3.0T Performance Modifications

[Badbird90]

Oh.btw. I took it to the track yesterday. All stock except toyo r888r tires. 13.17 there is a video in the Facebook link

 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10214931788186313&id=1176428802

Edited April 15, 2018 by Badbird90

[Zalvern]

You really have to cram the Steeda Airbox in there to fit. Funny thing is, it'll be so snug it'll hold the battery in place. It is NOT easy to force fit but it can fit. Also a notch will need to be cut so the hood strut can rest a bit in the box.

 

I have an XS Power D4900 battery which is even bigger than stock...I got it to fit by trimming the rear of the battery tray so I could slide it back further.

 

Mine basically bends more but hey it still gets enough air even if the channel looks thin. IAT1 will be cooler as well than stock airbox.

[Badbird90]

I did find out that the fusion sports use a group 48 battery. Which is about 1.5 inches shorter that our group 94. They use the same battery tray as ours. Just need the fusion hold down. So I am just going to use the shorter battery. And lose a few pounds in the process.

[vdubs]

Zalvern. thanks for post #5. am going to try the Steeda CAI on my 2017 MKZ 3L AWD.

[crushalot]

Zalvern. thanks for post #5. am going to try the Steeda CAI on my 2017 MKZ 3L AWD.

 

Just wanted to point out that Darkstar's custom CAI is $50 cheaper and doesn't have to be modified to fit.  

[FunktasticLucky]

Just wanted to point out that Darkstar's custom CAI is $50 cheaper and doesn't have to be modified to fit.  

Just an update on this I messaged darkstar and he isn't making these anymore sadly.  I did go ahead and order his intercooler though. It will be here Friday.  He has a sale going on so I went ahead and picked it up even though my MKZ won't be here until Late June.

[Zalvern]

Ah you will no doubt love the Intercooler but more importantly having the 3.0 MKZ itself!

 

Alright, FINALLY. I have my MKZ. It truly has been fixed now, as I felt a huge difference of power improvement now that oil pressure is at its optimal point! Couldn't believe it, every time I get on it now, it gets me grinning silly with happiness on how much power it holds for its class. I definitely regained some lost performance due to my head issue.

Next week Friday it's finally time to see how much improved from stock it will do. Going to Edgewater Sports Park for some runs.

Also mentioned in my other thread but having a look into upgrading this transmission mount with darkstar's talent. It will be the next mod I do.

Edited May 5, 2018 by Zalvern

[FunktasticLucky]

Ah you will no doubt love the Intercooler but more importantly having the 3.0 MKZ itself!

 

Alright, FINALLY. I have my MKZ. It truly has been fixed now, as I felt a huge difference of power improvement now that oil pressure is at its optimal point! Couldn't believe it, every time I get on it now, it gets me grinning silly with happiness on how much power it holds for its class. I definitely regained some lost performance due to my head issue.

 

Next week Friday it's finally time to see how much improved from stock it will do. Going to Edgewater Sports Park for some runs.

 

Also mentioned in my other thread but having a look into upgrading this transmission mount with darkstar's talent. It will be the next mod I do.

 

20180427_170528.jpg

I saw your post about the mount.  Let me know.  I'm looking for some performance gains and better shifting but honestly I'll probably leave mine pretty stock for the most part.  I'm looking for a comfortable ride that can at least get out of its own way. I did the whole modding scene when I had my 96 Thunderbird.  After spending thousands on replacement parts and rebuilds and upgrades it's just not worth the money anymore LOL.  I think I'll be pretty satisfied with the intercooler and Tune.

Edited May 8, 2018 by FunktasticLucky

[FunktasticLucky]

Okay I lied. I'm looking at stuff again. Question. I have noticed the fusion Sports and our cars share a lot of stuff. I noticed the calipers and the rotors are the same on these cars. Are our caliper brackets the same as well? I just saw that TCE has a wilwood 6 piston caliper kit for the fusion sport and was wondering if it will fit our cars as well? I'm assuming yes but I don't want to drop 1750 bones on an assumption to have that be incorrect.

