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ECU Tuning / Torque Converter Stall speed question

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Old Feb 3, 2020 | 12:09 PM
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Default ECU Tuning / Torque Converter Stall speed question

So as I mentioned in another thread, our ECUs are now tunable. There's a thread on lextreme I've been posting on where people have been digging up tuner options for the 3uz ecu:
https://www.lextreme.com/forums/inde...e-flash.17541/


I've been exchanging emails with Frank Smith from TTFS, I'm scheduled to have mine tuned at the end of next week when he's in town (lucky for me!).

I asked him this question today:
"What parameters can you tune? Spark/Fuel, VVTI?, transmission (like stall speed? or shift points?), can you set a new tire size to correct for larger than oem tires?"

Here is his response:
"We do tune all the parameters that you mentioned except for tire size. That is coding and we don't offer that type of tuning."
This is amazing news... I know in the old days, people spent lots of money changing out the torque converter to get a higher stall speed but ran into CEL issues.

Here's my question... I physically would need a new torque converter to take advantage of this, right? It's not just a value that's set in the ECU without new hardware? I don't fully understand how it all works. I'm not looking to spend any money dropping the transmission, but I was hoping that it could just be changed with the tune.

I'm hoping they can change all the trans stuff for the ECT PWR mode and leave the regular mode alone, but I don't know how it all works. I'll talk more with Frank in person.


Also, is there any way to correct the speedo for my +1 size tires (2-3mph off at highway speed)? it's not a big deal, but I'm just curious.

Last edited by joemg; Feb 3, 2020 at 02:03 PM.
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Old Feb 3, 2020 | 03:44 PM
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The technology to change stall speed electronically is now 57 years old, but not your converter.
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Old Feb 3, 2020 | 06:34 PM
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You need a new torque converter to change stall speed. Period.

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Old Feb 3, 2020 | 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by RRocket
You need a new torque converter to change stall speed. Period.

Damn... Put that on the "if I ever have to drop the trans for anything..." list. lol.


Good to know we can reprogram it to avoid the CEL now though.
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Old Feb 4, 2020 | 12:46 PM
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Checked out your other thread. As someone who has tuned NA Mustang and a turbo WRX before I also find it intriguing. It would be amazing if you could get another 15 HP out of a tune. May be a bit optimistic. I'm not sure if possible but a custom tune on a dyno is best. Next best thing is a flashing device that logs WOT runs like I did on my WRX. You work the tunner remotely to finetune. Stage one netted nearly 50 HP. You do need I believe it was called wide band O2 sensors. Anyway, looking forward to hearing about the tune.
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Last edited by Lavrishevo; Feb 4, 2020 at 12:54 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2020 | 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Lavrishevo
Checked out your other thread. As someone who has tuned NA Mustang and a turbo WRX before I also find it intriguing. It would be amazing if you could get another 15 HP out of a tune. May be a bit optimistic. I'm not sure if possible but a custom tune on a dyno is best. Next best thing is a flashing device that logs WOT runs like I did on my WRX. You work the tunner remotely to finetune. Stage one netted nearly 50 HP. You do need I believe it was called wide band O2 sensors. Anyway, looking forward to hearing about the tune.
​​​​​​
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man, you gotta love turbo cars... I miss the days of +50hp in 1 afternoon, lol.

I don't know what to expect since I don't know of anyone else who has done it on the 3uz (since it's relatively new). I'm hoping for something like 15-20, but we shall see...
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Old Feb 4, 2020 | 02:43 PM
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On my old 07 Mustang GT 4.6 a 93 octane tune with Kooks long tube headers, full exhaust upgrade, high flow cats, Borla mufflers, and the best cold air intake at the time netted me like 47 HP. I think out engines would be pretty similar. This was not a custom tune. So maybe another 5 - 10 HP with that.

Yes, I would love a small turbo addition for our cars. 75 - 100 more HP would be wonderful.

Last edited by Lavrishevo; Feb 4, 2020 at 02:57 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2020 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by joemg
man, you gotta love turbo cars... I miss the days of +50hp in 1 afternoon, lol.

I don't know what to expect since I don't know of anyone else who has done it on the 3uz (since it's relatively new). I'm hoping for something like 15-20, but we shall see...

Do you have any dyno tunes pre-extrude honed?

Otherwise we won't know if the extra power came from the intake or the tuning...
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Old Feb 4, 2020 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by RRocket
Do you have any dyno tunes pre-extrude honed?

Otherwise we won't know if the extra power came from the intake or the tuning...
I don't, though there are stock dyno sheets around for our cars.

I'm hoping to have them do a run or 2 pre-tune for a baseline.
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Old Feb 5, 2020 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by joemg
I don't, .
Bummer.............
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Old Feb 15, 2020 | 09:17 AM
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Any updates on the tune?
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Old Feb 15, 2020 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by pharnhyte
Any updates on the tune?
I've been trying to reach Frank Smith this week, no replies. The last communication from him was 12 days ago where he said "the end of next week" which would have been this week. I sent 2 emails this week but didn't get a reply.

I'm not really sure what to make of this since from everything I've read, TTFS is a very reputable tuner.

I'm still fighting with wheel fitment right now on my new wheels, but once that's done with I will refocus my attention on the tune and track down someone else if TTFS ghosted me. It's a real bummer though, I really hope he comes through.
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Old Feb 15, 2020 | 11:08 AM
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I think out engines would be pretty similar

Let's compare!
Made mostly of metal (check)
Mounts in front of car (check)
Drives the rear wheels (check)
V8 (check)
Water cooled (check)
Four stroke cycle (check)
Electronic fuel injection (check)

After that the similarities are fairly small.
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Old Feb 15, 2020 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by joemg
I've been trying to reach Frank Smith this week, no replies. The last communication from him was 12 days ago where he said "the end of next week" which would have been this week. I sent 2 emails this week but didn't get a reply.

I'm not really sure what to make of this since from everything I've read, TTFS is a very reputable tuner.

I'm still fighting with wheel fitment right now on my new wheels, but once that's done with I will refocus my attention on the tune and track down someone else if TTFS ghosted me. It's a real bummer though, I really hope he comes through.

That's unfortunate Did you try calling or messaging him on his business FB?
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Old Feb 17, 2020 | 12:47 AM
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Originally Posted by pharnhyte
That's unfortunate Did you try calling or messaging him on his business FB?
Not yet, we had been exchanging emails for a few weeks. I'll give him a call this week.
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