X Cal Tunes

[musclemerc]

Who has the best hp gains in their tune? Lidio or Reinhart?:cool:

[sabtaj1]

A Fightin question.:popcorn:

[magindat]

Wow. Everyone duck and cover!!!!

Seriously, both are equally as good. They are however made by men and have different character. I chose Reinhart. I feel my advantages are:

Closer geographically,
Will send upgrade tunes through email,
At the time, he was running a sale,
Fellow SSM mamber,
Local testimonials.

The only thing you could really do to choose is drive a car with a DR and a car with a Lidio. I've driven both. I prefer Reinhart's, but then again, I'm accustomed to his tuning.

Good luck!!!!

[Master]

I've gotten excellent info from both in the past, but chose Reinhart becuase he had experience with my particular setup so he didn't mind mailing out a controller pre-programmed. And, I must say, it worked like a charm. My mods were: Ford Performance Cams, flowed and ported/port matched heads, Kooks and intake. Not so much as a hitch with Dennis' tune.
BTW: Can anyone advise if our XCAL can be used on any vehicle at any time as a code reader? Is there a special way of making this work? I have the MM XCal, but also a 98 Taurus that needs codes read.

[magindat]

I've gotten excellent info from both in the past, but chose Reinhart becuase he had experience with my particular setup so he didn't mind mailing out a controller pre-programmed. And, I must say, it worked like a charm. My mods were: Ford Performance Cams, flowed and ported/port matched heads, Kooks and intake. Not so much as a hitch with Dennis' tune.
BTW: Can anyone advise if our XCAL can be used on any vehicle at any time as a code reader? Is there a special way of making this work? I have the MM XCal, but also a 98 Taurus that needs codes read.

You can read codes on any car. (Ford OBDII)

[The Big Stu]

Look at both websites, choose the one that gives you the best feeling, both have plenty of backers.

[Professor]

I just wish Dennis would put together a page like Lidio's describing his tune and showing the dyno results. The Alternative Auto website that describes how their tune works and the logic behind it is outstanding. Even though I would rather buy from Dennis because it seems like his service is outstanding, I have to admit that the Alternative Auto explanation of their tune is compelling.

[sailsmen]

There was a report that Reinharts did, however I think the amount was small. You are not looking at a huge hp gain with either tune. The bigest diff is in the way the car shifts.

Between the hp gains and shift the car drives like a performance car instead of church commuting geriatric bus.

It is my understanding the shift schedule is significantly different between the 2 tunes.

I suggest you find out;
are free updates available by email
are free tweaks available
what is the charge if future mods such as CAI, Headers, UD pullies, 4:10.

[musclemerc]

anyone else?

[fastcar]

anyone else?

I have Lidio's tune, mainly because he describes it so well, and I wasn't sold on anything else at the time. He put a lot of effort into it. You should search the forum for threads on this. There have been other threads. The general consensus is, it doesn't make much difference, they are both done by people who care, and they both work good. What you DON'T want to use, is the SCT tune. Lidio says it's generic junk and may be too aggressive for pump gas, endangering your motor.

Someone said they don't make much power, but then said the car will run a lot better. I think 12-15 HP on one of these cars for a power adder (besides a supercharger) is VERY good, and realistic for most add-ons. You can read my threads on some of my mods. Search "progress report". I tested Lidios tune, and it took a full .25 seconds off my ET. That's a big improvement in anyone's book.

The car runs SO much better. WOW.

Problem: when I spoke with Lidio he said he would not be selling anymore until September, because he lost some of his help. You may have no choice but to get it from Dennis.

Lidio is a really great guy. So seems Dennis. Dennis is a member, and is extremely helpful, this could be an advantage. Lidio included in my tune a free race gas tune, as well as a 3.55 tune, and 4.10 pump gas tune.

I don't think anyone has dyno tested the two tunes, but they are probably real close. Someone remarked the biggest difference could be in the shift schedule, and this sounds plausible.

