Info on Tuners, etc.

Steeda97 · 08-07-2007, 01:00 PM

I really need the 101 on Tuners and such. I might go with the livewire tuner, or Xcal2, because i plan on getting gears sooner or later. Plus, that livewire thing looks f'n awesome. Any opinions? Suggestions? Information? lol.

I dunno if i should waste my money, when Cervini's is right around the corner from my house, and he has a dyno.

I never can make up my mind on anything...

StangMan04 · 08-07-2007, 01:15 PM

Depends on your budget. Livewire is kinda expensive. XCal2 is nice. I just bought one myself. If your looking for a cheap tuner I can sell you my Xcal1 which I have no need for since I now have the Xcal2 (needed the xcal2 for when I get my wideband, thats the reason for upgrading.) PM Me if your interested.

r3dn3ck · 08-07-2007, 01:34 PM

the livewire is a neat product. You have to ask yourself if you'd ever buy a G-Tech Pro accelerometer. If you would then the LW is the ticket for you.

I'd definitely use one if I didn't already use the SCT PRP & Xcal2.

spike_africa · 08-07-2007, 01:46 PM

they both do the same thing hold tunes and read codes, but one has more options that it does ie shift light etc.. its all listed on the sctflash.com website. at the end of the day its do you wanna spend 399 or 599?

Steeda97 · 08-07-2007, 02:12 PM

So it comes with a couple different tunes, along with an economic tune. These tunes can be switched back and forth? They are unlimited, so i can use them as many times as i want, correct? I'm new to this whole tuner thing, as you can tell.

StangMan04 · 08-07-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeda97

So it comes with a couple different tunes, along with an economic tune. These tunes can be switched back and forth? They are unlimited, so i can use them as many times as i want, correct? I'm new to this whole tuner thing, as you can tell.

Yes you can flash your car as many times as you like.

spike_africa · 08-07-2007, 07:27 PM

but an fyi not all tuners are the same. Some cant tune a car for the life of them be sure to get it from someone who actully knows how to tune a modular motored car.

v6'stang · 08-07-2007, 07:34 PM

the livewire says it's compatable with a bunch of different car/truck types besides the mustang. for instance i drive a 99 f250 for work, dad drives an 02 f250, and i've got my mustang. would i be able to flash all 3 vehicles w/the same tuner?

spike_africa · 08-08-2007, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v6'stang

the livewire says it's compatable with a bunch of different car/truck types besides the mustang. for instance i drive a 99 f250 for work, dad drives an 02 f250, and i've got my mustang. would i be able to flash all 3 vehicles w/the same tuner?

No, if that was true people would group together and buy one tuner and tune all there freinds cars. They have it so you can only load a tune onto one vehicle at a time. It saves the vin from the ecu and makes it locked to that vehicle till you reinstall the stock tuning again.

Steeda97 · 08-08-2007, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike_africa

but an fyi not all tuners are the same. Some cant tune a car for the life of them be sure to get it from someone who actully knows how to tune a modular motored car.

aren't they pre-loaded? with presets? What kind of skill does it take?

r3dn3ck · 08-08-2007, 08:21 AM

the pre-loads are only a general base tune. It's not going to be on and could just as well cost you power. It's best to at least hop on a dyno and check the a/f through a WOT run. I'd get it loaded with custom dyno tunes for various octanes and nitrous. You can even stick a valet tune on it so they can't take it over 25mph.

Steeda97 · 08-08-2007, 10:07 AM

Ah, yeah i guess. Maybe i'll just try and call up Cervini's and get a dyno tune scheduled. He does mail-order tunes too, but i'll wait until i do the gears for that. So i guess no tuner for me. Ha.

