I see older models listed on the site here for around $200 and newer models going for double that. Is there a real difference that I am not realizing? I'm very new to this tuner idea. My last cars were Euros and I had to remove my ecu and mail it a tuner to have them change the chip. There weren't so many options. Please educate me. Thanks to all!

 

Short answer.....the older ones are just tuners. They are limited to what parameters they can change. The new ones can tune and also provide real time data....water temp., speed, load, mpg,etc.

 

Yes, like computers, they will do the job (older ones) but the newer ones have more features & benefits:

For example, here is the SCT iTSX4:


Best Regards,

TJ

 

Well, SCT X3, for example isnt just a tuner. It can provide real-time data too. It just requires you have a laptop in line and use their datalogging software (Livelink). You can also DL with just the device and view it on your desktop later if you don't have a laptop. This is smarter anyway, as you shouldn't be driving around looking a a laptop screen. I have done DL dozens of times, it's easy.

However, like has been said, older stuff can work but newer stuff has more features.

 

Where did you find the SCT for $200?

 

There have been several used ones on this forum sold at that price.

 

If I got one of these tuners, then fitted a supercharger, wouldnt the supercharger need a custom tune and render the sct tuner useless?

 

You would load the custom tune into the SCT.

 

Does the SCT also act as a code reader.

 

I know the SCT 3 and 4 do.

 

Correct. I have a SCT SF3/X3 and it does just that. Along with loading tunes, of course.

 

With any used tuner you'll need to make sure that it is unmarried to the previous car and that it isn't locked from being used on too many different cars. You'll want to get it updated and to take full advantage you'll want a custom tune from a reputable tuner regardless of current mods. Tunes for life from AM/Bama would probably be your best bet for future mods

 

All the well known tuners give free tune revisions. The "tunes for life" program from Bama is just a marketing tool.

 

Scott ! Your spot on regarding the well known tuners giving free tune revisions, however tuners such as Brenspeed will only give a free tune revision if you purchase any additional upgraded parts through them, otherwise the revisions are not free..

The only tuners I'm aware of that provide free tune revisions without having to purchase any additional parts are from AM/Bama Performance..

 

This ^^...make sure you update your firmware on a regular basis. Return to stock tune, then update and then reload your tune of choice. Sounds tedious, but it's really not a big deal.

Oh and make sure your battery is charged up good. Low voltage on your battery can cause issues when loading tunes.

 

the X4 regular is about 1/3 the size of the Godzilla-sized X3. Plus it's got bluetooth, a WAY nicer display that's backlit, way better datalogging capability and more user adjustable features.

 

AED, VMP, and Lund give free revisions just to name a few.

 

I spoke with Justin from Brenspeed last week about my concerns regarding their revision policy and he clarified by stating if the customer purchases any upgrade parts from another vendor, they will not provide free tune revisions for those parts.. They will however provide the revisions free of charge if the upgraded parts are purchased through Brenspeed and also for any tuning adjustments that may be required as well..

As for AED, VMP and Lund are concerned, thanks for the info..