Mod order / SCT Tune

[DocG]

I've read some threads hinting towards when a good time in the "mod order" to get a SCT Xcal2 with a preloaded tune from say Modular Depot. I know it doesn't make much sense to do it with just a cat-back, since there's not much mod to tune. So here's my thinking, feel free to advise, critique, or just plain rip me a new one.

1) MGW Shifter - done
2) Borla Cat-back -- very very soon!
3) Intake mods - TB, Plenum, possible CAI
4) Prochamber - and also order SCT Xcal at this time (get it from MD which is local, and let them know I have the catback, Prochamber, TB, Plenum, CAI...and install Prochamber prior to loading new tune)
5) Gears!! - I know, everyone says gears first, but I'm waiting for the warranty to run out, plus I'll have the Xcal by this point for the speedo!

Anyways, would this order make sense in terms of utilizing the preloaded tunes on the SCT from MD? Any other cheaper mods worth doing before getting the Xcal. I'm wanting LT's and cams eventually, but I'll dyno tune after that. Other mods I'm gonna do are primarily suspension and stiffening.

 

[steveb24]

i got mine first, mgw is on her way as we speak.. i dont regret getting the tuner first..made a heck of a diff + dont need to scrape for cash later when i get gears cuz that will cost a pretty penny..at least to me it will

 

[COramprat]

I'm not sure why you would want to tune with little mods. You may get 5-6 HP at best. Just wait until you get some more work done then go for the tune.

I had an Xcal 2 and for what it does it is a good piece. But ask yourself do you need all of the functions provided by this tuner. Do you need to datalog and adjust parameters yourself? Do you even know what to adjust or their effect? I sure as hell didn't so I traded it for a switch chip when I had a dyno tune. Save your money and just get a chip when you have the mods that would benefit from a tune. Unless you do a lot of tinkering for track runs or semi serious racing I don't feel the Xcal 2 is needed for the everyday driver.

 

[steveb24]

obviuosly u never bought one then. i know i gained over 15rwhp from it on my custom 93 tune

 

[DocG]

Well I figure if I have my exhaust done, and intake mods done, the tune might help adjust for any A/F changes from the intake mods and get a few more HP than if the car was basically stock. Plus it will give me the ability to knock out the 02's since I'll be getting a mid-pipe at the same time, and the following mod would be gears so I'll get the speedcal feature out of it.

 

[BooWFO]

Sounds like a very logical progression of mods to me.
I still need to do it, Oh well just up the nitrous shot and go from there.

 

[jstreet0204]

"When to get a tune" This comes up quit a bit, and most of the responses are from people who have no idea what is involved in the tune especially a mail-order (non dyno tune). Most people tend to think they are getting a tune specifically made for their headers and cai, so let me clear a few things up.
For most bolt ons there are no special tuning changes that need to be made as far as power goes. When creating a mail-order n/a tune basically all that is going to happen, is the tuner is going to change the base fuel wot ratios from the stock 12:1 ratio to 13:1 and change the stock timing tables by a predetermined amount. This is regardless of what exhaust mods or intake mods you have because the tuner assumes all of your sensors are functioning properly. Now there are a few non-power related changes that may be made according to mods, like the speedo calibration, and turning off the rear o2's for an o/r midpipe. Most of those types of changes can be made with the handhelds anyway. Another huge benefit is the changes they will make to the adaptive strategy, that will not only smooth out the car, but will allow it to adapt better to any future changes. So what it comes down to is if you are getting a tune via a chip, you don't want to have to pay for all of the reburns for gear changes, turning off the rear o2's, etc. If you are getting it via programmer where you can make these changes and plan on staying n/a then I wouldn't worry about it being to early to get a tune.

 

[DocG]

Makes sense. I didn't know if different mail-order places do a better job than others. I've read that places like Modular Depot use tunes they've created based on their research, and they upload those tunes. So I thought a reputable tuner like that might offer a better "mail order tune." But I'll admit I don't know much about it. Guess my best bet would be to actually call MD since they're local or just go talk to them about it sometime....see what they recommend.

 

[jstreet0204]

Makes sense. I didn't know if different mail-order places do a better job than others. I've read that places like Modular Depot use tunes they've created based on their research, and they upload those tunes. So I thought a reputable tuner like that might offer a better "mail order tune." But I'll admit I don't know much about it. Guess my best bet would be to actually call MD since they're local or just go talk to them about it sometime....see what they recommend.

MD would be a good choice. Not all tuners are going to make the changes to the adaptive table, but most SCT tuners should.

 

[COramprat]

obviuosly u never bought one then. i know i gained over 15rwhp from it on my custom 93 tune

Not stock or near stock no...I gained 15 HP with all of the mods listed in my garage after a tune. Was your tune done on a dyno or mail order?