Coyote Gen 3 -pre tune questions

[BigShooter]

Now that my car is running and I'm working on the title process the next step is getting the Coyote gen3 tuned. I want to put a couple hundred miles on it before it gets revved hard during the tune, but above quarter throttle it chokes. I've heard this is because it's getting a lot more air with the FFR intake than the stock ford intake. Is this the case and is there a quick hack for this? (I thought I saw someone on the forum talk about putting a small towel around part of the air filter to slow the air flow down to help fix this?)
Any ideas, or do I just drive gently at extra-low throttle until the tune?

[edwardb]

At least yours is somewhat drivable. My Gen 3 from a few years ago wasn't. According to Lund, who did my tune, a significant problem is the non-stock cold air intake. The MAF sensor is calibrated for the stock air box. Once changed, the calibration is way off. I haven't heard of the towel trick. Wouldn't hurt to try I guess but not sure if it's a good idea to be honest. As long as the engine isn't throwing any codes -- in which I wouldn't drive it at all -- I'd drive it at the quarter throttle level until your tune. Sounds like you're doing a dyno tune and will be exercising the motor. Modern engines don't need the gentle break-in like the past. The Coyote comes from the factory with full synthetic oil. Not much if any wear is going to be happening in those couple hundred miles.

[michael everson]

If you using a stock FFR supplied intake and stock FFR supplied exhaust, I have a guy that can tune your computer without needing the car, just the computer. He has done over a dozen for me and each one runs flawlessly. Maybe someone on here can confirm. He has a tune stand that the computer plugs into and transfers the info. The tune was developed over several GEN 2 and 3 coyotes on his dyno until it was perfect. PM me if you are interested in this. Cant mention his name because he is not a vendor.

Mike

[BigShooter]

At least yours is somewhat drivable. My Gen 3 from a few years ago wasn't. According to Lund, who did my tune, a significant problem is the non-stock cold air intake. The MAF sensor is calibrated for the stock air box. Once changed, the calibration is way off. I haven't heard of the towel trick. Wouldn't hurt to try I guess but not sure if it's a good idea to be honest. As long as the engine isn't throwing any codes -- in which I wouldn't drive it at all -- I'd drive it at the quarter throttle level until your tune. Sounds like you're doing a dyno tune and will be exercising the motor. Modern engines don't need the gentle break-in like the past. The Coyote comes from the factory with full synthetic oil. Not much if any wear is going to be happening in those couple hundred miles.

OK thanks. Good to know that the break in period is not critical anymore. I haven't been able to scan for codes, but the check engine light is on (that could be O2 sensor code?). Given that I'll do minimal driving, but plan on driving it to the state inspection station and back (that's my only trip planned until the tune) so I can get a 30 day pass. Appreciate the feedback!

[TTimmy]

Here's my experience with no tune at all... Stock Gen3 Coyote circa 2023 with stock FFR supplied intake, FFR headers and Gas'n pipes: I have a very drivable car. so much so that I have put 3000 miles on it without issue. My comments to folks are that it is very drivable with a smooth power band and decent mileage. I would let my kids (young adults) drive the car.

So with all that said, it makes me realize that I might leaving a lot of performance on the table and should really get it tuned. Maybe Ford changed the tune more recently? My engine was sourced from Mike Forte and I do recall that the ECU box had been opened prior to my receiving it. Perhaps it had a prior life and somehow ended up with a tune.

Anyway, thought I would share my experience.

Tim

[edwardb]

OK thanks. Good to know that the break in period is not critical anymore. I haven't been able to scan for codes, but the check engine light is on (that could be O2 sensor code?). Given that I'll do minimal driving, but plan on driving it to the state inspection station and back (that's my only trip planned until the tune) so I can get a 30 day pass. Appreciate the feedback!

