What Tuner To Buy

[Ross]

As stated in my other post (below), I need to get a tuner to program my car so that it drives like it's supposed to. I know that there are different options available, and some are newer than others.
What is the latest thinking on the best tuner for optimizing a NA MM? I naturally want better shifting, rev limiter removed, and any other goodies that a tuner can program for.
Thanks in advance.

[Smokie]

As stated in my other post (below), I need to get a tuner to program my car so that it drives like it's supposed to. I know that there are different options available, and some are newer than others.
What is the latest thinking on the best tuner for optimizing a NA MM? I naturally want better shifting, rev limiter removed, and any other goodies that a tuner can program for.
Thanks in advance.
You want a tuner that lets change the program, or a tuner that simply performs a file transfer function???

[Ross]

You want a tuner that lets change the program, or a tuner that simply performs a file transfer function???

That's part of my problem, Smokie, I don't know much about what's out there and what they do. With my chip, I just plugged it in and drove away.
I think that some tuners just download a specific program for the car, and that's that.
I think that there are others that let you "fiddle" with certain settings and set them like you want them. I don't know if I trust myself to pick out the right shift points, etc. to self-program the car's computer. I could mess something up pretty bad if I mis-programmed something.
I'm kind of starting out from a position of ignorance on this (what's new?)
Maybe a new chip is best for an electronically challenged guy like me, anyway?

[Smokie]

That's part of my problem, Smokie, I don't know much about what's out there and what they do. With my chip, I just plugged it in and drove away.
I think that some tuners just download a specific program for the car, and that's that.
I think that there are others that let you "fiddle" with certain settings and set them like you want them. I don't know if I trust myself to pick out the right shift points, etc. to self-program the car's computer. I could mess something up pretty bad if I mis-programmed something.
I'm kind of starting out from a position of ignorance on this (what's new?)
Maybe a new chip is best for an electronically challenged guy like me, anyway?If you don't feel comfortable making changes, then you might consider buying a chip from Dennis or Lidio, they both offer highly touted custom tunes for the MM. You contact the vendor of your choice, provide a list of your mods and they can burn you a chip that will improve your car's performance.

[fastblackmerc]

As stated in my other post (below), I need to get a tuner to program my car so that it drives like it's supposed to. I know that there are different options available, and some are newer than others.
What is the latest thinking on the best tuner for optimizing a NA MM? I naturally want better shifting, rev limiter removed, and any other goodies that a tuner can program for.
Thanks in advance.
Ross, I have an SCT Xcalibrator for sale. See the classifides. PM me if you have any qestions.

[GreekGod]

I bought an SCT ExCalibrator from Lidio about 3 months ago and haven't used it yet-too skeered to chance ruining my warrenty. Kinda dumb to spend the money and then chicken out! :alone: :o :(

[Bradley G]

No risk in voiding your factory warranty with a programmer.I double dog dare you!

If you need to take the car back to the dealer, returning it back to stock calibrations takes five minutes.
On the other hand:
The chip will be detected if they look, the pcm has a seal that must be removed to fit the chip
If you change your rear gear ratio too, might be hard to explain why the speedo is off.
If you are not going to use it, go ahead and sell it!:twocents:

I bought an SCT ExCalibrator from Lidio about 3 months ago and haven't used it yet-too skeered to chance ruining my warrenty. Kinda dumb to spend the money and then chicken out! :alone: :o :(

[oldekid]

I think any tuner that you buy will show an improvement from stock settings. I have Lidio's tune, and am very pleased. The major change is with the shift points. You will also notice that under WOT your car will almost scare you before it shifts to the next gear.

What ever you decide, most any after market tuner will give you much better results than what you got from the factory. We have vendors here that can help you. Pick one, and enjoy!

[Bradley G]

If your car has already had a chip, and you don't feel comfortable changing anything yourself, Replace the chip with an SCT chip.They are less expensive than hand held tuners.

Unless you want the ability to retrieve check engine lamp codes and see what they are.Then I would buy a hand held tuner with these capabilities.ie superchips tuner 9100 or Excalibrater 2


As stated in my other post (below), I need to get a tuner to program my car so that it drives like it's supposed to. I know that there are different options available, and some are newer than others.
What is the latest thinking on the best tuner for optimizing a NA MM? I naturally want better shifting, rev limiter removed, and any other goodies that a tuner can program for.
Thanks in advance.

