So, let's set the stage for this little tale of woe. I asked for recommendations for a dyno tuner to get my Coyote running right. There were a few issues that Ford said a tune would address, so I was anxious to get it done. I spoke to a few people on both forums and asked around town, and zeroed in on a shop about 25 miles from home. I made a date for 1PM on Monday, August 13th, and I arrived at 12:45. I waited 15 minutes before somebody decided to let me know that the dyno was down due to an electrical storm Saturday night. I never got an explanation for why no one could call me and tell me that so I wouldn't have wasted 3 hours traveling and waiting. They re-booked me for yesterday, again at 1 PM, and again, I arrived at 12:45. There was a car on the dyno when I got there, and the shop owner told me they were wrapping up and I was next. The guy whose car it was, however, had other plans. I guess he wasn't too pleased with the fact that his car got less HP after the tune than when he brought it in. That and the fact that it wouldn't idle and stunk like hell got him a little edgy, and he insisted they fix it before taking it off the dyno. Soooo, 3 1/2 hours later, they rolled me on and got started. The other guy is going back Saturday for another whack at it.
Anyway, they ordered the tune from SCT, uploaded it, and.....NO START! After my telling them at least 5 times that the ECU was NOT a production version, the ordered the tune for a stock 2010 5.0 Mustang. An hour later, SCT sent the proper file and they made one pull on the dyno at 391 RWHP . They then started screwing with it for another 2 hours, sometimes getting rid of the off-throttle stalling and sometimes getting rid of the gigantic flat spot at 3,000 RPM, but never both. At around 7PM, I was informed that "something had happened" and that the car was in "limp" mode, and they couldn't get the SCT tool to reconnect with the ECU. So, I now have a $30,000 brick that will run only at 1800 RPM, and not too well at that.
To top it off, the owner took off at 6PM and never came back, leaving his guys to flounder around on their own. I had to get a flatbed to come and get me home. To top it off, the second-in-command had the unmitigated gall to ask me if I could pay for the SCT tool ($375) immediately rather than when I came back for the rest of the job (fat friggin chance). I stumbled into the house at 9PM, so pissed I couldn't think straight.
I just sent an email to Ford Racing to see if I can get it reflashed, so we will await their response.
__________________ "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it".
Wonder how a shop like that got a positive recommendation.
__________________
FFR #7124 Mk 3.1, Levy 5 link, LCA's & brakes, 17" Halibrands, electric PS, SAI, Eibach springs, BOSS 427w, webers, hood louvers, tilt front. Delivered 12/23/09, 1st start 02/19/12. 1st go cart 03/03/12. Titled 10/3/12.
"I'm basing it on a collective interpretation of these particular cars. And whatever the hell I like". The Federalist Patriot Build blog: www.myersfamilyffrbuild.blogspot.com
I am no stranger to bad tune shops, they cost me thousands and came to a point an attorney had to get involved. How some of these shops have such a good reputation is beyond me, my guess is that the ones who get screwed don't speak up. Hopefully you don't have a lot of damage like I did, it took me about 9 months before I got the monies that was owed to me from a certain shop for damage they caused.
__________________
MKII non donor
347 stroker with stacks
3 link, Koni front & rear, 4 wheel disc brakes
Operation Chrome Elimination Underway
If you still have the SCT tuner, you should be able to load the 'stock' tune that Ford Racing had on the ECU when you entered the shop. It will still have the stumbling issue, but at least it wont be in limp mode.
__________________
MK3.1 - Under Construction
Coyote 5.0
Tremec 3650
2006: 2/14 Delivery by Stewart Transport, 8/15 becomes a roller, 8/26 drivetrain installed, 10/15 first engine start, 12/23 wiring completed, 12/31 body test fit
2007: 2/25 first go-cart, 4/15 leaves for paint, 8/24 paint prep begins, 12/10 paint work completed
2008: 1/7 home from paint, 2/1 titled, tagged, and insured, 3/15 interior complete, 6/2 alignment, 6/4 Graduation
The guy whose car it was, however, had other plans. I guess he wasn't too pleased with the fact that his car got less HP after the tune than when he brought it in. That and the fact that it wouldn't idle and stunk like hell got him a little edgy, and he insisted they fix it before taking it off the dyno.
