im on my way out the door for work so i just thought id post this and hope for some advice when i get home

so do i plug in the SCT X3 tuner, set it to custom tune, then what ? does it give me a code to send to someone? do i have plug it into my computer? i thought the kit came with a USB cord but its out in the garage right now. who do i call or email to get the custom tune from ?

thanks

 

Innovative Diesel Innovative Diesel

Gearhead Performance gearheadautomotiveperformance

Elite Diesel - Elite Diesel -

DP DP Tuner

The first thing you need to do is decide who's going to do your tuning. There's a few names to get you started.

 

Did you buy this SCT new? If you did, you need to plug it into the OBD port and follow the screen instructions. It will give you the options available. For custom tuning you need to know what PCM strategy is currently programmed into the computer. One of the options will be to get the current programming code number. Write down the code, send an email to your preferred tune writer with a list of what you want to so with the truck after tuning. My SCT came with Innovative tuning and I asked for a fun street tune, a extreme street tune and a 12000# + tow tune. He emailed them to me the same day. I downloaded them to the tuner, plugged it in and followed the installation instructions on the screen. I am very happy with the results.

If you bought it used, if the tunes are not for your strategy, you do not have custom tunes. You are also limited to how many truck vin's you install it on. If it is locked out you will have to call SCT and buy a new license.

 

There's some software that you'll have to DL from the SCT site to get the tunes from an e-mail onto the tuner. What you download/install on your computer will depend on which model tuner you were sent.

You'll also need a USB A to B cable to connect the SCT to your computer. These are most commonly used to hook up printers.

 

im getting a little ticked off right now, my computer wont upload the software for ANYTHING i ever try to upload, it always tries to search but cant find the program to upload or run it, then my g/f's computer needs her password to allow Windows to upload the program... and she is at school right now........

wtf.

 

SCT's software is troublesome for a lot of people. If you get really frustrated, call them and they will set it all up on your computer, from theirs.

Have you retrieved the vehicles PCM strategy or chosen a vendor for your custom tunes?

Until you have custom tunes, there's not much need to hook the SCT up to your computer. You can try a canned tune, if your model has it available.

 

Here's the steps in order.. You're already ahead a few of them.

1)Obtain an SCT. Getting it from a reputable vendor/tuner is usually your best bet. Used tuners can be locked or not work at all.

2) Plug SCT into OBDII connector(key off) and follow the prompts the get to "Vehicle Info", then "Read PCM Strategy", or something similar. Don't turn the key on until the SCT prompts you to. The SCT will display the PCM code for you to write down.

3) Choose a tuning professional for your vehicle(if you haven't done so already). Decide what you want for your truck. If you tow, what is your GVCWR. Pass that info to the person doing your tuning. Steve listed some at the top of the page. E-mail or call them with your request, PCM strategy, and arrange for payment(if not already done). Most people have great results communicating through e-mail for tunes.

4) While you wait for the tunes to arrive you can download the SCT software which allows your computer to communicate with the SCT. If you have problems, call SCT and they will do it for you. You may have to be patient waiting on the phone.

5) Your custom tunes arrive, you upload them to the SCT device, and program them into the truck following the on-screen instructions and prompts.

Hope that helps.

 

i called one place and told him i regularly tow 10,000 pounds, and up to 16,000 give or take,

he said he has a 50HP custom tune, but doesnt suggest towing more than 8,000 with that, and stated that the head bolts ? are the big concern.

he talked himself OUT of selling me a custom tune, saying he felt his program wasnt perfect for me. he suggested that i just run the canned 50HP that came with the SCT X3 tuner. and take it easy when towing REALLY heavy.