I know it seems that the Chips and Programming forum is mostly pro-XCal2 but I just had to relate how pleased I am with the Superchip 1745 tuner. I have an '05 4.6, and it completely woke this thing up. Now I cant compare to any other tunes as this is my first (I can only imagine what the XCal would do if it indeed improves things even that much more) but I can say that it has provided a very noticeable improvement all across the board. Much more torque feel, more seat of pants horsepower feel through the rpm spectrum (especially things like merging onto an interstate), and the transmission shifts are night and day; no more sloppy-feeling shifting. I like the truck upon first buying it brand new (that new truck smell alone will haze your decision-making) but it didnt take long to become dissappointed in the 4.6 performance. I would mash the pedal on the interstate and it would take its sweet time downshifting, and when it did you expected this kick and it just wasnt there. The engine made a bunch of noise but it was like I was spinning on ice--no forward motion. Now it shifts perfectly firm, and is what you expect to get when you press the go pedal. And I havent got the numbers down yet, but I know I am getting better gas mileage already. Why the heck doesnt Ford tune these pickups this way to begin with?! The only reason I can see is that if you dont know what your doing, it probably is slightly harder on the trans in the long run as a perfect example is that NOW when I floor it and it shifts up the tranny squeals, and that cant be good. Anyway, best bang for the buck I have ever spent, and Ive spent alot over the years on mods.

 

I just installed my 1714 on my '04 and I agree. For me, the Superchips MAX Micro Tuner was the way to go, since I don't plan on any other mods. I really think the benefits of the Xcal2 are only realized when combined with other mods. I love driving my truck now and it seems to be getting better gas mileage too. I will let you know when I fill up again. I'm glad that you have had the same increase in performance that I have. I went straight to the 91 Performance tune...what about you?

 

I also went right to the 91 performance. Left all the user adjustable stuff alone, only changing the tire size to recalibrate the speedo. I think adjusting the trans at all (to firmer shifts) would be a little much. I dont usually have it floored so dont get the trans squeal anymore now that I know the power increase will do this (if you let up just enough at the right time it wont squeal on ya anyway) but it sure is nice to have the power when you want/need it! I actually dont have much else for mods, but I do have a drop-in K&N air filter and dual cat-back exhaust (Dynomax). I actuall love driving the thing again!
By the way nice looking truck!

 

Wrong.

 

Agreed. By itself - ALL by itself, it represents the single best 'bang for buck' mod.

No other mod it it's price category will net you more performance benefits - not to mention all it's other capabilities.

Oh, and BLKSPRT, that's NOT your tranny squealing, it's your serpentine belt.

freekyFX4 - nice truck - it deserves an Xcal2.

Cheers
Grog

 

I hear this is the cure

http://www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com/cars/gator.html

 

Thanks guys for the compliments. I guess I'm wrong about the Xcal2. The only other mods I plan on doing to the truck are noise makers...exhaust and a train horn. I am just really skeptical about the Xcal2. I have yet to see anyone who went from a MicroTuner to an Xcal2 do a side by side dyno test to compare the two...and I have searched for hours! This fact alone makes me believe that the difference is not enough to make a big difference. I can feel the difference in power with the 1714. I can also feel the difference in shift points and pressures. I honestly think that the improvements in things other than HP make the biggest difference in how the truck drives. I can't imagine that the Xcal2 changes these aspects any differently than the 1714. The difference between the stock HP and the 1714 tuned HP (20HP) is greater than the difference between the 1714 tuned HP and the Xcal2 tuned HP (10HP). Once again, nobody is putting down the Xcal2...it is better. I just didn't want to spend twice as much for something that really wouldn't give me twice as much in return. To me, the 1714 offered more bang for the buck. There are those who always want the latest and greatest...that's not me. I like to spend my money on this kind of toy!

 

There are few guys on this forum that switched from the 1714 or the 1745 to the XCal2 and did comparison write-ups. Their opinion of the results are posted here somewhere, maybe they’ll chime in if they see this post

 

I switched from the 1714 to the 9100 (pre-XCAL), but only because I needed a custom tune when I got the supercharger on. I was perfectly happy with the 1714 with my stock configuration, but changing as far from stock as I did required a custom tune. I can't give a comparison of the 1714 to the 9100 alone, as I added all of my extra stuff at the same time I switched to the 9100, but the nature of the XCAL and 9100 are that they are custom to your particular truck and require datalogging to get the most out of it, not a generic tune for everyone with your computer code.

 

Well - I just spent about a minute - read this thread - posts # 16, 17, & 18 in particular.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...8&page=2&pp=15

This was from Mike's Dyno Day, 10-Sept-05. The units in question were both dyno'd - and there was no comparison.


And, if it helps you any, I went from stock to a 1715, then to a 9100 - and altough I do not have any hard numbers, I can tell you it is no comparison - I will never use a canned tune again. Flog the MAX in the CLassifieds and invest in the best - it is worth it.

As I said before - nice truck & it really deserves an Xcal2

'Nuff said.
Grog

 

How did I know this would turn into an XCal versus all other tunes thing. Yes from what I have read and the number of supporters on this site the Troyer Tune is The Best. But it is also the most expensive. Is it worth the extra dollars? It sure sounds like it to most buyers, but most of the members who dont worship this tune obviously dont have one yet right? They saved a few hundred bucks and bought a "canned" tune. (I used my savings for a cat back exhaust ). That was my whole point in this thread, conveying my satisfaction with the 1745 tune as compared to stock. NO, its no XCal, but regardless it POSITIVELY INCREASED the performance of my F-150 nonetheless. In that sense, it was worth every penny. BTW, why isnt the title of this forum "Troyer Tunes Only?"
P.S. I feel sort of stupid thinking the squeal was my trans, and I like to think I am pretty mechanically inclined. Guess not as much as I thought. So why does it squeal upon shifting now under hard acceleration when it didnt before? Does the engine rpm wind down so fast upon upshifting now that the crank slips on the belt? Anyway thanks for the input guys.

 

Be aware that you said " Now I cant compare to any other tunes as this is my first (I can only imagine what the XCal would do if it indeed improves things even that much more) " earlier. And others responded in kind.

Also - your comments are uncalled for, and do Mike a disservice - all that has been stated so far are indeed the facts. The loyalty you see here was earned, not bought.

In addition - the delta in cost isn't even close to what you stated - try $100 - that is also a fact. That pittance of a difference buys you a vastly superior, future-proof and flexible product - that too is fact.

Since you seem not to like what you are hearing from me so far, I'll just let you find the answer to you belt squealing Q yerself. Hint - use Search and plug in 'Gatorback' as a filter. Out will poop many answers. If I can do it, so can you.

Aww heck - here ya go - it's post # 6 in this thread:

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...ight=gatorback

This will be the last time I Search for you, though...

Cheers.
Grog

 

ditto



...you know for $100 bucks you can pick up a CAI off eBay

 

Aaah yes. Now I understand. Sort of bummed now cause I thought it was my rear wheels chirping under power! Yeah right I think that would be a miracle with my stock 4.6. Anyway sorry if I ruffled feathers or it sounded like some sort of defamation. Just frustrated that my 1745 tune balloon was popped right away. I did open that can of worms though with my comment that I bet the XCal really kicks butt. That was a compliment to the XCal by the way. Would like to have one, but now have a measly Superchip Tuner. Oh well. I know of the invaluable wealth of knowledge on this site and thats what makes it great for all the F-150 owners! Thanks for the info MGDfan.

Later.

 

Plus I really had no idea the XCal2 was only 399. I paid 299 inc. shipping for the 1745 and took me 5 minutes to install and now Im done. I sort of liked that convenience.