[GreekGod]

My ExCalibrator is the "II" model (no chip), it just plugs into the OBD port, removes the factory calibrations, and downloads the Lidio tune. I think it is a handheld tuner also! It's also supposed to be read/reset trouble codes capable. I will install it by next spring, if not before putting the car in storage next month. My understanding is that a Ford technician can tell the car has been re-programmed at some time, even if I reload the OEM program before I bring in for warrenty work.

[carfixer]

My ExCalibrator is the "II" model (no chip), it just plugs into the OBD port, removes the factory calibrations, and downloads the Lidio tune. I think it is a handheld tuner also! It's also supposed to be read/reset trouble codes capable. I will install it by next spring, if not before putting the car in storage next month. My understanding is that a Ford technician can tell the car has been re-programmed at some time, even if I reload the OEM program before I bring in for warrenty work.

A car that was tuned back to stock is not detectable at the dealer level and I doubt it is detectable at the factory level either. Stop worrying, you'll be fine and your really gonna enjoy the new power and especially the improved shift patterns.

[Bradley G]

Thanks Claude :coolman:

[GreekGod]

OK, carfixer, you "Master-Tech", if you say so. I accept Bradley's double-dog dare and will do it! If Ford ties me to a whipping-post and gives me 40 lashes and then sends me to Singapore for a caneing, I will have Mammy Yokum give you both a double-whammy!

[Motorhead350]

go with Superchips. I've had nothing, but good luck.

[Breadfan]

Get an XCal2, they're super easy to use and can be used to clear DTC's. I love mine, retains your stock program as well as 1 other custom tune.

Also allows data logging and user adjustabiliity if you so choose.

Both Lidio and Reinhart sell them with their custom tunes. Which one you choose is based on the hcanges they make and which you prefer. You can search for info on their seperate tunes or check the sponsor section and visit Alternative Auto and Reinhart Automotives website to compare.

[David Morton]

I got the Diablosport Predator and am happy with the program. It's screen is larger and has all the capabilities of the SC II tuner, including restoring the factory program, using an RS232 computer link to download data streams, and modifying the new tune. It is sold to tune a Marauder or the Mach I that has our engine. (Yes, that's right! Ford liked our engine so much it decided to put it in the Mach I. :D )

The only drawback is that there aren't any vendors that have done much here at this site with this tuner, like programs for F/I systems, redesigned shift programs, etc. Since the download to the PCM is the same language no matter whos' tuner is used I suspect the only obstacle to using one of the programs mentioned earlier is translation software that is probably proprietary to each of the tuners.

I'm very happy with mine. It made me the record holder here of the fastest tune-only powertrain modified Marauder here on this site, 14.455 @ 96.73 mph.

Can't keep tires on it. :banana2:

[GreekGod]

I just returned from a 40 mile, mostly freeway test drive of the install of my SCT Xcalibrator 2. I noticed NO difference except now my windshield wipers are automatically intermittant! That's right-they start wiping whenever they want and I don't have to do anything! Turning them on and off doesn't help or seem to make any difference. Talk about annoying! I hope someone reads this and knows of an easy/cheap/quick fix. An MM owner I met this summer told me he paid $1600, out of warrenty, for the same problem. The dealer changed the wiper (computer?) control and it still isn't right on his 2003 MM!

[Mike Poore]

I just returned from a 40 mile, mostly freeway test drive of the install of my SCT Xcalibrator 2. I noticed NO difference except now my windshield wipers are automatically intermittant!
:laugh:I,m sorry for laughing; but, damnit that's funny. I was just about to grab for my credit card and give my pal Wes a call ....until I saw your post. Wonder if they're available without the windshield wiper option? :rofl:

[Hotrauder]

:laugh:I,m sorry for laughing; but, damnit that's funny. I was just about to grab for my credit card and give my pal Wes a call ....until I saw your post. Wonder if they're available without the windshield wiper option? :rofl:Mike, go for the SCT2100 as mine does not have the WW option and everything else is primo. Dennis:pimp:

[Rider90]

I have Diablosport and love it.

