Engine mod issues (long)

V

Vicegrip

Member
#1
#1
Here’s my dilemma. I got my ’99 GT recently and the former owner had started modding the engine with bolt-on’s and its throwing codes when driven hard above 4k rpm.
It has an SR CAI the runs into the fender, a BBK 75mm throttle body to stock plenum, under drive pulleys, and a non-stock exhaust of unknown origin.
The first thing I tried was to replace the coils (SR brand)- still coded.

Yesterday, I had the plugs replaced (NGK) and the MAF sensor cleaned by a trusted mechanic who said that with this set up, I’ll probably still have issues with the air/fuel mixture. He recommends taking it to a “tuner shop”. I don’t want to get into thousands of dollars, hundreds maybe but not thousands! I’m not building a 400whp, just a strong reliable engine.

So here are my questions… Would a tuner box like Bama be able to take care of this? Would it be smarter to drop back down on the TB? I don’t plan on adding a blower. Are there any other engine mods the forum could recommend? Got any names of reputable shops in the WNY, Buffalo area?

Just a little more…I really need to get the engine stuff settled so that I can work on the suspension. Engine lights and not being able to drive it puts the problem front and center in the wife’s crosshairs, if you know what I mean. :nono:

Thanks for any input!
 
ford20

ford20

Member Plus
Staff member
NYM Staff
#2
#2
Do you know what kind of codes the car is throwing? If you take it to AutoZone they will plug a code reader into the car and that will tell you what codes you are throwing and you can work out the problems from there or at the very least identify what they are.
 
V

Vicegrip

Member
#3
#3
The first time it coded was a rear O2 sensor and I replaced both. Next time it was a misfire so I replaced the coils this last time was a plug misfire so they were replaced. That's where the above story picks up.
 
wakester06v6

wakester06v6

Well-Known Member
#4
#4
Things to look at: plugs - done, coils - done, fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel injectors - low pressure can cause misfires. Bad tune for the setup - BAMA tuner can only fix the tune, not bad components. Fix the components first then get it tuned. You seem to be on the right track though.
 
J

jricky917

Well-Known Member
#5
#5
Definitely get the run down of the codes..it seems like the air and spark are fine so that leaves a fuel issue..or maybe a plugged up catalytic converter?

Not sure how far you are from Delevan, but My friend Chris and his Dad run Performance towing and repair... Chris is the only other person who touches my car and he has an S197 himself.
 
J

jricky917

Well-Known Member
#6
#6
Definitely get the run down of the codes..it seems like the air and spark are fine so that leaves a fuel issue..or maybe a plugged up catalytic converter?

Not sure how far you are from Delevan, but My friend Chris and his Dad run Performance towing and repair... Chris is the only other person who touches my car and he has an S197 himself.
 
reptilla

reptilla

Well-Known Member
#10
#10
First thing I would do is remove the under drive pulleys. They do nothing in my book but cause problems. Not that they are contributing to your ills but they will eventually. Just my 2 cents.
 
Chief Gilly

Chief Gilly

Member Plus
#14
#14
As the guys have mentioned, see what the codes are before doing anything. The code/codes may have nothing to do with the mods. If the previous owner did not get a tune after installing the exhaust and TB then you're not really getting the true potential of the mods. You're probably running lean due to a less restrictive exhaust and larger TB. You may not need to buy a handheld tuner. I would find a local shop that can dyno tune your Stang and talk to them before purchasing anything. You won't be paying in the thousands for a custom tune. Most likely less than $500. Get the tune when you are done with the mods you want to do just don't hammer the throttle constantly until the tune.

GL
 
wakester06v6

wakester06v6

Well-Known Member
#17
#17
Just another word of advise, when it comes inspection time, you may want to reflash the factory tune back in and do a cyclic run to clear all the sensors. This bit me in the can this week with the Bama tune not clearing all the sensors despite doing double drive cycles. As soon as I put the stock tune back in and completed a single drive cycle run, it was ready for inspection. If you have or can get your hands on a scanner a day or two before inspection, it will tell you what is ready, where the Bama tuner does not. Good luck with the new tunes, you will notice a good bit of change in performance.
 
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