Anyone using SCT Racer Pro package?
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Senior Member
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From: Oronoco, MN
Anyone using SCT Racer Pro package?
I'm thinking about picking up a used Racer Pro package from a friend so I can have access to everything, anyone using it? Just looking for feedback on features, ease of use, etc... Does it give access to all trans functions and schedules? I would probably get a custom tune from TP to work from, just waiting to see how much that would cost me.
TIA,
Dan
TIA,
Dan
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Dan unless you have the same PCM code you wont be able to use the PRP on your vehicle...its locked to the PCM code...I had the PRP and sold it but it was to a guy with the same code..plus he had to purchase a new lic for it...you have every parameter to change that the dealer has on that database...some dealers wont send you files for the Racer...they dont want there secrets to be released out to the public...do some research on it before you start spending money
Originally Posted by 01Roush
I'm thinking about picking up a used Racer Pro package from a friend so I can have access to everything, anyone using it? Just looking for feedback on features, ease of use, etc... Does it give access to all trans functions and schedules? I would probably get a custom tune from TP to work from, just waiting to see how much that would cost me.
TIA,
Dan
TIA,
Dan
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From: Oronoco, MN
Hmm....I thought you could basically "uninstall" it to free up the license to use on another vehicle. I hadn't thought of the tuner end of it, not wanting someone to see what they do. From that perspective, and other posts where Mike T. has mentioned how protective he is, I'd say hell will freeze over before he'd be willing to sell just the tune to me.... 
Bummer, I'm not out to steal anybody's secrets, just would enjoy my truck more if I were able to play with the tune here and there a little bit. Guess it'll be an XCal2 for me....
Bummer, I'm not out to steal anybody's secrets, just would enjoy my truck more if I were able to play with the tune here and there a little bit. Guess it'll be an XCal2 for me....
Originally Posted by raider
Dan unless you have the same PCM code you wont be able to use the PRP on your vehicle...its locked to the PCM code...I had the PRP and sold it but it was to a guy with the same code..plus he had to purchase a new lic for it...you have every parameter to change that the dealer has on that database...some dealers wont send you files for the Racer...they dont want there secrets to be released out to the public...do some research on it before you start spending money
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 796
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From: Charleroi PA
I have read many threads on the SCT forums, good tuning is noy as simple as one might think. So many perameters interact with each other. with out first hand knoledge a wide band O2 datta logger and dyno or some real way of telling weather you improved performance or not you would be lost, and may cause major engine dammage.
The pro racer is meant for someone that gets a dyno tune and then when he goes to the track he can make changes for weather and track conditions aie/fuel change and timing and can use 1/4 mile times to see if changes are posative or negative.
Mike has spent extensive dyno and drivability changes to master his tunes, and I am shure that even then he has some issues that he has to work around. I would like to be able to make small changes at times but even with my Auto tap and wide band I would rather report my findings to Mike and let him do the changes.
The pro racer is meant for someone that gets a dyno tune and then when he goes to the track he can make changes for weather and track conditions aie/fuel change and timing and can use 1/4 mile times to see if changes are posative or negative.
Mike has spent extensive dyno and drivability changes to master his tunes, and I am shure that even then he has some issues that he has to work around. I would like to be able to make small changes at times but even with my Auto tap and wide band I would rather report my findings to Mike and let him do the changes.
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From: Oronoco, MN
lol, believe me I know the value of experience, thats why I wanted a custom tune to start out with. I'm far from being a noobie to tuning, though, so having access to play with it further would have been perfect for me. 
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From: Texas
Raider's exactly right. SCT makes it very difficult for you to sell the tuner. I *believe* that you can only reset the VIN Lock feature of the flasher 3 times before it become unusable. They apparently have little interest in creating a "used tuner parts" market.
I own the 9100 SCT Flasher (paid $800 for it!) and would not buy it again. SCT is very difficult to work with (IMO) and the support is minimal. As has been stated on this thread... most tuners don't want their secrets revealed. I bought mine through ModularDepot.com and it was implied that I'd have access to all kinds of info. Not necessarily the truth. They will sell you a "how to tune" book for another $75 though.
