Tuner Question

[tbone88]

I have been reading up on tuners for the 3.0 and two have come up. One is the jet performance module and the second is the SCT X-CAL. Is it true that you could see a gain of like 30 hp from a programmer. It seems somewhat far fetched to me to see such a gain with a the 3.0L. If someone has experience with these the input would be much appreciated.

 

[anchorshot]

Check out the Bama chips as well. I've heard great things about them. I'd stay away from Jet.

 

[gw33gp]

You will not see 30 hp out of a tuner on a 3.0. I think getting 15 hp out of a tuner on a 4.0 SOHC is pushing it.
Jet will give you little. You need a custom tuner to get the best results. The STC X-CAL is a good unit but you still need to get custom programs on it for the best performance. I don't think BAMA has there own business anymore but someone has taken on their work. I understand Rogue Performance has some good tunes.

 

[stmitch]

You won't see 30hp from a tuner. 10ish might be possible on a stock engine. Maybe a little more if you've got other mods already.
Don't waste your money on a JET product. Their "module" only provides generic tunes that apply to all vehicles, and has actually been proven to decrease hp on the 3.0.
Bamachips is an SCT tuner. They use SCT products like the X-Cal, but no longer write any tunes for Rangers, only mustangs, lightnings and the like.
For the best results, go with the X-Cal. It will allow a tuner to write 3 custom tunes that can account for your goals, fuel type, and any existing mods. If you've got a long list of mods that you still want to do, wait, and do the tuner last. That way, you can account for all of your mods with the tunes.
Rogue has a great reputation, especially within the 3.0 community, but you can find a local SCT dealer by going to the SCT website too.

 

[jrw0215]

I noticed a slight power increase with my tuner, best idea is to get it on a dyno and get someone who knows what there doing. The biggest difference I noticed was in the throttle resonse and removal of the speed limiter. (Plus the rev limiter was a fun addition.) Strongly reccomend one, I went SCT and couldnt be happier.

 

[ford4]

i have superchips cortex and a claimed gain of 16 hp. feels more like 10hp to me but there was an increase for sure. STAY AWAY FROM JET!!!

 

[disciplerocks]

It all depends on your mods, and how well the person tuning can tune. I suggest the Xcal since you have OBD-II on your truck. It will make it so much easier to tune and detune and update down the road if need be.

Like its been stated, with the Xcal you can also get the speed and rev limter removed as well as the ability to shut off the ac and alternator at WOT to reduce drag and squeeze everything you got out of it.

 

[RangerSVT]

I just got an Xcal 2 for my truck, and I haven't had time to mess with it yet, but I did find out that SCT will customize a tune for you, then email it to you, you can download it to your tuner then install it to your truck, so your not just stuck with the 2 or 3 settings the tuner has...I can't wait to start playing with different tunes for mine!!
SVT

 

[disciplerocks]

You have OBD-II on that new motor Rick?

 

[bread4pres.]

I just got a SCT for mine. So far it's great, you can really do a lot with it.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yep, SVT thinks he is a factory 97 explorer V8 AWD package....for now. The GEM don't like seeing the 1354 not there, so its flashing my 4x4 and 4LO lights, but thats all
SVT

 

[disciplerocks]

Nice. Wish mine had it. Since I already have an Xcal for the Focus.

 

[RangerSVT]

Well, your doing the swap, just make it OBD2 using the harness...
SVT

 

[disciplerocks]

I am using everything from the donor. Not a big deal.

On a side note to OP. Make sure whatever you buy, buy new! You dont want the headache of buying one thats locked to someone elses ecu because they didn't know what they were doing. After paying to have it unlocked, you might as well buy new.

 

[RangerSVT]

I think mine might be locked, but it read my computer codes and cleared them, just timed out trying to program mine, and I haven't had time to figure out why, I went and got into Santa's bad today and got me some goodies...But even if mine is locked, I only paid $100 for it, so it was still worth it...I got the 9400 series..
SVT