what options

[fordrule]

i know this is going to be asked . probally a faq is going to be needed to be written.....i can think of some questions

i just finished installing a 3L which route xhip or xcal?

i am buying a xcal2, should i buy the prp or not?

what is the prp? i know it stands for Pro Racer Package, what is so good about it and some functions?

when ordering a chip/xcal, what are subjects to be covered, when talking to the tuner?


there is more i know but i was just saying some off the top of my head

[posthuman63t]

I would suggest buying an xcal2 from Brent White at Brenspeed.com. When you call him, let him know you've done the swap and what components you are running as well as all aftermarket upgrades to your car. He will hook you up with a tune for your car based on all the information you can tell him.

I say go with an Xcal2 because it has the ability to change or alter (aka tune) different aspects of the computer. A chip just holds a specific tune (although tuned for your car, it is not adjustable without sending it out to get reflashed, which costs money)

The PRP (pro racer package) is tuning software for the Xcal2. Basically, the xcal2 lets you tweek and tune some aspects of the cars computer. (Its tuning capabilities cover the basic, most modified aspects) The PRP however opens up everything to be tuned. You can change everything about your car including when fans turn on and off, and all air/fuel options, irmc open/close points, etc. So in essence, the PRP is a full tuner, while the xcal2 covers some things.

Like I said, call up Brent at Brenspeed and he'll hook you up with an xcal2, and a good tune for your 3L. You always have the ability to upgrade in the future to the PRP.

[Blackcoog]

However if you buy the XCal2 and PRP together you save about $80 from brenspeed vs buying them seperate.

[ilovemycar]

i just finished installing a 3L which route xhip or xcal?

The Xcal is a flashing tool that allows you to flash the cars computer in order to run non stock injectors, MAF, and pretty much anything else tha thas to do with the motor that is not stock. A SCT chip does the same thing except needs to be reburned evertime you want to change something. The Xcal will also allow you to pull CEL's, and can be hooked up to a laptop for datalogging purposes. The main pro/com of using the flasher vs. a chip is that the chip has the ability to be switched on the fly(for those who want to switch from an all-motor tune to a nitrous tune while sitting at a redlight. The flasher will require the car to be shut off, and then takes 2-4 minutes to reflash the computer and let it relearn idle functions etc.

i am buying a xcal2, should i buy the prp or not?

If you are a hardcore enthusiast, and you like to "tinker" with your car a lot then yes get the PRP. It will allow you to change air fuel ratios, timing, IMRC open points, and even whe nyour fans cut on and off. It allows you to control basically every single thing your engine/ECU does, and IMO is a must have, at least for someone like me!

what is the prp? i know it stands for Pro Racer Package, what is so good about it and some functions?

Look at previous paragraph. If you are even thinking about getting it...then get it. We will be here to help you learn it. :cool:

when ordering a chip/xcal, what are subjects to be covered, when talking to the tuner?

First tell the tuner any mods you have to the car. Any future mods you plan on doing. And also anything you want to change like deleting the lower O2's for those wit headers, or eliminating the IMRC's for those with a high power 3L
He must know what injectors you have, what MAF you have, what motor you have, what gas you will use, whether the car is an ATX or MTX, etc.

[posthuman63t]

However if you buy the XCal2 and PRP together you save about $80 from brenspeed vs buying them seperate.


Yea thats true, I'll say this then...

If your just looking for a tune to get your car running good, and have a few options for tuning in the future...then just get the xcal2.

If you have an interest in learning how to tune, and doing homework on it, and having full tuning capabilities for your car, then get the PRP as well.

[fordrule]

awesome ......i am in this boat right now but if we have a faq on this it would help answer questions. i'll post up a shopping list of what i have done to my car so some of the tuners can help me with what to say to brent when i email him.

[posthuman63t]

No need to post something up. He will ask you what you have. If you don't knwo something, you can always give him a call back. When I ordered my stuff, I didn't know my pcm code, so I had to call back.

What you need to tell him is what size engine your running. what heads, cams, size injectors, manifolds, throttle body, and MAF. Also tell him if you are running an aftermarket filter, headers, dif. y-pipe, aftermarket exhaust.

