So, I've been dealing with Troyer the past few days. What a great group of people! But last night, I was filling out my sheets to fax back to start the Xcal process, and started getting nervous.

I drive about 45-55K a year, and trade when I'm done, so my current 2007 Supercrew will be gone in a year. I talked to the boss and explained the Xcal – how it would help performance, maybe fuel economy, and my trailering, and he said to go for it. But now that I think deeper, I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. I originally wanted the Edge, but the Xcal started looking like a better programmer. Yeah, the Xcal is only $100 more than the Edge, and it is custom tuned to the truck and driving habits, but I’m thinking there are too many variables. What happens when Ford has a PCM update for something, and even though I’ve installed the stock program back before returning to the dealer, how will this affect the Xcal custom tunes I reinstall? Do I now have to pay another bill for Troyer to revise my tunes? Also, because I trade within a year and at about 50K, a lot of services are not done. Tune-ups, tranny flushes, ect… Will a programmer demand I do this because I am now pushing the vehicle and components with a tuner?

I wanted a tuner to try to suck out some economy. I am an easy driver and pull 16-17 out of my 5.4L now (slightly less this winter – maybe 15-16), and thought I could pull 18 at a minimum. Also, hauling my 4200# pop-up or ATV trailer could be easier with a tuner. Would I be better to go with the Edge and save a few bucks because I trade so often? I may just keep the truck another year if I like the tuner and cat-back as I love the truck now and the boss is paying for the tuner and I can save a but with fuel (at least enough to pay for the tuner). But, then, if I’m going to run up several hundred dollar service bills we have been avoiding by trading yearly, the equation becomes upset and there was no breaking even at a minimum. This may be more geared toward those who keep their trucks for years and put on minimal mileage. I have had mine for about five weeks, and will pass 7,000 miles today. By the time I get my tunes from Troyer, and then data log for the final adjustments (which I will have to do hillbilly style as a few runs on a dyno will hit the piggybank), I’ll be half way ready to trade again!

 

I think you are being too hard on yourself here.
First of all, once "you" custom program your vehicle, there is absolutely NO reason to even consider any sort of a reflash from your dealer. Why would you want to underwrite a program that is vehicle specific for something that Ford came up with to improve on thier apparant error in the beginning, and is meant for a mass of vehicles?
As for the questions on the custom program worksheets you recieved from Mikes crew, they are a way of his knowing if you indeed do take proper care of your vehicle and provide it sufficent maintenance.
There are many that never data-log their vehicle after installing their tunes without incident.
Hell, most of his tunes are dead on when you recieve them.So data-logging is not a required part of ownership.
When you trade or sell your present vehicle you can have the programmer rewritten for your new vehicle, if is a Ford product.
The advantages of his custom tuned X-Cal2 is far superior to any other tuners on the market today. I have known Mike, observed and taken part in all his dyno sessions over the past several years, and can guarantee you that his knowledge and tuning abilities are far superior to any others tuning these trucks today.

 

Given your unusual circumstances, I would vote for the Edge or no tuner at all. The Edge gives some better performance plus the gauges for towing. Also, you are right about reprogramming at the dealer. It can happen when you did not authorize it. If you are not back to stock, you are screwed. Happened to me, thankfully i had been cautious and returned to stock before going in.

 

Thanks, marc, and bluejay. I think I'll go with the Xcal for the difference. I am really impressed with Troyer thus far, and think I'll be very happy regrdless if I dyno and datalog. Now, if I can end this Magnaflow saga, I'll be happy. Thanks,

Smoke

 

Just a litle curious here and please do not take this as a flame, but what kind of better performance does the Edge give over Mikes custom tuned XCal2? And where did you get that data?

 

Here we go again.....

 

I dont think he was saying better performance than the TP tunes. I believe he meant better performance over stock tunes.

 

I'm in on the group buy and waiting for my tunes. I think you might make a mistake not following up with the datalogging. The way I understand it, that's going to give Mike and Co. real data relating to your fuel/air ratios. Not something to underestimate, imo. They can fine tune your tune after those files are reviewed. I vote for the don't bother having the dealer flash again route once the tunes are in.

 

Agreed...Thats what I get for being half asleep when I read the post...

 

Reread what I said, I did not say the Edge is better than Mike's tune. I was saying it gives better performance over stock. I have never seen anyone on here that did not recognize Mike's tune was/is the best for all out performance. With the miles he drives and changing vehicles frequently, I would want the Edge and its better than stock performance(but not optimal). Plus given his amount of towing, I would want the gauges. Personally, I would not want to go through all the wait and the data logging for the short time he is keeping the truck. So, if it were me and I did not want the Edge, I would leave it stock.

 

Ah, the heck with it! I ordered an Xcal and a Maggie SIDO (Rear exit) for my 2007 Supercrew 6-1/2 foot box. If the Maggie doesn't fit, there will be hell to pay at Magnaflow. I got a great package price from Crystal at Troyer, and frankly, for the few dollars more for the Magnaflow through Troyer, I feel very confident Troyer is #1 and will help me out. They answered all my questions - and I called several times - and they even prodded Magnaflow on this 6-1/2 foot box exhaust issue. I was very impressed with the way they do business.

Now, for the looooong wait. Hopefully the Maggie will come next week when I am off work and can install it. I'm hoping I can get the old exhaust off in one piece.

Thanks for the input, guys.

Smoke.

 

It is possible to get it off in one piece. You will need a little help but you can do it.
Lets see now, XCal2 and Magnaflow exhaust...whats next...

 

Oh, I don't know. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas. Come on Troyer!!!

As for the exhaust, I am most concerned if the truck will need to be up in the air to remove the stock muffler with the tailpipe (as it is welded) as one piece. I thought about backing the truck up on some ramps, or straddling a ditch to allow the muffler end to drop down more to pass the tailpipe over the axle. It may be a Polish process, but at least I can reinstall it in 10 months when I order my next 2007!

Anyway, Troyer says the Maggie kit may require some welding anyway because I have the factory hitch. Magnaflow has the disclaimer on their installation sheets. Troyer says its the hanger that may be in the way of the hitch. I may have to rig it temporarily until I can rent a welder, or just hit a muffler shop to tack a few revised clamps and the tips on. Why can't these exhaust manufacturers get it right on such a popular vehicle?

And, by the way Marc, thanks for your help earlier on the Xcal.