Finally bit the bullet and bought an Xcal2, let me just say i love it. I had it tuned by torrie and i highly recommend it to anyone who wants more umph from there LS. Gotta love all the options you have with it and the computer software is sweet.

I've been trying to justify this purchase for months to my wife! Can you feel that much more of a difference? Does it make the tires break loose easier?

I wish there was someone out there who had dyno numbers with and with out the SCT...

I wish there was someone out there who had dyno numbers with and with out the SCT...

I will once I get time to take it to the dyno. I will see if I get some time next week to spin the rollers a bit.

SCT published on their web-site a 14rwhp gain on a totally stock LS.

that is the tune included with the SF Strategy Flash Device - which is just an XCal2 loaded with tunes from SCT themselves - not from a tuner like Torrie.

So Torrie should be able to do better than that - and according to my G-Tech Pro Comp - he did.

Yes, Torrie's tune will make that much difference, just DO NOT let the dealer reflash your computer like they did mine 2 weeks ago and render all your hard work useless. :(

I too would love some real dyno numbers with the various tunes from Torrie. Then I am completely sold!

Yes, Torrie's tune will make that much difference, just DO NOT let the dealer reflash your computer like they did mine 2 weeks ago and render all your hard work useless. :(

Why did they flash your computer?

Im very interested on buying this Tune Device.Please explain to me how can i get a tune from torrie and how much is the additional cost??

order it from his website (www.fastpartsnetwork.com). include your VIN number in the purchase so he knows what your ECU strategy code is (or whatever its called...) and he loads it with his tunes before its sent out to you, so theres no extra cost. i was hesitant about relying on email as the only mean of communication, but he's very good with answering emails, and answering them quickly. i was amazed with how willing he was to work with me over minor details to get the tune exactly how i wanted it. order it, you wont regret it.

Can i go to the dyno with SCT Base Tune and then change to torries?? how much tunes can i have on the SCT??

yes you can switch back and forth. IIRC the device holds 3 tunes + your stock tune.

What is the best hp gain that i can get from a tune of torrie versus the base SCT tune??

Sorry to have lot of doubts but i want to know every detail before I buy it

Doesn't it hold 3 total, two special tunes and room for your stock tune.....?

Doesn't it hold 3 total, two special tunes and room for your stock tune.....?


that is not correct. it holds 3 custom tunes and your sotck tune for replacement.

What is the best hp gain that i can get from a tune of torrie versus the base SCT tune??

Sorry to have lot of doubts but i want to know every detail before I buy it

there are a 1000s threads on this - seems we keep answering the same questions over and over.

The REAL reason you want to purchase the unit from a tuner - and not from SCT - is that you want to get a relationship with your tuner, as he can work with you until the tune is perfect for your car, send you updated tunes via e-mail, ...etc

Torrie is a guy many of us use, has alot of experience with LSes (even dyno'ed them) and we have developed that relationship with. So if you are going to do this via mail-order then he's your guy.

If you have a tuner close by you, that is an SCT dealer, has an in-house dyno - then that would be the best option. As long as the shop has tuned these more modern street cars.

Yes this does come up alot, but everyone has a good reason for the questions. Unlike a exhaust and intake were you see and hear what you paid for on top of the power gain. The Xcal is a little different.

I bought mine in the end of November right after visiting the 1/4mile 3 of the last 4 weekends. I over 40 passes at the track and really felt I was going to give a good # the Xcal took off. To bad the track closed.

As Quik mentioned its the fine tuning that may be needed thats nice. I asked Torrie if my car could get the SST 1st gear fix that works on some cars and he e-mailed me a test tune and now I have 1st at will. Very nice. Mines an 02 FYI.

I will email torrie this week to see the options... thanks

I remember reading somewhere someone said just to grab the XCAL 1 instead of paying the price for the second. Since I do not know much about tuning etc, I would def. have Torrie hit up a tune for me, so do I need the second XCAl or could I live with the first XCAL?

the tunes are exactly the same in a XCal1 vs XCal2. the XCal2 offers the ability to read/clear DTC error codes, and interface your car with a laptop to perform datalogging. It also offers two analog input so you can tie your wideband O2 sensor into it as well and include that input in your datalogging for tuning.

