Ideal Programmer (New Truck!)
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
I didn't think they offered it pre-programmed anymore, but maybe they do. There is a firmware update that you can do that makes it to where it only accepts .ll3(custom) files.
Custom really is the best option for our trucks in particular. I could go into a whole dissertation on the merits of custom tuning versus "canned" tunes on these newer diesel engines and if you want, I can do that.
Custom really is the best option for our trucks in particular. I could go into a whole dissertation on the merits of custom tuning versus "canned" tunes on these newer diesel engines and if you want, I can do that.
Thanks again,
William
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
You order let's say the xCal 3. You get the device, hooked up to your truck to read the truck's strategy. You give that information to say Innovative and then they write a tune for your truck based off of that strategy and then they email it to you. You then upload it to your tuner and hook it back up to your truck and upload it there. Really simple, but if you have problems there is usually someone on here to help you thru them.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
As far as cost, places like Innovative Diesel, Spartan(not yet released for the 6.0, but I'll be meeting with Matt this month about that) usually offer a package deal if you buy the tuner from them. Extra tunes I believe are like 65 or 70 dollars per tune.
You order let's say the xCal 3. You get the device, hooked up to your truck to read the truck's strategy. You give that information to say Innovative and then they write a tune for your truck based off of that strategy and then they email it to you. You then upload it to your tuner and hook it back up to your truck and upload it there. Really simple, but if you have problems there is usually someone on here to help you thru them.
You order let's say the xCal 3. You get the device, hooked up to your truck to read the truck's strategy. You give that information to say Innovative and then they write a tune for your truck based off of that strategy and then they email it to you. You then upload it to your tuner and hook it back up to your truck and upload it there. Really simple, but if you have problems there is usually someone on here to help you thru them.
Thanks,
William
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Frankford, NJ
$60-$70 for a custom tune is fantastic. DiabloSport CMR dealers do custom dyno tunes that usally run you about $350 each. the tuner itself is $370. i'm actually trying to sell my diablo and get a sct. and the gains are worth every penny. especially for a diesel
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 8
From: Lubbock
Generally speaking innovative sells the tuner and the price includes 3 custom tunes. They do charge extra if you want the race files though. Most get a street/dd tune and towing tune and a economy tune.. Look them up on the web they are site sponsors they will have a link or you can also go to stealth automotive they are sellers of the innovative stuff
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
You don't have to pay $500 for an SCT tuner with custom tunes. I purchased my Livewire with custom tunes, free mount, and free shipping for less than $500.00 from 5 Star Tuning. Mike was running a special back in November on the X3 with custom tunes, free shipping, and free updates. Now, I can't say that he will honor that price now but I highly recommend that you call him and to obtain his current pricing.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...y-savings.html
Here's Mike's current special:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-packages.html
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1
From: LONG ISLAND N.Y.
[quote=Furian;7578532]
Mike explained and recommended that I should not select different profiles within the same octane rating. It the combination of profile and octane rating that yields the best results. For example, it wouldn't be the best choice to select Economy, Towing, and Performance all in 87 octane. So after thinking about it for an hour or so, I combined the octane level to the profile that gave me the widest range of options.
quote]
andrew,
just curious about this. i had mike set up a x2 for me and i did all 87 tunes. he did'nt discourage me from doing that. thanks.
-ed
Mike explained and recommended that I should not select different profiles within the same octane rating. It the combination of profile and octane rating that yields the best results. For example, it wouldn't be the best choice to select Economy, Towing, and Performance all in 87 octane. So after thinking about it for an hour or so, I combined the octane level to the profile that gave me the widest range of options.
quote]
andrew,
just curious about this. i had mike set up a x2 for me and i did all 87 tunes. he did'nt discourage me from doing that. thanks.
-ed
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
LiveWire is actually SCT's version of the 6.0. Some work really well, some do not.
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You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
[quote=spinella;7584383]
Hi Ed,
I can't speak for Mike but let me ask a few questions:
1. Did you tell Mike that you wanted to use only 87 octane fuel?
2. Did you ask what are the best options with regard to octane rating versus tune profiles?
3. How long ago did you purchase the X2 tuner?
I spent an entire Sunday afternoon picking Mike's brain before I decided on my selected tunes. Mike was very gracious with his time. Maybe with the 6.8L V10 it doesn't matter as much as with the 5.4L V8. Mike didn't necessarily "discourage" me but "encouraged" me in a certain direction. At the end of the day, it was my decision.
PS: One of the reasons that I always point people to 5 Star Tuning is because Mike offers "consultation" (ie: his time to answer questions) that is almost unheard of today. That's what I believe set's 5 Star Tuning apart from the competition.
Mike explained and recommended that I should not select different profiles within the same octane rating. It the combination of profile and octane rating that yields the best results. For example, it wouldn't be the best choice to select Economy, Towing, and Performance all in 87 octane. So after thinking about it for an hour or so, I combined the octane level to the profile that gave me the widest range of options.
quote]
andrew,
just curious about this. i had mike set up a x2 for me and i did all 87 tunes. he did'nt discourage me from doing that. thanks.
-ed
quote]
andrew,
just curious about this. i had mike set up a x2 for me and i did all 87 tunes. he did'nt discourage me from doing that. thanks.
-ed
I can't speak for Mike but let me ask a few questions:
1. Did you tell Mike that you wanted to use only 87 octane fuel?
2. Did you ask what are the best options with regard to octane rating versus tune profiles?
3. How long ago did you purchase the X2 tuner?
I spent an entire Sunday afternoon picking Mike's brain before I decided on my selected tunes. Mike was very gracious with his time. Maybe with the 6.8L V10 it doesn't matter as much as with the 5.4L V8. Mike didn't necessarily "discourage" me but "encouraged" me in a certain direction. At the end of the day, it was my decision.
PS: One of the reasons that I always point people to 5 Star Tuning is because Mike offers "consultation" (ie: his time to answer questions) that is almost unheard of today. That's what I believe set's 5 Star Tuning apart from the competition.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,069
Likes: 1
From: LONG ISLAND N.Y.
i agree with you mike is a absoulute gentlemen. its a pleasure to deal with him like you said he does not rush you off the phone. my main reason for getting the tuner was to tow my camper. i wanted more controlled shift points. i only run 87 octane so maybe thats why i only have 87 tunes. i'm not that interested in hot rodding.(although the v10 holds its own).it just sounded like you said a tuner with all 87 tunes is no good. i am more than happy with mike and my tuner.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
i agree with you mike is a absoulute gentlemen. its a pleasure to deal with him like you said he does not rush you off the phone. my main reason for getting the tuner was to tow my camper. i wanted more controlled shift points. i only run 87 octane so maybe thats why i only have 87 tunes. i'm not that interested in hot rodding.(although the v10 holds its own).it just sounded like you said a tuner with all 87 tunes is no good. i am more than happy with mike and my tuner.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
That worries me a little... can you point to specific threads or forums where you read or heard this?
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,626
Likes: 7
From: Plano TX and Brentwood TN
Not recent threads no, but I can recall that the issues tend to be connectivity, screen freezing and buttons after awhile not working like they should.
You Keep What You Kill
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,902
Likes: 2
From: Huntersville, NC
