ZFG Racing FAQ Categories

Tuning Options
Does ZFG tune police interceptor vehicles?
Yes. We tune all Police Interceptor vehicles, including Explorer 2.3L, 3.0L, 3.0L Hybrid, Mustang 2.3L, and F-150 2.7L and 3.5L variants.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Note (Pursuit + Hybrids):
Police Interceptor vehicles may have a limited number of drive modes or features compared to civilian models. While most of our website is based on civilian models, many of the same features and tuning options are supported for the police variants.
For example: Pursuit and Tow are not selectable drive modes for the PIU, but they can still be seen and adjusted through tuning.
To maintain independent calibrations for each drive mode, a DMS™ tune would remain required.
Similarly, we cannot adjust hybrid-specific modes for applicable vehicles. Any mode that engages the hybrid battery will retain the stock tune.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Interceptor, Police Interceptor Utility, Vehicle Support, PIU, DMS™, Ford Explorer, F150, Compatibility, Pre-Purchase
Can Tow Mode be tuned since it's not selectable on my Lincoln?
Yes. Even though Tow Mode is not a selectable drive mode, it can still be seen and adjusted through tuning.
Troubleshooting Tips:
For all tunes with a goal of TOW, we recommend providing details about the size, weight, and type of trailer(s) you tow at time of purchase. Our tuner may request that you complete data logs with the trailer(s) attached at various points throughout the tuning process.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Towing, Tow Mode, DMS™, Drive Modes, Tuning Options, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
Do you tune hybrids?
Yes. We tune both the F150 PowerBoost and 3.0L hybrid Explorer/Aviator platforms including the Aviator GT, Police Interceptor Hybrid, and EU spec Explorer Hybrid.
Troubleshooting Tips:
🔋Hybrid Note: EV modes and battery function cannot be adjusted through tuning. Engagement of the high-voltage battery and any hybrid-specific modes (Pure EV Mode and Preserve Mode) will remain stock. All other features and aspects of tuning preferences remain the same as ICE-only vehicles.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Lincoln Aviator, Aviator GT, F150, Tune Support, Vehicle Support, PowerBoost, Hybrid, Custom Tuning, Compatibility, Pre-Purchase
What Is DMS™?
DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) is ZFG Racing's proprietary multi-calibration tuning system.
Rather than applying a single calibration to all drive modes, DMS™ assigns different power profiles and tuning characteristics to the vehicle's factory drive modes. Depending on the platform and configuration, drive modes can be calibrated with different power levels, throttle response, transmission behavior, shift schedules, torque management strategies, and other performance characteristics.
This allows customers to switch between different driving experiences using the factory drive mode selector without requiring additional tune flashing.
• Eco: Daily Driver Profile
• Normal: Performance Profile
• Sport: Race profile
Tow: Dedicated towing calibration
• Trail / Baja: Stock Profile
Available drive mode assignments and features vary by platform and application.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• DMS™ is currently supported on select platforms.
• Drive modes may retain factory-style operation.
• Preferences and configurations are selected post-purchase.
• Available configurations may vary by vehicle.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Drive Modes, Custom Tuning, DMS™, Lincoln Aviator, Ford Explorer, Tuning Options, Pre-Purchase, New Customers
What Is Included With My Tune Purchase?
Every ZFG Tune is built specifically for your vehicle, modifications, fuel type, and tuning goals.
Your purchase includes:
• Custom ECM calibration
• Custom TCM calibration (where supported)
• Data log review
• Revision support required to complete the tune
• Tune delivery through HP Tuners and TDN
Additional refinements can also be requested after completion if needed.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• There is no set revision limit, or specific number required to complete the tune.
• ECM and TCM tuning are included together.
• Data logging is a normal part of the process.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning Device, Tune Revisions, Data Logs, Tuning Package, Custom Tuning, Purchasing, Tuning Options, Pre-Purchase, New Customers
What fuel and tune types do you support?
We offer multiple fuel types, tuning goals, and tuning options. All tunes are custom and will be written for the fuel type, tuning goal, vehicle, and vehicle configuration specified at purchase:
Fuel Type
Fuel availability varies by region, so we generally recommend selecting a tune based on the highest-quality fuel consistently available in your area.
