Panoz Custom Tuning

[99panoz]

Does anyone have any expierence with custom tuning a Panoz car? I was thinking of purchasing an SCT SF3 / X3 custom tuner but based on my research, only about 15-22 HP can expect to be gained by incorporating a custom tune into a "stock" Cobra engine. As we know, Panoz engines aren't exactly "stock" since they incorporate a cold air intake and a lower restricted exhaust system, so my thoughts were that PADC may have already "tuned" the engine before it left the factory since those items had already been incorporated and thus left no additional HP gain on the table, so to speak. I have read several reviews on American Muscle website on these and out of the 139 posted reviews 123 were 5 of 5 stars rated and 15 were 4 of 5 stars rated and just 1 with 3 of 5 stars rated. Questions are:
Do you have one?
Did you use one of the can tunes or was it a custom tune?
Did you notice an appreciable gain ($400 worth)?
Would you recommend this?
Any other related issues (positive or negative) since incorporating the tune?

Thanks in advance,
99panoz
http://www.americanmuscle.com/sct-x3-powerflash-tuner.html#

[PanozBob]

I dont have experience modifying the Panoz but maybe someone here will. It might be fun to buy one just for pulling and reseting codes. And you know I would play with the tuning options.

However, JRD tuning is the most experienced Panoz tuner shop and is involved in the original tuning and making of the cars I believe.

http://www.jrdtuning.com/downloadpdfs/PanozTuningEsperante.pdf

[PanozGTLM]

I dont have experience modifying the Panoz but maybe someone here will. It might be fun to buy one just for pulling and reseting codes. And you know I would play with the tuning options.

However, JRD tuning is the most experienced Panoz tuner shop and is involved in the original tuning and making of the cars I believe.

http://www.jrdtuning.com/downloadpdfs/PanozTuningEsperante.pdf

Absolutely right! Call Johan and he will share his knowledge with you. He tuned my Esperante and squeeked out some extra ponies.

[99PanozAIV]

Don't forget it's a Ford engine. In my area JJ at Woodbine Motorsports is one of the best in the business. In Georgia, not sure where you are, you might also want to check

http://www.brooksspeed.com/gallery/

Eric runs www.modularfords.com so you can log on and chat with him.

[99PanozAIV]

Hi,

just saw your IM and tried to respond. Let me know if I didn't send it correctly. Sorry for the delay.

[99PanozAIV]

Be sure you check. Although my car is a '99, the engine is actually a 1998. This makes a BIG difference. When I took mine in for it's tune, we started out just assuming it was a '99. There's no option in the '99 tuning software to control opening of the IMRCs so it felt like a pig. After realizing the error, we loaded the software for the '98 and, whoa!, whole new animal. Be sure to check yours.

[99panoz]

Thanks,
Yes I knew that Panoz used 1998 engines in their 1999 cars. They also used 1997' engines in their 1998' cars and 1996' engines in their 1997' cars. Something that I learned from the factory........
Also, each engine should have a data plate on the drivers side of the engine close to the rear identifying the date of manufacture (see attached picture and notice the label just below the master cylinder). Mine identifies it as being manufactured in 12/98.

[LeManns67]

So you have me curious to what one of these would do to an esperante. Sounds like it should be concept. I am reluctant to change from stock thinking they have an ideal set up, but now courious if changing the tuning software might not unleash a few ponies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM-j__uPplo&feature=pyv&ad=4171261325&kw=sct%20tuner%20mustang&gclid=CNbrqrHmpaECFR5rgwod3Ep4Ew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXeF4kZZ6jg

[PanozGTLM]

So you have me curious to what one of these would do to an esperante. Sounds like it should be concept. I am reluctant to change from stock thinking they have an ideal set up, but now courious if changing the tuning software might not unleash a few ponies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM-j__uPplo&feature=pyv&ad=4171261325&kw=sct%20tuner%20mustang&gclid=CNbrqrHmpaECFR5rgwod3Ep4Ew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXeF4kZZ6jg

I have always wondered what could be done to squeek out some more horsepower, however I think (could be wrong) the engines were peaked out at the factory. As I said I would call Johan at JRD 404-213-3908 he knows the car and engine inside and out. He even made an Esperante FLY!

[99PanozAIV]

I don't really wield a wrench on my car myself, so for those that get in there and do it themselves, I mean no disrespect but I'd be sure you feel comfortable with the consequences of making adjustments with a tuning device, unless you're just talking about running an off-the-shelf tune. It's probably easier to mess things up than really improve them noticeably. The real difference these things make is when you have mods to the engine and you want to take the best advantage of them. The factory tunes the engine for the best blend of performance and reliability with the stock parts. The consensus, from what I've seen, is that the best tunes are always a dyno tune by someone who knows what they're doing. If you go the latter route, just buy whichever one your tuner recommends. Again, for these engines, I don't know of a better tech forum than the ModularFords site. Not many places where can you have someone from some of the top drag race teams tell you what is what.