Quickshift_02GT

I am looking into getting this handheld tuner, and have come up with a few questions in trying to understand how it works and the gians that I "could" get to justify the $400 cost.

I would first like to hear what anyone who has purchased this (or other) handheld tuner gained in HP/TQ on their N/A Mustangs. Please list the mods that were done to your vehicle at the time of installing the SCT-tune. I am concerned that there is little to no gain, from reading various posts on the SCT website forum.

Also, I'm trying to understand how this product works. From what I can gather, you send the dealer (where you purchase the tuner from???) a list of your current modifications, and they develop a tune that is fit for your setup. With that .xtr file (preconfigured tune for your setup???) that they send you in return, you can flash your computer. Further, you can then modify that .xtr file that the dealer sends you with specific software that you get with the purchase of the handheld tuner. Also, you cannot do a full tune by yourself, only slightly modify an existing .xtr file with your software created by your dealer. If you want to do a full tune by yourself you need to upgrade to the "racers package".

Further questions:

1. Is this product very simple to use/adjust and understand?

2. Is it worth it in price/performance?

3. Is a handheld tuner a requirement for doing a professional tune in conjuction with a Dyno run?

4. Once again...your gains in HP/TQ on N/A vehicle (please list mods) ?


Thanks guys! Just trying to get a grip on this before investing the money in other options.

code3GT

I have the X-cal and am very impressed with it. If I were you, buy it from MD Motorsports and have Ken B. do your tune, you won't be disappointed.

The Great Cornholio

I don't have a SCT XCal 2 but do have a Diablo Predator and believe it has been a very worthwhile investment, particularly in light of custom tuning capability. I recommend that you get a tuner, and the manufacturer matters less than the quality of the tune you get.

Quickshift_02GT

Care to explain a little? Do you have some dyno figures?

Anyone with some dyno-numbers on the before and after with their handheld tuner?

redass02gt

I just bought a tuner, haven't recieved it yet, but from what I understand is that you may not gain a lot of peak HP, but you will gain at other points in your powercurve.

Quickshift_02GT

Not sure I understand the difference, or what you mean.

If at any point in your power curve you gain the largest amount of horsepower/torque, regardless of where it is on that curve....wouldnt that be considered peak HP/TQ?

redass02gt

that's not peak HP. for example, you could gain 12 HP at 2000 rpm, but you could gain 0 at peak and still have your 260 peak HP. But you'll have better low end.

Quickshift_02GT

Gotcha.

You may gain 5-10HP for a "peak" HP rating of say 260 at the wheels, but you might also gain 15HP down low at 2000RPM. Thus increasing maximum available horsepower down low for acceleration.

redass02gt

yeah, at least that's what they say. I don't know if it makes a big difference yet. I also want it to calibrate my speedo after gears.