Airflow Posted July 23, 2017 Author Share Posted July 23, 2017 I see. I thought wider to achieve more grip whether all season or summer. However, I'm still learning the vehicle and understand what you mean about bogging the motor with too much traction. So there really isn't much reason to go with a wider tire with the 3.0 and AWD? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) I see. I thought wider to achieve more grip whether all season or summer. However, I'm still learning the vehicle and understand what you mean about bogging the motor with too much traction. So there really isn't much reason to go with a wider tire with the 3.0 and AWD? Unless you are running the highest performance tire and still encounter traction issues for your given situation, I don't think wider is necessary...especially for a Driver's Package MKZ. Cherish having that Dynamic Torque Vectoring enhancement which is a step up from standard Intelligent AWD, and having optimal tire type for the season enhances it even further. Edited July 24, 2017 by Zalvern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 24, 2017 Author Share Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) Got ya. I should be receiving the tuner tomorrow. I can't wait to see what traction (or lack thereof) is like after the upload. Edited July 24, 2017 by Airflow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) Airflow, any plans to run your Z down the quarter mile to see what it will do? I would love to see someone with a tuned Z do it. I ran a 13.0 with my Continental in about the worst conditions imaginable. That was with a very mild tune. We have tweaked on it a bit more since then. It ran 13.56 when stock. Livernois has no tune for the Conti so I am working with someone else. It is too bad Livernois doesn't get more 3.0 MKZs in their shop so they can refine their tune a bit more. That was a huge advantage with the 3.5 ecoboost. They have continually refined their tunes for it. Edited July 24, 2017 by brucelinc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted July 24, 2017 Share Posted July 24, 2017 Airflow's better off doing a 1/4 run tune only, as I've gone into a few bolt on upgrades already along with other non stock measures. I will be working in the state of Michigan within the coming months. If Anthony feels up to it, I'll let them work with mine. Livernois did release a "firm shift" tune which you have to ask for. I've been using it now that my PTU is fixed, and so far...I like it if you want to remove that annoying 2nd to 3rd gear lag. It feels fine in my opinion after transmission and PTU have fully warmed up, and that does not take the 3.0T long. I'll have a nice new dash cam coming and will hardwire in. So I will make a video showing the firm shift difference just to give an idea. The other one crapped out on me even though I wanted to enjoy its integration look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 25, 2017 Author Share Posted July 25, 2017 Airflow, any plans to run your Z down the quarter mile to see what it will do? I would love to see someone with a tuned Z do it. Yes, I hope to make it to a track later in the summer when the air temps drop. Being in CT, we don't have any close options, but I hope to get there sooner than later. I would be really happy with high 12s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted July 25, 2017 Share Posted July 25, 2017 Yes, I hope to make it to a track later in the summer when the air temps drop. Being in CT, we don't have any close options, but I hope to get there sooner than later. I would be really happy with high 12s. I look forward to hearing how it does. Weather conditions are not good this time of year. I am running again this week in spite of the heat and humidity. My Conti weighs 4600 pounds but I am hoping for high 12s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 26, 2017 Author Share Posted July 26, 2017 Sent my vehicle and tuner registration info to Livernois today. Waiting to hear back... Zalvern 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted July 26, 2017 Share Posted July 26, 2017 (edited) Airflow will be like: Just a few starter tips: 1) Have the car warmed up to normal operating temperatures prior to installing the tune (this will make relearning the idle trim much faster). 2) After the tune is successfully installed: Start the car and allow it to idle in Park for 1 to 2 minutes. 3) Turn on Max A/C and allow the car to idle with it running for at least 1 to 2 minutes. Then turn off the A/C completely. 4) Shift between all gears while holding down the brake (parking brake can stay engaged) with at least 4 seconds in between gear shifts (Ex. P > R > N > D > N > R > P) 5) Go for about 10 to 20 minute casual drive. Do not granny it, but avoid applying heavy loads too...for now. Make sure you go fast enough that the automatic transmission shifts between all gears on its own (A highway cruise is good). You may feel some thumps as the vehicle upshifts or downshifts at times, but do not fret! It will become just as smooth when driving like normal overtime. 