Summary of available LMS tunes for 2.7? and other questions...

[NoDTMF]

Hi,

 

New here...2nd post actually. I have 2017 Edge Sport (600 miles). Trying to understand this whole tuning thing. I also went to the LMS website, but I can't find a list of available tunes.

 

Am I correct that there are performance and aggressive tunes for the various octanes? Are there different tunes for Drive mode vs Sport Mode. For example if I had the 91 performance tune is the behavior different in Drive vs Sport?

 

Also I don't fully understand shifting and shifting hardness. I suppose my high level question is what type of shifting is least harmful to the transmission?

 

Thanks!

[junehhan]

The shifting strategy that is going to be least harmful to the transmission and drivetrain is keeping the stock tune. Ford has to warranty this thing and generally engineers their components to have a target life of around 150k miles. That is why you are very likely voiding your warranty when you mess with the stock tune as you are forcing the transmission to work beyond the specs it was originally designed for. Those really hard shifts can also be really hard on the transmission and engine mounts.

[NoDTMF]

RE:The shifting strategy that is going to be least harmful to the transmission and drivetrain is keeping the stock tune.

 

I have been reading that the above might not be completely true. Softer shifts may be more pleasing to the average consumer, but the very nature of a soft shift means more slippage and heat build up. Any insight on this?

Also still would like to hear about what are the LMS tuning options. The website does not offer up much. For example, I was thinking that I would want a tune for 91 octane where in Drive mode I got the power increase and in Sport mode also got ideal shifting. Is my thinking correct?

[akirby]

I have a friend who is a former Ford tranny engineer and he's never mentioned anything about faster/harder shifts being bad other than for driveability for the average driver. It's pretty easy to get good fast shifts but the average driver wouldn't like the feel.

[NoDTMF]

Hi All,

 

Maybe I need a Tuning for dummies. I sent this to LMS:

 

---cut---

Hello,

I have a 2017 Ford Edge Sport AWD 21” rims. Currently at 700 miles. I am very much interested in your MyCalibrator offering.

From your website, I can not determine what “tunes” are available for the Edge Sport. I live in CA, and typically the best octane value is 91 and thats what I use.

My questions:

For Octane 91 are there different tunes? I have heard terms such Tow, Performance, Aggressive tunes.

Are each of these tunes available for a given Octane? (in California that would be 87,89,91)

Does a specific tune work differently in Drive mode vs. Sport mode? For example shifting firmness?
Can I specify shifting firmness? or when to shift?

As an aside, I have a BMW 335i, (stock) which makes all torque at 1250 rpm and maintains it through the rpm range. That is is quite a nice feeling, would the tow tune be the closest to that for the Edge?

---end cut---

And I got this response:

"We have tunes available for those octane levels no problem. Typically our tunes are based on octane level performance and towing. Our tunes would adjust through out all driving modes."

This really didn't help....what am I missing?

[Ray Heath Jr]

So, let me see if I can clarify.

 

Pretty sure the 3 Octane levels they tune for are:

 

87, 89, and 93. The true Aggressive tune is only available in 93 as far as I understand.

 

Towing and Performance are available for all 3. Towing is a little more power, but they certify it to maximum towing which is 2000 on the Sport.

 

Sport mode is more aggressive on the Performance tune than Stock, and Aggressive is just what it says...Aggressive.

 

I am running 93 Aggressive, with the shift softened up a bit. After you try there out of box tune, you can have them tweak it.

 

Hope that helps...

[junehhan]

I think they also tune for 91 octane if I saw their site correctly. That would make sense considering that you cannot get anything higher than 91 octane out west. In Alaska, 90 octane is the highest you can get. Towing is probably less power as it is likely tuning back in some of the safety nets that the factory programs in such as running on the rich side to keep cylinder, head, and exhaust temperatures down.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Servicing your vehicle is ideally under the Special Operating Conditions once it is tuned. No more "lifetime".

[NoDTMF]

Thanks guys,

 

I thought also read that someone has used LMS tunes on 91 Octane.

 

So in summary, you select a tune, say 91 Performance, and drive around for a bit. Then you interact with LMS for adjustments.

[WWWPerfA_ZN0W]

Generally, LME says the tunes are "set in stone" and do not need adjustments. But if you feel the need, sure, talk to them and they will accommodate you. No datalogging necessary.

[junehhan]

If you visit their webpage, you can download the instructions for how to reflash the PCM. Just remember though that the minute you install their tune, you have to consider your warranty on the powertrain and possibly even drivetrain null and void. You pay to play.

