Power Chips and PCM Codes?

[ankles]

I have a 2000 LS V8 and am interested in a power chip for the car. The car is new to me and so I am still finding my way around the vehicle. Torrie at ford parts network asked me for my pcm code, but i don't know where to find the bugger. Where do I look? I am interested in the chip primarily for shifting improvements for the tranny, but more power sounds fun too. If any of you have had good luck with a chip let me know, I'd love to hear about it. Did it improve the shifting? What about fuel milage and power? Right now I am decideing if I should just take it to the dealership and have them reflash things (but who knows if that will work) or if I can invest my money into a decent mod that will fix the problem and give me better performance as well. Thanks for your help

 

[MikeB]

:W
All you need is your VIN and Torrie should be able to get the code.

The Xcal flash unit was one of the best automotive part buys I've made.
Just make sure you get the $50 cable for your computer.
For roughly $375 (including cable) you get an extra 15+ rwhp and the ability to change shifting and some engine functions at will. :L

 

[eL eS]

yep visit www.fordpartsnetwork.com Torrie is the proprietor and customer service guy. He sells FLM OE parts much cheaper than the local shops.

 

[ankles]

"Just make sure you get the $50 cable for your computer."

Am I right to assume that I will be able to program the unit myself with my computer and the computer cable, or is this just so I have a way to hook it up to the car? Torrie said that he could make a program for my car, so I am now considering the option, sounds like a lot of fun.
I see that for the newer LS's they upped the compression ratio, but what else did they do to get that extra 30 horse?

 

[Quik LS]

the QuickTune software will let you do some things yourself - but it is mainly used to add new tunes to your unit that Torrie can e-mail you.

The 03+ engines came with VVT, improved exhaust and drive-by-wire to get the extra 28hp.

 

[shltn]

I am new to modding cars, especially the LS. How dangerous is to be able to change settings like that? Could you potentially mess up your engine and tranny? I would be willing to possibly spend th money, but I do not know enough about engines and tranny to make changes based on my own knowledge. Just curious for your input, thanks!

 

[Quik LS]

I am new to modding cars, especially the LS. How dangerous is to be able to change settings like that? Could you potentially mess up your engine and tranny? I would be willing to possibly spend th money, but I do not know enough about engines and tranny to make changes based on my own knowledge. Just curious for your input, thanks!

We - yes - if you do not know how to tune - then let the pros do it. Torrie has been tuning for years and has a dyno i his shop that he uses. When you purchase a XCalibrator it comes with three tunes the he created for your car. Most of us just use those - we don't make any adjustment ourselves.

If you want to actually tune your car like he does - you can buy the software - it's called the 'Pro Racer' package for $499, and it can do everything Torrie can do - but it's locked to one car. Maybe someday I'll learn enough to try it...

 

[shltn]

I think the 3 stock modes would be plenty for me. I wouldn't want to tinker beyond that. Also, do they ever come out wiht new settings, and if so do you have to pay for those?

 

[Quik LS]

I think the 3 stock modes would be plenty for me. I wouldn't want to tinker beyond that. Also, do they ever come out wiht new settings, and if so do you have to pay for those?

yes the software does evolve and Torrie does create new tunes from time to time. You have to purchase the cable (from him) that allows you to take a new tune file that he e-mails you, upload it to the XCal unit, then you can flash it into your car.

He hasn't charged us anything for new tunes yet - but sooner or later he probably should.