I have performance center near me and I am considering having them retune my 2006 Mark LT. Parts of the whole deal is you get a new XCal 3 and they dyno test it also for $500-$600. They say I would gain roughly 20hp and increase MPG 2-3 so is this a good deal and are the XCal 3 a good tuner?

 

I enjoy mine, but I didnt get a deal like that haha. I bought mine from a Tuner(Justin @ VMP Tuning) and since buying it, I havent had any problems, I enjoy it although I wish it was mountable, but beggars cant be choosers I suppose haha(And I am not a patient person when it comes to spending that much money either to wait for PHP to set me up).

Overall though, you will be satisfied with the results if they are skilled at tuning Ford Trucks(forgive me as I dont know if the Mark LT's have the same setup as Ford's engine wise, just assuming).

 

That is what I thought it was a good deal. I have actually known this individual since high school and he has his own mechanic shop but that specialize in this so I called him and he sounded completely knowledgable about what needs to be done and the tuning that needs to be done to gain the performance.

 

Sounds like a safe bet then, especially if something does go wrong(which is doubtful).

Enjoy it, and drive safe haha.

 

The Xacl3 is good hardware. Many of us prefer the Gryphon because of the gauges that it offeres, but the Xcal3 is just as good. I'm surprised that they say 20 hp gains as I think VMP, Troyer, and VMP tunes add about 30 or slightly more. My only concern would be that the guy knows these trucks and the nuiances involved. They are not the same as Mustangs.

 

Yeah, theres a shop down by me and from my POV I can say it would be better for both of you to get it local. That way you can get set-up in about a day (compared to a month + that online orders take) and should anything happen, you know the guy

 

Well he did say in between 20-30hp and I would gain better throttle response & GPM. I think I am gonna have it done local and see it all happen & tested too on the dyno to see the curves & differences.

 

It sounds like a good deal to me. In our neck of the cactus, $ 500-600 will get you a dyno tune, but not with a flasher included.

 

I think you're better off just getting a Xcal3 from VMP Tuning with 3 tunes for $400. Than you can spend the extra money on an air intake or exhaust.

 

FordRacer2005 is right. I bought the SCT X3, VMP 87 Performance Tune. All I need now is AEM Intake. I also read great post about PHP & Troyer.

 

I have already added a K&N cold air intake and Gibson SST duals to it. So I wanted to try this route and see how much more I gain. I appreciate al the great advise!

 

vmp all the way

 

Am I wrong for thinking that it is ridiculous for him to pay almost the same amount for an offsite tuner to write him tunes without ever seeing the truck vs. a local guy dyno tuning the truck? If I am not mistaken, I have seen several times where guys like Justin at VMP and Mike Troyer have suggested bringing the truck to them for dyno tuning. They say that because it is the best way to get a true custom tune.

 

The fact of the matter is yeah you'd make more power by getting a dyno tune from a guy like Justin or Mike. However, tuners as reputable as these guys are not a dime a dozen and you aren't just going to find them in your backyard. If you are in their backyard than go for it. If not, there is a big chance you'll be dealing with someone who doesn't have any idea what their doing. Not to mention the difference between a dyno tune and mail order tune for a basic bolt on F150 is going to be maybe 3-5 rwhp. I asked Justin when I ordered my tuner. I've seen way too many guys get a dyno tune from some local guy and have so many problems that they ended up just ordering a mail order tune and being much happier.

 

does anyone know the difference between a "canned" tune on an xcal 3 and the custom tunes? hp and mileage