 

Now if someone would make a 13.5"+ 4 piston rear brake kit that would be fantastic.

[Brennan]

On 5/30/2018 at 1:24 AM, FunktasticLucky said:

Okay I lied. I'm looking at stuff again. Question. I have noticed the fusion Sports and our cars share a lot of stuff. I noticed the calipers and the rotors are the same on these cars. Are our caliper brackets the same as well? I just saw that TCE has a wilwood 6 piston caliper kit for the fusion sport and was wondering if it will fit our cars as well? I'm assuming yes but I don't want to drop 1750 bones on an assumption to have that be incorrect.

 

Now if someone would make a 13.5"+ 4 piston rear brake kit that would be fantastic.

I spoke with Rotora today, they make beautiful 6 piston front kits, and 2 piston rear kits. Just not 4 piston rears. They might mod a rear kit to 4 piston for you.

Edited July 4, 2018 by Brennan
Clarification

[FunktasticLucky]

yeah I'm scared to actually call and ask their pricing... Even at 40 percent off for a summer sale I bet we are talking 2500+.  I just can't swing that right now.  Especially since my car ended up requiring a lot more paint correction that anticipated. Was supposed to have the car back Friday evening or come grab it saturday but it won't be done until Wednesday or Thursday now ?

[Brennan]

20 minutes ago, FunktasticLucky said:

yeah I'm scared to actually call and ask their pricing... Even at 40 percent off for a summer sale I bet we are talking 2500+.  I just can't swing that right now.  Especially since my car ended up requiring a lot more paint correction that anticipated. Was supposed to have the car back Friday evening or come grab it saturday but it won't be done until Wednesday or Thursday now ?

Take 40% off the attached prices. Minor mods required for the rear brakes.

mkz.pdf.pdf.pdf

[FunktasticLucky]

For some reason that does NOT work for me... It's all cut off on 1 side and I can't see any prices.

[Brennan]

5 minutes ago, FunktasticLucky said:

For some reason that does NOT work for me... It's all cut off on 1 side and I can't see any prices.

Try this: 

[FunktasticLucky]

good god... 4k for a brake kit? No thanks.  I will also have to call them to ask them what the brake pad surface area is.  I have been noticing a lot of these brake kits use smaller pads.  It's a little weird.  Thanks for posting that up for me.  I don't know why but my Acrobat DC HATES that file LOL. 

[Brennan]

Pic of the rear kit. Pricey, but good stuff.

[Brennan]

And the front. Shows different disc options.

[Brennan]

4 minutes ago, FunktasticLucky said:

good god... 4k for a brake kit? No thanks.  I will also have to call them to ask them what the brake pad surface area is.  I have been noticing a lot of these brake kits use smaller pads.  It's a little weird.  Thanks for posting that up for me.  I don't know why but my Acrobat DC HATES that file LOL. 

Carbon Ceramic brake option on an Audi RS5 Sportback is $6K just for the fronts... 2019 pricing. Good things ain't cheap anymore. ?

[FunktasticLucky]

it is STUPID pricey LOL.  It's almost as much as the front 6 piston option AHAHA.  The slotted definitely look better imho.

[Dismonkey1]

Hi All-

I recently purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0T with the Driver's package. Most recently came out of a Taurus SHO and also have had a Camaro SS and Dodge Charger SRT8 Superbee. I usually do some of the simpler bolt on mods (depending on whether it is worth it) and want to change out the Blow Off Valve Diverter and the Air Intake first. I have the GFB T9358 and the Steeda Airbox. First up is the GFB. This should be fairly easy, but I can't figure out how to get the OEM part off (the bolts are inverted with no nut on the outside). Can someone please tell what tool/method they used to remove it? It is probably simple, but I don't want to break anything and with this vehicle there is very little on the internet. Then I'll move onto figuring out how to fit the airbox.

