so im new to the whole custom tuners and it seems like the edge is not the one to get. so is the Xcal2 a good one to get. also...how does the custom tunes work, do you plug it into your truck's computer? also, do they mount on the dash like edges? how does it effect your gas milage?Last question, who makes the xcal2? thanks for answering my questions!

 

I guess the big question is do you plan on or do you have any mods suck as intake and/or exhaust? If so, I woud suggest getting Troyer custom tunes...I just got mine and I love them. You can get the SCT Xcal3 from him and play with the canned tunes on them while your waiting for Mike to do your custom tunes.

 

I'm not sure why you're against the Evolution, but it is also custom-tunable by Bill Cohron. He wrote the calibration files for the F150. That's cool if you prefer Troyer - lots of guys do. But many of us are very happy with our Evolutions. I lurked in the Chips and Tuners forum for a long time before I made my decision.

 

i do have mganflow dual catback exhaust and yes i do plan on getting an intake. when you metion these guys names and that they are going to tune it for me...who are they exactly and how do they tune to my needs

 

http://www.troyerperformance.com
Give them a call and ask for Mike Troyer. He will go out of his way to explain everything.

If you plan on getting an intake go with the Airforce one intake. You can also get that through Troyer. Magnaflow, Airforce one intake and Troyer tunes are a proven killer trio...you will see the most gains going this route IMHO

 

Xcal 2 from www.VMPTuning.com

The tuner plugs into the ODBII port that is below the steering wheel, below the "kick" panel. Unless you get the Livewire version, it doesn't mount on the dash like the Edge. Just tune your vehicle and put the tuner in safe storage. Gas mileage will increase. SCT produces the Xcal2.

 

All three of the custom tuners mentioned so far are good options. However the custom Evolution will be a little more pricey.

 

went on the troyer website and it explained i well. so do you have to use a higher octane fuel with a programmer like the xcal2? what dii you guys notice most when you first used it, thottle response? gas mileage? torque? accelaeration..etc?

 

You order tunes specifically for different octanes. i have tunes for both 87 octane and 91 octane. They will go over with you when you call to order your stuff.

What i noticed most was:
a) Power, lots of it, everywhere in the RPM band
b) throttle, i love it, the further you push it the harder it accelerates until you let off, then it shifts. much better response than stock, none of that 1-2 second lag when you punch it to pass someone.
c) the shifting. Honestly it makes your truck feel a TON better. shifts harder as you get deeper into the throttle.
d) gas mileage, saw gains on the premium tune big time.

 

x2 what mSaLL150 sez..

I've no experience with the Edge but Bill here seems to be doing good work writing customized tunes for that device. Plus the Edge does have the displays.

On the other hand, I went with Troyer's tunes on the Xcal 2 and I couldn't be happier!

Troyer's tuning, for my truck at least, is perfectly dead-on.

I've considered getting a ScanGauge to see all that info, but on the other hand I think it might be just a distraction and cause for unecessary worry.. "Oh hell, my rpm just blipped, my EGT dipped,... etc., etc."

I guess if I was that much into monitoring the thing at every second I'd opt for the gauges, but I'm not and I think it'd just make me worry over things that don't need tinkering with.. LOL..

Just my .02

 

The one positive thing about an SCT X-2 or X3, is that it can be custom tuned by any SCT dealer in the country. If you add a supercharger later, or buy say a Mustang, you can still keep the tuner and use it (just need new custom tunes).

 

Does VMP offer towing tunes? On the website it only lists performance and economy tunes. I was considering trying VMP, but since I tow regularly a performance tune would be useless.

 

Of course, towing tunes are actually listed on the site for programs 2 and 3, but I do encourage the customer to tell me exactly what kind of towing they are doing, and their likes and dislikes in terms of converter lockup and shift schedules. IE, if you are concerned about mileage while towing I can keep the truck in 4th above 70mph and keep the converter locked, if you are looking for more of a performance feel I can still allow downshifting at 70+.

 

I'm more concerned with performance than mileage. I'll be towing my horse trailer mostly, which comes in at 9k+ lbs loaded. Because of the weight of the trailer, I tow with OD off.

 

Yeah, 9000 is quite a bit for a gas 5.4L. I can set the tune up however you want, with performance or mileage in mind.