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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
So I got my bonus from work and decided I want to buy a tuner for my ex. I have done some research and come to the conclusion that the xcalibrator is the way to go. What does everyone on here use? What is the difference between the xcal2 and the xcal3? Who is better to deal with? Henson or Bamachips? Thanks for any input and reviews on these products or websites.
x-cal 2, or 3 from James at hensonperformance, his customer service is excellent. I'm not sure if the x-cal 2 is still available, the x-cal 3 replaced it, it's got more features anyway, and we all love more gadgets and toys.
They should be about the same price until the last version is gone. For a OBDII vehicle you don't need the XCal III, it has more memory which the latest Fords need for three programs. Contact James, he will help you as needed. Good luck,
Tuners in a nutshell, Ex3 is basically the same as a Ex2 but the Ex2 has a little less memory (I won't go into major detail but the new vehicle files are larger requiring the larger memory Ex3 offers). Currently I would recommend the Ex2 for your application as the tuning which goes into the programmer is the same for both units. I will sell the Ex3 if you would like me to but until it gets a good track record I will recommend the Ex2 for my mail order customers. The Ex2 is tried and true also bulletproof (please don't shoot your Ex2-LOL). Thanks-J
BTW- I guarentee you my customer service will be second to none!
All right, so I decided what tuner and where. What tune programs does everyone use? I'm thinking 87 economy, 91 towing and 91 performance. I know I can change the tune on the pcm in about the time it takes to fill the tank with the right fuel. So what tune program does everyone else use? thanks for all the input.
i've got 89 econ. 89 tow. 91 perf. and you're right, whenever im about to go have some fun i pull up to the station and plug in the tuner, then it's done before im finished filling up.
James at Henson recently retuned my Explorer and did a great job. I gained 25hp at the wheels and about 5mpg. When we first ran the A/F log we found out the a/f was dipping down into the low 10.1:1 area, way to rich.
The key is to also purchase the wideband A/F sensor. It works hand in hand with the Excal2, laptop and tuning software. It will get your a/f spot on and will allow james to tune for maximum power.
This method is better than a dyno because you are doing real world pulls, not a pull that has no load in a garage somewhere.
Henson Performance can also email you updated tune files as you add new performance upgrades. Technology is awesome...
Henson is the way to go
I got an 89 octane performance tune, 93 performance tune and 89 torque tune. I mainly use the 89 performance tune, 93 is slightly better. Don't tow so have not tried the torque tune. With the price of gas now a days and my X's gas milage 89 is all I can afford.
Tuning is the same, I have a local customer which has a 02 Explorer with a 4.6L v-8. Mods include MAC catback,MAC cold air intake, ASP underdrive pullies, HensonToonz, Eibach springs,Eibach Swaybars and Rancho RSX's all the way around. I am in the middle of updating my website so I will post a link when I get finished. This particualar truck made killer torque. Thanks-J
I appreciate the kind words everyone, I strive to work on my customer service second to none. I would rather be able to take care of my customers than have 1000 unhappy customers. I am only a vendor on this and another site. Both are dedicated to Explorers. My thoughts are quality and not quantity.
