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General
Glossary
Troubleshooting
Devices
TDN App
Credits
ZFG App
Fuel & Gains
Additional Tunes
Explorer
Aviator
F150
Ranger
Bronco
Expedition
Navigator
Edge
Continental
MKZ
Escape
Focus
Fusion
Mustang
Bronco Sport
GT 350
GT 500
Taurus
Here are the basic steps on the process:
Note: Key words have been linked to definitions from our glossary.
1. Place Order: Once you place your order, we ship your tuning hardware (RTD (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=d9a6bfc0-d871-4994-973b-273c2e04ecd3)or MPVI)(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=107b8fee-b62a-47da-b757-8edd23c74d95).
2. Setup Hardware: Use the TDN App (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=d187e526-47c7-4629-b76b-b653592fddca)to set up your tuning hardware and pull the stock file (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=7802b0e1-78af-4d92-b9dc-24ea2348de5d)from the vehicle.
3. Submit Request: Submit a request on our website (Tuning Central)(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/zfg-racing-tuning-central) with information about your vehicle and tuning preferences. Your request goes directly to our tuner, who will write and send your tune(s) to the TDN App.
4. Apply Tune: Use your tuning hardware to apply tunes from the TDN App. The first tune you receive will be the baseline tune,(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=a16dffbc-b6bc-4294-9407-b741324bddec) which only makes minor adjustments.
5. Record Data: Data logging instructions will be sent via email each time a new tune is written. You'll drive as requested while using your tuning hardware to record vehicle data. These are called data logs,(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=0ffda65b-4751-42c1-9f93-a1f51d134e21) which are recorded, stored, and sent to us from the TDN App.
6. Repeat: Send us the data log(s) from the TDN App and submit a new request in Tuning Central. Adjustments will be made by our tuner, and another tune will be sent. This cycle repeats until your tune is completed.(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=18db6bbd-d8af-4ab7-9437-f6ed75e3dfa9)
We are with you through every step of the process. If there are any questions or issues that come up along the way, just let us know! The best way to reach us for immediate concerns and quick questions is via email - Sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com (Sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com)or Contact Us.(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/contact-us)
Short Answer:
You can usually start the tuning process before parts are installed, but in many cases, you'll want to wait to flash the tune and complete data logs until after installation.
Getting Started (Before Parts are Installed)
You're welcome to begin the tuning process even if your parts haven't arrived or been installed yet. This allows us to get everything prepared so you're ready to go once installation is complete.
Your first steps are:
1. Set up the TDN App (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=d187e526-47c7-4629-b76b-b653592fddca)and your tuning device
2. Read the stock file (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=7802b0e1-78af-4d92-b9dc-24ea2348de5d)from your vehicle
3. Submit a Tune Request through our website (Tuning Central)(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/zfg-racing-tuning-central)
Once your request is processed, you’ll receive your baseline tune (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=a16dffbc-b6bc-4294-9407-b741324bddec)along with data logging (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=0ffda65b-4751-42c1-9f93-a1f51d134e21)i(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=0ffda65b-4751-42c1-9f93-a1f51d134e21)nstructions.
There is no time limit on flashing the tune or completing logs—take the next step when you're ready.
When Should I Flash the Tune or Data Log?
Whether you should proceed immediately or wait depends on the parts being installed. Below is our general guidance by modification type.
• Intercoolers or Charge Pipes: ✅ Proceed with tuning
No tuning adjustments are required, and tuning does not optimize the benefits of an upgraded intercooler.
• Spark Plugs (OEM, Step Colder, or Different Gap): ✅ Proceed with tuning
No tuning adjustments are required, and tuning does not change performance with step colder/different gap plugs.
• Cold Air Intake or Ram Air Intake: ⚠️ Install first, then proceed with tuning
While some intakes do not strictly require tuning adjustments, data logging with the intake installed ensures optimal performance and accuracy.
• Turbo Inlet Tubes: ⚠️ Install first, then proceed with tuning
These significantly affect airflow and should be accounted for in the tune.
Note: If turbo inlet tubes are added after a tune is already completed, the tune should be updated.
• Downpipes: ⚠️ Install first, then proceed with tuning
While downpipes do not always require tuning adjustments, data logging after installation ensures optimal results with aftermarket downpipes.
• Blow-Off Valves (BOVs): ✅ Proceed with tuning (most setups)
For stock-turbo builds and most vehicles, no tuning adjustments are required.