StangMan04 · 08-08-2007, 10:14 AM

well you plan to get a chip and not a tuner? i think you need one or the other.

v6'stang · 08-08-2007, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spike_africa

No, if that was true people would group together and buy one tuner and tune all there freinds cars. They have it so you can only load a tune onto one vehicle at a time. It saves the vin from the ecu and makes it locked to that vehicle till you reinstall the stock tuning again.

i've got a chip in my car already. it has 4 tunes on it. is it possible to fool around with the tunes on it or is the livewire just made for ur computer in ur car already and not to be used with chips.

also, if i can use it w/the chip, could i take one of the used tunes, return it to "stock" so i can free up the tuner to fool around w/the trucks.

one more thing, could i load all of my tunes onto the tuner, or would all the ones to be loaded have to come from SCT?

i kno most of these questions are rather technical so hopefully someone can shed some light on these issues. i'd hate to blow 600 and find out it's not all it's cracked up to be. thx guys!!

r3dn3ck · 08-08-2007, 02:48 PM

the chip overrides the stock tune. The handheld and livewire over-WRITE it (they back it up first of course).

The chip can't be tinkered with by a handheld. You can load custom tunes onto a handheld but you can't actually do it... only an authorized SCT dealer can.

This is exactly the sort of nonsense that caused me to get the Pro-Racer kit. If I want a different tune I just make one and upload it. At least SCT did that much for us.

v6'stang · 08-08-2007, 02:52 PM

damnit. i'm startin' to not like this whole handheld shit. so isn't the pro-racer kit like a grand??

StangMan04 · 08-08-2007, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v6'stang

damnit. i'm startin' to not like this whole handheld shit. so isn't the pro-racer kit like a grand??

yeah, unless your good at tuning, I wouldnt mess with it.

v6'stang · 08-08-2007, 04:45 PM

the whole reason i want to get a tuner is the gears threw the speedo off. so i figured yea the livewire would be cool to have, along w/the chip that's already in it. (i luv how ya can change settings soo quickly.) eh, screw it. i might just go to VMPtuning and get them to dyno it and reflash the chip.

StangMan04 · 08-08-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v6'stang

the whole reason i want to get a tuner is the gears threw the speedo off. so i figured yea the livewire would be cool to have, along w/the chip that's already in it. (i luv how ya can change settings soo quickly.) eh, screw it. i might just go to VMPtuning and get them to dyno it and reflash the chip.

yeah thats why I hate chips, not alot of adjustability. i got my xcal if you want it.

v6'stang · 08-08-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StangMan04

yeah thats why I hate chips, not alot of adjustability. i got my xcal if you want it.

i'm gonna have to pass on that, thx for the offer tho. i'm lookin' for either xcal2 or livewire. i suppose i'll just get the chip reflashed, it couldn't cost too much.

WaterDR · 08-08-2007, 10:09 PM

Chips are best for people who want a good, solid dyno tune and then don't want to mess with it. But, if you do, you can always take it back to the tuner.

Handhelds have a lot more features and are for guys who like to tinker with shit.

I have a chip. Why? Mine is switchable and I like to be able to change tunes on the fly.....handhelds are a pain in the ass to me, but I still appreciate what they do.

v6'stang · 08-09-2007, 03:59 AM

HEY same thing i got! i thought i was the only person w/one on here lol. yea i guess i'm gonna have to go the dyno tune route. i just think it's a lil silly to dyno a nearly stock sixxer. :/ speaking of which, typically how much do dyno tunes run?

WaterDR · 08-09-2007, 04:46 AM

A dyno tune is pretty much a waste on a stock car unless you have a pronblem. They cost about $150 - $200.

08-07-2007, 01:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
StangMan04 Ricer Abuser Join Date: May 2005 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 430	Depends on your budget. Livewire is kinda expensive. XCal2 is nice. I just bought one myself. If your looking for a cheap tuner I can sell you my Xcal1 which I have no need for since I now have the Xcal2 (needed the xcal2 for when I get my wideband, thats the reason for upgrading.) PM Me if your interested. __________________ 2004 GT SLP Loudmouth 2 Catback,SLP Catted X-pipe,SLP LT Headers,JLT RAI,4:10s, XCal2. Waiting to go in: VT Stage 3 Blower Cams, 3200 Stall

08-07-2007, 01:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
spike_africa Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando,Florida Posts: 7,205	they both do the same thing hold tunes and read codes, but one has more options that it does ie shift light etc.. its all listed on the sctflash.com website. at the end of the day its do you wanna spend 399 or 599? __________________ Dustin 2002 GT Mustang 5-Speed Drag Radials,Sprayed,Powershifted WOOO HOOOO!

