SCT questions

[celery952]

so Im looking at getting this brand of tuner, dont know if I want an xcal or a livewire. I read the differences between the 2 and it kinda looks like Id want a livewire, because I can add a wideband and log my own data. my question is, from experience is it worth the extra cash? will I be able to make my own tunes with this or will I still need a dyno? I dont know much about either of these devices, and I kinda want an idea before I buy one


also will either work for multiple pcms? or are they specifically for one?


as far as custom tunes for either do you basically go to the dyno and send off the info to sct for them to create you a tune or do you create your own?

i have no experience with tuning electronics but learn fast, so any info that anyone might have to share would be great

and by the way, this is going to be a 2.0 spi. the reason I ask over here is because you dont hear much about sct on other escort forums. im not sure why

[joshalabama]

Each device will work with one pcm. You will have to go to a dyno and have an sct dealer lock the tuner to your car. They will then run your car monitoring rpm v air fuel and adjust spark ect. accordingly. I don't know anything about the livewire but the xcal2 allows you to adjust spark ect. without a dyno after the initial tune. You can datalog using the xcal2 by plugging it into a laptop.

[celery952]

so Id need to locate an sct dealer with a dyno for all this?

how much does getting it locked to your pcm and a tune cost generally?

[ChillinZX]

Just get a SCT chip from the participating SCT shop and have them dyno tune you a chip, you can also get a small dial to switch between different programs, you can have up to 8 I believe. I have one set for disable, 93 octane street race tune, and 87 gas milage tune. I keep it on the 93 octane tune because I rarely drive the car anymore anyways and I have to selector knob out of the computer because I don't use it anymore. The money wasted getting a 'do-it-yourself' tuner program will still cost you dyno sessions, your better off just letting the professional tuners do what they do best, cause realistically you don't have to retune the car every oil change or if you added a different air filter, usually getting it tuned once is enough unless you do something crazy like getting a different MAF or bigger injectors where you will need to get it retuned.

[ZX2 S/R Black]

I just got the SCT pro racer package... I also have a 75 page book on tuning I just got... eventually give me a month or 2 and I will learn how to tune... then if you have questions about tuining yourself I might be able to help out... but as of right now I'm in your shoes too.

[celery952]

well I am starting out cheap without an intercooler, and am going to be working up as I go, and I do want an e85 tune and a premium tune. being able to tune myself would be the best. im an ase ford technician, so learning isnt the problem. lower cost is good, but I want the most economical solution

[celery952]

well I just called mid coast customs in st charles, and they were as nice as can be, and im gonna go sit with kurt out there and run down all of the systems and figure out whats right for me. so yeah I guess that answers that question :P but any advice or extra info going into this discussion would be great!

[pure]

I just got the SCT pro racer package... I also have a 75 page book on tuning I just got... eventually give me a month or 2 and I will learn how to tune... then if you have questions about tuining yourself I might be able to help out... but as of right now I'm in your shoes too.

I hate to say it but don't think that book will teach you how to tune .. it just isn't that simple.

[ChillinZX]

If you get a dyno that will help more then a book I think, at least you can see results for the tuning you do. E85 gas is cheaper but it gets worse gas mileage then regular 87 octane and loss of performance with it. Dyno's cost around $30,000.

[ZX2 S/R Black]

E85 gives you more power because it burns cooler... it's also a higher octane around 105 and is cheaper... but you do get less mpg... in the end I would like to do the same... they way I see it is you are burning cleaner, brake even $$$ wise because the mpg, and have more power :)

[ZX2 S/R Black]

I hate to say it but don't think that book will teach you how to tune .. it just isn't that simple.


No its not that simple yet, but I've learned a lot already... we'll see...

[gt35r zx2]

E85 gives you more power because it burns cooler... it's also a higher octane around 105 and is cheaper... but you do get less mpg... in the end I would like to do the same... they way I see it is you are burning cleaner, brake even $$$ wise because the mpg, and have more power :)


You sir are very correct , if you tune for it then it will work great , even better with a turbo car

[00EscortZx2]

I plan on getting the pro racer package. I've got a lot to learn too!

[R-Code]

THe PRP manual is very good at teaching the basics. And one you have the basics down there isn't really much more to it other then just learning how to refine your tune and sort out/troubleshoot any oddities you may come across. Or special "features" like the VCT if you care to.

However if you don't have a wideband and a very sensitive ass, a lot of track time or a dyno you wont ever nail it down totaly.

[Psychotuner]

BTW, check out Barnes an Noble.. there is a certain EFI Ford/chevy tuning book that may be of more use, then the $75 PRP manual. Out of the two I woudl opt for the X cal, as it has proven to not be bugged, like some of the Livewires...

[celery952]

so essentially what does the pro racer package do for you? on top of the xcal2 that is

[R-Code]

everything. the xcal barely gives you any control at all. the PRP gives you almost the full PCM table control.

[celery952]

so in effect xcal is pretty much just a mode of transportation alright

I think thats what im gonna do is x2 with prp

[R-Code]

Xcal is the flasher + like minor change-ability to like 6 areas, PRP is very detailed access. to each part of the tables, not just general "add 2%" type crap.

[THEZX2_GUY]

i know this is a little off topic but does anyone know if there are any places to dyno and get tuned in TEXAS

[joshalabama]

Hey, how much is the prp?

[BernardZX2]

350 for the software alone. You'll still have to get a chip or flash device.

[KenW]

I have livewire on Zx2, its nice but not really worth the $. holds only 3 tunes.
only benny is monitoring, but only monitors what ford pcm reads.

[ZX2guy19]

I have a 4-bank SCT chip for sale. $250 shipped.

[jeffescortlx]

E85 gas is cheaper but it gets worse gas mileage then regular 87 octane and loss of performance with it.
Loss of perfromance? WTF is wrong with you? How can you have internet access and say somthing like that?

And if your worried about gas milage, maybe you should'nt be hanging out in the forced induction section of the forum.