• Auto-Octane (87-93 • Octane + up to E30)
• 91+ Octane (91-93 Octane + up to E30)
• 93 Octane (93 Octane + up to E30)
• E50 (40-60% ethanol content)
• E85 (70-90% ethanol content)
Tuning Goal
This is the starting point for your calibration and tells us what you're looking for in terms of responsiveness, gains, and end-goals:
• Daily Driver (stock-like yet refined)
• Performance (Goldilocks - not too much or too little)
• Race (maximum power and full optimization)
• Tow (towing and high work-demand applications)
Depending on the vehicle platform, you may also have the option of either a Standard Tune or DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) Calibration, which allows different tuning characteristics to be assigned to the factory drive modes.
Troubleshooting Tips:
• Choose a fuel type that is consistently available in your area.
• The same fuel type can support multiple tuning goals.
• Standard Tunes use one calibration across all drive modes.
• DMS™ allows different tuning behavior in different drive modes. This has no impact on fuel type.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Fuel Types, Custom Tuning, Tuning Goals, Purchasing, Tuning Options, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
Which tuning option should I purchase?
The correct option depends on your situation:
Tune Only:
• You already own a compatible device.
• You only need calibration files.
Tuning Package:
• You need both a tuning device and custom calibrations.
• Recommended for most first-time customers.
Additional Tune:
• You already have an active ZFG calibration and need an additional fuel, performance, or other option added to your setup.
If you're unsure which option is right for your vehicle, contact our Sales team before ordering.
Troubleshooting Tips:
A Tune Update is available separately for things like new modifications or refinements for existing calibrations.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tune Only, Tuning Package, Additional Tune, Tuning Options, Custom Tuning, Purchasing, New Customers, Pre-Purchase
Can I use my existing tuning device for tuning?
In many cases, yes. Existing HP Tuners devices may be used with your vehicle and tuning goals. However, compatibility depends on the specific device model, device generation, vehicle platform, desired tuning method, and tuner preferences.
Not all HP Tuners devices support all vehicles or tuning methods. For example, we may only support tuning via TDN App for some platforms, while others may use VCM Suite. Licensing requirements and existing device usage may also affect compatibility.
If you already own a tuning device, please contact us with the device model and vehicle information before purchase. We will be happy to help determine compatibility and any licensing requirements.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Licensing between a specific vehicle and device requires credits. Each vehicle requires a specific number of credits for licensing. Most modern Ford vehicles require 4 Credits.
For customers with tunes from multiple tuning companies, using separate TDN / HP Tuners accounts for each tuning company is requested.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
HP Tuners, RTD4, MPVI4, TDN, VCM Suite, HP Tuners Credits, Licensing, Device Compatibility, Tuning Device, Vehicle Support, Custom Tuning, Pre-Purchase
Can I use my tuning device on more than one vehicle?
In many cases, an HP Tuners device can be used with multiple vehicles. Generally, these devices can be used to tune multiple vehicles either simultaneously or over the lifetime of the device. However, compatibility depends on the specific device, device generation, vehicle platform, tuner preferences, and licensing requirements.
Most supported vehicles require HP Tuners credits (licenses) before tuning can be performed. The number of credits required varies by vehicle and application. Additional credits may need to be purchased when tuning another vehicle.
Compatibility may also vary based on the model and generation of tuning device being used. Not all devices support all vehicles or vehicle generations, and not all devices support the same tuning methods (e.g., TDN App and/or VCM Suite).
If you are considering using a tuning device on a different vehicle, or using an existing device on your vehicle, please contact us with the device model and vehicle information. We will be happy to help determine compatibility and any licensing requirements before purchase.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Licensing between a specific vehicle and device requires credits. Each vehicle requires a specific number of credits for licensing. Most modern Ford vehicles require 4 Credits.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
HP Tuners, RTD4, MPVI4, TDN, VCM Suite, HP Tuners Credits, Licensing, Device Compatibility, Tuning Device, Vehicle Support, Custom Tuning
Can I transfer my tune or tuning device to another vehicle?
Tuning purchases are generally non-transferable and are intended for the original vehicle for which they were ordered. However, we understand that circumstances can change, and requests involving tune or device transfers may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific vehicle, tuning device, purchase history, and requested changes.
In most situations, the original vehicle and tuning device must no longer be associated with the existing tune before any transfer options can be evaluated.