I like the way mine shifts:D I get a little squeel out of second under WOT, and shifts resolutely, but not obnoxiously the rest of the time. Big improvement.

I did hear that you will no longer be able to use the TC lockout button after running either tune. I haven't touched mine, I don't want to screw anything up.

You might consider writing down some questions, and phoning both guys to see what they say. Go with your instinct after that.

fastcar:burnout:

[arejayesss]

[quote=sailsmen;519704]

Between the hp gains and shift the car drives like a performance car instead of church commuting geriatric bus.


Hey Now!!! Be nice.

[musclemerc]

I did and i spoke with both guys yesturday. Lidio's personallity jumps out to you over the phone as someone here to help and save money at the same time. Lidio does'nt endorse the plug and t-stat change out Reinhart does. Lidio puts his info out there for all to see and Reinhart leaves it private. Both are at the same price point i just want the right one. I'm totally stock with a 3:55 gear. Another question for guys with 4:10's whats the rpm @ 80mph without any tune?

[chader]

I have an aa tune that I'm very pleased with.I had talked to both vendors over the phone and some other members that have had experience with both tunes and everyone had a good report.I did however get the SCT Livewire which is neet but I don't think I would pay the extra for it again at least till SCT gets it to do the things they say it can?I think the big consideration to be made when making a choise is the future plans of what mods ie. s/c you want to use..AA/Trilogy...DR/Vortec IMO

[SlkMerc]

I bought an Xcal from a member here that had a 3.55 / JLT tune on it originally from Alternative Auto. Not thinking, I forgot to mention that I am in Calif where we cannot get 93 octane and had a detonation issue. Called and spoke to Lidio, really nice guy. He spent a while on the phone with me answering my questions.

I sent it back and for a small fee, he returned it to me with 3 tunes on it

1. Reg 91 /3.55/JLT
2. Same as above but with 2 degrees timing pulled off
3. Per request a "mileage" tune with different lock up

Very happy with the results. The car feels so much different. I disconnected the battery for half hour to reset the ECM then installed the tune. Now I can use them as I wish and had the pleasure of dealing with a paisan.

[musclemerc]

No i'm gonna stay N/A and i'm on the fence about the 4:10's ( I've got a good friend with a L/M Mark 8 with 4:10s and he say's dont bother it spins too much at 80mph to be a luxury car)

[Master]

T/C is fine with Reinhart tune. Would assume Lidio's is comparable.

[Mesencephalon]

T/C is fine with Reinhart tune. Would assume Lidio's is comparable.

Man i can't wait to see for myself! that XCal II is on its way w/ Dennis' tune. It represents the money I would have spent at MV5 so me, Capt. Rationalization says. The good news is they just came and fixed the water leak ... :sigh: 1 day and 3 hours after they promised they would ... effectively justifying the XCal II, 'cause there's no way I can get to MV now.
Oh well. That's what the forum's for, except for the smell and taste of that pig i was looking forward to ... :beer:

[magindat]

I did and i spoke with both guys yesturday. Lidio's personallity jumps out to you over the phone as someone here to help and save money at the same time. Lidio does'nt endorse the plug and t-stat change out Reinhart does. Lidio puts his info out there for all to see and Reinhart leaves it private. Both are at the same price point i just want the right one. I'm totally stock with a 3:55 gear. Another question for guys with 4:10's whats the rpm @ 80mph without any tune?

A tune does not affect RPM vs MPH.

Looky here:
http://www.magindat.net/ssm/info/4r70wratios.xls

[SC Cheesehead]

I did and i spoke with both guys yesturday. Lidio's personallity jumps out to you over the phone as someone here to help and save money at the same time. Lidio does'nt endorse the plug and t-stat change out Reinhart does. Lidio puts his info out there for all to see and Reinhart leaves it private. Both are at the same price point i just want the right one. I'm totally stock with a 3:55 gear. Another question for guys with 4:10's whats the rpm @ 80mph without any tune?

