I was not trying to be confrontational I was just pointing out out to the person who started this thread some pros and cons to spending any where from $300 to $700 on a tuner what to be aware of.

I have invested in some very good custom tuning equipment to be left high and dry less then 2 years later by a company that is out of business. A lot of these performance companies go out of business frequently it is all a chance.

For you the tuner you bought sounds like the perfect thing.

Dave

 

166,000 tuned miles by troyer performance with ZERO issues

 

Another recommendation for a Xcal3 from VMP Tuning !!

http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...=226&parent=66

 

I will attest to programmers being worth it also like everyone else before me.

I went with VMP Tuning instead, and it is night and day with throttle response and performance in general, I could never see myself going back especially with a dinky stock 4.6L.

As of yet I have not had the slightest reason to contact Justin at VMP for help with my tunes. Very straight forward process and definitely worth investing in I'd say.

 

i get it now just like on an older truck the kick-down or passing gear. i guess I was just not thinking at the moment.. thanks for not treating me like a jackass!!

 

.......You all helped me a lot. It seems like there are three separate camps: Troyer, PHP, and VMP. It also seems like everyone is really happy with their respective setups. Therefore it seems like I can't really make a wrong choice. That said, I think I'm going to go with the SCT XCAL 3 and VMP. The lady at Troyer was very helpful, but I can't wait that long. And I couldn't even reach PHP--I know it's a "no phone week", but...I just don't want to wait. For me it just comes down to who makes me feel like they're ready to rock & roll . I emailed a couple questions to Justin and he answered the next day. For me, that pretty much seals the deal.
To everyone who contributed to this thread: thanks again.

 

so what is the best programmer? troyer ,gryphon,edge,etc...... what about the prices and if you get one what tunes should you get? don't know much bout them beside they give lots of power the truck already has just releases it..

 

Awesome, trust me you're going to love having a tuned truck. It's light night and day.

 

I wouldnt say any particular one is the "best" per se. The main Programmers are PHP's Gryphon(A reflashed Edge), and SCT products.

If you love the fact of having a gauge for all your information always readily displayed, then you'd more than likely prefer an Edge or the custom tuned Gryphon. If you dont care for the gauge and just want a programmer for the other things, you can snag a SCT Xcal product, which STILL has all the gauges and what not but is by far not the most appealing thing to try and mount.

Not sure what exactly what ya mean about prices.

The tunes are based solely on your needs I'd say, if you tow grab a towing tune, if you just want performance then go with that. I'm sure someone with a little more experience between the tune preferences can elaborate a little more on this subject.

As for octane rating of your tune, a good chunk of people will say to go with the highest in your area for more noticeable power. If you dont see any justifiable reason to pay more for gas then more power to you, just snag 87 octane tunes.

Hope this sort of helps.

Edit:
DrNick I do believe you will be more than satisfied with Justin, he takes care of you and gets all questions answered quickly. Enjoy the new tuner. =)

 

What do you mean the SCT X3 has guages? I thought with the SCT X3 you plug in, upload tunes, and unplug.

Just need to know, because I would prefer to not have an aftermarket guage mounted inside my truck. I was leaning towards the SCT X3 with VMP tunes, but if there is a mandatory guage associated with it.....i'll pass.

C_

 

The Xcal3 does not have gauges. Not sure why anyone would not want the gauges, but if you don't want to use them, they can be unplugged and removed as well. Just clarifying.

 

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to know. I think they look tacky.....personal preference.

Do they actually perform a function that I would use regularly? I read somewhere that they report MPG, can't remember what else. What do the guages show?

C_

 

The SCT does have gauges just not in the same sense you would expect from using a Gryphon/Edge.

Its called datalogging on the SCT you choose what you want to view from a vast # of parameters, and dont HAVE to save the data, and can view this while plugged in.

Like I said its far from the most appealing thing when compared to Gryphon's/Edge's gauges. Which seem to be just naturally part of the unit.


And callaway they do perform a function, so you can monitor how things are running with your vehicle, and Id say its good because its kind of like an early warning if something is running crappily. As for MPG, I dont think(could be wrong) Gryphon nor the SCT report that, I think thats requires some wiring?

As for example of what you can view. When I use my SCT I have it report on my RPM(I dont have a tach =/ ), my battery voltage, my true speed, coolant temp, and MAF temp.

 

Apparently some of us are having a miscommunication. Yes, the SCT has a readout to get codes, etc. What most of us are calling gauges, is a monitor that sits on the dashboard(if you choose to use it), that will monitor up to 22 or so items, such as engine temp, voltage, tranny temp, speed ect. It is important to many of us since the truck gauges are just on/off switches, not real gauges. I use mine constantly, monitoring 4 things at one time.

 

To me, they look factory. They are in a place where I can keep constant view, yet out of the way and blend with the interior. My truck would look weird to me without it. You can monitor 22 or more items, 4 at a time. The thing is, if you don't want to use it, unplug it and put it away. I just like to know what is going on in my engine and tranny.

Yes, mpg is one of the items it can monitor, although I have never used it.