Tuners 101?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: UT
Tuners 101?
Hi everyone,
I have an '03 and have been reading all the good stuff here for over a year. Unfortunately, I think I am now more confused on to use a programmer or not and if so, which one? Last year when the Diablo came out it seemed that eveyone wanted it, now it seems Diablo is not so great and SCT something or other is the best?
What gives? Is there anywhere that has a head to head comparison of tuners and programmers on the same truck that I can use to make my decision?
I know I want some black smoke when I punch it,
but, I don't want to melt my engine. Other than that I don't know what I want / what I'm missing? 
Thanks everyone, I love this place!
-Scott
I have an '03 and have been reading all the good stuff here for over a year. Unfortunately, I think I am now more confused on to use a programmer or not and if so, which one? Last year when the Diablo came out it seemed that eveyone wanted it, now it seems Diablo is not so great and SCT something or other is the best?
What gives? Is there anywhere that has a head to head comparison of tuners and programmers on the same truck that I can use to make my decision?
I know I want some black smoke when I punch it,
but, I don't want to melt my engine. Other than that I don't know what I want / what I'm missing? Thanks everyone, I love this place!
-Scott
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Utopia
It depends on what you want, max power, tow power reliability?
In no specific order there is the SCMT, SCT, diablo, etc,etc
I wouldn't go with a fuel module (but the module will get you more smoke than tuner) unless you plan on stacking, in this case something like the sct would need to be added to protect the tranny, unless you build it up for the added power...There are quadzillas, banks, edge juice, etc, etc
If you are planning injection systems, you need custom tuning.
The more info you provide, the more help we can give!
In no specific order there is the SCMT, SCT, diablo, etc,etc
I wouldn't go with a fuel module (but the module will get you more smoke than tuner) unless you plan on stacking, in this case something like the sct would need to be added to protect the tranny, unless you build it up for the added power...There are quadzillas, banks, edge juice, etc, etc
If you are planning injection systems, you need custom tuning.
The more info you provide, the more help we can give!
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
If you want some unbelieveable horsepower SAFELY (at least on the newly designed head gaskets) go with the SCT. You have to pick the right tuner (the person that writes the tune for the tuner that is) as there are many out there for the SCT. I don't run one, but I know a few folks that have run all three of the above mentioned tuners and the choice is SCT hands down. Since you are running an '03 then I'd be leary about the headgskets unless they've been replaced at some point. Lots and lots to read and check out so grab a cold beverage of your choice (or hot if weather dictates) and start reading.
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We carry the newest SCT 9415 XCAL2, and it has many advantages on all the tuners. Great User adjustabilty and power bands.
It has a data logger, and the ability for the user to download the latest firmware directly from SCT.
I just installed one on my 99.5 7.3L, and another on an 03 6.0L today. All I can say is WOW!
It has a data logger, and the ability for the user to download the latest firmware directly from SCT.
I just installed one on my 99.5 7.3L, and another on an 03 6.0L today. All I can say is WOW!
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From: UT
Customz,
Yes after your reply I realized you are exactly right. More info is needed. I don't wnat something that is physically added to the truck, I believe that rules out fuel boxes and Banks.
I have 28,000 miles on it and want to keep my 100,000 miles warranty so I need to be able to remove all traces of said tuner before going to the dealer.
I don't want to add exhaust, injection systems, any of that stuff. Just a bit of power boost for fun, towing, and fuel economy (although I don't expect the latter).
NPCCPARTSMAN,
I had three injectors replaced one ion one side and 2 on the other. Does that mean they replaced the head gaskets?
WILDBILL,
Where can I find the info? Did motorhaven ever do the head to head test. I have made it to about page 60 of the superchips thread and see no numbers yet. What about cost? I know SCT and SCMT are from different companies, but it sounds like the SCMT 1704 is pretty good.
Yes after your reply I realized you are exactly right. More info is needed. I don't wnat something that is physically added to the truck, I believe that rules out fuel boxes and Banks.
I have 28,000 miles on it and want to keep my 100,000 miles warranty so I need to be able to remove all traces of said tuner before going to the dealer.