6) Shut down the car for about a minute or two. Feel free to drive however you want from this point on. Also just to inform you: The vehicle will throw a lot of "lost communication" soft DTCs that will require a second DTC code clear anytime after retuning the vehicle with the device (even if you flash back to stock). I personally use FORScan to do a complete DTC code clearing afterwards. Good luck, and have fun! Edited July 26, 2017 by Zalvern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 27, 2017 Author Share Posted July 27, 2017 (edited) Yes! Lol!! Ok. Thank you for all of the tips! Received the tune today from Anthony at Livernois less than 24 hours after sending in my details. Was not able to get to it though. Tomorrow! Edited July 27, 2017 by Airflow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 I ran my 3.0 Continental last night in terrible muggy air - over 3000 DA. Timeslips are attached. I am car 631. Car 646 was a 455 HP Camaro that had traction issues. The driver didn't get all out of it that it was capable of either. Car 662 was a 392 Hemi Challenger scat pack with slicks. He had awesome traction but if he had been running stock tires, I could have run with him. I did find what could be a flaw with the Continental, though. If I launched the car over 1500 RPM, I would get nasty wheel hop. I am not sure if it was due to track prep or just the soft suspension of the Continental. You guys with Z's have a bit stiffer suspension so you may not have that issue. Zalvern and jmcgliss 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinsz Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 lol 12's in a Conti .... awesome! C. brucelinc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drolds1 Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Amazing! I'll bet that opened some eyes. :2thumbs: brucelinc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted July 28, 2017 Share Posted July 28, 2017 I did find what could be a flaw with the Continental, though. If I launched the car over 1500 RPM, I would get nasty wheel hop. I am not sure if it was due to track prep or just the soft suspension of the Continental. You guys with Z's have a bit stiffer suspension so you may not have that issue. Very nice times and while you are still working on your tune, that 12.9 seems to be on key given the bad DA rating. Fusion Sports can break into the 12.9's but they need real good DA readings for it. Your speculation about the wheel hop issue is right. The engine mount is really soft, but it has to be otherwise there will be more vibrations felt. Otherway around it is the more sport and stiff suspension improvements. I jumped the hurdle (mod bug and couldn't wait to test new things) and never went to the drag strip after getting my tune, so I am interested in seeing how well Airflow does if he goes with just a tune but stock everything else. Then I'll see just how farther I've come once I get free time on a T&T day. I have a hard time getting to T&T nights because I always have second shift hours. Ugh! But I got something else I think that will help show my MKZ's improvements. Just got the gadget I needed yesterday! brucelinc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 Nice timeslips!! A win is a win and beating that new Camaro is no joke. And you were just behind the Challenger. That is with a 4 door luxury car with all of and maybe even more of the creature comforts of home. Impressive! brucelinc 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 28, 2017 Author Share Posted July 28, 2017 (edited) So, I installed the tune today. Very simple process. Open email and click one link to install the Tuner software onto my PC. Then plug Tuner into PC and select update to load tunes onto Tuner. Head out to car and plug Tuner into car. Follow instructions on Tuner and load 93 performance tune. The tuner also includes a 93 firm shift tune and the stock tune. Took it out for a spin. I was nervous about shifts being clunky, but they were not. All seemed quite normal. Drove a bit to warm things up... Then let it rip. It fights for traction with the front tires in second gear in the mid to upper revs. Unbelievable! Accelerates with authority! Amazing tune!! It definitely transformed the car, however, it still drives like a dream under normal throttle conditions and you wouldn't even know it was tuned. The one bonus is all around shifting is quicker and has a less slushy feel. My brother who has a manual ATS-V said he does not know if he could beat my Z now. We are going to find out at the drag strip soon. Livernois has a great product and I like their professional approach to things with an eye on sophisticated performance. Very happy with Livernois and this Lincoln!!!! Edited July 28, 2017 by Airflow brucelinc and jmcgliss 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drwilsc Posted July 29, 2017 Share Posted July 29, 2017 (edited) The ATS-V is quicker in the automatic version, which Car and Driver clocked going 0-60 in 3.9 sec. The manual version (with a professional driver) was 4.2. The MKZ 3.0t AWD did it in 4.8, stock. So yeah, with your tune he may struggle to beat you. Edited July 29, 2017 by Drwilsc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 You might hang with him for short way but not through the quarter mile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted July 30, 2017 Author Share Posted July 30, 2017 I say I beat him through the 1/8th and he catches and passes me in the second