2006 Vista Blue GT here...considering a tune...from what i've read seems like it's not the CAI brand or the gizmo (handheld tuner) that make the difference, it's the TUNE!

Is that correct?

If so, is there any reason at all to go with SCT vs. Predator or vice versa? (I'm aware that SCT offer a LiveWire and i wouldn't mind some comments about the benefits of that, but let's keep it mostly about the two common models sold by each)

 

Absolutely correct. We reccommend the SCT XCalibrator because of the support for it, and community for it all over. It's easy to use, and is priced right. The datalogging is a really great tool, and SCT did a great job all around putting the competition to shame.

The tune is absolutely the most important aspect. Give us a call!

CR
Tillman Speed

 

Tillman is right. The SCT is the better choice because of the support. The software that the person writing your tune is using for the SCT is much easier to deal with than what is used for the Diablsport. I happen to have one of each. I have a Diablosport for my Mustang and an XCal for my truck and I can tell you I've had zero problems with tunes with the Xcal but several problems with tunes for the Diablosport. This is entirely due to the fact that the Xcal software has a user interface that is much easier for your tuner to work with.
BTW Tillman - you never did call me on that Xcal deal you were working on for me.

 

Here's thing...i feel like i'm gonna get bent over because i'm not buying the tuner WITH CAI...i already have CAI. What is the best price i can expect to get on the tuner?

Next difficult decision...who to get tunes from? Doug? Brenspeed? Tillman?

Side note: anything to add about LiweWire unit? Worth the premium?

 

the only good thing about the live wire is you can put it on your windsheild and it will show you RPM, speed, coolant temp, everything you can see while datalogging you can see on the livewire, you can even buy a Wideband o2 sensor and connect it to the livewire and datalog your A/F ratio while you drive. The only bad side is that it is twice the price of a regular X-cal2

All three tuners are good and offer excellent customer service so it is up to you, i have not tried tillman yet so i say go with him but i know doug has great tunes, and is awesome with his customers, so is tillman

 

Personally, I think the customer service/support with predator is better than sct by far but that's my opinion.

I have said it many times before, don't worry about what handheld you are going to use. Utilize your energy researching and selecting the best TUNER for your car and go with what he likes and recommends. You will find that many tuners can tune with both sct and predator, but I'd be willing to bet money that they all prefer one over the other so it's better to have your tuner working with what HE is the most comfortable and knowledgeable with rather than what you bring him.

The reality is your opinion really doesn't matter in the equation. The guy who is tuning the car is all that matters. Go with what he says...

 

Thanks fellas! In the end, the above post is correct. If you don't plan to use SCT's datalogging features, either tuner will work fine. It's really a matter of who tunes it. We're SCT exclusive, and I swear by it because I know it works. I have guys that swear by sniper tuning (no friggin way would I flash someone's ECM directly with no handheld) and guys that swear by diablo (I don't like their software). So for us, and MANY others... SCT is the way to go!

 

Hey CR. I just want to thank you for returning my call Friday afternoon. I called you around 4 to4:30 pm. to get info on a CAI and tune. I'm trying to search on the forum to see which set up I should go for, but I'll get with you next saturday about that. If I can swing it, I'd like see about adding under drive pulleys too. I meant to ask you about that. Anyway, I'm looking forward to to next saturday at 10:00. Have a good night..

 

i have the sct and tunes from brenspeed, they are awesome and have great support!!! i have loaded all the tunes he gave me and they all work awesome. no problems yet and i am absolutely happy with the results.

 

That's cool. I've already stared to fill up with 93 octane so by the time I get to the end of the week, the mid-grade should be gone. As I was driving around yesterday I was feeling out by seat of the pants what I might want. I was thinking off the line torque. The engine sings at 3000 rpms and up(as we all know)and I get so into it that I forget to shift and end up bump the fuel cutoff.

 

Diablosport has been great for me.

 

When Doug did my dyno tune,he tried to go with my Diablo that came with the Vortech,but after 4-5 pulls ,he had to go with the SCT II, my car kept trying to lean out with the Diablo. But with the SCT tune,he was able to straighten everything out. So I have the SCT II tuned by Doug. and the Diablo setting around for sale if someone needs one. The Diablo worked fine before the cams and header swap.

 

I the user knows the software it's just as easy.

 

I used to have SCT and switched to Diablo b/c of the support....and I live in Florida where SCT is located...as well as Diablo. Mark is 100%....I suggest getting the handheld based on your local reputable tuner. I prefer the Predator b/c of the ability to datalog with the handheld itself. XCal2 needs a laptop to datalog. I haven't heard nothing but complaints about the livewire. A lot of returns on them. It still has bugs/glitches they have to work out.
A lot of the internet tuners that were 100% SCT have recently began making Diablo tunes...i.e. Bamachips.

 

Dougs Diablo tunes rock!

 

Well my plans are to get out of the motor what Ford left on the table. I'm hoping not to keep loading tunes over and over. Just a one shot deal and call it a day. I don't plan to do too much more than underdrive pulleys and 4.10 rear until she's paid off, then I may go berzerk in mods. Horsepower has never been the main deal for me even though it IS nice. The old hot-rodders say; "What does she run?" I'm going after the 12.8 to 13.2 1/4 mile mark. That's should hold me over for a bit..

 

I think i'm gonna go the SCT route...
Where can i get the best price on the tuner?

 

I started with a Predator / C&L Street combo and in the spring I switched up to a SCT by Brenspeed for my automatic and it was a night and day difference. I have heard that Bama does good automatic tunes for the Predator but I figured I'd stick with Bren and the SCT as they're easy to get ahold of and should I need a different tune from someone else (why I don't know) there are a wack of good SCT tuners out there compared to a handful of Predator tuners.

 

What's the best price for an SCT right now? (I understand there is a new X3, but no real significant advantage if you're gonna just tune and put away, i.e. not data log or whatever)

So, i don't care if it's XCal2 or XCal 3, i just want the lowest price for one.

 

There is absolutely no difference between the two. A tuning device is a tuning device. It all boils down to the person who makes the tune for the vehicle. That's my $.02.