The base tune I rec'd from SCT was horrid. The truck would barely run until I made major adjustments to it. I mean it literally barely ran. Their answer was that my air meter was no good. I made changes to the tune and am still using the same air meter and it works just fine.
I think TP or one of the other tuners (Pilot) is the best way to go. Or check out the Anderson Motorsports products.
Good luck.
I own the 9100 SCT Flasher (paid $800 for it!) and would not buy it again. SCT is very difficult to work with (IMO) and the support is minimal. As has been stated on this thread... most tuners don't want their secrets revealed. I bought mine through ModularDepot.com and it was implied that I'd have access to all kinds of info. Not necessarily the truth. They will sell you a "how to tune" book for another $75 though.
The base tune I rec'd from SCT was horrid. The truck would barely run until I made major adjustments to it. I mean it literally barely ran. Their answer was that my air meter was no good. I made changes to the tune and am still using the same air meter and it works just fine.
I think TP or one of the other tuners (Pilot) is the best way to go. Or check out the Anderson Motorsports products.
Good luck.
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Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Orlando Florida
I am sorry you think SCT support is minimal, I honestly wonder what tuning company you feel has better service. The racer package is just that, it is software you use with your flash tool, or chip. Just like Microsoft does not allow you to install your windows OS onto a PC, and sell the CD to somebody else, is similar to how the licensing of the SCT software is. Anybody who is honestly using it for personal use, should not find a problem with it.
MD has a tech support forum with archived posts available just to the Pro Racers owners. Owners of SCT have hundreds of replies to questions in there, so I am unsure of the expectations you had.
What kind of meter do you have on that vehicle, By your post, I can assume it is a "calibrated" meter of somekind. These can work fine for tuning, but are often 5-40% off their "calibration" and do require custom tuning, This is part of why a OEM meter works better for mail order tuning.
Ryan
MD has a tech support forum with archived posts available just to the Pro Racers owners. Owners of SCT have hundreds of replies to questions in there, so I am unsure of the expectations you had.
What kind of meter do you have on that vehicle, By your post, I can assume it is a "calibrated" meter of somekind. These can work fine for tuning, but are often 5-40% off their "calibration" and do require custom tuning, This is part of why a OEM meter works better for mail order tuning.
Ryan
Last edited by slow; Aug 25, 2005 at 08:41 PM.
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From: Texas
Just stating my opinion man. I paid the $$$ for the SCT package and feel that it was a mistake. I'm not telling anyone NOT to buy it. I'm asking people to carefully consider their options and to beware of certain pitfalls thay may arise.
SCT's licensing is nothing like Microsoft's.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/eula.mspx
Pay special attention to paragraph 4. I've pasted it below:
-------------------
Quote From Microsoft XP Professional End User License Agreement (EULA):
4. TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product.
-------------------
END of quote
SCT charges people to transfer the license. Microsoft does not do that. Also, there is no limit to the number of times you may reinstall Windows. There is a definite limit on the number of times you may reinstall the SCT software.
Each time you want to install the SCT software you have to call or email SCT for a "key". You then enter that "key" into a dialog box and you are then allowed access to the software. Microsoft has nothing like this. They use a "key" for sure - but not a different one EACH time you install the software.
Note that per the general manager of SCT, there is a limit to the number of keys that you may receive in a lifetime. Even if you have legally installed the software and honored the license to the letter, you are limited. Also note that the "keys" are NOT reusable. It's basically a one-time deal for each key. If you reformat your disk, buy a new computer, etc... then you need a new key but you WILL run up against that "limit" soon.
In various email communications with SCT, I have been told that the "key" limit is 3, 2, and 1. The number changed depending on who I was talking to.
These are just things a consumer should know - particularly when paying so much money for a product.
Best of luck to anyone considering a tuner. Just do your homework!
SCT's licensing is nothing like Microsoft's.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/eula.mspx
Pay special attention to paragraph 4. I've pasted it below:
-------------------
Quote From Microsoft XP Professional End User License Agreement (EULA):
4. TRANSFER—Internal. You may move the Product to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Product from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Product may make a one-time transfer of the Product to another end user. The transfer has to include all component parts, media, printed materials, this EULA, and if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity. The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the transferred Product must agree to all the EULA terms. No Rental. You may not rent, lease, lend or provide commercial hosting services to third parties with the Product.