Although i wont speculate on whether the product works or not, there are tons of tuner type modules for a variety of vehicles, most either sports cars or trucks. So there is most definately some level of benefit to the xcal. But i do believe that adding that to a car like the LS your just asking for trouble. Your gonna put more abuse on the car and something is gonna give. If its a 1st Gen. then the valve cover gaskets will probably go if they havent already. Your coils are gonna crap out faster if they already havent. Your tranny could take a dump. Bottom line is you guys buy these power add ons to run faster and harder right? You wanna either race that guy down the street or get a better timeslip at the track. Dont be surprised if your $300 gadget brings you thousands in repairs.

How could you possible connect the 2. My VC gaskets are going to go when they want, same as the coil packs. My 60 passes at the track or the Xcal2 will have nothing to do with it. If they brought it on abit earlier, who cares, but I don't believe that. I'm at 63k without a single problem bought at 32k. Knock on wood but when I get a mis-fire I'll fix and not for a second blame it on my driving. If anything my new truck purchase making the LSE not the daily driver and getting driven so little will probably prevoke the problems.

How could you possible connect the 2. My VC gaskets are going to go when they want, same as the coil packs. My 60 passes at the track or the Xcal2 will have nothing to do with it. If they brought it on abit earlier, who cares, but I don't believe that. I'm at 63k without a single problem bought at 32k. Knock on wood but when I get a mis-fire I'll fix and not for a second blame it on my driving. If anything my new truck purchase making the LSE not the daily driver and getting driven so little will probably prevoke the problems.
I'm not saying that the next day you install a tune from the xcal your car is gonna blow up, i am saying that your more than likely to drive it harder. Driving the car harder can then cause some sort of failure. I was a total skeptic on the whole coil issue, until my '05 with 38k had four bad coils. I dont drive my car hard at all, but i also dont know how the previous owner drove. Bottom line is if your a grandma driver vs. a driver with an xcal and intake and whatever else then most likely you'll experience some failure. It doesnt have to be immediate, but a part that might have lasted till 80k could fail earlier with an xcal and the associated driving. Your telling me that you dont think driving harder is worse on your car? Its not so much the actual device as the associated driving.

"My VC gaskets are going to go when they want, same as the coil packs. My 60 passes at the track or the Xcal2 will have nothing to do with it. "

If you beleive that then fine. I completely disagree.

I'm not saying that the next day you install a tune from the xcal your car is gonna blow up, i am saying that your more than likely to drive it harder. Driving the car harder can then cause some sort of failure. I was a total skeptic on the whole coil issue, until my '05 with 38k had four bad coils. I dont drive my car hard at all, but i also dont know how the previous owner drove. Bottom line is if your a grandma driver vs. a driver with an xcal and intake and whatever else then most likely you'll experience some failure. It doesnt have to be immediate, but a part that might have lasted till 80k could fail earlier with an xcal and the associated driving. Your telling me that you dont think driving harder is worse on your car? Its not so much the actual device as the associated driving.

"My VC gaskets are going to go when they want, same as the coil packs. My 60 passes at the track or the Xcal2 will have nothing to do with it. "

If you beleive that then fine. I completely disagree.


Gaskets... in this case he's right; These gaskets are not "wear out" items. There is no load or amountable force subjected to them. Typically gaskets go for one of two reasons; mechanical failure (such as head gaskets during an overheating) and deterioration (such as the famous rearmain seals on 5.0L V8's. For the most part, Cam Cover gaskets will go whenever fate has them lined to to crap out on you at. However, you have a valid point on coils; they are an electronic device with energy pushed through them. The more of a load they recieve, the quicker they are going to fail. And any good engine tuner/mechanic will tell you, the higher the RPM's, the faster that (those) coil(s) must cycle. This will lead to a build-up of heat (and heat is the enemy of coils), but in addition to this, they will not deliver the same voltage at higher RPM's as lower RPM's; it can sometimes be as much as half. This as well is somewhat undesireable. Add into this the fact that these coils are not of the highest quality as it is (I understand poor windings)... It is feasable.

hang on. You are a new poster - so one thing that you I think you missed - the pre-03 V8 (mid-2002) LSes suffer from a valve cover gasket design issue. There is a TSB that caused Ford to re-design them - as the original design would leak under 'normal' driving pressures. The oil would get into the plug wells and short out the coils.

does spending more time at WOT likely cause this design defect to show up sooner - maybe - but if you can't drive the stock car completely stock -then the only thing he is right about is that if you leave the car in your garage it will never break.

hang on. You are a new poster - so one thing that you I think you missed - the pre-03 V8 (mid-2002) LSes suffer from a valve cover gasket design issue. There is a TSB that caused Ford to re-design them - as the original design would leak under 'normal' driving pressures. The oil would get into the plug wells and short out the coils.

does spending more time at WOT likely cause this design defect to show up sooner - maybe - but if you can't drive the stock car completely stock -then the only thing he is right about is that if you leave the car in your garage it will never break.


