Most Cost-Effective Tune

[kln5014]

I really think I am in need of a tune to get the most out of my bolt ons, but no matter how much research I do I just can't seem to decide what is the most cost effective way to tune. I have pnp head, raised .2 compression, udp, fr filter, adjustable intake cam gear, knock mod, smoothed out tb, shorty header, as well as all of the stock s/r goodies. If I got a tune I'd prob throw on 19lb injectors at that time.

Obviously it sounds like xcal3 would be the best choice, but $400 bucks for something that just has universal tunes on it? Would I really see a benefit without taking it to a dealer to have custom tunes made for 100-150 bucks each? It just seems like xcal is far too expensive for the gains...and from searching this site it sounds like superchips, diablo, etc chips are crap.

It just doesn't seem worth it to spend $500+ on a gain of what..ten horsepower? Is there something I can buy that just plugs into my labtop and can be tuned from there? Is there a better alternative?

[pissdrunx16]

Posted via Mobile Device all if those goodies and no tune WTF haha I have xcal it's awesome!!!

[00EscortZx2]

SCT Pro Racer would be your laptop tuner's choice. I think sniper has one too but I haven't heard good thinks about it. Although, whens its all over with, I thinks its around $500 for the SCT.

Edit:

http://www.sctflash.com/PRPFord.php

[kln5014]

Once again into the $500 bracket..so are the gains really worth 500 bucks? What could I expect out of a good tune? I have an S/R so it already has the slightly better computer..

[scort2498]

yea the gains are really worth 500... and dont worry about the injectors.... we already have stock 19lbs injectors

[pissdrunx16]

Posted via Mobile Device from my s/r ecu to the xcal was a nice change!!!! And i only have mail orderbtunes I could only imagine if I got a dynoed tune! Or the prp

[mechtech]

You already have #19 injectors.
As for tuning, they have us by the balls. You gotta pay to play. HP costs. Etc..
See if you can snag a NGP0 for reasonable money. Makes a nice driver. Sure, it is not perfect, but it is well worth a reasonable cost.
A programmer will allow you to make certain changes - idle speed, some timing changes, etc.. But it is too high [$] - all of them are.
And please put in the stock type thermostat of 192-195. It is better for fuel efficiency and engine wear , and when/if you need it, it is fully open anyway.

[kln5014]

Thanks everyone, I guess as mech says, you gotta pay to play which is what I'll have to do. For some reason I thought we had 18lb injectors, my bad.

Mech, I put in the stock thermostat again trying to get rid of the hesitation I still have from 3k to 4k...sorry never updated my sig. BTW I'm still having the issue...I purchased new intake manifold gaskets so I'm going to be trying that very shortly. When the car hits 4k it literally throws you back in your seat...I'm thinking if it still is doing it after the intake manifold gaskets are swapped i'll get an xcal3 and datalog it to see what the hell is going on.

[mechtech]

You need more ignition advance.
Whatever means.

[Beodude123]

Putting a resistor in the IAT helps.

[mechtech]

I've heard of that!

[Beodude123]

Yeah, some crazy guy on this website.... I think it was called Team2X or something like that. This nutjob said to put it in there. Oddly enough, I did, and it worked! Crazy!

[1turbofocus]

And please put in the stock type thermostat of 192-195. It is better for fuel efficiency and engine wear , and when/if you need it, it is fully open anyway.

I do agree that your engine running at higher temps does somewhat help MPG if thats what your going for then keep the 195 thurmostat

But running the higher temps in no way help engine wear if anything they hurt engine wear , If you are doing a performance Zetec engine you need to run the 180 and lower your fan turn on temps this will help with performance , engine life , lower the threshold for spk knock and just all around make your engine safer and it makes better power and TQ with no ill side effects , If you have throttle issues then they need to be adjusted out in the tune

Tom

[mechtech]

1 turbo - Street cars have to operate in cold/cool conditions.
Keeping the temperature up there helps greatly with less blowby and condensation. This is one way to help with engine longevity and wear.
If your car is not spark knocking, running colder will not make more power. It has to make a bit less, because of thicker oil and more drag - in that direction, anyway.

But most important is that the thermostat will open when you need it anyway- open is open no matter what the starting temp is. Normal driving you want it warm. Ford now makes electronic thermostats with 225 deg F running temps, and lower when the throttle is applied.
Please don't misinform people with 1950s backyard thinking.