I know this is like opening a can of worms, but which programer/software would you guys recommend? My situation is somewhat different than most in that my brother is a professional race car driver, builder, and tuner. His shop has a dyno and extensive diagnostics equiptment. He is a Chevy (corvette) and BMW expert with over 15 years experience bulding 700HP+ engines, but has not worked on newer ford engines. The equipment he has could re-flash the truck, but I like the idea of having the ability to switch between programs. He volunteered time to tune my truck, but recommended finding a programer as a way to start since I want multi-program flexibility.
After an initial conversation, and based on my limited knowledge, we thought the edge would be a good option in that we could use it to "live" tune the truck while on the dyno. Does this sound like a good approach or would there be a batter way since is essentially have "unlimited" time on a dyno and with a professional tuner?

Thanks!

MarkM3
2006 FX4 Scab 5.3L
Auto w/ Tow Package

 

the XCal2 loaded with Mikes custom tunes would be a good starting point

 

What jpdadeo said.... ...you can't go wrong with an XCAL 2 customed tuned by Mike Troyer. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to give them a call. There customer service is by far some of the best I have ever dealt with.
http://www.troyerperformance.com/cgi-bin/ppistore.pl

 

Or go with the Edge... the BEST performance and functional product for our trucks.

 

Going to start bashing the venders again huh

 

HI!... Go with the X-CAL2 or a SCT 4 - bank chip from MIKE TROYER. Anything else is 2ND best.

 

Nobody's bashing anyone, show me where i have EVER bashed a vendor (especially MT).... I've purchased a chip and a 1714 from TP and had good experiences with him and his co. People just throw the word "BEST" around here all too easily. It's just a pet peeve of mine...... Relax, just having fun....



Neal, i dont think you can get a 4 position chip for the newer trucks. I asked mike about that before i tested the xcal2 and bought the edge.

 

Question and I'm not trying to start the whole Xcal2 vs. Edge crap again. Just trying to get the correct info out there to the original poster. Other than the display, what does the Edge do that the Xcal2 doesn't?

 

I like the gauges etc of the edge unit, but read all the posts on tuners here and more importantly in your trucks specific forum. Alot of people don't really come in this specific forum because of all the drama and sales pitching going on. I think all of the tuners out there will give you an increase of some kind....those with adjustability like edge and others, especially since you can do it yourself on a free dyno.....will give you the most bang for the buck. There are claims of 0-60 in the 6 and a half range for both the SCT and Edge units lately, if that sort of thing floats your boat. With my car in the garage though, that sort of thing meant little in my choice...I wanted the guages, and better shifting more than anything else....and mpg. The power is just icing.

Bill

 

Can you edit any of the parameters form the xcal2? I read where you can and then i've read where you cant (at least without some software).
The swapping and editing of tunes is MUCH FASTER than the xcal2. I also think that the edge breaks down the programming into simple parameters that almost anyone can understand. If you can edit the xcal2, if you dont know what you are doing, you can ROYALLY screw your motor up. Of course, the edge doesnt allow the precise adjustments that the xcal does, but you have a safety factor involved. If you get radical with your truck, ala NEAL or a Blower, the XCAL2 is definitely the way to go. That's just my 2 cents.

 

Besides showing up within the same month that you order it? Sorry man, I just couldn't resist. Actually, from what I hear the Xcal adjusts idle whereas the edge at present does not. They both update online, the edge is something like $100 cheaper isn't it? I think truck racing parts still has a coupon up for a pretty hot price at the moment....very near our 65 person group buy price actually.

As for the rest, pick your poison and pull out your credit card. I went the way I did because they're a major company..been around forever, are nationally known and in the end...I trust them. When I first switched from GM to ford I read the chip forum in here and although I didn't decide at that point who would be tuning my truck...I did decide very quickly who would not. It's a trust thing, and in the sales game...where there is smoke, someone is usually trying to blow it up your crack. All I can suggest is do your own research, both in this forum and others..ask a lot of questions..and consider the source of the answers and their motivations. Then pick the gizmo that does it for you.

Bill

 

Well, here we go again.

 

There’s really not a good comparison that can be made between the edge and the XCal2, it’s apples to oranges, fruit but drastically different. The edge is generic “one size fits all” and the XCal2 is custom tuned specifically for your needs, they’re both hand held tuners, but drastically different. You should get whichever one you’re comfortable with and will satisfy your needs

but The XCalibrator 2 Features COMPLETE User Adjustability as set by your SCT Dealer

User Adjustable Feature:
Fuel Adjustment __________________ Yes
Spark Adjustment _________________ Yes
Read / Clear OBD-II Trouble Codes ___ Yes
Axle Ratio Selection ________________Yes*
MAF Meter Selection _______________ Yes
Tire Size Selection _________________Yes
Fuel Injector Size Selection __________Yes
Idle RPM __________________________Yes
Cooling Fan On / Off Temperature _____Yes
Disable Traction Control _____________Yes*
Two Step On / Off RPM _____________ Yes*
Automatic Shift Control _____________ Yes


The XCalibrator 2 flash tool features Live High Speed Data Logging built in. Now you can data log your all of your vehicles PCM parameters and view them on your Windows based computer using SCT's Live Link Software. The Live Link software package as available FREE to all SCT customers in the Downloads section of our website.

http://www.sctflash.com/product_xc2.php

 

OK here's some FACTS for you to ponder. Again, I'm not trying to start the Xcal2 vs. Edge crap again, just trying to get the correct info out there.

Xcal2 adjustments available:
Spark 0-2000
Spark 2000-4000
Spark 4000-8000
WOT Air/Fuel
Axle Ratio
Tire Revs/Mile
Speed limit
Rev limit in Drive
Rev limit in Neutral
Idle speed in Drive
Idle speed in Neutral
WOT shift 1-2
WOT shift 2-3
WOT shift 3-4
Shift press 1-2
Shift press 2-3
Shift press 3-4

Edge adjustments:
Gear ratio
Tire size
WOT shift
Standard shifting
Shift firmness
Rev limiter
Speed limiter
Fuel octane
WOT fuel

 

Awww, Bill. Just when I was beginning to think you had mellowed out and we had reached some sort of understanding, you go and post this.

It contains some tasteless innuendo, and really does you a disservice.

Inappropriate, IMHO. Can we please move on? Thanks.

Cheers
Grog