I may as well jump in.:o

I've got a DR tune and love it. Suggest you go with 4:10's along with the tune as the combinatoin of the tune and gears really wake up the car. I dropped a little over 0.60 seconds on my quarter mile time after doing those mods.

Can't speak for RPM with 4:10's without a tune, but I run about 2,700 at 80 mph.

Virtually no change to road mileage in comparison to the 3:55's, averaging between 21 and 22 mpg on the highway running 75 - 80.

SCCH

[sailsmen]

No i'm gonna stay N/A and i'm on the fence about the 4:10's ( I've got a good friend with a L/M Mark 8 with 4:10s and he say's dont bother it spins too much at 80mph to be a luxury car)

There is a 15% increase in RPM. The MM probably has taller tires then the MVIII. 4:10 is a popular mod for a MM and I have only heard too much RPM on a couple of occasions.

It is a muscle car not a luxury car, by a Sedan Deville if you want luxury. As a passenger while in a straight line You will never know you are in a car.:lol:

Do a search and find out.

[sailsmen]

[quote=sailsmen;519704]

Between the hp gains and shift the car drives like a performance car instead of church commuting geriatric bus.


Hey Now!!! Be nice.

We seem to have 2 extremes people who are afraid to mod, it's going to blow it's going to blow and people who exagerate about a mod, it's now an F14 Tomcat. I understand emotion drives each extreme.

I say it's a muscle car and in my ute all muscle cars were modded. If you did not want a muscle car than don't buy one.

If you want to keep it stock thats fine too, just don't make excuses as though it's a luxury car or an economy car.

[fastcar]

I was a little nervous about the RPM gains with the 4.10s, too. But I needed more acceleration so badly, I took the chance. Do I regret it...

No way! What a difference. The gears make the old MM seem like Sailsmen said 'a church commuting geriatric bus'!

I rev 2700 at 80MPH, and 3000 at 90MPH. These motors like to rev, and I'm on the highway all the time. The car is WAY better on the highway now. You no longer need to rev the snot out of it to pass, it just grunts by now. Search for 'Progress Report 4' and you will find a detailed description of the change.

You need so much less throttle angle to get moving, that I bet it gets better MPG now in town than before. No, I haven't tested it. Muscle is more important to me...

So Lidio is willing to sell one? I'm not surprised, he seems too nice to say 'no':) Get one like me with a 3.55 and a 4.10 tune on it. It will come in handy when you do the gears later on. ;)

fastcar:burnout:

[Bradley G]

I started with a tune from DR. I was sold a tuner that was for BMDO ? One of the the code(s) for the 2003 year Marauder. I have a 2004 Marauder W/ MAV2 ECM code. The car would not even run itself out of the Parking lot, @ MVII, with gages pegging and lights flashing. Got that squared away, and was impressed with the change in dynamics. Later on the transmission had a few small behaviors I was not fond of. Example; If I accelerated hard, then lifted, the transmission would shift very hard with my foot off the, go-go pedal. Also the converter lock up was very noticeable, felt awkward to me. When it came time for more power(4:10's), I also bought the gears from DR, cause I could not seem to get a refund, for the double billing@ MVII. I was charged for a "flash tune", that never happened. I was very disapointed when Dennis did not disclose, what I needed to have to correct the tune, for the new gears. When I finally got the software and hardware required, to change the tuner, I spent way too long on the phone, with Dennis, trying to load the retune. Then being told "Sorry!, I have to go bowling" Click. Enter Lidio, I talked to Mr. Marauder, He says "no Problem" send me your SCT 9100, and a couple hundie, "I'll , take care of it" I can say without hesitation, you will not find anyone who knows how our Marauders tick, like this man. He has more tuning experience, and seat time than anyone, Bar none. He also did the tuning for the Trilogy S/C Marauder, other than a "flare" in shifting that appeared several months later which he trouble shot and corrected "free of charge". Other than that small wierd issue, I have not had one issue, with my S/C Marauder.(that was not my fault) Lidio , also seat tuned my car, cause I thought I heard some "pinging". That must have been, a one shot thing with bad gas, cause I have never heard it before or since. This post is not, hear say, this is how it happened to me.

