Questions on power chips/programers

[TheChadders]

Hi guys i just recently joined the forum and recently started getting into modding my 97 XLT!!!! I am interested in putting a chip/ programmer into her but i dont know what to look for. Basically whats the best bang for my buck? I have searched the forums for the answer but havent found one yet so any help would be greatly appriaciated.


97 XLT 4.0 SOHC

 

[gto78]

here's what I did and am extremely happy. Go to ebay and search for an SCT programmer for your model truck. Once you get it, go to BAMA chips website and they will literally Email you a custom tuned program. I paid $100 for three programs from BAMA chips, all custom made. I opted for a 87 octane economy, 87 octane performance, and a 93 octane economy tune. My total investment is probably about 250$. I'm able to control my shift points, ignition timing at several different RPM ranges, shift hardness, rev limiter in and out of neutral, idle speed in and out of neutral, and lean it out at WOT. It also scans for codes, clears codes, and will record engine readings. You can plug it into the computer in your house and transfer information. ALSO you can join the SCT web forum and those guys will help you with even more custom tunes for free. SCT has free software and firmware updates on their website for the tuner.

 

[Turdle]

Get ahold of James--he is a vendor here.

www.hensonperformance.com

Or, send a PM to jah81593

Welcome to the site--

 

[aldive]

I have been extremely happy with all the tunes I have from Doug at Bama Chips.

http://www.bamachips.com/

 

[jah81592]

here's what I did and am extremely happy. Go to ebay and search for an SCT programmer for your model truck. Once you get it, go to BAMA chips website and they will literally Email you a custom tuned program. I paid $100 for three programs from BAMA chips, all custom made. I opted for a 87 octane economy, 87 octane performance, and a 93 octane economy tune. My total investment is probably about 250$. I'm able to control my shift points, ignition timing at several different RPM ranges, shift hardness, rev limiter in and out of neutral, idle speed in and out of neutral, and lean it out at WOT. It also scans for codes, clears codes, and will record engine readings. You can plug it into the computer in your house and transfer information. ALSO you can join the SCT web forum and those guys will help you with even more custom tunes for free. SCT has free software and firmware updates on their website for the tuner.

Just to inform you SCT doesn't give email tunes. That is why they have a dealer network. Also if you would even be sent a tune for free by a dealer is ridiculous. I don't know of anyone (tuners) which would send a free tune out. Tuning is alot more than just "hitting" a few keys and voila. As I am aware of Doug doesn't send free tunes,either! The Advantage software costs money and yearly updates cost as well. So the thought of free tuning is crazy. I have sent stock tunes for free but the customer had nothing more than a stock tune with end user adjustments available on the programmer. Never will I send a custom tune for free.

 

[jah81592]

Hi guys i just recently joined the forum and recently started getting into modding my 97 XLT!!!! I am interested in putting a chip/ programmer into her but i dont know what to look for. Basically whats the best bang for my buck? I have searched the forums for the answer but havent found one yet so any help would be greatly appriaciated.


97 XLT 4.0 SOHC

Welcome to the forums and happy modding. If you are intersted I offer tuning for your ride. I also carry many aftermarket parts at competetive pricing, as well! Shoot me a pm or email hensonperformance@bham.rr.com
Thanks!

 

[gto78]

Just to inform you SCT doesn't give email tunes. That is why they have a dealer network.....

I know they have a dealer network, thats why I said to buy the tune files from BAMA chips and the SCT programmer somewhere else. When I said that SCT's web discussion forum gives free email custom tunes, I needed clarify my statement. They have dealer members who will indeed email free tune files, but they are the original stock files for your vehicle. They email stock tunes that are modified to the file format that's required for SCT's free extreme tune software. So you can download the free software from SCT which you install on your home computer, this software allows you to custom tune the shift points, torque converter clutch, part throttle fuel mixture, WOT mixture, ignition timing, idle speed, top speed limiter, etc. This free software from SCT requires a stock tune file, which members of their web forum will provide and do provide all the time. They do it as a favor and are being nice by doing it.

