Not that this hasn't been done 1000+ times already, but I thought I'd share my impressions

My JLT2 CAI and SCT Xcal2 arrived yesterday afternoon after much anticipation. I ordered from Brenspeed, and had them include an 87, 91, and 93 octane tune on the Xcal. Everything was packaged perfectly and looked great. As soon as the UPS guy dropped them off, I grabbed my tools and headed out to the car.

Installation

The installation of the intake was incredibly easy, and taking my time it took about half an hour. No tips or anything to note really, besides the fact that I didn't know I would need a Torx wrench for the MAF sensor. Luckily I had one, and JLT includes 2 replacement phillips screws for installation to their intake tube.

The Xcal was really easy to set up, it only took a couple of minutes to upload the tune, the stock tune was saved on the unit, and I was ready to roll. I was almost out of fuel (light was on), so I loaded the 87 octane tune to drive up to the gas station just to be safe. I filled up on 93, uploaded the matching tune, and off I went!

Impressions

I know that people always say this, but THIS is how the car should have felt from the factory. SUPER responsive now, and pulls much harder. What was previously a chirp into second gear on a hard shift is now a spin, and I can definitely tell a difference in how hard the car pulls in each gear.

The biggest improvement IMO is how crisp the throttle feels now. I think Ford needs to work on their electronic throttles a bit more, because when the car was stock, it just felt sloppy to me. The throttle would lag here and there, and heel and toe downshifts were difficult because you would have to HOLD your foot on the throttle, not just blip it. Now though, you just touch the throttle and you get an immediate response. SO much better. Response is much improved in gear as well, especially higher up in the RPM range. Put her above 3K in 2nd or 3rd and nail the throttle for an instant smile on your face.

As far as sound, I really couldn't tell a difference. This could be because I already had the Steeda (Borla / FRPP) axle-back on my car, but I can't hear any intake noise. The car already sounded great before though, so no complaints there.

Overall, I think that the intake and tune were completely worth the money. They've really improved the driveability of the car, which makes driving the car THAT much more enjoyable. I can't give a full report on MPG yet, but it looks like it may have improved a bit, even though I've been punching the gas everywhere I went today. For those of you who have been sitting on the fence about getting this combo... do it. Do it now. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks to the guys at Brenspeed!

 

Congrats man!

 

Kool beans!

 

Thanks titanjc for the write-up....jumping off the fench this afternoon and buying it... calling Brenspeed and Bama to figure which one to go with...then ordering along with tthe GTA exhaust from Ninosport!
PM me....maybe I can meet up with you here in Tampa...so I can check it out!
Congrats....and happy to hear such good news!

 

+1 for CAIs and Brenspeed tunes!!

I CAN here the air intake, especially w/ the windows down, each time a first pop the throttle. Makes a little sucking sound.

 

I just called Brenspeed... I was told they only run one Tune per octane, compared to Bama who runs Perf/Race/Torque.....is there a reason for this, and has anyone seen a differ in this?

 

can't say anything bout the brenspeed, but i got the jltII and sct tuner at bama and definately a big gain

 

+1

I can hear the little "pshht" sound each time when I mash it. I also also hear a very faint sucking sound part throttle as well, but that's with the Steeda + stock elbow.

 

That's what I was told as well. Really though, how often are you going to be switching back and forth between tunes?

If you want to check it out sometime, let me know through PM, we can meet up if you'd like to.

 

Bama's torque, perf, and race have different personalities. The throttle response is different on all of them. I would guess that the Brenspeed tune is like Bama's Performance tunes though. If you like a sensitive throttle and want to feel like you have more power down low, the Bama torque tune is interesting.

With our cars, it is more than just getting the peak HP. That electronic throttle can be tweaked to make the car feel completely different.

BTW, I spoke to both companies and both seemed very knowledgable and friendly. I chose Bama as he was running a Christmas special at the time. It was really almost too close to call. Doug has EXCELLENT customer service. I know that first hand.

 

Anyone know if Brenspeed tunes turn off the rear 02 sensors for stock exhaust? I am getting a bunch of black soot on the pipes after a tune install.

Thx.

(Along the same genral lines of tunes I think...)

 

Yes, they told me they typically turn the rears off.
And I have black soot too, but my A/F was spot on at 12.0, which is what they aim for at Brenspeed, at least for my C&L Racer CAI.

 

Thanks for the info Jim!

 

My car spins 2nd pretty hard and chirps 3rd stock

 

I agree that there are big differences in Dougs tunes. The torq has a ton of pull in it that makes it feel like you have more HP than you do. The Perf is not quite as much pull but more overall gains overstock. I like them both but the Torq is better for mine as it a daily driver and it helps performance down low the best.

 

Anyonehave just the jlt 2 and xcal tune on the dyno? what are the numbers?

 

Having used both, the Brenspeed tune is closest to the Bama Race tune in terms of throttle response and power. I get better mileage with the Brenspeed tune though.