Yes I am a new poster; and I am very well aware of the design issue. I'm also an ASE cert. mechanic, and unlike the dealership and FMC, I will be the first to tell anyone that hard driving does not in anyway cause the cam cover gaskets or plug well seals to fail sooner than later; they are non-wear components which are subjected to virtually unchanged conditions between idle and red-line. As cars have PCV valves and breathers (depending upon your emissions compliance), pressure build-up in the cam covers SHOULD be very minimal (exception to this is valve seat/seal wear; this will cause excessive pressure in the cam covers). One note to this is, as I'm sure you are aware, oil pooling. For those not in the know, higher RPM's can cause an increased delivery of oil throughout the engine (this is actually a problem in the 4.6L which can cause oil starvation to the lower end); this increased delivery of oil will result in more of a pooling due to the speed at which it drains back through the oil galleys. However, this alone will not cause gasket/seal failure... BUT it will definitely make the leak heavier, and there for more apparent.

As far as your last statement... I totally agree. You'll be hard pressed to find a car that doesn't have some kind of quirks; it's the cost of owning a car. If you don't want it to break, don't drive it. Does hard driving cause more wear on your car? In some aspects, yes, some no. But I think that's a choice we make. When I take my truck off road or mudding, if I break a front CVD or a rear axle shaft I can't very well get mad about it.

The long and short of it; OEM or aftermarket parts, it doesn't matter... it is a piece of machinery and it will break down; Drive it like you stole it... you'll fix it more often. As you said "if you leave the car in your garage it will never break".



(added note: Althought I am ASE certified, my line of work is not in the realm of mechanics; hasn't been in a few years, I really only enjoy working on my own cars and helping friends out with theirs so I moved on in employment.)

+1

that is not correct. it holds 3 custom tunes and your sotck tune for replacement.

So we SCTXcal2 owners for the Ford Focus (I know that unit pretty well) got ripped off because it only holds 2 custom tunes and has a space for the standard only, hence my question.....

Not that this is a problem, it's good news.... :-)

So we SCTXcal2 owners for the Ford Focus (I know that unit pretty well) got ripped off because it only holds 2 custom tunes and has a space for the standard only, hence my question.....

Not that this is a problem, it's good news.... :-)

There is 2 versions of the XCal2. The original version holds 3 custom tunes and stores your factory tune it copies from the vehicle when you load the custom tune. On some of the newer vehicles the unit only holds 2 custom tunes because the factory file is larger on some vehicles.
With the new XCal2's SCT increased the memory size and added a backlit screen. This will allow the vehicles with larger factory files to store 3 custom tunes.
There is also a new SCT device called Livewire. Details can be found at www.sctlivewire.com

I understand that the dealers (tuners) will not have access to the Livewire for a few months - is that true?

How much does Torrie charge for a tune????

Does anyone else feel that the car in 1st gear is a slugger???
Mine it really doesn't pick up torque untill about 3000rpm, which is pretty disapointing, doesn't even wheel spin with Traction Control turn off.
Can Torrie make up a Tune just to get rid of that 1st gear lag, feel's more like Turbo Lag.

thanks

The price of three tunes from Torrie is already included in the price of the unit. He'll then work with you to get them exactly how you want it.

Well i live about 10-15 min. from the SCT place here in Orlando, if its the actual and not just a tuner shop. I'd be more than happy to go pay them a visit to clear up any questions and get some answer about the LS.

Does anyone with the xcal2 have first gear start on a 2000 LS8? I would LOVE 1st gear!

i wanted it, but torrie said that it only works on some 2001 cars. Being that i have a 2000 he told me that it wouldnt work.

i wanted it, but torrie said that it only works on some 2001 cars. Being that i have a 2000 he told me that it wouldnt work.
It worked on my 02. He couldn't say for sure if it would, I bought it anyway and got lucky I guess.

you think i could ask him for it and try it out anyway? or is it pretty much a no go.

I'm probably going to get the xcal2 because of all of the options it has anyway, but I would love a first gear!

yea man its the best bang for the buck mod u can do for the ls, i think everyone who has one would recommend it.

