Quick Question- is SCT ECU chip worth it?

[drostedrummer89]

I am looking at a used sct chip for my ecu (jaf8) with a few preloaded tunes on it, one for 87, 93, and valet mode. I want to know if its worth the money (under 100 bucks) and how difficult it is to reprogram it once i bolt in my new motor, with upped compression. I have no datalogger yet, and would get a wideband. just wanna see if it will do anything for me meanwhile. my current engine is just a bolt on zetec.

Thanks!
Matt

[Jgrove998]

Which version of the Xcal?

All of them have a limited number of ECU's they can program, known as "unlocks"

I had that issue with my Xcal2. Thought it would work for my ECU (it did) but it was out of unlocks. Had to send it to SCT to have them reprogram more unlocks....didn't cost as much as a new one but just something to be mindful off.

The Xcal is very powerful. You can datalog all the ECU parameters and even external parameters (like a wideband air/fuel gauge). It will also be required if you plan to do any engine mods that will require tuning (whether it be remote tuning or dyno tuning)

[drostedrummer89]

no no no. sorry for not being clear, it is the physical "chip" that plugs dirctly into the ecu that can be switched between 3 or 4 programs. it is not an xcal 2 or 3. Still on the lookout for one of those.
Posted via FF Mobile

[CarDemon]

I would talk to Blivit here on FF. He works for SCT and can give you some good input on how best to proceed.

[sleepyboy]

Don't mess with it. I tried one and it didn't work out in my favor. Let just put it this way. It's old tech and alot of tuners don't support it anymore.

Now I will say, getting a tune is SOOO worth it. I know it's hard to justify the cost, but man it made such a huge difference. I gained so much low end TQ that it became dangerous to drive in the rain. It makes you wonder why ford didn't make the car like this before.

[drostedrummer89]

Thats exactly what I needed, thanks! I figured if the guy was unable to sell it for 60 bucks, that it probably wasn't that useful. I want an xcal3, but a 2 is still good, right?

Matt
Posted via FF Mobile

[1turbofocus]

The SCT chip works great , the big problem is you would have to use a local tuner or you would be sending it back and forth to have things changed , you dont know if the tunes match your mods or future mods

The best thing to do is get a xal3 flasher this way tunes can be emailed to you , you can also do dataloging , check and clear the CEL as well as hold and load 3 tunes

I offer FREE NA tuning updates as you add more mods if you buy the flasher from me or find a used UNLOCKED xcal2 / xcal3 and I can sell you just the tune which also comes with FREE tuning updates

Tom

[drostedrummer89]

lol tom we talk every few months about you doing my tuning, I'm just gonna go straight to the xcal once i get one for a deal.

thanks guys!

Matt
Posted via FF Mobile

[1turbofocus]

I have a used xcal3 right now for 300 + 20 for shipping and that comes with a custom tune and free updates

Hurry it wont last long saves you 100.00

Tom