Tuning 26 ST RWD

[Haddezz07]

Greetings guys .. Really looking forward to tuning my ST, but since its a RWD don really know how aggressive i should go. I cant find much info about RWD ST tuned, since AWD seems to be the go to. Anything i should know ? Changes to make ? How aggressive to go without having to change or add diff, mounts, etc. thanks

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Greetings guys .. Really looking forward to tuning my ST, but since its a RWD don really know how aggressive i should go. I cant find much info about RWD ST tuned, since AWD seems to be the go to. Anything i should know ? Changes to make ? How aggressive to go without having to change or add diff, mounts, etc. thanks

You’ll want a differential brace no matter what for sure, but all the other stuff you’re more then fine to go ahead and do.

 

[Combatvet]

My '25 is tuned with ZFG, and in Sport mode with a tune at WOT the shifts are brutal. I'd say almost race car like. Not sure how I feel about that on stock Pirelli's in RWD. You should be good though with better tires like Michelin or Continental.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

My '25 is tuned with ZFG, and in Sport mode with a tune at WOT the shifts are brutal. I'd say almost race car like. Not sure how I feel about that on stock Pirelli's in RWD. You should be good though with better tires like Michelin or Continental.

If you don’t like them, you can ask him to soften them up.

 

[GooseTuned]

You'll want to do a diff brace if you plan on launching. If not you'll probably be ok.

I'd recommend an intercooler too if you can.

I'm currently tuning ~20 of the new 25-26 cars. They do very very well.

This was the last one on the dyno!

+107hp with an intercooler + intake.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

ZFG or Goose. If you want to be more safe, get the Ford Perf Tune.

As stated, she's a beast in sport mode at full send. I had Adam soften my shifts some, and it's a daily driver.So far, ZFG is the best tune I've ever had. I have a whole thread here on it with some good newb discussion. The Pirelli tires suck in the rain and will spin once tuned when you hit 2nd and 3rd in sport at full send with TC off. I just went with the Velgen wheels and Michelins, and they grip like a motha.

 

[Haddezz07]

Ty all for the quick replies. As far as the IC , i will install one however right now i just dont have the time to do so. However for sure is in my list. For the time just the tune, then i will do a revision once I install the IC. As far as launches, its not really my thing i just want more power on this bad boy. Im coming from a full bolt on ram RHO with a JB4 , thing was a monster. Just want more pep . This is my daily , and i have 0 plans to track it .

 

[Gadgtfreek]

For a DD, I'd just tune it, get a thermal exhaust, and roll. You ain't gonna miss the IC if you aren't running for times.

These things run so hard once tuned, as a DD, you will love it. If I was going to waste money on something at this point, Id get the bigger brakes. Maybe next year, I just spent $6000 on wheels and tires lol.

 

[Haddezz07]

For a DD, I'd just tune it, get a thermal exhaust, and roll. You ain't gonna miss the IC if you aren't running for times.

These things run so hard once tuned, as a DD, you will love it. If I was going to waste money on something at this point, Id get the bigger brakes. Maybe next year, I just spent $6000 on wheels and tires lol.

Lmaoo yea i feel you. I already installed SB CAI and AWE exhaust and Steeda strut tower brace.

 

[JFam]

I too have a RWD and going in for the Ford Performance tune tomorrow. Like you, I am not launching nor will this vehicle see track duty.

I just want that 2500-4500 increase for DD fun and the once and a while fuel WOT when hitting an on ramp.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Nice. I’d love to hear how you end up liking the Ford tune.

 

[JFam]

Nice. I’d love to hear how you end up liking the Ford tune.

Will do. Everyone back in the day crapped on the Procal and I ran one in my 12' GT. Car ran 12.19 @ 115mph with no other mods beside an axle back (even stock airbox and paper filter).

I also ran a Roush Tune on my Raptor. Sure there was a lot left on the table but I got the mid range TQ and DD enhanced that I was content with.

Will be interesting to see the difference and will report back.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

The tune shows good power. As a DD I’m not sure you’d notice. And the transmission shifts may be more comfort based too. I’m just curious.

 

[JFam]

The tune shows good power. As a DD I’m not sure you’d notice. And the transmission shifts may be more comfort based too. I’m just curious

Definitely noticable from every aspect. Lots of midrange of which it what I was expecting. Rolling first gear with no brake boost and wants breaks the 305's loose, light spin on the 1-2 shift and barks third (in sport mode paddle shifting). Passing on highway improved with low end torque increase. Normal mode improved but does seem to want to downshift if you apply a little too much pressure around 2-2300.

Like the Roush Raptor tune, I am sure that they threw 4-5lbs of boost at it down low and then backs off at the top end. Overall happy with the upgrade and again, I know many will say its a waste of money but good enough for me with a little peace of mind that I will not have any dealer issues.

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Sorry, should have been more specific. I meant, as a DD, I'm sure the notice is likely negligible power-wise between the top tunes, FP included. It may show more at the strip with custom tunes, and of course transmission tuning.

Basically, if you aren't running for times, the FP is just fine...

Does it seem like FP stiffened the shifting in Sport mode? Also, I am not mad at the Normal mode downshift with some pedal press. Sometimes normal hangs on too long for mpg's.

 

[bluesnake01]

For a DD, I'd just tune it, get a thermal exhaust, and roll. You ain't gonna miss the IC if you aren't running for times.

These things run so hard once tuned, as a DD, you will love it. If I was going to waste money on something at this point, Id get the bigger brakes. Maybe next year, I just spent $6000 on wheels and tires lol.

I'd say the IC is more than just times. The IAT's run high and take a toll on the timings before the 1/4 mile ends even when stock. It'll be worse if you tune. If you do some spirit driving from time to time, there will be noticeable power drops after one run. Just my 2 cents

 

[Gadgtfreek]

Hey, to each their own. When I figure $1000 and my time or labor, this video made me laugh. Ill never get the use out of it on my commute, which is why id rather have the brakes. The better tires and fatter wheels made the biggest difference for me, aside from the ZFG. Of course, the sway bar did help some.

And to be honest, when you watch their video on the improvements of Velgen wheels + better tires on stock brakes, vs GT350, I'm not sure that exorbitant price is worth it for a DD (they removed 6 feet from their 60-0 stop).

Now, if I were tracking and racing, heat soak and brake fade would be way more important to me. Plus, I'm getting old and weigh cost vs. time vs. benefit way more than I should now, lol. I definitely overpaid on the wheels, but they look great, the tires destroy the Pzeros. My only thing really left is whether I want to lower it, and the old person in me keeps talking me out of it.