[sailsmen]

I am glad Lidio was able to solve the flare and pinging issues.

[sabtaj1]

with 4.10's it only pushes 5000rpm at 140mph. So you will be fine. This is what I heard. LOL.

[Mesencephalon]

Wow. Everyone duck and cover!!!!

Seriously, both are equally as good. They are however made by men and have different character. I chose Reinhart. I feel my advantages are:

Closer geographically,
Will send upgrade tunes through email,
At the time, he was running a sale,
Fellow SSM mamber,
Local testimonials.

The only thing you could really do to choose is drive a car with a DR and a car with a Lidio. I've driven both. I prefer Reinhart's, but then again, I'm accustomed to his tuning.

Good luck!!!!

Mag, when you got yours did you get all the tune slots filled? Did he give you one for your setup, then another for future gears, or for specifically good mileage or anything? The reason I ask is because I called up looking for Adco information and he convinced me to buy a tuner first, that it would be a better upgrade for me before the sway bars. I had been on the fence for about a year, and it felt like a "hey why the hell not" sort of a situation, but I forgot to think about the other 2 program slots and never asked. It's an XCal II, btw. Do he (and others) usually put those 'future' or whatever programming slots to good use? Or is that something you have to call up and spend more $ for?

Mes.

[musclemerc]

I appreciate everyones input on this matter.

[fastcar]

Mag, when you got yours did you get all the tune slots filled? Did he give you one for your setup, then another for future gears, or for specifically good mileage or anything? The reason I ask is because I called up looking for Adco information and he convinced me to buy a tuner first, that it would be a better upgrade for me before the sway bars. I had been on the fence for about a year, and it felt like a "hey why the hell not" sort of a situation, but I forgot to think about the other 2 program slots and never asked. It's an XCal II, btw. Do he (and others) usually put those 'future' or whatever programming slots to good use? Or is that something you have to call up and spend more $ for?

Mes.

I asked Lidio at alternative auto if he could give me a 3.55 and 4.10 tune, because I knew I would be switching in the future. I offered more $$$ for it, and he said not to worry. Then, before I finalized the transaction, I asked him for a race gas tune with 4.10 gears, because I knew I would be getting to the track after the gear change. Again, I offered him some more $$$, but he got excited about the idea, said it would be worth another 25 HP on Sunoco GT 100, and just happily included it. He didn't need to do any of that, and I wouldn't hold either Dennis or Lidio to it. It's extra work, and I would ask what they would charge for that service. If they charge a few extra bucks, it's worth it. If they don't, it's a gift.

fastcar:burnout:

[sabtaj1]

I just dont have the time to drive that far, SO I guess I am screwed. Think I may just sell the marauder and buy a new 5 speed mustang. Then The only shifting issues will be with myself. Owell.

[sailsmen]

I just dont have the time to drive that far, SO I guess I am screwed. Think I may just sell the marauder and buy a new 5 speed mustang. Then The only shifting issues will be with myself. Owell.

I am confused as to why you are screwed if you don't drive to a place you don't have time to drive to.

Let us know what it is and maybe we can help.

[fastcar]

I just dont have the time to drive that far, SO I guess I am screwed. Think I may just sell the marauder and buy a new 5 speed mustang. Then The only shifting issues will be with myself. Owell.

Dude, you don't need to drive to the shop to get the tune. They ship it to you by mail.

fastcar:burnout:

[sabtaj1]

well I have the dr tunes. They are great but just not happy with the shift schedule. Just doesnt seem right to me? Maybe its just me. Lidio has a totally different trans schedule but I dont have any time to drive to see him. Almost 7 hr drive. and thats the only way to get a tune from him, as I was told from an employe there. Thanks though.

