About a month ago I did some research and got in contact with Justin at VMP tuning and decided on an Xcal2 tune with an S&B intake. Not going to purchase for awhile yet, but I might sneak the intake in for my own christmas gift and store it for a few months, just to get it while the price is still low, so it should all happen most likely next spring. Now for my question, i'm way up in north PA, so a live tune is out of the question. Will the mail order tune be alright for me? Is there anything I can do to get a professional to tune it with my VMP settings and possibly a couple dyno runs?

 

The mailed tunes are way better than stock, are better than canned but nothing beats a dyno tune. Get the tune from VMP and drive it for a few months, if you want to tweak every last HP outta the motor than just look for a performance shop where you live that has a dyno and has epxerience tuning Fords. They can tweak anyone's tunes since most of the work has been done they should just make a few changes to get the little bit extra. You may even find that the custom tune is already tweaked out. Just call around and ask.

 

Thats real good to hear. Thank you for the information. I'll keep that in mind. With my exhaust its starting to feel like my low end is going, I think i'm starting to notice it. My WOT punch speed isn't impressive, though it wasn't too impressive stock either. I'm just pretty pissed that a Silverado flew by me WOT and made it before me

Can you explain to me what a canned tune is? Is that just a simple hand held programmer?

 

The mail order tune will be fine. If there is a problem with the tune, you can do data logging and than send it back to Justin. After that he'll be able to make the adjustments needed to make it perfect. However, I highly doubt you will have to data log but it's always an option if something isn't right.

 

Sounds good. Thanks Thumper. After my Bilstein level, BFGs, and S&B intake is here i'll order the tune. Looking real forward to it.

EDIT:

Also, how does a tune work? Will I be mailed a programmer and be instructed what to do and how to use it in the driver seat of the truck?

 

there really isnt a need for instructions just plug it in and it tells you what to do

and yes you will be mailed a tuner (if you buy it which you do need for a tune)

 

Exactly. All you do is plug the plug into the ODBII port which is located underneath the steering wheel on the kick panel. Turn the key on and follow the instructions. It's super easy, it takes about 5 minutes.

 

The SCT tuner that I will send out to you is really easy to use and pretty much idiot proof. As others have said, just plug it in, press few buttons, wait a few minutes, disconnect, and you are done.

 

Sounds really easy. You'll be hearing from me a few months from now, need to save up some more. What you be charging for an all 87 tune with my exhaust, and the S&B intake? and 285/70/17 tires? Just curious for a price, i'm waiting until I get $500 saved and the cost of the S&B. Thanks.

 

It's $400 for a Xcal3 with 3 custom tunes.

 

Yep, you can order on this page:
http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...parent=66&pg=1

 

Sounds good, thanks!

I want an Xcal2 if available. I heard that that one has been around for awhile and has no problems at all.

 

It's $395 with 3 custom tunes.

http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...=138&parent=66

 

Thank you very much Thumper for the help. Thats a great price! I may get the soon sooner than spring then!

If I may ask, what would be the better option the Xcal2 or Xcal3? They both basically come with 3 custom tunes and they operate pretty much the same, whats the advantage of the Xcal3? The reason I'm thinking Xcal2 is because of all of the positive feedback I have heard, but I did hear of a couple problems with the Xcal3. I do not have specific reasons about the Xcal3 problems, but I read a few things a few months ago, just looking for some clarification. I have never had a custom tune before so i'm making sure I get the facts straight. Thanks.

 

I'd probably just get a Xcal3 since it's only $5 more. It's solid now, all of the problems have been fixed.