ECU Software for laptop?

[user2520528]

Hey,

Would anyone know of a good place to download some ECU tuning software? I have a bunch of intake/exhaust parts coming up, and I "need" to give the car a good tune after every thing's installed. At the moment the car is fully stock (04' Mach1).

If there's no such thing, I'm basically limited to one of the $200+ hand-held devices, and I really don't want to buy one of those. I have a laptop that I'd like to use.

Any ideas?

 

[ceracer33]

i would suggest buying the sniper special forces software. its $389, allows u to tune 2 cars, and comes with a datalogger. u load the software on ur laptop and make ur tune with it, and use the provided interface box to flash the new tune u create to the car. very easy to use, and if u have a friend with another ford gas vehicle, or u have another one urself, u could split the cost and both get unlimited tunes for ever. i bought it a few months ago and tuned my 99gt and my dads 03 mach1 with it. very good program. u cant beat it for the money. u wont be able to just download software to ur laptop from somewhere online to tune ur car, ur going to have to buy the software and a device for flashing it to the car. the sniper s/f has everything u are looking for and at a great price.

 

[SilverBullet00]

I have heard a lot of good things about Sniper lately... But the classic choice would be SCT Pro Racer Package.

 

[ceracer33]

yea go with the proracer if u want to pay twice as much....

 

[SilverBullet00]

Hey, if you want to go fast, you have to pay the price

I have never used the sniper, some people have had problems with them but it seems like they have very good customer service and the problems get solved. I also hear it is very easy to use.

SCT is more widely used and has a larger following. I know my SCT tune is whats keeping my short block together, why gamble because its cheaper? An extra $400 now, is cheaper than new parts later... That how I look at it at least.

 

[2002BLGT]

Sniper Commando gives you full control of the PCM just like the SCT pro racer , and its $699 , last time I looked the SCT PRP was $849

 

[SilverBullet00]

True, but with the Sniper you don't have a handheld unit, do you? I mean, certain applications you might not need one- but it would be nice to add fuel, timing, etc with a hand held when you are at the track or at the dyno without a laptop.

Another thing you can do is buy an Xcal2 from MPH or MD with a tune for your mods for 379, and later down the road get the upgrade to the PRP for 349. Thats what I am planning on doing in a couple weeks, spring for the PRP upgrade. I have seen it used a couple times lately and I cant wait to play around with it. I would like to play with the sniper as well, but I already have an xcal2 and I dont need two tuning options. Too bad you can DL demos of these applications...

I think its all over priced, personally. My buddy paid 495 for his HP tuners software for his LS1...but I guess you have to pay to play.

 

[darkside03gt]

I would go with sniper. I bought mine and couldnt be happier. Thier customer service is top notch. I even heard of them replacing a guys special forces kit for free after it got stolen from his house. I have the special forces kit and it rocks got it from rpmoutlet (i kno they suck) for 339 with free next day air.

 

[hotmustang331]

I got my X2 for lets just say < than adverage and my custom tuning is totally free for 2 years. www.tricktuners.com Before buying, give joe a PM over on modularfords and ask him what the price is. his SN is trick tuners

With a wideband, and buying the X2 from Joe @ tricktuners....you dont really need full control to be honest with you. Hes tuning my cobra right now for the new MAF meter...and then once the new upper pulley goes on. I really dont need access to the tune...atleast not yet.

Although I must say, this sniper stuff doesnt seem like a bad deal. SCT will have to start lowering its prices, or they will be put out of business. SCT is definatly pricey....but they do have ALOT of resources.

Id be curious to find out exactly what the difference is between the pro racer package and the sniper commando software.

 

[darkside03gt]

Id be curious to find out exactly what the difference is between the pro racer package and the sniper commando software.

I re-searched all this stuff before I bought my sniper tuning special forces kit and they both give the same access to the tune but the commando works with the special forces software. the commando is more user friendly and the learning curve isnt as steep. the special forces progam builds you a tune and the commando allows you to edit anything and everything like the pro racer but the commando first builds you a tune with the special forces progam witch helps and the commando shows you what the special forces chaneged. witch in tern makes it easier to make further adjusmants.

 

[2002BLGT]

yes you have a handheld but its called an interface , no screen , the screen is your computer screen , the commando is same in function as the pro racer just easier for a new user to get started and has help menus built in along with the Special Forces to make the initial tune for you , Commando is $699 and PRP is $849 and your help menu is a manual you can buy for an extra 75 bucks , yes you can upgrade the Special Forces to Commando but its cheaper to buy the Commando up front .........

 

[2002BLGT]

I got my X2 for lets just say < than adverage and my custom tuning is totally free for 2 years. www.tricktuners.com Before buying, give joe a PM over on modularfords and ask him what the price is. his SN is trick tuners

With a wideband, and buying the X2 from Joe @ tricktuners....you dont really need full control to be honest with you. Hes tuning my cobra right now for the new MAF meter...and then once the new upper pulley goes on. I really dont need access to the tune...atleast not yet.

Although I must say, this sniper stuff doesnt seem like a bad deal. SCT will have to start lowering its prices, or they will be put out of business. SCT is definatly pricey....but they do have ALOT of resources.

Id be curious to find out exactly what the difference is between the pro racer package and the sniper commando software.

I do free custom tunes for my customers as well , and no time limit ........and I will do them for both cars that you can tune with Special Forces , since you can tune 2 cars with the one kit ......

 

[ceracer33]

^thats who i bought from and he's a great guy. very helpful and gave me a free tune along with a free tune for my dads mach 1. he will keep working with u until u are 100% satisfied with the tune. and if u have a day to just sit and play with it, u can tune the car urself in no time like i did. i used his tune to drive my car with until i had the time to do it on my own.

the way i see it, a tune is a tune, once u get to the point that u are tuning the car urself, the brand of software u are using makes no difference. so why not go with something thats cheaper, easier to use, and provides excellent customer service. i see no bad things at all with the sniper software. i plan to upgrade from special forces to commando in a couple years after i build my stroker shortblock and fab up my custom turbo kit. for now with me being n/a and spray i felt the special forces was all i needed and so far i've been extremely happy with it. im never one to really brag on someones product, but the sniper software along with the customer service to me is worth bragging on. its second to none in my opinion.