-------------------
END of quote
SCT charges people to transfer the license. Microsoft does not do that. Also, there is no limit to the number of times you may reinstall Windows. There is a definite limit on the number of times you may reinstall the SCT software.
Each time you want to install the SCT software you have to call or email SCT for a "key". You then enter that "key" into a dialog box and you are then allowed access to the software. Microsoft has nothing like this. They use a "key" for sure - but not a different one EACH time you install the software.
Note that per the general manager of SCT, there is a limit to the number of keys that you may receive in a lifetime. Even if you have legally installed the software and honored the license to the letter, you are limited. Also note that the "keys" are NOT reusable. It's basically a one-time deal for each key. If you reformat your disk, buy a new computer, etc... then you need a new key but you WILL run up against that "limit" soon.
In various email communications with SCT, I have been told that the "key" limit is 3, 2, and 1. The number changed depending on who I was talking to.
These are just things a consumer should know - particularly when paying so much money for a product.
Best of luck to anyone considering a tuner. Just do your homework!
Originally Posted by slow
I am sorry you think SCT support is minimal, I honestly wonder what tuning company you feel has better service. The racer package is just that, it is software you use with your flash tool, or chip. Just like Microsoft does not allow you to install your windows OS onto a PC, and sell the CD to somebody else, is similar to how the licensing of the SCT software is. Anybody who is honestly using it for personal use, should not find a problem with it.
MD has a tech support forum with archived posts available just to the Pro Racers owners. Owners of SCT have hundreds of replies to questions in there, so I am unsure of the expectations you had.
What kind of meter do you have on that vehicle, By your post, I can assume it is a "calibrated" meter of somekind. These can work fine for tuning, but are often 5-40% off their "calibration" and do require custom tuning, This is part of why a OEM meter works better for mail order tuning.
Ryan
MD has a tech support forum with archived posts available just to the Pro Racers owners. Owners of SCT have hundreds of replies to questions in there, so I am unsure of the expectations you had.
What kind of meter do you have on that vehicle, By your post, I can assume it is a "calibrated" meter of somekind. These can work fine for tuning, but are often 5-40% off their "calibration" and do require custom tuning, This is part of why a OEM meter works better for mail order tuning.
Ryan
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Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
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From: Virginia
Hi Dan (01Roush),
The Racer Pro package is an *excellent* tool for someone who feels that they actually do have solid Ford modular motor & tuning knowledge (and I don't mean just from reading, hearing what friends/the Internet says, etc. - you get my point), and who ALSO has a working knowledge of the control systems on the vehicle and can do proper mechanical diagnosis & repair of the vehicle - especially things like the fuel delivery system, ignition system, wiring harness issues, MAF issues, know a bit about the various cylinder head issues, tranny issues, etc - AND who either intends to do some kind of professional racing. It can even be "just" local bracket racing, for example, now that is an *excellent* example - they don't have to be a Ford FFW competitor - OR - who has a significantly modified vehicle and intends to continue doing more & more mods and is willing to do what it takes to do their own tuning, etc.
It's a great package for someone who needs to be able to change their tuning to compensate for things like track conditions (is the track biting, it is soft, etc.) and to compensate for ever-changing atmospheric changes (just a coupla degrees of temperature or a few percentage points of humidity can make a difference as the day progresses into night & vice-versa), so they can go round after round, etc - it's called the "Racer Pro" package, and it's best suited for the professional (and semi-pro) racer with knowledge and actual need, and/or the vehicle owner with really significant mods - it's really not for what I would call the "average" vehicle owner, or a vehicle with a few simple bolt-on mods, IMHO.
When someone buys the Racer Pro package for us, we do in fact supply a top-notch tune that is designed for exactly how the vehicle is set up and what the vehicle owner wants to do - then from there, they do their own tuning changes (unless they want to pay us for our time), as that's the whole idea - they get a solid starter tune that works well, and then *they* tune however they need from there. And we will provide Tech Support, of course.
