I've got a 2001 GT with a '98 model 4v and 76mm turbo. It is a built bottom end but stock compression, stock cams, stock intake, SVO single blade TB, minor port work on the heads amd still using the stock exhaust manifolds. Right now it is tuned at 15 lbs. of boost, 18 deg. of timing and runs on 93 octane. It is only putting down 466 hp at the wheels. I have the transmission, fuel system and rear end to hold up to around 800 hp at the wheels. What would be holding me back the most? I know I could run more boost with less compression but I think it should put down more power than it is right now on the 15 lbs. I'm running. Ideally I would (and eventually will) run a lower compression, short runner intake, custom cams and shorty headers to replace the stock manifolds. But what would help the most as I can't afford to do it all right now? (otherwords, which should I do first?)

 

Man, something sure does seem wrong here. At 15lbs, you should be around 600rwhp or so on a dynojet. Post the dyno graph if you would. Also, who is tuning your car? Might be time to try another tuner

 

you should be seeing way more then that. like said above host up your sheet so we can see what its doing.

 

I'll try and find my dyno sheets when I get home today. The dyno was a Mustang Dyno and I was using the SCT Pro Racer Package to tune it with the help of Scott from In-Tune Motorsports in Charleston Tn. and I also had a lot of e-mail support help from Don LaSota from LaSota Racing. The timing on the top end ended up at 18* with an A/F ration of 11.2-11.3 (we went up to an 11.7 on the dyno and it didn't improve the power any so we richened it back up a little). The engine was origionally built by Lidio from Alternative Auto in Michigan. Here is a link to an article that was done on Lidio's car when he had this engine. http://www.musclemustangfastfords.com/features/0205mmff_1998_ford_mustang_cobra/index.html
Oh, and these numbers are through a 4R70W so I expected them to be a little low but not nearly as low as they are.

 

When it was on the dyno, we kept adding timing until it started to detonate and the pulled 2* back out. So, I should be safe if I run an A/F up to about 11.8-11.9 or so and that should make a difference? I have been considering doing a race gas tune and adding more timing. Is there a general rule of thumb on how much timing to add per increase in octane?