If the MIL is lit, you need to hook up a scanner and see what is happening. Not sure what you mean by O2 sensor code. Assuming everything is hooked up the way it's supposed to be, could be anything. The ECU is programmed to go into limp mode or even no-start depending on the seriousness of the code. With that not happening, maybe nothing serious. But I'd still check it out. Now that you own an engine like that, an ODB scanner should be in your toolbox. Lots of choices out there from not expensive to very expensive. You don't need anything fancy for basic troubleshooting and the ability to read and clear codes.

Here's my experience with no tune at all... Stock Gen3 Coyote circa 2023 with stock FFR supplied intake, FFR headers and Gas'n pipes: I have a very drivable car. so much so that I have put 3000 miles on it without issue. My comments to folks are that it is very drivable with a smooth power band and decent mileage. I would let my kids (young adults) drive the car.

So with all that said, it makes me realize that I might leaving a lot of performance on the table and should really get it tuned. Maybe Ford changed the tune more recently? My engine was sourced from Mike Forte and I do recall that the ECU box had been opened prior to my receiving it. Perhaps it had a prior life and somehow ended up with a tune to match your exact installation.

Anyway, thought I would share my experience.

Tim

My Gen 3 Coyote crate and control pack was literally the first one sold by Ford Performance back in 2018. I knew some guys... There's no question the calibration in the ECU has been changed by Ford since then. Because I've heard from others the engine was much more drivable than mine out of the box. But they still had a reputation to run rich without the stock airbox. Good for you you're able to drive it and I assume without the MIL going off and no codes. But likely it would still benefit from a custom tune.

[BigShooter]

If the MIL is lit, you need to hook up a scanner and see what is happening. Not sure what you mean by O2 sensor code. Assuming everything is hooked up the way it's supposed to be, could be anything. The ECU is programmed to go into limp mode or even no-start depending on the seriousness of the code. With that not happening, maybe nothing serious. But I'd still check it out. Now that you own an engine like that, an ODB scanner should be in your toolbox. Lots of choices out there from not expensive to very expensive. You don't need anything fancy for basic troubleshooting and the ability to read and clear codes.



My Gen 3 Coyote crate and control pack was literally the first one sold by Ford Performance back in 2018. I knew some guys... There's no question the calibration in the ECU has been changed by Ford since then. Because I've heard from others the engine was much more drivable than mine out of the box. But they still had a reputation to run rich without the stock airbox. Good for you you're able to drive it and I assume without the MIL going off and no codes. But likely it would still benefit from a custom tune.

OK, OBD scanner on it's way. Also, I have a pre-tune tune scheduled with Peregrine Speed (Luke) in Liberty Hill TX. He will tune the car off-dyno to get it running more smoothly (basic street tune), then after a little break-in period and oil change I'll take it back for the real dyno tune. Then, at least I can drive it to my inspections without too much worry.
One extra tidbit for those that will be in this process: I have had difficulty finding an ASE master certified technician to fill out either the VTR 852 or VTR 64 - the last one told me that it's the technician that signs the form that has potential liability if anything on the car fails that the insurance companies might come after the individual. That might explain why 3 other shops with masters have turned me down. Excelsior on 183, previously mentioned in this thread, would do it but their guy accidentally let his credentials lapse. So if anyone knows another shop near Austin TX that will sign off please share!

[michael everson]

Here's my experience with no tune at all... Stock Gen3 Coyote circa 2023 with stock FFR supplied intake, FFR headers and Gas'n pipes: I have a very drivable car. so much so that I have put 3000 miles on it without issue. My comments to folks are that it is very drivable with a smooth power band and decent mileage. I would let my kids (young adults) drive the car.

So with all that said, it makes me realize that I might leaving a lot of performance on the table and should really get it tuned. Maybe Ford changed the tune more recently? My engine was sourced from Mike Forte and I do recall that the ECU box had been opened prior to my receiving it. Perhaps it had a prior life and somehow ended up with a tune.

Anyway, thought I would share my experience.

Tim

Your not the first person I have heard this from. I former employee and his father built one and never tuned it. car runs great.
Mike