The Racer Pro package is an amazing product that SCT is to be HIGHLY COMMENDED for, was, always has been and still is intended for the KNOWLEDGEABLE racer/significantly modified vehicle owner - not the guy who can't even figure out something as simple as why he gets less spark in higher gears, anyone that doesn't understand the basic concept of load is going to have a very steep learning curve in general. Those are the guys that buy the package and then can't do it on their own, swear they can't get any "Tech Support" or that the product doesn't work right and then have to go pay a *real* tuner to do it right - and end up wasting a lot of time and spending a LOT more money in the end, and we don't want to see that happen to anyone.
On the issue of support - anyone saying SCT does not provide proper support I don't agree with (and I don't mean to start any arguments, please understand) - we here at Troyer Performance are very proud of the fact that we are the world's FIRST SCT DEALER, so we have been with them since Day 1 (in addition to being Superchip's Inc'.s OLDEST WD and have been with them from Day 1) - so we have seen every issue, every problem that SCT has ever had, and they have worked with us tirelessly to solve everything we have ever come across. Nobody (other than their owners) knows those companies better than we do, and I can tell you that their support is absolutely top-notch, and that SCT is one caring bunch of guys.
To sum up - Dan, if you'd like to give me a call I will be happy to spend some time with you and go over all of the various details, discuss at length how you feel about your experience & knowledge (and enthusiasm) level, what you want to get done, etc., and give you my honest opinion as to whether or not we feel that you would be best served by the Racer Pro package. We'll be happy to do that for you with no sales-hoopla, just the straight facts - that way you'll *know* the score from someone who does both and is an extremely experienced tuner, and then you can take your time, give all of that some thought and make an intelligent decision on this whenever you're ready.
I hope this was of some small help to you, Dan, and I wish you the very best of luck whatever you decide!
The Racer Pro package is an *excellent* tool for someone who feels that they actually do have solid Ford modular motor & tuning knowledge (and I don't mean just from reading, hearing what friends/the Internet says, etc. - you get my point), and who ALSO has a working knowledge of the control systems on the vehicle and can do proper mechanical diagnosis & repair of the vehicle - especially things like the fuel delivery system, ignition system, wiring harness issues, MAF issues, know a bit about the various cylinder head issues, tranny issues, etc - AND who either intends to do some kind of professional racing. It can even be "just" local bracket racing, for example, now that is an *excellent* example - they don't have to be a Ford FFW competitor - OR - who has a significantly modified vehicle and intends to continue doing more & more mods and is willing to do what it takes to do their own tuning, etc.
It's a great package for someone who needs to be able to change their tuning to compensate for things like track conditions (is the track biting, it is soft, etc.) and to compensate for ever-changing atmospheric changes (just a coupla degrees of temperature or a few percentage points of humidity can make a difference as the day progresses into night & vice-versa), so they can go round after round, etc - it's called the "Racer Pro" package, and it's best suited for the professional (and semi-pro) racer with knowledge and actual need, and/or the vehicle owner with really significant mods - it's really not for what I would call the "average" vehicle owner, or a vehicle with a few simple bolt-on mods, IMHO.
When someone buys the Racer Pro package for us, we do in fact supply a top-notch tune that is designed for exactly how the vehicle is set up and what the vehicle owner wants to do - then from there, they do their own tuning changes (unless they want to pay us for our time), as that's the whole idea - they get a solid starter tune that works well, and then *they* tune however they need from there. And we will provide Tech Support, of course.
The Racer Pro package is an amazing product that SCT is to be HIGHLY COMMENDED for, was, always has been and still is intended for the KNOWLEDGEABLE racer/significantly modified vehicle owner - not the guy who can't even figure out something as simple as why he gets less spark in higher gears, anyone that doesn't understand the basic concept of load is going to have a very steep learning curve in general. Those are the guys that buy the package and then can't do it on their own, swear they can't get any "Tech Support" or that the product doesn't work right and then have to go pay a *real* tuner to do it right - and end up wasting a lot of time and spending a LOT more money in the end, and we don't want to see that happen to anyone.