If you tell him all the above, he can set ya straight. If for some reason he asks you about something you dont know, tell him you have no idea. Brent is a nice guy and will help ya out. If you need to know something from us, then leave a post and someone will help you out.

[fordrule]

thanks man. its kinda hard to call him since i am in korea and the timezone clashes.....but i will email him

[Blackcoog]

He seems to respond to emails fairly quick so you shouldn't have any problem talking over email.

[fordrule]

yeah i am trying to get the GB deal. but if i need to i will just get the xcal with basic tunes based on my mods and differnt octanes. is the PRP based off each ECU code or is it the xcal2? say someone else has the PRP around u can u use that? till u get the prp?

[ilovemycar]

is the PRP based off each ECU code or is it the xcal2? say someone else has the PRP around u can u use that? till u get the prp?

No. You would have to buy the code for your car, and then i would be able to mess with it, and then program your Xcal with a new tune.

[Blackcoog]

When you buy the software they ask you what code you need it for and they send you the base file for your code which is included in the price of the software. With the software you make a tune and you can load that tune up in the XCal2. You can then use the XCal2 to flash the code into your computer via the OBDII port.

[fordrule]

alright i thought i could use urs when i got home till i got mine. i guess aaron i am just going to half to ask u if could u get my ecu code for me so i can order the xcal2 next week . around the first. just get ahold of adam he can get ahold of my wife; to get u to the car

[warmonger]

The PRP is fixed solely on the code you tell him when you buy it. You will not be able to tune another code.

Each new Code from SCT will cost you $200 :eek:


WARNING: There are some people buying the PRP who really won't have the time to devote to learning how to use it. It is quite intimidating when you first start and requires a steep learning curve. I have posted quite a few responses on CEG about it since I've had it and it seems that for some people it just isn't the right option no matter how good it sounds.

Ask yourself these questions:
1-Do I want a well-tuned, powerful and good running car?
2-Do I want to try to squeeze everything out of my tune, willing to test tune after tune and back it up with dyno/road testing, risk damage to the engine, and tinker with it for hours at a time?

If you said yes to #1 then you should buy the XCAL2 and get a good tune from someone and call it a day.

If you said yes to #2 or you pop a boner at the thought of 4 open spreadsheets, tuning software and a car with the hood continually open...then the PRP is for you. :cool:
Then prepare to do lots of homework. And then prepare to spend more dollars too. Because once you get a PRP you will need a wideband O2, call up Innovate motorsports. And you should have a good quality Ohm meter; and a thermocouple for temp measurments if you are a REAL tuner. lol :evil:
Otherwise :gtfo:

[michcougar]

where do you find the ecu code?
I want to order mine but i dont know where to look. I talked to a shop around here, he tells me he can send the un programed tuner to me and when i plug it in it will tell me the code. id rather get it with everything prgramed already.

[fordrule]

on the paasenger compartment kick panel pull back the carpet ur ECU is right there. the code is the 4 number/letter combo written on it

[michcougar]

Thanks!

[fordrule]

my ecu code is ZKZ1 . i remember i emailed it to azdc for a possible chip burn....

i am emailing brent @ brenspeed for my xcal2... cant get the prp yet have to order it later

[fordrule]

well that went down the drain, wife got in accident and the tune money went to pay the eductable........

[warmonger]

Bummer, that really sucks. And believe me I've been there similarly.

[fordrule]

what things should i tell brent about the tune?

my mods:
svt cams
19 inj installed now..... i have the inj that came w/ the sable 3L 19 or 24?
gmk HP CAI
svt UIM
SVT LIM
svt tb
st200 valve springs
head port and gasket matched and exhaust was pnp.....
weapon r headers
lower the fan settings?
rev limitter?
asking about 91 octane tune and 87 ......damn gas prices....


i just want to have all the info before i order the xcal2. i will probally order it on the 15 at least hopefully and the prp later with extra funds.....

[TrackCat]

every little thing you can think of tell him.

[michcougar]

Went out and looked at the pcm.
could not see the code. i didint have a ratchet set with me, but is it behind the bracket holding it? or is it on the security sys controler? the one with all the wires on it? or the silver box?

[fordrule]

wish i was around my car i would go out and take a pic for u............ maybe someone else could do it?