This is like going into the proctologist's office and looking around and all you see are reamers, augers and boring tools. The screams from the inner office are certainly some unlucky soul with a special case. That surely won't happen to you. You keep keep up hope by repeating that to yourself until they strap you to the table.
Joe, I'm sure you'll get this resolved to your satisfaction, with them or without. There's nothing more formidable than a highly PO'd old guy. My wife will verify that. Good luck.
Frank
FFR MK3.1 7075 Delivered: 10/13/09, First start 2/28/11, gokart 10 minutes later
408w carbed, TKO 600, IRS (3.27 with Torsen), dual roll bars, halibrand replicas, SS side pipes, rivet on hood scoop, SAI mod
Satisfied customer of: Factory Five Racing, Mike Forte, Breeze Automotive, Whitby Motors, Herb's Door Panels, Cobra Heat, Stewart Transport, Wayne Presley (Very Cool Parts), North Racecars, and Finish Line
If you still have the SCT tuner, you should be able to load the 'stock' tune that Ford Racing had on the ECU when you entered the shop. It will still have the stumbling issue, but at least it wont be in limp mode.
They could not get the stock tune back in. The SCT would not allow it. When I refused to take the SCT or pay for it, they were whining about not being able to use it on another car. I pointed to the flatbed with my car on it and shrugged my goodbye....
__________________ "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it".
That definitely sucks Joe. I had a similar experience, booked 4 cars at a local tuner so we could all get tuned. This was just prior to SCT software so we were all still running FMU's and boost retard boxes. We had an appointment for 10am for the first car. We ran late due to traffic but it didnt matter because they had a Vette on the dyno which didnt come off until after 12. So we were already 2 hrs late when they decided to take lunch. After all the cars went on the dyno and really got any tuning besides a timing and fuel pressure adjustment, they sent us on our way after $700 worth of dyno time. Needless to say I never went back and never referred them to anyone, not even my worst enemy! Hopefully you will get it sorted out without too much more fanfare. Good Luck with the tune, I know theres a lot of power in those Coyotes!
FFR 7330 Delivered 9/18/10
Powdercoated silver & rolling 10/22/10
Machine work done on 331 2/3/11
Body Painted Raven Black 6/17/11
Wiring done 12/19/12
First Start and mini go-cart 1/1/2013
If they are an actual SCT dealer and not just buying them from American Muscle or something they can send the X3 back to SCT for a wipe and reload and then they can still sell it/use it on another car. Don't let them trick you with that...
Frank, thanks for the visual. Seeing as how my doctor went two knuckles deep last month I'm still flinching at even the hint of THAT kind of doctor. Hell, I can't even watch Cannonball Run right now it sets me off! LOL
2006: 2/14 Delivery by Stewart Transport, 8/15 becomes a roller, 8/26 drivetrain installed, 10/15 first engine start, 12/23 wiring completed, 12/31 body test fit
2007: 2/25 first go-cart, 4/15 leaves for paint, 8/24 paint prep begins, 12/10 paint work completed
2008: 1/7 home from paint, 2/1 titled, tagged, and insured, 3/15 interior complete, 6/2 alignment, 6/4 Graduation
FFR#1495 Mark 1 Restoration. 302-340 HP Ford Racing Crate Motor, Weiand Stealth, Holley 570, Mallory, T-5, Autometers, P & S ENGR. Halibrands, March Performance Front Assy., Power Steering, American Autowire Harness, 4 link with coilovers and LCA'S, 4 wheel discs.
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. They then started screwing with it for another 2 hours, sometimes getting rid of the off-throttle stalling and sometimes getting rid of the gigantic flat spot at 3,000 RPM, but never both. At around 7PM, I was informed that "something had happened" and that the car was in "limp" mode, and they couldn't get the SCT tool to reconnect with the ECU. So, I now have a $30,000 brick that will run only at 1800 RPM, and not too well at that. 
FFR 7124
2011 Factory Five Roadster
2011 FFCar 
Linear Mode
