SCT XCAL2 ..help

[storlied]

1.10
I've got all the programs, but where are the actual update files?

 

[rocket 5979]

Before my grandpa died we put 3 cars into the 9s i've done a little bit of performance work in my life. I've driven 12 second street cars (Z28, fox body 429 T-bird, 1991 corvette) I don't need anyone to stroke my ego and tell me i'm good at cars my girlfriend tells me that when i change her spark plugs and oil LOL or fix her turn signal when the bulb is burned out hahahaha. I come on here to give advice and help people. But i guess you guys got it covered i woln't step on your toes any more.

My problem had much more to do with the attitude of your approach rather than what you had to say.

 

[rocket 5979]

1.10
I've got all the programs, but where are the actual update files?

Do not bother with the firmware unless James tells you to. Sometimes updating firmware will cause problems rather than help anything.

 

[storlied]

James sent me the Firmware file [I wonder why it's not on the SCT site]
It's 1.14, it updated fine.. on VISTA!..... lol..

 

[rocket 5979]

James sent me the Firmware file [I wonder why it's not on the SCT site]
It's 1.14, it updated fine.. on VISTA!..... lol..

:thumbdwn: Vista :thumbdwn:

 

[storlied]

Just an update, I ordered a 90 Octane Performance tune.
90 is our Premium here.... Dead Link Removed

 

[CDW6212R]

That's cool, what you are actually getting is a midgrade fuel then. Sorry about that, the higher octane must not work well up there.

 

[storlied]

We get actual premium fuel, but not in this town... the only place its been known to be [91] is Tok.. which is a smallass lil town no one cares about.. n everyone uses that fuel for snowmachines n four-wheelers..

this 90 octane will still be a good improvement over the 87 stock tune, right?

 

[aldive]

this 90 octane will still be a good improvement over the 87 stock tune, right?

Yes it will.

 

[storlied]

One person said because I have 31" tires with my 3.73LS gears.. my intake, cat back and tune will just bring me back to stock performance.... I find that very hard to believe... What's your opinion on this?

29" tires to 31" with 3.73LS doesn't seem like that major of a change. Hell, my speedo is actually right now. I found one of those radar mph thing on the road and was playing with it.

 

[jah81592]

I have found after years of extensive testing ( of well over 50 tunes ) that a custom tune based on 89 octane gives me the best gas mileage ( although only slightly better than a 93 tune ).

87 Octane in both economy and performance tunes is like peeing into the wind.

From what you say about having a lead foot, you will never get any results from a gas mileage tune, sorry.

Here is some actual dyno data from some testing I did back in 2005:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132515&highlight=dyno

Exactly, driving habits are everything. I have done extensive testing on fuel economy tuning and there is little to no increases with 87 octane. Keep in mind if you foot to floor then you have just thrown all economy out the window. Primarily economy comes from good state of engine tune (hardware) and driving habits. Electronic tuning is a bonus! Keep your truck below 70mph and you will see mileage increase with that alone-j

The issue about shift kit versus PCM tune isn't a big one. The 4R70W is a very well sorted out trans. It sucked when it began as the 1980 AOD, but as the 90's began it was a decent trans.

In the 90's it has been developed into a very good electronic trans. The VB kits have been available for them since 1988, I installed a kit from Art Carr that was actually the TransGo SysKo kit. Art Carr charged me $55 then, and I later bought the SysKo AOD kit made by TransGo for under $30 several times. They were identical, and I have the original paper work to prove it.

Anyway, the HD kit from TransGo is a real shift kit($80+), and other companies make serious performance kits for them. Those will improve the trans noticeably if done right, but they should be for serious vehicles, not one that you sell next season.

The 5R55E or other 5R's do not have a shift kit available, the two choices are not serious performance VB kits. That is also why they only cost $35 or so. What they do is correct many of the factory quirks and defects. TransGo calls them systems correction kits(SysKo).

The systems correction type VB kits are appropriate for any transmission, any vehicle. I install those in all of my vehicles, I reserve the HD kits for the serious performance vehicles.

With the strength of the factory 4R70W, there are no more real defects past 1998, choose either the PCM tune only, or both. Just decide about the VB kit first, don't do a tune and then have to do it again after changing your mind later.