[whd507]

I have Dennis's tune, and its a night/day difference. the 1-2 shift is a little harsh sometimes, acceptable and needed under full throttle, I would like it a bit softer under light throttle myself. but overall a 9 out of 10.

[RCSignals]

well I have the dr tunes. They are great but just not happy with the shift schedule. Just doesnt seem right to me? Maybe its just me. Lidio has a totally different trans schedule but I dont have any time to drive to see him. Almost 7 hr drive. and thats the only way to get a tune from him, as I was told from an employe there. Thanks though.

That makes sense for a custom tune, but people buy tunes from Lidio and get them sent on an XCal2 all the time.
If you have an XCal2 maybe you can send it to him to have a tune added?

[gmtech]

i have lidio xcal2 and the trans performance in my opinion is perfect..always crisp...never harsh unless you need it (WOT)...and best of all that annoying TC:mad2:lock/unlock clunking crap isnt there anymore..if the MM would have come factory w/ this tune it would have sold better:D

[sabtaj1]

I like the dr tune alot but with my trans and converter with OD off in normal driving when it shifts into third the converter locks instantly. Its very annoying. Probably just me. I would rather have it only lock with the OD on at around 45mph. (with normal driving ofcourse). I would like to just see what the difference is between the two.

[musclemerc]

I notice most guy's with the DR tune mention the trans shift schedule being a little too harsh under regular driving conditions.

[Mesencephalon]

Okay. It arrived today, and after a quick phone call to Dennis to clear up XCal's instructions re: the fuses I flashed it w/ no problems. I immediately noticed it 'sounding' different. The shifts from 1st to 2nd are really punchy - CLUNK! like i'm being kicked in the ass hard enough to throw my head back. OD is on btw. Tried it from slow (red light) - slowly moving w/ traffic - to punching it (open road) no traffic around, and that 1st to 2nd is pretty harsh. Is there any chance of damaging my transmission? SOMETHING is making more contact than it used to in there, over time won't that evoke evil spirits? Now on the positive side - WOW did i ever notice the hp difference! even w/ out OD disengaged I was tearing away from the pack after the light turned green. w/out 'racing' the engine, just going through the normal lift / step / lift pattern getting up to highway speed, it was VERY noticeable that I had more power and was "getting there" quicker w/ every gear. And the car seemed to grip the road better, perhaps an illusion, but still, an enjoyable one.
So, should I try to have him work on that 1st to 2nd shiftCLUNK! asskick or should i just live with it?

[musclemerc]

I don't know man... I want the pull and more power, but i don't want to compromise comfortability. I must confess most of the time i drive my MM it's under normal conditions... It's when i'm at a light and get that 18yo feeling that i want the extra performance! I have'nt gotten a report about Lidio's tune in reguards to a harsh shift in any gear.(I know he spent alot of time working the trans in his program)

[sabtaj1]

will not hurt the trans, I believe its actually better for it becouse your not slipping the clutches in the trans. You think yours is harsh? upgrade your trans to level 2 and do the j-mod and remove the 1-2 ans 2-3 shift accumulator springs. It shifts pretty hard. LOL!

[ckadiddle]

Okay. It arrived today, and after a quick phone call to Dennis to clear up XCal's instructions re: the fuses I flashed it w/ no problems. I immediately noticed it 'sounding' different. The shifts from 1st to 2nd are really punchy - CLUNK! like i'm being kicked in the ass hard enough to throw my head back. OD is on btw. Tried it from slow (red light) - slowly moving w/ traffic - to punching it (open road) no traffic around, and that 1st to 2nd is pretty harsh. Is there any chance of damaging my transmission? SOMETHING is making more contact than it used to in there, over time won't that evoke evil spirits? Now on the positive side - WOW did i ever notice the hp difference! even w/ out OD disengaged I was tearing away from the pack after the light turned green. w/out 'racing' the engine, just going through the normal lift / step / lift pattern getting up to highway speed, it was VERY noticeable that I had more power and was "getting there" quicker w/ every gear. And the car seemed to grip the road better, perhaps an illusion, but still, an enjoyable one.
So, should I try to have him work on that 1st to 2nd shiftCLUNK! asskick or should i just live with it?
IIRC you can adjust the 1-2 shift pressure yourself through the menus on the xcal2. But it's been a while since I played with it.