I don't want to add exhaust, injection systems, any of that stuff. Just a bit of power boost for fun, towing, and fuel economy (although I don't expect the latter).
NPCCPARTSMAN,
I had three injectors replaced one ion one side and 2 on the other. Does that mean they replaced the head gaskets?
WILDBILL,
Where can I find the info? Did motorhaven ever do the head to head test. I have made it to about page 60 of the superchips thread and see no numbers yet. What about cost? I know SCT and SCMT are from different companies, but it sounds like the SCMT 1704 is pretty good.
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From: UT
Originally Posted by npccpartsman
Since you are running an '03 then I'd be leary about the headgskets unless they've been replaced at some point.
Still looking for that data on the Diablo vs SCMT 1704. Anyone know the thread and post#?
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Originally Posted by roozter
Customz,
WILDBILL,
Where can I find the info? Did motorhaven ever do the head to head test. I have made it to about page 60 of the superchips thread and see no numbers yet. What about cost? I know SCT and SCMT are from different companies, but it sounds like the SCMT 1704 is pretty good.
WILDBILL,
Where can I find the info? Did motorhaven ever do the head to head test. I have made it to about page 60 of the superchips thread and see no numbers yet. What about cost? I know SCT and SCMT are from different companies, but it sounds like the SCMT 1704 is pretty good.
features such as:
Tow, Street performance, and Race programs
Jake Brake like functionality
Aggressive Tow/Haul
T/C lockup in 1, 2, 3 modes
Speed limiter extender or removal
Shift points control up or down
Shoft firmness
Idle drive control
Idle neutral control
Cooling fans control
Tire size adjustments
Axle ratio
Built in data logger
PC interface features
Free upgrading of firmare via your PC
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Steroid Module??
Willbill....
Can You Gives Any Info On How The Steroid Module Works. Does It Plug Into The Map Sensor And The Icp Or ??? Any Info Would Be Appreciated. Also H/p And Tq Atings And To What Extent It Is Stackable With A Programmer Or Tuner?..thanks, Mark
Can You Gives Any Info On How The Steroid Module Works. Does It Plug Into The Map Sensor And The Icp Or ??? Any Info Would Be Appreciated. Also H/p And Tq Atings And To What Extent It Is Stackable With A Programmer Or Tuner?..thanks, Mark
Joined: Dec 2004
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The streoids plugs into the ICP, MAP, and EOT (Engine Oil Temp) sensors. It allows you to adjust fuel pressure, MAP signal and, timing. The HP gains we saw where 120hp and 200 lbs of torque stand alone. It can be stacked for over gains from low to high RPM range on just about any tuner and chip.
Hope that helps.
I stacked it on TS 6 position, SCMT 170X, Edge Evolution and the latest SCT 9415 with great results.
Hope that helps.
I stacked it on TS 6 position, SCMT 170X, Edge Evolution and the latest SCT 9415 with great results.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Originally Posted by roozter
I think it just applies to 2003. Anyone else want to chime in?
Still looking for that data on the Diablo vs SCMT 1704. Anyone know the thread and post#?
Still looking for that data on the Diablo vs SCMT 1704. Anyone know the thread and post#?
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 120
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Originally Posted by npccpartsman
I can't tell you when Ford started using the newly designed head gaskets. I know my 10/03 production date truck didn't have them. I had one head and both gaskets replaced in approx. April/May of this year and it's been great since. There is another forum where they've done extensive testing of several tuners and fuel boxes with ONE truck on a dyno and the Pred did very well, but the SCT was by far and away the best. It has the MOST tunability of anything out on the market currently. I wouldn't be afraid to go with a bigger exhaust, in fact I'd encourage it if you're gonna run a tuner/fuel box of any kind. There's still lots of debate on the best size for the downpipe, but most say that the 4" downpipe kills their bottom end vs. the 3.5" downpipe. If you haven't found the two threads about tuner vs. tuner then keep looking--there's probably several days worth of reading here. Good luck and enjoy.