Tuning for dummies

just ordered, thanks!

got the nGuage (neat little device), downloaded and sent stock file to PBD today. fingers crossed!

Can’t agree more about PBD! Service was excellent and responsive, and their tunes, while providing substantial power gains, also improved the drive-ability of the ST.

I chose to go with a Steely mount for more of a “floating“ look for my NGauge. Cables are tucked into the pillar.

As for Sadeen’s question, if you search these forums, you’re going to see opinions across the spectrum about tuning, warranty, and dealership reactions. It all comes down to your personal preference, and risk vs. reward.

But I’ll tell you this much, I grin EVERY SINGLE TIME I drive my tuned ST!

Cheers

So for ~$580 I ordered from Lethal (thanks PhilST for the $100 off promo tip!):
- nGauge device
- disable auto start/stop option
- show current gear number in dash option
- 3 tunes: 87 daily perf., 91-93 daily perf., and 93 'race' tune
- windshield suction mount for nGauge - I am pleasantly surprised with the quality of this mount.

I had to call Lethal twice to settle some order questions; they answered the phone quickly and resolved the topics within a few minutes. 1 question was regarding the nGauge, it did not have the 2020 Explorer ST as vehicle selection option in the menu, I was advised to use the 2019 Ranger profile.

sent stock file yesterday morning to PBD. Had the three tunes by around 1pm EST. We had a couple email exchanges and PBD was quick to reply (minutes).

Loaded the 91-93 daily perf. tune last night.

So I have driven it only about 15 miles since loading the tune, but I can inform that the difference is like driving a different car. The tune doesn't seem to overstress anything, it just drives much smoother overall. I notice that the car goes through the gears sequentially instead of skipping gears at lower speeds, which greatly improves the ability to drive smoothly, the lagging and abrupt shifts are gone, you can watch it change smoothly through the gear numbers. the throttle response is much more linear, as well as the overall power delivery, very smooth. The performance increase is also phenomenal, applying just ~2/3 accelerator at a stoplight provides neck snapping acceleration per my seat of pants dragy. I am no racer, but I am almost scared to actually floor it, maybe this weekend somewhere more rural I'll try it out... The car also seems to be getting better mileage but time will tell. The smoother power flow reduces my lead foot syndrome so it could just be that.

Overall, my initial perception is: 1) holy shirt this car has a lot of power, and 2) the best $$ I've ever spent on any mod (CAI, etc..) for the gains . Now I see why they sell EcoBeast emblems!

Also noting that the support from both Lethal and PBD has exceeded expectations.

I would strongly advise against modding a leased vehicle.

Even if you revert the tune back to stock, they can still see that it had been modified by the key cycles.

Diy here.
Just got my ST yesterday, and want to get a good tuner shortly.

Question.
If I go with a stock 93 tune, what would happen if 87 was put in.
What would happen if I just got an 87 tune, and ran 93 fuel?.

I think someone said the tuner they got was switchable from 87 to 91 to 93.
Is that possible?

I can switch tunes on my Ram Cummins but that's diesel.

Just curious.

Jim

I have PBD 93R and it always skips 4 gear when accelerating normally. Does it do this for you?

Dummy heeer,

On my Cummins , I can select the time I want to run.
Is there anything like that for this ST?

Selectable 87, 91 ,93, E30 ?

Just don't know.

Jim

Are you asking if you can switch tunes on the fly, like while driving? I don't believe that is a possibility, but you can switch tunes as often as you want. You just have to be stopped; it takes about 10 minutes to switch tunes.

Maybe I don't understand. Are you , in so many words, saying that I should get a tune only for the mode I will be driving in. ?

Jim