[Petrograde]

I just returned from a 40 mile, mostly freeway test drive of the install of my SCT Xcalibrator 2. I noticed NO difference except now my windshield wipers are automatically intermittant! That's right-they start wiping whenever they want and I don't have to do anything! Turning them on and off doesn't help or seem to make any difference. Talk about annoying! I hope someone reads this and knows of an easy/cheap/quick fix. An MM owner I met this summer told me he paid $1600, out of warrenty, for the same problem. The dealer changed the wiper (computer?) control and it still isn't right on his 2003 MM!


I had the exact same problem on my '00 Ranger, it turned out to be the switch.

My expeirence with the Xcal2 so has been great. Are you using the 'canned' tune?

I'm picking up a laptop this week so I can play with the data logging features. :banana2: I can't wait!

[GreekGod]

It is a Lidio tune, I hope, from Alternative Automotive.

[Petrograde]

It is a Lidio tune, I hope, from Alternative Automotive.
You should've noticed a big difference over the stock tune, especially if it's one of Lidio's tunes.

:confused:

Have you tried data logging with it yet?

[GreekGod]

I really didn't expect to notice a difference in a mostly freeway drive. I haven't gone for the $2700 Mac laptop that I want to purchase (to data-log). My window switch resently died and the first thing I thought of was the wiper switch when my MM started it's "Christine" behavior.

[wchain]

That's part of my problem, Smokie, I don't know much about what's out there and what they do. With my chip, I just plugged it in and drove away.
I think that some tuners just download a specific program for the car, and that's that.
I think that there are others that let you "fiddle" with certain settings and set them like you want them. I don't know if I trust myself to pick out the right shift points, etc. to self-program the car's computer. I could mess something up pretty bad if I mis-programmed something.
I'm kind of starting out from a position of ignorance on this (what's new?)
Maybe a new chip is best for an electronically challenged guy like me, anyway?


Ross, send me a PM or give me a call.

[tmac1337]

Diablo is coming out with an all new tuner within the next few months, they have it all designed and it should be available soon. It is suppossed to have features that is here-to-fore unseen in a tuner. We'll see. I was told an adapter can be purchased for it for A/F ratio and it will have wireless features and so forth.

[GreekGod]

Remember the Twilight Zone episode where they were taking the bandages off the patient that had plastic surgery to correct her horrible looks and the proceedure was a total failure? The hospital people were disgusted and one exclaimed "NO CHANGE!" :eek: . Well, I just returned from a repeat of my one week ago 40 mile mostly freeway test drive and there was NO CHANGE! :eek: I reinstalled the Alternative Auto by Lidio SCT Excalibrator 2 tune two more times before I began the test drive. The screen asked if I had the 3.55 gears and I also checked to see if it allowed for 4.11 gears and it did, so I'm thinking Lidios tune is in the MM's ECM. :confused: The good news is it shows no DTC's (trouble codes) and I didn't have any trouble with automatic intermittant windshield wipers this time! :bows: The voltmeter goes down to about 12.5 volts at wide open throttle (WOT) so I'm thinking maybe the alternator is shutting off during WOT as I understand it is supposed to with the Lidio tune but it does shift into overdrive while cruising at 40 to 50 miles per hour. I can lock-out the OD (at 40 to 50 mph) and it will downshift to 3rd which makes me think it doesn't have the tune! :confused: Isn't it supposed to stay in 3rd below 60 mph? Unless someone can help me before Monday, I'll give Alternative Auto a call to see what they think. I also wonder why it (the SCT) didn't ask me if I wanted to return to the OEM factory download? Perhaps I have just crossed over into the Twilight Zone. :depress:

[GreekGod]

Maybe I do have the Lidio "tune" installed. On a trip to Burger King last night/today (at 2 a.m.) the wipers started going again (without my wish)! Of course I'm not blaming Lidio for the wiper Gremlin, as I'm sure it's Murphey's fault but the car did seem to have better low-end torque. Driving it today (Sunday) I believe the torque seems to have increased nicely. Anyone have any advice on how to re-load the OEM factory tune for warrenty repair to my wiper problem? I hope this isn't considered hi-jacking the thread as it is related to "what tuner to buy". The SCT does seem like a good tuner, and I will call Lidio Monday for his help. Also, I talked to the other local MM owner I mentioned in a previous posting that had a headlight/wiper problem and he said it was a $1100 out of warrenty repair, not the $1600 I had reported, and Ford just sent him a $200 refund through the LM dealer! Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!