Well i live about 10-15 min. from the SCT place here in Orlando, if its the actual and not just a tuner shop. I'd be more than happy to go pay them a visit to clear up any questions and get some answer about the LS.

Feel free to ask away. I am an SCT tuner, and talk with SCT almost daily. I am not here to take sales away from Torrie, as he has far more experience than me with LS's, but I can answer most questions you have....

I understand that the dealers (tuners) will not have access to the Livewire for a few months - is that true?

The scheduled release is the first quarter of 2007. I would expect to see it in the dealers hands soon. I know they are taking pre-orders for them now, so it shouldn't be long. If your interested in one, I would get your dealer to get one on order for you ASAP.

What is the livewire supposed to accomplish that the xcal2 cannot? What type of options are added?

cobraLS will livewire work with the LS? i'm assuming it will but want to be sure. not getting an xcal2 because when livewire comes out i plan on getting one.

Can you look at things such as knock, long term fuel trims, etc with the xcal2 connected to your car?

What is the livewire supposed to accomplish that the xcal2 cannot? What type of options are added?

The units are basically the same, but Livewire comes preloaded with up to 3 dyno tunes directly from SCT. It also holds 3 custom tunes on top of the 3 preloaded tunes. Livewire also has a performance calculator built in. This function estimates 1/4 mile time, 0-60mph, horsepower and torque similar to a G-tech unit. It also has the ability to datalog and display a wide selection of data on the bigger screen. It can also playback the data log on the screen later. The XC2 cannot do this. With the XC2 you have to download the datalog to your PC to review it. You can also attach the Livewire to an LM1 or Wide Band Commander air fuel meter and display the air / fuel ratio on the screen. It requires an LM1 or Wide Band Commander to do it, but for performance / racers, this is a very hot selling feature.

cobraLS will livewire work with the LS? i'm assuming it will but want to be sure. not getting an xcal2 because when livewire comes out i plan on getting one.

Yes. The 2002 - 2006 Lincoln LS is on the preloaded tune list. The unit is very nice, you won't be disappointed. Here is a link to the supported vehicle list: http://www.sctlivewire.com/lwfordapps.php

Can you look at things such as knock, long term fuel trims, etc with the xcal2 connected to your car?

You can data log them yes with the XC2, but to view them you need to transfer the log to your PC.

I am looking forward to collapsing my G-tech and SCT into one unit - that I can plug my LC-1 in to.

just so im on the same page, torrie is the guy from fastpartsnetwork.com?

just so im on the same page, torrie is the guy from fastpartsnetwork.com?

Yes.

Hold on, jsut got confused, will the Livewire support a 2001 LS as well?

Hold on, jsut got confused, will the Livewire support a 2001 LS as well?

The specification sheet I have says no it does not come preloaded with any tunes for 2000-2001 LS's. If you PM me your PCM code however, I will verify I can open the PCM data. If I can, there is no reason you cannot buy a Livewire and have 3 custom tunes created. Someone mentioned earlier that Torrie has and issue with 2000-2001 LS's. If this is the case, chances are there is a problem with them that SCT cannot resolve. Unfortunately 99% of my tuning experience is with tuning Mustangs and Ford Trucks, not LS's.

okthanks cobra, I have some other, simpler (lol) mods I'd like to do first but I'll keep the Livewire and the advice in mind!

okthanks cobra, I have some other, simpler (lol) mods I'd like to do first but I'll keep the Livewire and the advice in mind!

I sent an email to a friend at SCT asking about the 2000-2001 Lincoln LS's. Their dealer software does support the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS's and the issues have been worked out with the 2000-2001. Unless Torrie can provide some insight, I don't see any issue using an XC2 or Livewire with custom tunes.

I sent an email to a friend at SCT asking about the 2000-2001 Lincoln LS's. Their dealer software does support the 2000-2006 Lincoln LS's and the issues have been worked out with the 2000-2001. Unless Torrie can provide some insight, I don't see any issue using an XC2 or Livewire with custom tunes.

Hey CobraLS are you in Ontario, Canada or Ontario, CA?

thanks
A

Hey CobraLS are you in Ontario, Canada or Ontario, CA?

thanks
A

Ontario Canada. This time of year....very big difference. It hit 5 degrees today! :eek:

Hold on, jsut got confused, will the Livewire support a 2001 LS as well?

