I'm currently using an Edge programmer I bought new in '08, and I've always run canned tunes, and I just pulled the trigger on a SCT X3 with custom 91 octane tunes from 5Star. I am kinda used to using the old Edge programmer to watch my mpg, and to read and clear those nasty trouble codes from bad coils, etc. Can I use the SCT X3 to program my truck, but still use the Edge programmer to monitor my mpg,etc? I was looking at the SCT livewire on 5star's site, but when I went to the SCT site, I couldn't find it, leading me to believe that it was no longer supported. I want to be sure that I can get custom tunes and support for the next programmer, so I chose the X3.

It's not a deal breaker if I have to clear off my dash and just guess how bad my mileage is

 

There is no problem with plugging in the edge to use as a monitor. Just return it to stock with the Edge, then load up your new tunes with the SCT.

Then, you can just plug the Edge back in to use as a monitor. As long as you don't try to load any of the tunes from the Edge, no problem.

 

yep you can use the edge as a gauge....just don't try to change tunes with it....

 

You know, now you have me wondering....since the PCM code won't be stock with an SCT tune installed, the Edge might bulk if it doesn't recognize a stock (factory) tune program installed.

Maybe someone who has tried this before can comment?

EDIT: Oops, 88 splipped that in while I was typing..so I guess it does work?

 

yep....it does work....have a good day!

 

The PCM code is actually not changed, Net Wurker. You can verify this by finding your hex code/calibrationECM code with your Edge both before and after you've loaded a tune.

When I first got my CTS, it just had canned tunes. I loaded my custom tune with my old monochrome Gryphon and then plugged the CTS in (it showed the tune was at Level 0) but it recognized the truck and allowed me to monitor additional parameters. When I got custom tunes for the CTS, I restored the truck to Level 0 with the monochrome Gryphon before reconnecting the CTS and using it to reprogram the PCM.

- Jack

 

Very cool, thanks guys for your prompt and knowledgeable responses.

And now my wife won't even know I've bought something else for the truck.

 

OK, I get it. If you plugged in an Edge/Gryphon in a vehicle that was tuned with a different programmer, but since the Hex ID is the same, the Edge/Gryphon would still see/treat it as a stock PCM.

And to take it further, if you did go ahead and program an Edge/Gryphon tune into it, you would in fact be saving, in the OP's case, an SCT tune as the truck's "stock" tune on your Edge/Gryphon.

I think I got that right?

 

This may or may not be right (50-50 chance here I think). I've heard some folks say it would do what you think, save the SCT tune as the "stock" tune. But, I don't really know that things would work out well in the end. A canned or custom tune functions by modifying parts of the truck's stock tune (as I understand it). It doesn't create a totally new tune from scratch. So, if the new program applied modifications to the already loaded custom tune, I suspect you'd get a number of unintended side effects. And, I doubt the truck would perform well at all, if it even started. And, it's possible you might not be able to "reverse" the tune (by yourself) once it's been mixed up this way. It might need to be done with a stockwriter.

And, there may be a guard in the programming that would prevent the new tune from even being loaded on top of a "foreign" tune.

I know the Edge/Gryphon manuals warn against trying to "piggyback" tunes on top of each other. I take that as a fairly serious warning that I intend to follow.

And regarding your first paragraph, I think the programmer might simply recognize the PCM as one containing a base tune it can work with. I don't see it thinking the current tune is a "stock" tune.

But, I'm just giving you my opinion here. A recognized tuner such as Bill Cohron, Mike Troyer, or Justin Starkey might say I'm totally out to lunch. They would probably have the definitive answer.

- Jack