• Upgraded Turbos or Fuel System Components:❗ Contact us before installing
These modifications do require tuning adjustments.
We recommend submitting a tune request in advance and suggest allowing up to two weeks' notice for these upgrades.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to help you plan your build the right way.
📧 Sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com(mailto:Sales@tunedbyzfgracing.com)
For a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect, see:
FAQ - H(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=728dd7e4-053d-4d74-9df3-09f9ecb80f27)ow does the custom tuning process work?(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=728dd7e4-053d-4d74-9df3-09f9ecb80f27)
It depends...
Most customers complete the initial process within two weeks of submitting their Stock File and first Request (see FAQ regarding theTuning Process)(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/faq?questionId=728dd7e4-053d-4d74-9df3-09f9ecb80f27&appDefId=14c92d28-031e-7910-c9a8-a670011e062d).
* * This estimate does not include shipping time for devices * *
Here are some of the determining factors:
1. The total number of Tune Revisions needed: Each vehicle requires a different number of Tune Revisions to obtain best results. You should expect to complete at least two cycles of tune revision and data logging. This includes your Baseline Tune and Revision 01.
2. How quickly you complete Data Logs and submit Requests: Each Tune Revision requires you to record and submit Data Logs. Once a data log has been submitted, you must submit a Request for review on our website. Our tuner will review the data log and make adjustments to your tune based on these submissions.
3. Completeness of Information: Missing information can inadvertently extend processing time. While our process is simple, completing all steps entirely and providing all information requested keeps things moving as smoothly and as quickly as possible.
4. Position in queue: Requests are processed in the order they were received. The volume of requests in queue varies, as does what's needed for each request.
5. Processing Time: The amount of time needed for processing each request varies depending on what is being requested, how much adjustment is needed, how much data needs reviewed, etc.
It is important to remember that custom tunes are written for your specific vehicle, according to your personal preferences and feedback. The final version, or "completion," of a custom tune is somewhat subjective. Even once your tune is marked "complete," you can choose to re-open it for additional adjustments.
Yes!
TDN App Quick Start Guide:
1. Download the TDN App – Create and log into your HP Tuners account (TDN App > Account)
2. Link ZFGR as your tuner – Invite code TFWP-6913 (TDN App > Account > Link Tuner)
3. Complete device setup – Plug device into vehicle OBD-II port with key on / engine off, follow on-screen instructions (TDN App> Tools > Setup "Device")
4. Read vehicle & sync file – (TDN App > Files > Read Vehicle) * Don’t forget to come back to step 5 *
IMPORTANT: If you encounter an error message when attempting to read the stock file, follow additional steps for read vehicle errors below, then return to these instructions.
5. Submit Tune Request – (RunZFG.com > Tuning Central > Tune Request)
6. Allow 2-5 business days – We’ll send a baseline tune to the TDN App, and data logging instructions via email when processing is complete. *
7. Flash tune, complete & sync data log, submit new request - (TDN App > Data Log > START)
8. Repeat steps 5-7 until your tune is complete (sync file, submit request, receive tune revision).
Please allow 2-5 business days processing time for each TDN Request.
Additional steps for read vehicle errors:
1. Take a 5-minute data log of idle (refer to page 15 of the Tuning Guide)(https://tunedbyzfgracing.com/so/tr/2feba551-c414-40a1-8afa-14789396123b/c?w=J59V4MGmVwE-fWGsHqinXGNjElNRl34CJicDpxQa0zc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9UYWtlJTIwYSUyMDUtbWludXRlJTIwZGF0YSUyMGxvZyUyMG9mJTIwaWRsZSUyMCUyOHJlZmVyJTIwdG8lMjBwYWdlJTIwMTUlMjBvZiUyMHRoZSUyMFR1bmluZyUyMEd1aWRlJTI5JTIwU3luYyUyMHRoZSUyMGRhdGElMjBsb2clMjB0byUyMHRoZSUyMFRETi4lMjBTdWJtaXQlMjB5b3VyJTIwZmlyc3QlMjBURE4lMjBSZXF1ZXN0JTIwZm9yJTIw4oCcU3RvY2slMjBDYWxpYnJhdGlvbuKAnSUyMCUyOHNlZSUyMHBhZ2UlMjAxMyUyOS4iLCJyIjoiYjNiMmZjZjctYmJmYy00NDNlLTg0OGMtZDRjNWQ2NGU5MWM4IiwiYyI6IjAwMDAwMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAwMDAwMDAwMCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsIiwicmkiOiIwMDAwMDAwMC0wMDAwLTAwMDAtMDAwMC0wMDAwMDAwMDAwMDAifQ)
2. Sync the data log, return to step 5 above – we will review the data log in lieu of the stock file.
Please note: If this applies to you, there is nothing wrong, we just need additional data. We will send you additional updates / information once the data log is reviewed. Please allow additional processing time.