If you are considering transferring a tune or tuning device to another vehicle, please contact us with the details of both vehicles and the tuning device being used so we can review the available options.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tune Transfer, Device Transfer, RTD4, HP Tuners, Tuning Device, Vehicle Change, Account Support, Custom Tuning
What are the benefits of using HP Tuners?
HP Tuners offers several advantages compared to many handheld tuning devices. In most cases, diagnostic software, dealer-level diagnostic tools, OBD-based monitoring devices, scan tools, gauges, and other vehicle accessories can continue to be used normally while a tune is installed.
As a best practice, we recommend restoring the stock calibration before performing certain dealer-level programming or software updates, such as Ford FDRS or IDS programming.
Additionally, the HP Tuners Restore file generated from your original stock read is a true and complete copy of your factory calibration and controller data.
Because HP Tuners devices do not permanently marry themselves to the vehicle's ECU, customers generally do not need to worry about long-term device-to-vehicle associations if the tune is removed in the future, such as for resale or returning the vehicle to stock.
Troubleshooting Tips:
It's important that the Restore (stock) file is not deleted, as it may not be replaceable.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
HP Tuners, RTD4, MPVI4, Restore File, FDRS, IDS, Pre-Purchase, New Customers, Tuning Device, TDN, Tune Delivery Network, VCM Suite
Do I need to disconnect a previous tune or tuning device before installing a tune from ZFG?
Yes. Before tuning with ZFG Racing, any previously used tune or tuning device must be completely disconnected from the vehicle.
For most tuning platforms, this means more than simply restoring the stock calibration. The device must be fully removed or "unmarried" from the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions so that neither the tuning device nor the vehicle remains linked to the previous tune.
If you are unsure whether a previous tuning device has been fully removed, please let us know which device was used and we will be glad to help determine the next steps.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Completely restore your vehicle to stock and unmarry or uninstall any previously used tuners before switching to ZFG Racing.
If your modifications require a tune, please reach out with the details so we can advise.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
10 minutes
Tags:
Previous Tune, Unmarry Device, Tuning Device, Compatibility, Devices, Pre-Purchase
Can I return my vehicle to stock?
Yes. Using your HP Tuners device, you can flash your vehicle back to its original stock calibration at any time.
Many customers choose to return the vehicle to stock temporarily for troubleshooting, dealership visits, or before selling the vehicle.
Returning the vehicle to stock does not delete your custom tune files, and you may reapply your tune later as needed.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Your Stock file is called "Restore" in the TDN App.
It's important that this file is not deleted, as it may not be replaceable.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
4 minutes
Tags:
Stock Tune, Stock File, Flash Stock, HP Tuners, Uninstall Tune, Factory Calibration
Can the dealership overwrite my tune?
Yes. If the dealership performs a PCM software update, your custom tune may be overwritten and replaced with the updated factory calibration.
Not every dealership visit results in a PCM update, but it is possible anytime software updates, recalls, or drivability concerns are addressed.
If your vehicle receives a PCM update, simply contact our team. Depending on the circumstances, an updated stock file and tune revision may be required.
Troubleshooting Tips:
If possible, ask your dealership to notify you before performing any PCM or powertrain software updates.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
Tags:
Dealership, Dealer Update, PCM Update, Software Update, Overwrite Tune, Warranty Work, Recall, Stock File
Do I need an unlock or ECU swap?
No. Thanks to HP Tuners' support for these platforms, we do not currently require ECU swaps or unlock services for any vehicle platforms we support.
Simply read and submit your stock file using your HP Tuners device, and we'll take it from there.
Please note that if your vehicle contains a newly released or previously unidentified operating system (OSID), HP Tuners may first need to add support for that calibration. In those cases, additional definitions may be required before tuning can begin, which can extend the tuning process by up to two weeks.
Troubleshooting Tips:


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
Tags:
Tuning, Included, Process
How does tuning impact drive modes?
Drive mode behavior depends on the vehicle platform and the tuning option selected.
Our Standard Tunes provide a single calibration optimized for your selected fuel and vehicle configuration across all drive modes.
The Terrain Management System will still function as intended, according to it's stock "personality."
Even after tuning, Normal and Eco Modes will remain the most relaxed, while Sport and Baja remain the most responsive.