[GT500R]

Hey NoDTMF,

To answer your question, yes you can specify shift firmness or overall shift point at full throttle, no problem.

 

Generally sport mode will be in gear longer and shift firmness is a tad higher.

 

Let me know what other questions you have.

[Ray Heath Jr]

If you visit their webpage, you can download the instructions for how to reflash the PCM. Just remember though that the minute you install their tune, you have to consider your warranty on the powertrain and possibly even drivetrain null and void. You pay to play.

We get it...you are partially a bit of a broken record. Every tune thread even when it is specific about the tune versions...you mention this. Trust me, they get it. Even LMS has it in their documentation.

[NoDTMF]

On the ecosboostperformanceforum they ask the question has anyone been denied warranty for because of mods. Seem pretty rare assuming good vehicle upkeep and records. I put a hitch on the Edge Sport....so one could imagine I've modded and if I were to tow and the drivetrain had a failure.....

 

I'm just using the hitch for a bike carrier :-)

 

Now I am looking at LMS vs Unleashed

[GT500R]

Both great tuners, you can't go wrong with either one.

[Ray Heath Jr]

On the ecosboostperformanceforum they ask the question has anyone been denied warranty for because of mods. Seem pretty rare assuming good vehicle upkeep and records. I put a hitch on the Edge Sport....so one could imagine I've modded and if I were to tow and the drivetrain had a failure.....

 

I'm just using the hitch for a bike carrier :-)

 

Now I am looking at LMS vs Unleashed

Side bar, which one did you go with as far as hitch? Was it the one that requires you to remove the plastics underneath and not put it back? You do it your self or have a shop do it?

[junehhan]

A hitch is no indication that you have modded your Sport. The factory even rates the Sport to tow up to 2000lbs which I have wondered since the other engines can tow more than that. I wonder if it is a potential cooling issue as to the limitation.

 

Can you post pictures of your setup and which one you went with? I will probably be needing to tow a trailer when I relocate in a month or two. It just depends on how much of my stuff I want to take with me which depends on how far away I am moving as I would like to keep my current house in Cincinnati to come and relax to. If I am taking it all, will probably rent a diesel box truck from Penske.

[NoDTMF]

Hi,

 

I posted about the hitch (with pictures) here:

http://www.fordedgeforum.com/topic/22366-after-market-hitch-with-hands-free-tailgate/

 

Actually, I didn't take a picture of it when it was all done. But on the etrailer website (referenced in to post I made) there is a pic of a 2017 Red Edge Sport...same as mine!

 

I also added some breathable seat covers and nice floormats/guards. I need to take pics and post them as well. Oh yeah I added a dashcam too. I've spent more time dicking around with this beast than driving it!

Edited April 20, 2017 by NoDTMF

[edsasdelli]

On 4/18/2017 at 4:33 PM, NoDTMF said:

Thanks guys,

 

I thought also read that someone has used LMS tunes on 91 Octane.

 

So in summary, you select a tune, say 91 Performance, and drive around for a bit. Then you interact with LMS for adjustments.

 

NoDTMF:

 

I have a 2015 Sport AWD w/ hitch (I tow a motorcycle, about 1,500 to 1,900 lbs total weight with trailer).   I run the LMS 91 performance tune when not towing and the LMS 91 Tow tune when towing.  Have been doing so since 2016, I have 50,000 miles on vehicle and no problems (yet).  I have interacted with LMS a few times with questions/mods and they were terrific about getting back to me and answering my questions.  

 

Good Luck

Ed 

 

Edited October 17, 2019 by edsasdelli

[Xtra]

I believe  LMS has 87,89,91 and 93 tunes available in both performance and towing . As I understand  “aggressive” is in reference to how the car shifts. Also do not use a performance tune to tow anything. 

[omar302]

49 minutes ago, Xtra said:

I believe  LMS has 87,89,91 and 93 tunes available in both performance and towing . As I understand  “aggressive” is in reference to how the car shifts. Also do not use a performance tune to tow anything. 

 

Anyone has news if there is any updated tune for the 2015-2018 Sport or is the V3 the last? I have sent LMS a request for update but still no answer. Also I asked if we can get the "Manual" mode disable by holding the "+" paddle for a few seconds like the newer models and current gear indicator in auto mode. Another thing I asked them, though got negative answer previously, is if it is possible to prevent 6th gear lockout in "Sport" mode as it really kills fuel economy or I have to keep shifting between "D" and "S" frequently.