SCT Tuner question

[RR|Suki]

Ok I have a question. The SCT xcalibrator II, does it only write over the stock chip, or will it work with a number of different chips... I'm not really versed in the chip thing, so any info would be good. Cuz what the prob is, is that I have no idea what chip is in my car... and no one else seems to... yes yes I know I could take it in and take the case off and look at it. But I like to plan ahead, and I want an SCT so will it matter what chip I have????? :bandit:

[RF Overlord]

OK, just to clear up any confusion:

What is commonly referred to as a "chip" is actually a module that is plugged into the service port on the side of the PCM. You buy a chip from a programmer, like Dennis for instance, and install it yourself, or, if you have a Trilogy, it is included in the kit.

AJ, are you perhaps referring to the PCM catch-code, which has a 4-character ID, like "BMD0"? The code can be found on a small label with a bar code , near the driver's door upper hinge.

If you're referring to the PCM's catch code, then the programme installed on the Xcal must match the code on your PCM, or very strange things can occur, up to and including having the car not run at all.

OTOH, if your car actually has an aftermarket chip, then you have to remove it to allow the Xcal to work. It won't re-write chips.

[SergntMac]

Sorry to keep sticking my .02C in here, AJ, but I almost bought that car myself, before the #1x was offered to me. I drove up to VT in Lansing more than a few times to give it some close up consideration while working with the money issue.

Anyway...Crawl under your dash, AJ and peek at the EEC parked just above your left knee. If nothing has changed, I recall from my introduction to the VT Marauder that you should find an early Ford Chips programmed "Diablo" chip, the one with the "red horns". This cross breed tuning existed for a short time when Diablo had the chips, and Ford Chips (Jerry W.) had the software and the talent, neither of which exist today as they did then, due to growth in the tuning industry.

If you do not find any "plug-in" chip, then it's an early Jerry W. "flash" tune similar to how he tuned the KB #1x, flash tuning before it's time. Both the #1x and VT cars grew up as siblings, about the same time in our early Marauder history.

Hope this helps.

[RR|Suki]

Thanks guys I'll look under there. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to tune my car. Thanks much Mac, seeing as you and I and the builders are the only people who have ever been intamate at any level with this car (and the builders have since parted ways) It's been rough trying to find the right actions to take.

[Grifter]

If you get an Xcal2, it will save the stock tune to the Xcal unit before rewriting the tune in the ECU, so that you can return it to stock at any time. the Xcal can load as many different tunes into the ECU as your tuner gives you files. You can also make revisions on your own to the files through the handheld unit. Nothing too drastic, but small changes are available.

[SergntMac]

If you get an Xcal2, it will save the stock tune to the Xcal unit before rewriting the tune in the ECU, so that you can return it to stock at any time. the Xcal can load as many different tunes into the ECU as your tuner gives you files. You can also make revisions on your own to the files through the handheld unit. Nothing too drastic, but small changes are available.You are correct in every word of advice my friend, except that this original "VT Marauder" and my "Kenny Brown #1x" were built and tuned with unorthodox methods predating what is known to be a common practice today. If there is a "bull horn chip" in place in AJ's VT original, no hand held programmer we know of today can see it, address it, or correct it.

In the long run, it's nothing that can't be fixed, after the style of initial tuning and method are established. For my #1x, I took a shortcut a while back, by installing an '04 EEC (MAV2) in the #1x, and I am free of the early experimental EEC constraints. AJ may have to consider this, as he moves along. Once he does, your solution is more fitting, and thank you for speaking up.

AJ...Call me when you can? 312.401.1396

[RR|Suki]

You are correct in every word of advice my friend, except that this original "VT Marauder" and my "Kenny Brown #1x" were built and tuned with unorthodox methods predating what is known to be a common practice today. If there is a "bull horn chip" in place in AJ's VT original, no hand held programmer we know of today can see it, address it, or correct it.

In the long run, it's nothing that can't be fixed, after the style of initial tuning and method are established. For my #1x, I took a shortcut a while back, by installing an '04 EEC (MAV2) in the #1x, and I am free of the early experimental EEC constraints. AJ may have to consider this, as he moves along. Once he does, your solution is more fitting, and thank you for speaking up.

AJ...Call me when you can? 312.401.1396

I'll give you a call tomorrow Mac, I don't get outta work till maybe 12:30am. :(

[stevencory]

I obtained my SCT XCalibrator 2 (http://www.sctflash.com) through frdwrnch (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/member.php?u=736) about 2 months ago.
It had the program from Reinhart Automotive (http://www.reinhartautomotive.com/). It stored the
current data through the module and then loaded the one
from Reinhart Automotive. I would highly recommend this upgrade.
Very noticeable difference.

Sincerely,