'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#6
I agree with all you said. I love mine. However, there is no denying sometimes it takes a bit to hear back from Adam. Everything has been a couple business days for me but others have waited longer. I still recommend him however.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Definitely can't deny that, and I wasn't, but he definitely is worth a little wait.
 

Messages
198
Reactions
124
Points
37
Location
Columbus, OH, USA
#7
I currently have ZFG and am not overly satisfied with the results and turnaround. Trans still bucks from 1-2 in "race" mode and I was told by ZFG that the trans needs to learn. Usually, tune updates take a week, sometimes longer. Overall, the tune is better than stock and I do notice a big change in performance. Few things have me concerned.

Have you considered other tuners, such as Goosetuned?
Might want to check your trans fluid level, not sure I've ever heard of one coming from factory with the current level. Normal driving my zfg e50 race tune doesn't buck in any gear.
 

Messages
95
Reactions
40
Points
17
Location
Gurnee, IL
Vehicle
2020 Explorer ST
#8
Might want to check your trans fluid level, not sure I've ever heard of one coming from factory with the current level. Normal driving my zfg e50 race tune doesn't buck in any gear.
Brand new fluid and fill up about a month ago. Trans still shifts as hard as it feels getting rear ended.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 



Top