half. The ATS is 400 pounds lighter and designed for racing. But it will be fun to find out either way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zalvern Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 (edited) I'm afraid brucelinc is right. The tune is great, but unfortunately with how the car is designed, its weakness is revealed in a drag scenario. It is an improvement, but it is still no "Hot Rod Lincoln" yet. The 2nd to 3rd gear shift will kill your power due to oxygen starvation from the small intake system and rising temperatures. An ATS-V shouldn't even have a hiccup when shifting, and so will go uninterrupted in its power band (unless due to driver error). One might think it is the transmission, but in reality it is all the PCM mechanics just taking action to keep the car safe. If any sensor becomes unhappy: You lose power. We have a great fuel system at least, so fueling is far from being an issue. The challenge is getting lots and lots of oxygen into the engine for reliable combustion, and make that power. Hot air hurts how much oxygen can get into the engine efficiently...and due to the size of the 3.0T, heatsoak spreads easily when under high load. The 3.0T will truly shine when it can maintain intake air temperatures while applying high engine loads. A stock 3.0T MKZ (with just a tune)...great daily driver, but has its clear flaws and obvious limits due to being just a daily street car. But on the plus side, enjoy having the car that is more comfortable and now pretty powerful for less than what an ATS-V costs. ;) Edited July 30, 2017 by Zalvern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucelinc Posted July 30, 2017 Share Posted July 30, 2017 There was an ATS-V at the track where I ran last week. The driver was a great guy and was very impressed that my Continental was in the 12s. We compared timeslips and I beat his 60 foot time, but he was a tad quicker in the 1/8 and ran the quarter in 12.4 compared to my 12.9. One half second doesn't sound like much but it is probably 5 car lengths - pretty huge. He said he had run 12.1 at a different track on a cool morning. I am not sure how aggressive Livernois' 3.0 MKZ tune is but with equal tuning, I would expect the Z to be a little quicker than my Continental due to the weight difference and firmer suspension. I agree with Zalvern that the tune makes these cars much more enjoyable daily drivers but some of the other flaws prevent them from being all-out drag strip kings. As for street driving, though, a tune makes a night and day difference in how much I enjoy my car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcgliss Posted August 2, 2017 Share Posted August 2, 2017 The ATS and ATS-V are fun from the driver's seat. But no sale. The ATS back seat and trunk are too cramped to take seriously as a sedan. Yeah, GM pursued BMW specs, but I'm at the age where I don't care. We'll buy our MKZ to enjoy as all-around daily drivers. Having a tune available will just increase the personal enjoyment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted August 2, 2017 Author Share Posted August 2, 2017 (edited) The small back seat has been a complaint of his with three kids. He loved the joy ride in the Z and I didn't tell him it was tuned at first just for fun. He was surprised with how forcefully it accelerated. A bonus of this car is it will drive everywhere in the CT winter. The ATS-V is too low and with rear wheel drive must be parked. The ATS-V was on my list when car shopping, but the lack of all wheel drive was a big factor that moved me in favor of the Z. Edited August 2, 2017 by Airflow brucelinc and jmcgliss 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drwilsc Posted August 3, 2017 Share Posted August 3, 2017 (edited) I came from a 14 ATS 3.6 AWD before my Z 3.0T AWD. Z is quicker by a small/fair margin, but the ATS handled better and was fun to drive. Back seat and trunk are a bit tight, but that's what our minivan is for. A few people, myself included, complained that Cadillac made a mistake not offering AWD on the 400+ hp performance models of the ATS and CTS. Cadillac is afraid they'll lose some of the performance due to weight distribution, etc, but all they really lost are sales. The Germans by and large do not make that mistake. Edited August 3, 2017 by Drwilsc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airflow Posted August 16, 2017 Author Share Posted August 16, 2017 Had some fun with the ATS-V today. We did a pull with both cars placed in third. The results.... The Z held its own quite well! No clear winner. The tuned MKZ pulls very hard in the upper rpms. More testing later this year at the drag strip. 400 extra pounds, an engine that is down 0.6 liters and with an older generation transmission. Can't say enough how pleased I am with this car. Best vehicle I have owned in a long time. And I have had a few fun cars from 5.0 liter Mustangs, to an M3, to a Grand Cherokee SRT8. The one area he got me good was the second to third shift. We were neck and neck and then he grabbed a car length on me as we both shifted. He can do no lift shifts in his. Livernois firm shift tune will be uploaded soon and I will have at it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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