the "car guy" thread

HesCalledDyer said:

tempo_n_groove said:

HesCalledDyer said:

tempo_n_groove said:

HesCalledDyer said:

I had a complimentary software tuning by Revo done 2 months ago (2015 Focus 1.0 ecoboost). My friend at the Ford dealership also knows some of the Revo guys on the side, as he's done a lot of business with various VWs & Audis he's had.  They are testing the Ford software in North America and he got me the hook-up to be a test subject.

HP didn't gain too much, went from 126 to 137.  I didn't even think about it, but I filled up the tank on 87 about 5 miles before I arrived at the place.  They didn't have time to drain and refill, so they just ran the software for an 87 profile.  He said I could bring it back and run a 93 profile and he could probably get me up around 150-155 HP. Obviously, the higher octane, the better gains and performance you'll get.

However, torque was super impressive.  He got it to jump from 145 to 198 lb/ft.  And honestly, that's what I'm really happy with.  I love that low end pull the car has now.  For such a small engine, it'll actually put you back in your seat now.

So with that, I decided not to worry about the 13-18 possible extra horses. That would end up costing me $8-10 more per tank anyway.

Speaking of which, the second best part* is fuel economy has actually improved.  I've been getting around 36.5 mpg where I was getting around 35 before the software upgrade. That's roughly 900 miles or 2.5 tanks in annual savings.

(*The best part is that this was about a $600-700 service done at no cost to me.)

I'm wondering what they did to your computer to increase the torque without putting new parts in it?

Fuel management I get but that only goes so far without changing ports, pistons and the like.

From what I understand, the engine is already mapped out to get that much, it's just restricted by the software before it leaves the factory. Most likely they increased the compression ratio and possibly sped up the valve timing to create a faster fuel-air mixture. Maybe, I don't really know.  I know for certain the gear ratios were adjusted.  I have to downshift at higher rpm than I used to.

The focus must have an electronic transmission then?

thats pretty cool that your car does that now. 

Oh and your warranty is now void...

vroom vroom!!!

I don't know, really.  I'm honestly not sure how the software works or what coding adjustments they make with it.  Can a manual transmission be electronically controlled?

As for the warranty, the Magnusson-Moss Act of 1975 prevents any retail manufacturer from disclaiming or limiting warranties. If a product has a warranty, the manufacturer must offer the consumer a resolution on any issue that arises.  If the engine blows, they have to replace it. They can skate around it some by charging labor (as the act covers parts & components, but does not cover service), but they can't charge me for an engine.

I can also have the Revo guys flash it back to stock at any time.

Thoughts_Arrive said:

My car cost me $1200 today to be serviced. Big ouch.

tempo_n_groove said:

darwinstheory said:

There is only 1 car:

Went from a 2 door Sport to a 4 door Unlimited Sahara. LOVE IT! What's that weatherman? We have gotten 25 inches of snow the last few days? Sweet! Tell these other peeps to GTF out of my way! It's time for me to have some fun!!!

I LOVED my sahara wrangler.  It was a 95.

Have you seen the demographics for jeeps now?  They've replace the suburban for woman in the burbs...

I still want one though.

Nice rig.

I've asked a few people about the ride and everyone says it's a much better ride with the longer wheelbase.  What do u think?

dudeman said:

The last time I looked, Consumer Reports gave the Jeep Wrangler 20 points out of 100 possible. It had the poorest rating of anything at one time.

That said, they are cool, hold resale value very well and most people that own one said they would buy one again. Despite bad ride comfort, poor fuel economy and questionable reliability.

I have been researching them lately because my wife likes the look of the 4-door models. I'm trying to determine if it would be a good fit for her lifestyle, driving habits and expectations before taking one for a test drive.

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

My car cost me $1200 today to be serviced. Big ouch.

What the hell are you driving an S class?

Ended up being  $1400.
Major service.
Brake pads, new filters, replace faulty valve, new battery.

What kind of vehicle?

It isn't so bad when you have all those done at once.

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

tempo_n_groove said:

Thoughts_Arrive said:

My car cost me $1200 today to be serviced. Big ouch.

What the hell are you driving an S class?

Ended up being  $1400.
Major service.
Brake pads, new filters, replace faulty valve, new battery.

What kind of vehicle?

It isn't so bad when you have all those done at once.

Ford Focus 2007.
I didn't take it to service last year so it was overdue. Usually it is $275.

You guys get the cool Focus across the pond.  I've seen rally versions of them overseas.

darwinstheory said:

dudeman said:

The last time I looked, Consumer Reports gave the Jeep Wrangler 20 points out of 100 possible. It had the poorest rating of anything at one time.

That said, they are cool, hold resale value very well and most people that own one said they would buy one again. Despite bad ride comfort, poor fuel economy and questionable reliability.

I have been researching them lately because my wife likes the look of the 4-door models. I'm trying to determine if it would be a good fit for her lifestyle, driving habits and expectations before taking one for a test drive.

Yeah, I get it that it's not going to feel like a Lexus. So I have my expectations that it won't feel that way. Also, if someone is in the market for a Wrangler they have to expect only 18/21 MPG. If you expect it, then no big deal. We all weigh pros and cons of these types of purchases. If one is buying a NEW Jeep, the lesser fuel economy probably is not their biggest concern as a brand new Wrangler is not cheap.

However most people who would pick to have a Lexus (or other luxury SUV) probably wouldn't enjoy a lot of what I enjoy in a Wrangler. I'm one of the few who will actually take the top off (built a pulley system mounted from my garage ceiling) in the spring and replace it with a soft top until fall. Additionally, I love to have the 4 doors off. I have quick connect foot pegs that mount to where the door hinges are and quick connect sideview mirrors. I get the most comfort during summer days when I can cruise without the doors on and the top down. I love it! It's like a motorcycle (used to have one but couldn't get over the fear of what would happen if I wrecked or hit an animal) but I feel much safer in it. 

Let us know if you decide that a Wrangler is something you will allow your wife to get. Hope she gets your blessing!

Pro tip: I recommend the Sahara model if you can spend a little more. Some of the Sahara's have many of the extras. Only thing I'd really like added to mine is a backup camera. But then again, my girlfriend has one in her Equinox and I still use the mirrors instead.