[ckadiddle]

I don't know man... I want the pull and more power, but i don't want to compromise comfortability. I must confess most of the time i drive my MM it's under normal conditions... It's when i'm at a light and get that 18yo feeling that i want the extra performance! I have'nt gotten a report about Lidio's tune in reguards to a harsh shift in any gear.(I know he spent alot of time working the trans in his program)

With the DR tune, if I want soft shifting, I go easy on the gas pedal. Half throttle or more and the shifts ar firmer. I think I remember that you can adjust the shift firmness some yourself if you don't like his standard tune shifts. Call Dennis and ask.

[Master]

Don't ask for a different tune. Dennis' program always allows you, the end user, to play with the shift pressures. Get the XCal and play with it. You won't be disappointed. I used his base tune, tweaked it, and now I couldn't be happier. Just get DRs tune and start playing.

[musclemerc]

Do you need the pc cables to modify the tune?

[racorcey]

Who has the best hp gains in their tune? Lidio or Reinhart?:cool:

As one of the other members said, "...that's a fightin' question." :argue: :burnout:

Reading through the thread, I didn't notice mention of Lonnie Doll of Blue Oval Chips. I have used his tune for the last year and have been quite pleased with it. Since I already race a 1996 Impala SS in the 12's, and having done some of my own tuning with this Chevy, I have a good appreciation of the tuning process and its results. While I have no way to compare it to DR or Lidio's tune, I was very impressed with my results from Lonnie. The only other changes to my MM are the thermostat and spark plugs. Since this is my daily driver, I have a tendency to take it easier with this car, but did want a bit more umph when I desired same.

I live in NJ, but commute to King of Prussia, PA daily. PA is loaded with hills galore, so I modified Lonnie's low end shift points to suit my tastes a bit more. His progressive shift feel is spot on for more throttle input. Going WOT gives me the jump I need many times when negotiating traffic on I-76. All in all, I think Blue Oval Chips deserves the same mention as the other two favorites mentioned in this thread.

[musclemerc]

Are they venders here? How do i get in touch with someone there to answer some questions?

[RCSignals]

No, Blue Oval chips is not a vendor here

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

will not hurt the trans, I believe its actually better for it becouse your not slipping the clutches in the trans. You think yours is harsh? upgrade your trans to level 2 and do the j-mod and remove the 1-2 ans 2-3 shift accumulator springs. It shifts pretty hard. LOL!

Harder is not always stronger, with shifts. I have heard that transmissions with blocked accumulators tend to burn the bands. The accumulator is there to pad the shift so you don't shock the band.

[sabtaj1]

The only reason I removed the two springs is becouse that is what was said to do in the instructions for doing the j-mod. It really isnt that bad. You would think it would be bad. I am very happy with the way my car shifts but dont like the converter lock up schedule.

[RCSignals]

Jerry posted a while ago here that his mod article was no longer current because he had convinced Ford to make some changes in production before he left.
He's yet to update us though

[Richy04]

I am sure the hard core users have these files but here are the links to the SCT files on the web. I will also try to upload the pdf for the sct2 if possible



http://www.sctflash.com/software/LiveLinkV417.exe (http://www.sctflash.com/software/LiveLinkV417.exe)

http://www.sctflash.com/software/liveload131.exe (http://www.sctflash.com/software/liveload131.exe)

http://www.sctflash.com/software/XCal2_Drivers.exe (http://www.sctflash.com/software/XCal2_Drivers.exe)

[Richy04]

It appears to be too large, PM me if you want the extended manual for the sct 2.. Richy

[Master]

You do NOT need PC cables to modify the programming. You only need the cables if you are downloading a whole new tune from the vendor.