I believe so. The 'application' list is only for the units that come from SCT with pre-loaded tunes.

The unit can be ordered from any SCT dealer with pre-loaded tunes that they build - so I am assuming that Torrie can put in my usual tunes for my XCal into the Livewire.

How do i get ahold of Torrie?

torrie@fastpartsnetwork.com

thanks again for the info guys, I'll hold off until Livewire comes out and the insightful LvC reviews follow!

And I'd really like to afford a trip to FL spring break :cool:

Hey gang, does anyone know what Torrie charges for just a set of tunes?

I managed to win a couple of auctions for xcal2's at pretty good prices (200 +shp and 178+ shp). Unfortunately neither one has tunes for a 96 mustang gt or a 02 lincoln ls sport v6.
I need to get the tune for the mustang ASAP and will be emailing Torrie tonight but has anyone here done this before?


Thanks

it's even more complicated than that - often you have to match your current PCM code base - meaning that you can't always swap between same models/engines/year - due to small changes in components and options.

and - sorry - I don't know how much it costs for 'tunes only'

Hey gang, does anyone know what Torrie charges for just a set of tunes?

I managed to win a couple of auctions for xcal2's at pretty good prices (200 +shp and 178+ shp). Unfortunately neither one has tunes for a 96 mustang gt or a 02 lincoln ls sport v6.
I need to get the tune for the mustang ASAP and will be emailing Torrie tonight but has anyone here done this before?


Thanks

Hopefully whoevery you bought them from flashed their cars back to stock first or you'll have 2 very expensive paperweights....

I believe with the 'Extreme tune' software (which you can download from the SCT site) you can 'unlock' the unit - if you do this you can never use the 'stock' tune in the unit again.....

Well, I know that I needed a tune that is based on my calibration. I wonder if all the flash patches that the dealer and one shop applied will be a problem.

I did make sure that both the xcals were unlocked. Its just that one was for an f150 and the other is for a lighting pickup, so neither one is compatable with either vehicle.

I guess I should email Torrie an a little while with my cars calibration tag and a note about the patches to see what he says. I know the stang ran okay with the newer flash in the pcm and the override tunes from my other tuner, so hopefully there is not an issue there.

Well, I know that I needed a tune that is based on my calibration. I wonder if all the flash patches that the dealer and one shop applied will be a problem.

I did make sure that both the xcals were unlocked. Its just that one was for an f150 and the other is for a lighting pickup, so neither one is compatable with either vehicle.

I guess I should email Torrie an a little while with my cars calibration tag and a note about the patches to see what he says. I know the stang ran okay with the newer flash in the pcm and the override tunes from my other tuner, so hopefully there is not an issue there.

You will need to read the strategy code for both vehicles (plug into each vehicle, go to Vehicle info, press select, scroll to Read Strategy). Much better than going by the tag. With the strategy code, your tuner can give you the tune files you need. Besides the vehicle being flashed back to stock, you also need to make sure the unit allows changes. To do this, plug the unit in, go to Device Info and press select. It will show the firmware version and serial number. Press select again and it will show the number of changes left. Make sure it is greater than 1. If it says 0, you have a paperweight.

I bought tunes from Torrie and it was $75 dollars per vehicle at the time. We had a bit of problem getting the correct tunes since the dealer had reflashed my pcm. Read the strategy of your car with the Xcal first and send that info in your e-mail.

I guess I should email Torrie an a little while with my cars calibration tag and a note about the patches to see what he says. I know the stang ran okay with the newer flash in the pcm and the override tunes from my other tuner, so hopefully there is not an issue there.

I believe they are suppose to update the OASIS with the PCM update, and that with your VIN he can pull your now 'new' PCM base code.

But yes - without your new PCMbase code you will loose what ever the changes where from being incorporated into the tune files that are built for you.

I believe they are suppose to update the OASIS with the PCM update, and that with your VIN he can pull your now 'new' PCM base code.

But yes - without your new PCMbase code you will loose what ever the changes where from being incorporated into the tune files that are built for you.

Well considering the last time the dealer in my area reflashed my gt to 'fix' a tsb, I got back a car with 0 initial timing. Apparently they f'd up and ended up with a screwed up reflash patch and car that would barely run. They finally admitted their screw up and did something to fix it, but I can tell you that it is still not as good as the original calibration.

I'll take down the strategy codes from the car and get the firmware and change codes from the xcal's, then go from there.