For vehicles equipped with DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) Tuning, individual drive modes can be calibrated differently. This allows features such as separate power levels, throttle response, transmission behavior, boost targets, and other tuning characteristics to be assigned to different drive modes.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Most vehicles will have Standard Tunes, as DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) Calibrations only supported for 2020-2024 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator 3.0L Platforms.
We are actively working on DMS™ support for other platforms, however it is not currently available, and we do not have an ETA to share at this time.
If and when this becomes available, we plan to offer an upgrade path for existing customers with Standard Tunes.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Drive Modes, Tuning, DMS, Standard Tune
How does ZFG tuning work?
ZFG Tuning is a remote custom tuning service that uses HP Tuners hardware and software.
The ZFG tuning process involves several steps: first, you submit a tune request after pulling your vehicle's stock file using the TDN App. Then, ZFG reviews your request and sends back a baseline tune, which you can further refine through data logging and additional requests until you achieve your desired performance.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Each tune is based on your vehicle, modifications, fuel type, and performance goals.
After installing a tune, you'll record and submit data logs for review. We analyze the data, make adjustments, and send revised calibrations as needed. This process of logging, review, and revision continues until the tune is dialed in, and all logs/reviews are included with your tune purchase.
Because every vehicle and setup is different, multiple revisions are often required to optimize performance, drivability, and reliability. The entire process is completed remotely, with no dyno appointment or shop visit required.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
~1-2 Weeks
Tags:
Tuning, Tune Revisions, Process
What's the difference between DMS™ and Standard Tuning?
Standard Tuning applies a single calibration across all drive modes, optimized for your selected fuel type, tuning goal, and vehicle configuration.
The factory drive mode functionality itself remains intact: Normal and Eco Modes will remain the most relaxed, while Sport and Baja remain the most responsive.
Where applicable, DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) Tuning allows multiple calibrations to be integrated into the factory drive modes, enabling different power levels, transmission behavior, and vehicle characteristics without requiring additional flashing between calibrations.
DMS™ provides greater flexibility while maintaining factory-style operation, though it is only supported for 2020-2024 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator 3.0L Platforms at this time.
Troubleshooting Tips:
The Terrain Management System will still function with Standard Tunes.
Our Standard Tune will not calibrate individual drive modes. Instead, all drive modes will be adjusted equally, according to the tuning goal for the entire tune.
By contrast, our DMS™ (Drive Mode Specific) Calibration System places a unique calibration in each Drive Mode. The DMS tune also allows you to leave drive modes stock, if desired.


Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
DMS, Standard Tune, Drive Modes
How many tune revisions and data log reviews are included with my tune?
There's no limit. However many are needed to complete your tune are included with purchase.
You can also request refinement post-completion if needed.
When we say "complete," it means our tuner has determined there are no opportunities for further improvements based on your data logs, tuning goal, fuel type, etc.
What this does not mean: No further changes can be made.
You can request refinements anytime, including adjustments based on your experience over time.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning, Data Logs, Tune Revisions, Order Numbers
Does a ZFG tune include transmission tuning?
Yes. All ZFG Tunes include custom calibration for the engine (ECM) and transmission (TCM).
We don't write ECM- or TCM-only tunes.
The price you see is the price you pay for a full, custom tune.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Specific, transmission-related concerns follow a specific troubleshooting protocol. While our tuning can help with drivability and improve behavior, it can't fix underlying physical or mechanical issues. This is an important distinction and we'd be happy to provide our troubleshooting guide so you can verify everything before getting started.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning, Transmission, Included
What's the difference between custom and "off-the-shelf" or "chip" tunes?
What's the difference between a custom tune and off the shelf tune (OTS)?
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.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
N/A
Tags:
Tuning
How long until I have my tune?
It depends, but most customers complete the tuning process within approximately two weeks of submitting their stock file.
The largest factor is turnaround time between revisions. Customers who submit logs and feedback promptly typically complete the process faster, while delays in log submission will naturally extend the overall timeline.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Make sure your stock file has been synced and a Tune Request has been submitted through Tuning Central. We cannot begin writing your tune until both steps have been completed.
Helpful Links:
Estimated Time:
~1-2 Weeks
Tags:
Tuning, Process, Timelines

