Best xCal Tune Provider?

[JoshMcMadMac]

I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V8 2x4. I have a line on a cheap xCal2, and am considering getting a tune. I know there are several good 4.0 tuners out there, but have not been able to find a lot of feedback for the 4.6. Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

 

[techieman33]

www.hensonperformance.com he's a vendor here on the site goes by Jah81592. He's tuned a lot of explorers and we've all been very happy with the results.

 

[Carguy3J]

I have a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V8 2x4. I have a line on a cheap xCal2, and am considering getting a tune. I know there are several good 4.0 tuners out there, but have not been able to find a lot of feedback for the 4.6. Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

make SURE that "cheap" xcal2 is no longer locked to the previous vehicle it was used on. If that vehicle wasn't returned to stock first, your bargain xcal2 will be a "brick" Yes, you can get SCT to unlock it. but they charge a very hefty fee. ($150+shipping both ways-last time I checked. ...and that gets you a BLANK device w-no tuning)
Given that the Xcal2 is discontinued, and no longer supported, you'd probably be better off buying a new Xcal3 from James (Henson Performance) w/ the custom tunes included. I was very happy with the tunes he provided. It shifted better, and ran alot stonger. His tech/product support is also excellent.

Unfortunately SCT is pretty good at effectively killing any secondary market for used devices from their product line. They make it so it just isn't cost effective to buy used. While I understand it from a business standpoint, I really don't like it, from a consumer standpoint.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

www.hensonperformance.com he's a vendor here on the site goes by Jah81592. He's tuned a lot of explorers and we've all been very happy with the results.

He does not have the '02-03's listed. I also have not seen much of anything on V8 tuning, just the V6.

make SURE that "cheap" xcal2 is no longer locked to the previous vehicle it was used on. If that vehicle wasn't returned to stock first, your bargain xcal2 will be a "brick" Yes, you can get SCT to unlock it. but they charge a very hefty fee. ($150+shipping both ways-last time I checked. ...and that gets you a BLANK device w-no tuning)
Given that the Xcal2 is discontinued, and no longer supported, you'd probably be better off buying a new Xcal3 from James (Henson Performance) w/ the custom tunes included. I was very happy with the tunes he provided. It shifted better, and ran alot stonger. His tech/product support is also excellent.

Unfortunately SCT is pretty good at effectively killing any secondary market for used devices from their product line. They make it so it just isn't cost effective to buy used. While I understand it from a business standpoint, I really don't like it, from a consumer standpoint.

It is unlocked. You are pleased, but are running a 4.0L, right?

 

[Carguy3J]

He does not have the '02-03's listed. I also have not seen much of anything on V8 tuning, just the V6.

I would call him. His website has been "under construction" for years. I would guess that he is too busy tuning to put everything he has on the website.

It is unlocked. You are pleased, but are running a 4.0L, right?

Yes, a 4.0L-SOHC. Nonetheless, he seems to be very knowledgeable about general tuning principles, as they apply to any vehicle.While every combination has it's own quirks, the general concept of tuning a motor and/or trans is the same. Same goals; different methods. Someone who is good at it should be able to tune anything, provided they have access to the proper tools. I'm sure there are members on here, w/V8's, that are also very satisfied with his tuning.
You could also go to SCT's website, and look at their dealer list. I'm sure there are plenty of others tuners to go to, but it's a bit of a gamble, unless you find plenty of customer references.
"Bamachips" is another well known Explorer tuner. You can go directly to their website, or go through www.explorerexpress.com
A few members here have been pleased with his tuning, but I believe the concensus is that his customer support is very slow (very long response times); at least that's what I've heard.

 

[Limited02]

He does have 02-03's because I bought an SCT3 a few months ago from him. Just email James any questions and he'll help you out. He's a great guy and will treat you right.

 

[CDW6212R]

James has done tons of any new Fords you can name, such as the new GT500's. Give him a shot, he's the best known for Explorer tunes here.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

He does have 02-03's because I bought an SCT3 a few months ago from him. Just email James any questions and he'll help you out. He's a great guy and will treat you right.

What sort of gains are you seeing? Any change in fuel economy?

 

[Limited02]

What sort of gains are you seeing? Any change in fuel economy?

You will notice better lowend response. Last year I ran a 15.9 with just exhaust in very good weather, then with the efan and tune I ran a 15.4 in warmer and more humid weather. Best run to date is 15.2 with some weight removed and on the 20's.

When I first installed the tune, gas milage improved by about 2-3 mpg on the highway. I was easily getting 19-21 mpg at 75mph. Now that I have installed the 20's and because they are much wider than stockers, I am getting around 16-18 on the highway I need to get an alignment done.

When you buy the tuner from James, you get to pick 3 different tunes. I picked the 89 tow, 91 street and 93 race. I only run the 91 street because that's all I have for gas and it seems to work pretty well for me. If you already have a few mods, then a tuner would work great because it will help bring it all together.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

You will notice better lowend response. Last year I ran a 15.9 with just exhaust in very good weather, then with the efan and tune I ran a 15.4 in warmer and more humid weather. Best run to date is 15.2 with some weight removed and on the 20's.

When I first installed the tune, gas milage improved by about 2-3 mpg on the highway. I was easily getting 19-21 mpg at 75mph. Now that I have installed the 20's and because they are much wider than stockers, I am getting around 16-18 on the highway I need to get an alignment done.

When you buy the tuner from James, you get to pick 3 different tunes. I picked the 89 tow, 91 street and 93 race. I only run the 91 street because that's all I have for gas and it seems to work pretty well for me. If you already have a few mods, then a tuner would work great because it will help bring it all together.

What did you do for an electric fan installation?

 

[Limited02]

Peek through here and you will see some pics I posted and on the next page should be a link of the controller I bought. I got the fan from my dad(free) and the other stuff run me close to 35 bucks. It's cheap, works and the Ex heats up quickly in the cold. If you have any questions, just ask.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248308&page=3

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

Peek through here and you will see some pics I posted and on the next page should be a link of the controller I bought. I got the fan from my dad(free) and the other stuff run me close to 35 bucks. It's cheap, works and the Ex heats up quickly in the cold. If you have any questions, just ask.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248308&page=3

Oh, okay. I am wondering how well a Mark VIII fan is going to bolt up. I prefer the Flex-A-Lite 33054 controller.

 

[Limited02]

The Mark VIII fan would be perfect. If you can find one at the junkyard, you will save a lot of money over buying a new Flex-a-lite or any other name brand. Basically, I used the zip tie things to attach my fan but I would recommend you spending a minute and securing it with brackets. That way you will keep it from moving around and not damage the radiator.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

The Mark VIII fan would be perfect. If you can find one at the junkyard, you will save a lot of money over buying a new Flex-a-lite or any other name brand. Basically, I used the zip tie things to attach my fan but I would recommend you spending a minute and securing it with brackets. That way you will keep it from moving around and not damage the radiator.

Those zip-tie things like to chafe through the radiator and cause leaks, so be aware of that.

 

[Limited02]

Those zip-tie things like to chafe through the radiator and cause leaks, so be aware of that.

I know, that's why I mentioned making brackets and preventing it from moving. I am going to make some before long, but I hope before it's too late!