Ready for some go-fast!

But why would I need to tune my car? I have like no performance mods really to even benefit from a tune... right? Maybe I need to learn more about what the actual tune can do for me.
 
To answer your two questions...the handheld tuner like the Xcal 2 is loaded with tunes from the company you buy it from. They take your mods and, from research, load the best tune. The parameters that can be tweaked are listed on the SCT website. You can adjust for gears swaps, tire sizes, shift points (on autos) and some minor fuel and timing adjustments.

A chip will have the same tune loaded for your given mods. But once it is loaded with your tune you have to take it back if you ad mods that warrent a new tune. Both the handheld and the chip have to have their tunes loaded by an authorized dealer although once you get the Xcal you can download future tunes from the dealer via email. That being said if you want the best tune you'd have to have a dyno tune or a street tune from a reputable tuner so you would have to take it in anyway.

As far as your mods now...you don't need a chip or handheld. Once you get closer to your SC install then I'd look into it then. Some say they have gained HP with a stock car and a tune but personally I'd wait until I was close to completing my mods then get the tune. You can get a Speedcal now and a chip/handheld tuner later to replace the speedcal for gears.
 
coramprat said:
I'm not arguing the Xcal2 isn't a good piece. I just think it is too much for just the average driver who isn't going to tweak different parameters. I had one...I traded it for a chip. Plus, each time you want to change the tune you have to shut down the car, disconnect the fuel pump and fan fuses and flash the computer. A chip you can switch on the fly. I like having that convienence better. It just depends on what works for you and your preference. I'm giving advise from both sides because I've tried both.

Thats news to me, you dont have to do that with a predator, that seems a little excessive.
 
If your worried about putting out the money for a Xcal2 or chip then just get the SpeedCal for $99. Then when you get the blower you can take out the SpeedCal and sell it. I see them going for @ $60 dollars so you'd be paying a $40 rental fee :)
Its tough deciding where to spend your money isn't it.
 
droptopponynj said:
Its tough deciding where to spend your money isn't it.

...well...haha...yes. Now get this. Today I got home and got a random piece of mail from my bank about some CD I had...:shrug: I called and to make a long story short, I have $8,600 that I never knew I had! THEN! I did my tax returns today and made an additional $1,100...:eek: :jaw:

...

:flag:

That blower is looking SO tempting right now guys...you have NO idea...:rolleyes:
 
Well, I do not know where you are in your life so I am skipping the usual schtick. But if you have college in your future or still do not own a house, think carefully grasshopper.
 
Quickly lay it out for you:

- I'm 22
- Just graduated May 2005
- $45,000 Salary
- Living at home (plan to be here for 3-4 more years)
- $15,000 already saved in 9 months time

Found this on ebay...your thoughts guys? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vort...ewItemQQcategoryZ33741QQitemZ8045287617QQrdZ1

$2600 for basically everything it seems. For some strange reason he painted the headunit, powerpipe and intercooler black. Other than that, looks like a sweet deal.

Your thoughts guys?
 
AmBo said:
Quickly lay it out for you:

- I'm 22
- Just graduated May 2005
- $45,000 Salary
- Living at home (plan to be here for 3-4 more years)
- $15,000 already saved in 9 months time

Found this on ebay...your thoughts guys? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vort...ewItemQQcategoryZ33741QQitemZ8045287617QQrdZ1

$2600 for basically everything it seems. For some strange reason he painted the headunit, powerpipe and intercooler black. Other than that, looks like a sweet deal.

Your thoughts guys?

F'k dude, you can afford NEW PARTS not eBay crap! :flag:
 
coramprat said:
Plus, each time you want to change the tune you have to shut down the car, disconnect the fuel pump and fan fuses and flash the computer. A chip you can switch on the fly. I like having that convienence better. It just depends on what works for you and your preference. I'm giving advise from both sides because I've tried both.

That is news to me also. My only experience is with the predator. If i was running nitrous or had a street and race tune i would lean towards a switch chip myself.
 
Well, what coramprat is talking about is pretty damn cool. I have seen people mount the selector switch and nitrous activation switch in the cup holder and it looks awesome.

That setup allows you to switch between performance, economy, towing, or whatever tune. I think it holds up to 4.

However, it lacks the datalogging features of the Predator and Xcal2.

Somebody post a picture of that cool SCT switch in the cupholder...
 
Ambo, dont make the same mistakes i did. everytime i had a little money, i bought a little bolt-on. now, 3 years and 7k later and i dont have very much more power than stock. with that 1200, i would buy some blower cams and get a good tune. the cams will give you ~20 rwhp N/A, but will REALLY shine once you get that blower on. with the remaining money, longtubes or a good set of LCAs. again, please dont make my mistakes. buy the mods that really matter. i dont regret my suspension stuff at all, but wish i would have skipped some little things for a set of cams of longtubes
 
AmBo said:
Quickly lay it out for you:

- I'm 22
- Just graduated May 2005
- $45,000 Salary
- Living at home (plan to be here for 3-4 more years)
- $15,000 already saved in 9 months time

Found this on ebay...your thoughts guys? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vort...ewItemQQcategoryZ33741QQitemZ8045287617QQrdZ1

$2600 for basically everything it seems. For some strange reason he painted the headunit, powerpipe and intercooler black. Other than that, looks like a sweet deal.

Your thoughts guys?

My thoughts.

your only going to be single living at home and 22 once. in ten years you will be married, have 3 kids, no hair and a HUGE mortgage and other bills.

build your car now have some fun then save for a house.