If you don't get wild with the engine, or tow big loads, I would get just the flasher. Regards,

To support what Don is saying, I have a customer running a 4R70 (bone stock) in a Mustang with a Hellion turbo kit. No slipping and the trans has lived 15K miles. Car traps 124mph in the 1/4 with a sh**ty 2.2x 60' time. Shift kits are nice but not necessary. The 5R's are a whole different case, especially the 5R55S, I can make the tires turn over at light throttle and low RPM's during the shift-not good on driveline components but can be done. Being they are a direct engagement trans shift kits aren't necessary. The S is an agressive tranny!

I can't figure out how to update the firmware on this thing.

I sent the entire firmware update,program and driver. Instructions should be in the body of the email.

James sent me the Firmware file [I wonder why it's not on the SCT site]
It's 1.14, it updated fine.. on VISTA!..... lol..

I am a SCT dealer, I keep all the older updates & LiveLink datalogging programs. I recommend the update which will work best with your vehicle. Yes the Firmware Version 1.15 & 2.2.0 is available for the ExCal2 but I don't recommend it for your vehicle and application. Firmware version 1.14 is what you need.

 

[jah81592]

BTW-Most my tunefiles are emailed the same day of order. Please note there are exceptions such as workload. Sometimes the next day is necessary for the tunes to be emailed. I won't bill your credit card until I am ready to email the product. SCT doesn't send tunes,let along free tunes. They arent in the business to send free tunes or custom tunefiles. The reason for the dealer network is for us to sell custom tunefiles and provide the customer service needed. I won't give free tunes (except stock tunes), the software costs too much and my time is worth more than that.

As far as loading the tunefiles you will need LiveLoad and not Extreme tune. Extreme tune is for the older Xcal1 (will work with the Xcal2) but won't give the end user adjustments on the unit. When I send the software I will send the Liveload version you will need to install the tunes on your vehicle. The tune will have some adjustments enabled on the device with the tunefiles I send.

Also I have covered the Sniper tuning but feel it is best to be covered again. Tuning is best left for someone with an in depth knowledge of the software (as with any software). Using the Sniper and "drop down boxes" isnt as precise as a good custom tune. It is really scarey knowing that the maf transfer function is where most of the tuning is done and the Sniper software (entry level user) is automatically adjusting this for you base on a few questions. I would love to see the short term fuel trims and a/f ratio's for some of these vehicles using the software.-j

 

[storlied]

Thank you very much for straightening all this out, I can't wait until I get that tune! =D

I'll most likely be back to buy a MAF from ya, after I do some research.. lol

 

[storlied]

Weird Issue... Under hard acceleration only with the tune, I get pinging. I think.. It sounds like rattling cans under the hood.
I had 1/4 of 87 low grade, I filled it up to 3/4 with 90 octane.. so whats goin on? fuel? do i need t disconnect the battery?

 

[Turdle]

Weird Issue... Under hard acceleration only with the tune, I get pinging. I think.. It sounds like rattling cans under the hood.
I had 1/4 of 87 low grade, I filled it up to 3/4 with 90 octane.. so whats goin on? fuel? do i need t disconnect the battery?

Can you adjust the timing down? I'd back it all the way down until you can get a full tank of 90 in there. If this alone doesn't get it, you might adjust the fuel mixture "richer" a bit.
It should stabilize once you get "full strength" gas to it.

 

[storlied]

I don't know...
=\

 

[CDW6212R]

Add a bottle of an octane booster first, drive it easy until you get the tank pure with the intended fuel. Back off the throttle whenever you hear that pinging, that is very bad for an engine.

Wait until you do have the fuel all the proper octane, before judging the PCM tune. Once the gas is all the same, then you can judge, or have adjustments made. Don't have James change your tune until you know the fuel is all the same quality. Take it easy till then,

 

[Turdle]

What I meant was this-
one of the features of the xcal is the ability to
"tweak" the tune via small user adjustments. I haven't been given this ability in my tuning yet-however it should be enabled in yours Dan.
You can adjust the "tune" for varying conditions-
I think you can bump up the shift pressures , advance or retard timing by 4 degrees, and lean or enrichen the fuel mixture. Hook it up and see what it says.

I know Erics (techieman33) does this-I watched him do it. I am just not certain the "path" you use to get there.

 

[storlied]

I've seen the options.. I just don't know what they mean.. There's "Spark ####" And "WOT Air/Fuel"

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes if the timing could be backed off a little that would be good until you run through the tank of gas. I hope to be doing that in the next week or so. Night,