Not sure if anyone has used Unleashed Tuning (Torrie) for their MKZ but as of a couple weeks ago he was in the process of tracking a 3.0 MKZ to get his tunes down. He was great with the SHO (I had the 93P) and I am waiting for him to be ready. He says he will be able to tune it the HP tuner.

 

Thanks- Kevin

[FunktasticLucky]

Hey Kevin,

The bolts are torx.  I went and bought a small set of torx sockets from harbor freight. I don't remember the exact size but they were like 6 of them in the kit. Cost me like 9 dollars. Good luck and if you can't find them let me know and I'll go dig them out and give you the exact size when I get a chance. - Kyle

[Zalvern]

Just to add in: Make sure to get an inverted torx socket. A set of sockets like these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VUR6CO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If I remember right, it was E-5 size inverted torx socket. After that, its a easy swap. Don't be afraid to tug on the diverter cap cover, it is on snug.

As for tunes, long ago darkstar and even I tried getting SCT to show interest in support the MKZ 3.0 engine line but they kept putting it off. Gave up, and just had to stick with Livernois which won't grow either. Good job if SCT finally decided to add the MKZ.

I wish you guys the best of luck on your mod endeavors.

[Dismonkey1]

Thank you both for the response. I will order a set and go from there. 

I haven't gotten back with Unleashed Tuning yet regarding the tune. I have the HP tuner, but wanted to complete both of these mods first. Would be nice if it was a little warmer though as I don't have a garage....

[Dismonkey1]

Update- After getting an external/inverted torx set, the OEM part came off no problem and the GFB replacement went on without issue..maybe 15 minutes to put it back together and put back on the car.

As for the Steeda CAI...that was a no go. Not sure how that thing fits without removing the battery and modifying the tray to create some more space. The only good thing is that the OEM airbox is probably the easiest I have experienced to remove and replace.

Edited November 25, 2018 by Dismonkey1

[Zalvern]

5 hours ago, Dismonkey1 said:

Update- After getting an external/inverted torx set, the OEM part came off no problem and the GFB replacement went on without issue..maybe 15 minutes to put it back together and put back on the car.

As for the Steeda CAI...that was a no go. Not sure how that thing fits without removing the battery and modifying the tray to create some more space. The only good thing is that the OEM airbox is probably the easiest I have experienced to remove and replace.

Honestly the Steeda Airbox...is going to be a pain for most. Its too bad darkstar isn't making his own anymore cause its easy to pad them with quality heat shielding to reduce IAT1 temps under load.

First you have to cut away enough of the plastic (use a dremel) till the hood strut can sort of rest inside it. I made a curve which the gasket seal would dip enough so the hood strut rested on it and allow the engine hood to close fully. Just sand away and test fit...it was time consuming for me due to the next challenge: I'll try to explain this best I can...

You have to really smoosh and sorta bend the box in place so it firmly presses against the battery. You shouldn't have to modify the battery tray (I only did because I had the very large XS Power D4900 battery, which is bigger than stock). First attach the flexible small half intake air hose to the air box, which leads to the front turbocharger (the one behind the radiator). Next move to the other flexible hose and completely remove it (it can come off completely with ease). Remove the flexible intake air hose and first attach it to the air box, then force pull it till it makes connection to the plastic portion of the firewall side turbocharger's intake air pipe. Always tighten first the flexible air intake pipes attaching to the air box first, then you can be aggressive and stretch them out as needed to fit. Do not use that little adjustable piece on the bottom as it really never lines up anyway. But due to the limited space, that box will go no where and remain in place until you choose to remove it. It will sort of bend at the air inlet portion but won't affect performance whatsoever. Always tighten the bolts attaching to the air ram scoop last (just semi-tighten to secure the box in place after you gotten the air intake hoses attached.

If you ever want to revert back to stock box the pipes will adjust back so do not worry about them being overly stretched or anything. It'll be tight but no bends should happen if done right.