The easiest way to navigate the device setup and tuning process is to follow along with our Tuning Guide, which you can find in the Tuning Central portion of our website. You will use Tuning Central to submit your preferences and requests related to tuning, and a Tune Request is required each time you sync/upload a file for review in the TDN App.
You can make additional changes/requests throughout the process and post-finalization by submitting Tune Requests. All Requests go directly to our tuner. These requests serve as tickets in our tuning queue and are answered in the order they were received.
No!
Following the HP Tuners release effective July 11, 2025, there are no unlocks or ECU swaps required for any platforms we support.
Please note that definitions will be required as new OSID are identified for recently released platforms. This may extend the tuning process by up to two weeks.
Here are direct links to the tunes for each recent release:
• 2021+ Bronco 2.7L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-bronco-2-7l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2022+ Bronco Raptor 3.0L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-ford-bronco-raptor-3-0l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2024+ Ranger 2.7L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2024-ranger-2-7l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2024+ Ranger Raptor 3.0L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2024-ranger-raptor-3-0l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2022-2024 Expedition 3.5L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2022-ford-expedition-3-5l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2022-2024 Lincoln Navigator 3.5L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2022-lincoln-navigator-3-5l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2021-2023 F150 2.7L(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-f150-2-7l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)
• 2021-2023 F150 3.5L (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-f150-3-5l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)(including Raptor (https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-raptor-3-5l-zfg-racing-custom-tune)and PowerBoost)(https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2021-f150-3-5l-power-boost-hybrid-zfg-racing-custom-tune).
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5523dc_70f370eb7c0543158fb74a117f6e52c0~mv2.png
Custom Tuning: Custom tuning creates a personalized tune based on your personal goals, preferences, and feedback, as well as your vehicle's specific setup and modifications. Custom tunes are written and refined over time rather than being "one and done." This approach offers the most precise adjustments available, resulting in the best performance and increased customer satisfaction.
We work very hard to make sure customers get the power and driving characteristics they are looking in each of our custom tunes.
Off-The-Shelf (OTS) Tuning: OTS tunes are pre-configured, "one size fits all" tunes. They are written with the intention of being generic and broadly compatible, based on what's been tested on one vehicle. OTS tunes may not fully optimize performance due to their nonspecific nature.
Great question! We don't know the answer, and that's why we don't use "stages" to refer to tunes or or builds.
You may notice ZFGR Stage Packages, which are tuning and parts packages we sell. These packages include multiple items and item types together. They are designed to provide a logical, progressive build based on the modifications we recommend, and provide an extra discount. Aside from referencing these packages, we don't use "Stages."
The short answer is: It depends. There is always an inherent risk when modifying a vehicle’s factory software. Because warranty policies and dealer experiences vary significantly, we cannot provide a definitive guarantee regarding your coverage.
Whether a warranty claim is honored generally depends on several factors:
• The Specific Policy: Different providers have different stances on aftermarket modifications.
• The Nature of the Claim: For a claim to be denied, the provider usually must prove the modification caused the specific failure (per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the U.S.).
• The Dealer/Provider: Some service centers are "mod-friendly," while others strictly adhere to factory protocols.
Recommended Best Practices
We generally recommend flashing your vehicle back to stock before taking it in for any dealership service or warranty work.
Important Technical Note: ECU Data
When you flash your vehicle back to stock, the ECU’s key cycle count is reset. Please be aware of the following:
• Detection: While flashing back to stock removes the tune, some OEM diagnostic tools can still detect "historical data" or the fact that the ECU was recently reset.
• Interpretation: We cannot guarantee how a specific dealer or warranty administrator will interpret this information.
Pro Tip: We always suggest consulting directly with your warranty provider or a trusted service advisor to understand their specific stance on performance software.

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