Go to a shop who does SCT programming. I had a custom burnt SCT chip in my old fox with an N/A H/C/I 306 and I picked up 30rwhp and 35rwtq with just a conservative tune. IMO those handheld programmers are a thing of the past.
I am so confused with all of this. so many people say so many different things. should i get a chip with more than one stage? i know the only tuning shop around where i live deals with SCT only. you guys think i should just take my car in and let them do what they think is best, or should i take it into my own hands?
I would just take your car in and let them fine tune it. But it all depends on what you are looking to get out of it. There are a lot of parameters that they can manipulate with the SCT software, so just tell them exactly what you want.
If you think you're confused now, just wait until you try dealing with all the available scalers on a TwEECer! In your situation, I'd let the pros do it. Initially, it will cost you some coin but subsequent reprogramming of the chip isn't nearly as expensive as the initial buy. Tuning with a PMS or TwEECer will also require either time (and money) on the dyno or a Wideband Air/fuel ratio meter. Let the pros hook it up for ya. You'll be pleased with the result and you won't have theheadache of trying to learn how to use an EEC tuner.
On a side note: I think your injectors are too small.
If you enjoy the process of learning how the motor works then tuning yourself is an option.
If you just want to get in the car and drive then take it to a shop.
There is a learning curve with the tweecer, but there is a lot it can do.
If you want to learn how the EEC-IV works then the tweecer is alot of fun.
I've been playing with my PMS for a few months now, it's not too bad to tune with, if you have a basic knowledge of what your after, which is air fuel ratio and where to add and subtract timing.The best move I did was let these guys on here talk me into a LM-1 wideband with the rpm converter, so I can do some datalogging and add fuel where it is needed to get the A/F ratio I'm after. I haven't messed with the timing any yet, waiting to get my procharger kit, which has been 5 weeks since I ordered it, but once that's installed I can tune my A/F ratios and then start adding some timing.Never used any other tuner but the PMS but in my opinion it's easy to use and you don't have to fool with a laptop in the car.
Another way to knockdown the cost of either option is to go used. There are always tons of used programmable chips or programmers themselves on corral.net for instance. I was going through the same dilemna that you were, tuning wise. In the end, I've elected to get a dyno tune from a pro and eliminate the chance that my own inexperience will cause me to damage/destroy the hard work I've put into my combo. I was also able to pick up a SCT 4-way programmable chip for $100 on corral.net, saving me $200 off the bat. After $400 in tuning, I'll have what I want and I'll know its right.
If you elect to go with the tune it yourself, you also need to factor in the fact that you'll definately need a wideband and dino time anyway to ensure the tweaks your making are really helping you.
Go with a custom SCT burn. The chip itself should be about $400 and should hold up to 4 seperate tunes if ever needed. You also won't need to pay for another chip if you need another tune due to a changing/changed combo, you'll just pay for dyno tuning at the shop.