[nandalora]

I have had my 3.0L done for about 6 mo. now and I want it to finally have a near-perfect tune. I have an ADC chip, but I'd like to actually get this tuned exactly to my setup. So, the options I know of are Apexi SAFC, SCT Xcalibrator 2, or custom dyno tuning. The advantage of the first two is adjustability at any time- not just once. But I don't know too much about how to use them or even what they can do exactly. They all cost about the same, so what is my best bet?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Blackcoog]

You should edit your post to say: Custom chip dyno tune, Xcalibrator 2 with dyno tune, or Apexi with dyno tune because you will need a dyno tune no matter what unless you have a wide band O2 setup. You can't just get an Apexi or a Xcalibrator and not get it dyno tuned. I've never used an Xcalibrator but I'd probably lean that way. If you have an ADC chip you should get it dynoed and send it back for tweaking if you are not happy.

 

[Rikenbomb]

Blackcoog is right. I currently have the SCT chip installed along with the S-AFC II. I am going to get my car dyno tuned. Understand this will be expensive as time on the dyno isn't cheap.

 

[nandalora]

I have already had the car dyno'd and sent the chip back after that to be retuned. So, I am (obviously) still not satisfied with the tune. As far as getting a wideband, I would absolutely do that if it meant I could tune the car myself. I guess the biggest problem is I already have the chip and all of these other options would replace it, so that's money waisted unless I can sell it. And, yes, dyno time is expensive which is why a wideband and calibrator sound like the way to go.....if I just knew how to tune!!??

-Nick

 

[Blackcoog]

When you say you aren't happy with the tune what does that mean? Is the car not running right or are you unhappy with the power output? What did it put out? If there is something wrong maybe we can figure it out from the dyno sheet.

 

[nandalora]

I'm unhappy cause of how it runs. It is sometimes lumpy at idle, like surging. And at higher rpm, above 4k, when i'm at WOT i can feel hesitation. Here's the first dyno run ever, this is what I sent to ADC to have then reflash the chip to (it was pig-rich!). The only thing is, I don't know if they fixed it unless I run on the dyno again. I know it's more powerful since that reflash, I'm not unhappy with the power at all, I just want to get everything I can out of it....you know?

Attatched pic at bottom (too big for this page)

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Blackcoog]

Is the dyno a before or after tuning? The Air/Fuel is really rich most of the way through the rev range.

 

[nandalora]

This was with the chip installed with the base program they sent me. I sent them this dyno sheet to get it reflashed to what I have now.

-Nick

 

[spridget]

If you plan to continue modding for performance, I'd suggest a X-Cal2 and programming. If you plan to leave it the way it is, just get it dyno tuned with the chip you already have.

It looks like you are lacking a fair amount of power just running so rich.

 

[nandalora]

Originally posted by: spridget
If you plan to continue modding for performance, I'd suggest a X-Cal2 and programming. If you plan to leave it the way it is, just get it dyno tuned with the chip you already have.

It looks like you are lacking a fair amount of power just running so rich.

Do you know the details of what the Xcal2 can do? I've been trying to get more info from ADC, but they haven't responded to my emails. I want to know the details of it's adjustability, exactly what you can change and by how much.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[mond12345]

Great site for info! http://www.sctflash.com/xc2.php

 

[nandalora]

It doesn't seem to offer the same amount of fine tuning that the Apexi SAFC does. mmmmm...???

-Nick

 

[fordrule]

so use both, also a proflow MAF afterburner and a wideband 02 all call it good for tuning......

 

[Kinger]

I have been there done that, here is the deal the EEC is so advanced it will learn its way around the S-AFC, the SCT X2 I don't know a lot about but if it offers limited user adjustability its probably a good peice. A dyno tuned chip will be the best hands down. Because there are no piggy backs and it still has dynamic adjustability via IAT, knock sensor, etc. My question is why do you want to tune it your self? What are you planning on doing? In a NA set up playing with the AF will net only a few ponies and could be very risky. The issues you described could be cured with dyno and road tuning.

 

[00durtecTaurus]

I have the x-cal2 from Ford Performance specialists and it is awesome. (FPS really knows ford tranies so and makes the ax4n slush box shift like a champ.)
The x-cal2 is actually a flasher. it reprograms the stock computer so, there are no chips to wiggle loose over time. (taurus have a problem with chips fitting)
It also will allow you to tie up to 3 additional impute devices (read a:f sensor) to work as a data loger ( with it pluged into a labtop). Also you can have new programs email to you.