What is the deal with the SCT eXcalibrator?

The SCT Xcal does most of what the Predator does (i.e., do minor end-user level tweaking of basic stuff like gears, MIL, rev limits, etc.)

It does not have data logging or OBD-II reading/clearing but the Xcal 2 promises to provide that. I have no idea on when that will come out.

The Xcal requires PC-based software to do the tweaks. That software is called Extreme Tune and is a free download. The reviews are not flattering. The Predator does the tweaking right from the handheld unit.

Depending on dealer, you can order the Xcal with tunes that are "customized" to your car. This is important if you have some unique requirements like a power-adder. For most basic bolt-on cars, you'll get a pre-built tune. The Predator starts off with the pre-built tune and you customize it your needs.

Both tools will let you accept a custom tune from a dealer so you can load it into your car.

Neither tool needs a chip. They both plug into your OBD-II diagnostics port.

Functionally, they're about the same (except for a few features).

If you think you will outgrow the handheld tuner and will go for a custom tune, or upgrade to a pro-level tuning package, you might want to go with the brand of tool that your local speed shop uses.

IMO, The Excalibrator is superior and inferior to the Predator.

The only thing I like about the predator over the current SCT package is that it can data log while the Excalibrator or 9100 Flasher can not. I have used the SCT 9100 Flasher with the Extreme Tuner Software, SCT Excalibrator with the Extreme Tuner Software and the Diablo Predator on actual cars. I would never consider the Diablo product for my own car.

The reason I think the Excalibrator is superior, is that you can change more with it than you can with the predator. Case in point, you can change the MAF with the Extreme software and tune for it, if you do that with the Predator, you must go online and download a file for that MAF. You need a PC/Laptop and Internet to do that.

Now if you like to change the settings in what you have now for mods without the use of a PC, then the Predator may be right for you. To change a tune with the Excalibrator, you need access to the software, which means you need a PC/Laptop, however you can store 3 files and the stock file on the Excalibrator. The Predator only stores one.

Depending on your definition of "Off the shelf" Tuning, then both SCT and Diablo can be considered "Off the shelf". I would say, Diablo is more an "Off the shelf" type of tuning than SCT. As I stated earlier, you can tune a different MAF in with the SCT package, you must download a file from Diablo for that MAF.

Now if your car is modded, then both SCT and Diablo are custom tunes, compared to Jet or HyperTech or whatever else is out there. The dealers for both build files for your car.

Now if I was to do it again, I would look at the SCT 9100 Flasher with the Extreme Tuner Software as my top choice. Some SCT dealer still have the 9100's available. My second choice is the Excalibrator with the Extreme Tuner Software. My final choice would be the Diablo Predator.

The reason I like the 9100 over the Excalibrator is that it can read and clear DTC codes. It also has a User Interface where the Excalibrator does not.

SCT is holding firm that the OFFICIAL release date of the Excalibrator 2, is this Monday, 15 May 2005. The Excalibrator has the data logging feature, Code reading and clearing feature and a user interface. This will be my tool of choice for my 05 Mustang.

So the SCT is proably better if your planning on a supercharger down the road?

berns82 said:

So the SCT is proably better if your planning on a supercharger down the road?

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yes, but if you supercharge the car, you want the Pro Racer Package. you can change anything in the computer except the mileage. i tuned my own car with it to 380rwhp. i have the Pro Racer Package with the 4 bank chip and i am very happy with it.

DBMSTNG said:

yes, but if you supercharge the car, you want the Pro Racer Package. you can change anything in the computer except the mileage. i tuned my own car with it to 380rwhp. i have the Pro Racer Package with the 4 bank chip and i am very happy with it.

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this is exactly what im going with next month..... Ive been speaking to the guys at sct and Modular Depot and the only hold up appears to be the xcal 2 that you get free with the kit........while this isnt a prroblem for you guys... they will send it to you when they come in (2 weeks or so apparently), Im all the way over here in the UK so shipping is gonna be like $100

The pro-racer0packagee is shipping with a custom tune for my car and all its mods and also the huge manual that they also sell... all for under $900.... considering what you can potentialy do with this package, it seems a no-brainer for me......

it also means that when i get round to forging the bottom end, putting these here PI heads on with cams and a novi 2000.... i can just retune what ive already got and be back on the road...

of course you will need access to a dyno with a wideband o2 to do the testing in between tunes..

EDGE

I would order the Xcalibrator 2 from Modular Depot. They are taking preorders now and shoudl be out in the next couple of weeks. Not only are you backed by excelent SCT soft/hardware but you have the fellas Modular Depot behind you aswell.

What tune would be good for a PI swapped 98?