[michcougar]

NO worries, i got them to ship me the tuner blank.
When i hooked it up i got a strategy code which then got them my pcm code.
I currently have it setup with 3 files. 87-91-93 with full adjustability for other options (fan speed, speed lim, rev lim, rev neu).
Takes no time to calibrate and makes a nice difference...its nice to see the rpms hit over 7000 now... :)

[fordrule]

well got the ok i will be ordering the xcal so as i get paid lolhopefully brent will hook me up

[fordrule]

ships on monday....have to pay next day air to get it to me before i drive the car on a roadtrip. i want her running really well before i go on a road trip

[warmonger]

Aren't you still in Korea? When will you be able to drive it?

[nandalora]

I have to ask a question, "Why the hell are you getting seperate tunes for 87, 91 and 93 octane?" Use 93!!! Here's how I justify it:

we have a 13 gal tank, if you fill it from COMPLETELY empty, you save $1.30 per level of octane you drop. So at best you are saving $2.60, that's just over $10 a month! Are you really THAT cheap? It's the best HP/$ you'll ever find! I'm not bashing you, just hoping to open your eyes.

-Nick

[RodneyBur]

I used the same reasoning while switching from stock to SVT ECU. Your assumption was based on one tank of gas per week. I usually go through two tanks. One throughout the week and one on the weekend. Still not really much of a difference though. Its just the thought of using premium that scares people IMO. Everyone I talk to freaks out when I tell them my car takes premium...definately not a good marketing point if you are selling the car.

Does anyone know if changing the timing to run on the higher octane causes higher fuel consumption. Basically if you tune for each octane will the MPG be the same for "easy driving"?

A 10% decrease in gas milieage (from 24 to 22 mpg) causes the need for an extra 2 gallons to travel the same distance (two fill ups w/24mpg=624m) (624m/22mpg=28gal). Thats an extra $6.38 a week if using two tanks a week, or 25.52 a month. Adding that to the price difference between reg and prem (2.60*2*4= 20.80month) is a total extra cost of $46.32 a month or $555.84 year (vs 249 if no decrease in mpg).

Also it probably helps to actually know what difference in HP we are talking about here. If its 2-5hp then is the additional cost really worth it? 10 hp? 20hp...umm YES.

[fordrule]

i fly on leave on monday the 14th of aug. i fly back on the 11 of sept.

[warmonger]

I haven't found anyone who did enough back-back testing of 91 and 93 octane that shows significant power increases on our cars yet. I have found that under boost it makes for a bit smoother sound out of the engine though. Main thing I value octane greater than 91 is the safety net it provides during hot summer temps.

[fordrule]

well on tuesday i get to play with it...install my hi flo cat, b and m shifter and fit my kit to the car . its like christmas and my birthday all wrapped up into one

[nandalora]

high flow cat, what?! You don't need no stink'n cat!

[warmonger]

sure you do. Federal emissions folks say you do. :tongue:
Besides a high flowing catalytic converter does not hurt power at all and it also helps eliminate most of the Rasp sound associated with an open exhaust on a duratec. Without the precats and resonator = a little raspy on startup, without any cats nor resonato = VERY-raspy-mega-drone-sounds-like-ass.
Best compromise is an open resonator in stock location and open main cat in stock main cat location. Add mufflers to your taste :rofl:

[nandalora]

I love how mine sounds and it has no cats. I get many compliments and not because it is cool to be loud. But I have a Borla ProXS center muffler and Magnaflow 4" rounds after the split. I should post a clip.

[fordrule]

yes u should

well i am home and have the xcal2, i inserted the tune but u can smell the fue i am running rich. i DO NOT have the PRP yet, so i am going to try and adjust the tune accordingly

[Y2Kat]

Welcome Home!

[fordrule]

well i am now trying to find out what injectors that came with the 3L that i bought. the motor was a 02 sable 3L.

the injectors are grey in color and have the numbers and letter combo on them

4260 187 2F1E A7A I do have the SVTour 19 returnless in the motor now and the xcal is set up for the 19's. i was just curious if the injectos i have are 19 or 24's

[warmonger]

I'm under the impression that the light cream colored injectors are the 19lbs injectors like from the excape, but I don't know about the gray ones.
The blue style taurus injectors are 24lb.
When in doubt use the ones that you know are 19s unless you already had the tune for 24s.