On the issue of support - anyone saying SCT does not provide proper support I don't agree with (and I don't mean to start any arguments, please understand) - we here at Troyer Performance are very proud of the fact that we are the world's FIRST SCT DEALER, so we have been with them since Day 1 (in addition to being Superchip's Inc'.s OLDEST WD and have been with them from Day 1) - so we have seen every issue, every problem that SCT has ever had, and they have worked with us tirelessly to solve everything we have ever come across. Nobody (other than their owners) knows those companies better than we do, and I can tell you that their support is absolutely top-notch, and that SCT is one caring bunch of guys.
To sum up - Dan, if you'd like to give me a call I will be happy to spend some time with you and go over all of the various details, discuss at length how you feel about your experience & knowledge (and enthusiasm) level, what you want to get done, etc., and give you my honest opinion as to whether or not we feel that you would be best served by the Racer Pro package. We'll be happy to do that for you with no sales-hoopla, just the straight facts - that way you'll *know* the score from someone who does both and is an extremely experienced tuner, and then you can take your time, give all of that some thought and make an intelligent decision on this whenever you're ready.
I hope this was of some small help to you, Dan, and I wish you the very best of luck whatever you decide!
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 575
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From: Oronoco, MN
Mike,
I wouldn't be getting it out of necessity as far as combination, it would be for personal satisfaction. I'm an engineering type (not degreed, but worked in control systems for 10+ years...) and the Racer Pro package would give me a lot more ongoing entertainment and satisfaction than just uploading a new tune and being done with it. I have limited bolt-ons I can do to this truck, so it would help put of that "I need something else" problem we all face....
I did call TP about a week ago and didn't hear back, I'll try again. 
I wouldn't be getting it out of necessity as far as combination, it would be for personal satisfaction. I'm an engineering type (not degreed, but worked in control systems for 10+ years...) and the Racer Pro package would give me a lot more ongoing entertainment and satisfaction than just uploading a new tune and being done with it. I have limited bolt-ons I can do to this truck, so it would help put of that "I need something else" problem we all face....
I did call TP about a week ago and didn't hear back, I'll try again.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Hi Dan (01 Roush),
You're going to want to shoot me, my friend -
Believe it or not, I was talking with one of our staff just yesterday about you, I think it was Crystal or maybe Anita, to let them know that you might be calling about the Racer Pro setup and that if you did, to make sure they put you right thru to me - and they told me that you had already called!!!! So please accept my profound apologies!!!
If you wouldn't mind calling again, I will be more than happy to go over this with you - and I understand where you are coming from, and I think you'd probably do just fine with the Racer Pro package for what you want to do and how you want to use it, etc. The guy who is into the control standpoint and has some real knowledge and an engineering-oriented background like you mention can do well with it - it just doesn't not apply to the complete novice who thinks they can buy it and we're going to teach them everything about everything on the vehicle as well as all about "how to tune," etc. - that's all.
So by all means, if you don't mind, please do call and make sure to tell my staff that I asked you to call me personally and that it's about the SCT Racer Pro package - that'll get you thru - or at worst, if I am on another line oat the moment, a call back just as quickly as possible!!
My apologies for your calling the other day & not getting me, & thanks for letting me know and for your patience - and I have alerted our entire staff to be on the lookout for your call!
You're going to want to shoot me, my friend -
Believe it or not, I was talking with one of our staff just yesterday about you, I think it was Crystal or maybe Anita, to let them know that you might be calling about the Racer Pro setup and that if you did, to make sure they put you right thru to me - and they told me that you had already called!!!! So please accept my profound apologies!!!
If you wouldn't mind calling again, I will be more than happy to go over this with you - and I understand where you are coming from, and I think you'd probably do just fine with the Racer Pro package for what you want to do and how you want to use it, etc. The guy who is into the control standpoint and has some real knowledge and an engineering-oriented background like you mention can do well with it - it just doesn't not apply to the complete novice who thinks they can buy it and we're going to teach them everything about everything on the vehicle as well as all about "how to tune," etc. - that's all.
So by all means, if you don't mind, please do call and make sure to tell my staff that I asked you to call me personally and that it's about the SCT Racer Pro package - that'll get you thru - or at worst, if I am on another line oat the moment, a call back just as quickly as possible!!
My apologies for your calling the other day & not getting me, & thanks for letting me know and for your patience - and I have alerted our entire staff to be on the lookout for your call!