[Mesencephalon]

You do NOT need PC cables to modify the programming. You only need the cables if you are downloading a whole new tune from the vendor.

You also need it for bringing data logs back to the computer, and for making your own tunes and porting them to the XCal II, updating Xcal II firmware, etc.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I'm looking at 9100s because they are so much cheaper.

Will the 9100 datalog as well, that can be downloaded to my PC?

[Master]

True, but it wasn't the question :) Just trying to keep it simple.

[Mesencephalon]

You do NOT need PC cables to modify the programming. You only need the cables if you are downloading a whole new tune from the vendor.


Sorry, it was the 2nd sentence that caught my eye and prompted my response.

[musclemerc]

All input on the tuning issue is much appreciated. It's nice having experienced advice at the stroke of the keyboard. You guys are great!

[Mesencephalon]

i won't pretend to be experienced, only owned mine for like, 3 days but was just trying to clarify ... :)

[Master]

That's what we're all here for. Keep at 'er!

[Darrin]

I'm looking at 9100s because they are so much cheaper.

Will the 9100 datalog as well, that can be downloaded to my PC?
No, and the current SCT software doesn't support this device anymore.

Harder is not always stronger, with shifts. I have heard that transmissions with blocked accumulators tend to burn the bands. The accumulator is there to pad the shift so you don't shock the band.
Uh... What? LOL
The only bands on a 4R are reverse and overdrive. Neither of which are used in WOT automatic shifting.
In the case of what they are talking about here, harder shifting is better for the transmision.

Darrin

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

LOL I am not up on the fully electronic transmissions. I heard rebuilders cursing about failed chevy automatic stuff that guys had installed transgo kits, which blocked the accumulators ... don't worry about it. I will stop talking!

Oh well on the 9100, I already bought it (and probably paid too much for it). I always bite myself in the ass trying to save money, and then I have to buy the right part the next time around.

[Darrin]

Well the transgo kits do cause problems with these transmissions and part of it is what they do in the accumulator setup. I haven't looked into how they work because of the bad rep that they have, but it is possible that they are using the bands like you would by shifting manually. Which is also pretty much just not smart however you look at it.

Sorry to hear that you already bought a 9100. I know that there are several SCT dealers that can still tune them using the older software. Contact a few and see what they say before you decide to get rid of it. It definitely won't datalog though and it takes freaking forever to load a tune into the car compared to the newer stuff. I see them sell for stupid high prices and when you take into account the cost to ship the thing around and the price of the tune then you will almost always come out better from every standpoint, not just the price, by just buying a new xcal2. Particularly considering the other functions that they have.

Darrin

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

What "other" functions do they have? I looked at the SCT Extreme tune software, and although it is ungodly dumbed down from the full control I am used to having with older unlocked ecus like the GM TPI stuff, I can adjust enough for what I am doing (probably).

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I'm stuck with it. By the time I get the $75.00 cable I could have almost bought the XCal2. Live and learn. Dumb dumb dumb!

[Darrin]

The datalogging functions are what I consider the most valuable on the xcal2. Not the best out there, but for it to be included and that it actually works well is worth every penny of the price. The ability to log both the vehicle and analog inputs is invaluable for tuning and troubleshooting.

Darrin

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I can build the cable for a few bucks using some DIY electronic parts, which is good ($75 cable from SCT, what a joke).

Datalogging isn't worth much to me at this point, I have a mass air '165 ECU setup on a 327 Chevy with a big cam that will take me a lot of time to get the tune refined on, so I really shouldn't be spending too much time jacking around with this car anyway. It's probably a good thing that it won't give me the opportunity to waste too much time!

If I ever start tweaking things I will have to step up to the Xcal2, and chalk this up as another "Idiot Tax".

[Bradley G]

I jut got a tune through Lonnie @ BOC!, for the LSE. I just got a used Ex-Cal W/ 87 tune for the sister car. I hope to someday get a pro racer Package, if they get within reach.