08-07-2007, 07:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
spike_africa Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Orlando,Florida Posts: 7,205	but an fyi not all tuners are the same. Some cant tune a car for the life of them be sure to get it from someone who actully knows how to tune a modular motored car. __________________ Dustin 2002 GT Mustang 5-Speed Drag Radials,Sprayed,Powershifted WOOO HOOOO!

08-07-2007, 07:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
v6'stang Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 932	the livewire says it's compatable with a bunch of different car/truck types besides the mustang. for instance i drive a 99 f250 for work, dad drives an 02 f250, and i've got my mustang. would i be able to flash all 3 vehicles w/the same tuner? __________________ Mods: 17x9 black cobra wheels, BBK CAI, tru dual flowmasters, sct 4bank elim. chip, motive 3.73's, frpp t-lok. ...and the list grows.

08-08-2007, 10:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
StangMan04 Ricer Abuser Join Date: May 2005 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 430	well you plan to get a chip and not a tuner? i think you need one or the other. __________________ 2004 GT SLP Loudmouth 2 Catback,SLP Catted X-pipe,SLP LT Headers,JLT RAI,4:10s, XCal2. Waiting to go in: VT Stage 3 Blower Cams, 3200 Stall

08-07-2007, 01:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 6,859	the livewire is a neat product. You have to ask yourself if you'd ever buy a G-Tech Pro accelerometer. If you would then the LW is the ticket for you. I'd definitely use one if I didn't already use the SCT PRP & Xcal2.

08-08-2007, 08:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 6,859	the pre-loads are only a general base tune. It's not going to be on and could just as well cost you power. It's best to at least hop on a dyno and check the a/f through a WOT run. I'd get it loaded with custom dyno tunes for various octanes and nitrous. You can even stick a valet tune on it so they can't take it over 25mph.

08-08-2007, 02:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 6,859	the chip overrides the stock tune. The handheld and livewire over-WRITE it (they back it up first of course). The chip can't be tinkered with by a handheld. You can load custom tunes onto a handheld but you can't actually do it... only an authorized SCT dealer can. This is exactly the sort of nonsense that caused me to get the Pro-Racer kit. If I want a different tune I just make one and upload it. At least SCT did that much for us.

08-08-2007, 02:52 PM	#16 (permalink)
v6'stang Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 932	damnit. i'm startin' to not like this whole handheld shit. so isn't the pro-racer kit like a grand?? __________________ Mods: 17x9 black cobra wheels, BBK CAI, tru dual flowmasters, sct 4bank elim. chip, motive 3.73's, frpp t-lok. ...and the list grows.

08-08-2007, 04:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
v6'stang Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 932	the whole reason i want to get a tuner is the gears threw the speedo off. so i figured yea the livewire would be cool to have, along w/the chip that's already in it. (i luv how ya can change settings soo quickly.) eh, screw it. i might just go to VMPtuning and get them to dyno it and reflash the chip. __________________ Mods: 17x9 black cobra wheels, BBK CAI, tru dual flowmasters, sct 4bank elim. chip, motive 3.73's, frpp t-lok. ...and the list grows.

08-08-2007, 10:09 PM	#21 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,370	Chips are best for people who want a good, solid dyno tune and then don't want to mess with it. But, if you do, you can always take it back to the tuner. Handhelds have a lot more features and are for guys who like to tinker with shit. I have a chip. Why? Mine is switchable and I like to be able to change tunes on the fly.....handhelds are a pain in the ass to me, but I still appreciate what they do. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

08-09-2007, 03:59 AM	#22 (permalink)
v6'stang Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 932	HEY same thing i got! i thought i was the only person w/one on here lol. yea i guess i'm gonna have to go the dyno tune route. i just think it's a lil silly to dyno a nearly stock sixxer. :/ speaking of which, typically how much do dyno tunes run? __________________ Mods: 17x9 black cobra wheels, BBK CAI, tru dual flowmasters, sct 4bank elim. chip, motive 3.73's, frpp t-lok. ...and the list grows.

08-09-2007, 04:46 AM	#23 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,370	A dyno tune is pretty much a waste on a stock car unless you have a pronblem. They cost about $150 - $200. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email