 

[TheChadders]

Thanks for all your help guys!!!! I dont know if i would feel comfortable with making my own program cause i heard you can really screw up the truck if you do it wrong is that right?

 

[jah81592]

I know they have a dealer network, thats why I said to buy the tune files from BAMA chips and the SCT programmer somewhere else. When I said that SCT's web discussion forum gives free email custom tunes, I needed clarify my statement. They have dealer members who will indeed email free tune files, but they are the original stock files for your vehicle. They email stock tunes that are modified to the file format that's required for SCT's free extreme tune software. So you can download the free software from SCT which you install on your home computer, this software allows you to custom tune the shift points, torque converter clutch, part throttle fuel mixture, WOT mixture, ignition timing, idle speed, top speed limiter, etc. This free software from SCT requires a stock tune file, which members of their web forum will provide and do provide all the time. They do it as a favor and are being nice by doing it.

This is exactly what I posted in my previous statement. A stock tune. Your post was misleading to the person who started the thread. A stock tunefile. I have done it several times. I can send a .xtr or .ll3 file. Both give end user adjustment. But keep in mind it is a stock tunefile and only gives minor adjustments. The primary gains will be minimal with a stock tunefile as your tuning is maximized with the custom tuning available. I am fully aware of the end user adjustment as these are called global adjustments.

 

[Turdle]

See, I'd go with James--
He will respond here--
Not to mention he helps support the site

 

[jah81592]

Thanks for all your help guys!!!! I dont know if i would feel comfortable with making my own program cause i heard you can really screw up the truck if you do it wrong is that right?

With custom tuning you will be "limited" with the end user adjustments. No major harm can really be done on a stock engine with bolt on's because you are really only modifying the stock tune on a stock set up. SCT is the best tuning available for your application. If interested pm or email. Thanks-jh

 

[jah81592]

See, I'd go with James--
He will respond here--
Not to mention he helps support the site

Jon,
Thanks for the positive response. Just to let the members know, I am only a vendor for this site. I really don't feel I could be on multiple sites and be supportive and give knowledgable information necessary. This site is truly where my interest is at.

 

[Jakee]

I've had tunes from BAMA and from HensonPerformance. There BOTH VERY GOOD Tuners, but Go with HensonPerformance if you plan to grow.

 

[TheChadders]

thanks for all your help guys

 

[gto78]

I've had tunes from BAMA and from HensonPerformance. Go with HensonPerformance if you plan to grow. If you just want a tune that may work, and if it doesn't work all the way, good luck getting it fixed, go with BAMA. I'm not bad mouthing Doug personally, but I think his customer service sucks.
Nothing personal, just business.

I thought I was the only one getting help from Doug. Every single time I've ever emailed him for advice, or help with anything it's taken several weeks to get a response. Every single time, no exageration. I'm happy with what I have from him for the small amount of money I paid, but getting help after payment is a whole different story. Thats the reason I've been using SCT's web forum, at least those guys (who I didnt even pay) will give advice and in addition actually email me different files/programs to experiment with.

 

[Jakee]

I hope my experiences helps others...

 

[jah81592]

gto78 - If you would like a stock tune to play with I will be happy to shoot you over a file in .ll3 or .xtr format. But please remember this will only be a stock tune with end user adjustments. If you would like custom tuning I certainly charge for that service.

 

[gto78]

gto78 - If you would like a stock tune to play with I will be happy to shoot you over a file in .ll3 or .xtr format. But please remember this will only be a stock tune with end user adjustments. If you would like custom tuning I certainly charge for that service.

That would be awesome, I have a QAAC6C6 version program in the stock computer. Thanks man.

 

[jah81592]

GTO email me at hensonperformance@bham.rr.com and I will shoot you a stock tunefile over. Thanks!