SCT X3 Programmer
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
SCT X3 Programmer
Hey. I'm new to the forum. I have always heard that forums are extremely helpful, so I decided to give it a shot. Thanks you in advance for your time. I appreciate it.
My son gave me a SCT XCAL3 programmer for FORD vehicles. Its brand new, in the box, and not paired with any vehicle. I was wondering if I can download tune files from SCT or another website. I have the 5.4L, 2005, F150, 2X4, With a K&N intake, and dual magnaflow cat back exhaust.
Or do I need to purchase the tune files separately?
What is the best way for me to go about getting a file for my F150 on the XCAL?
My son gave me a SCT XCAL3 programmer for FORD vehicles. Its brand new, in the box, and not paired with any vehicle. I was wondering if I can download tune files from SCT or another website. I have the 5.4L, 2005, F150, 2X4, With a K&N intake, and dual magnaflow cat back exhaust.
Or do I need to purchase the tune files separately?
What is the best way for me to go about getting a file for my F150 on the XCAL?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 7
From: Huntington, IN
I don't have one of these personally but after asking about them I believe you can get them from either Troyer or SCT. Your best bet would be to do a search with the search button and im sure you will find plenty of info about your tuner. Welcome aboard.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Abilene, Texas
Hey. I'm new to the forum. I have always heard that forums are extremely helpful, so I decided to give it a shot. Thanks you in advance for your time. I appreciate it.
My son gave me a SCT XCAL3 programmer for FORD vehicles. Its brand new, in the box, and not paired with any vehicle. I was wondering if I can download tune files from SCT or another website. I have the 5.4L, 2005, F150, 2X4, With a K&N intake, and dual magnaflow cat back exhaust.
Or do I need to purchase the tune files separately?
What is the best way for me to go about getting a file for my F150 on the XCAL?
My son gave me a SCT XCAL3 programmer for FORD vehicles. Its brand new, in the box, and not paired with any vehicle. I was wondering if I can download tune files from SCT or another website. I have the 5.4L, 2005, F150, 2X4, With a K&N intake, and dual magnaflow cat back exhaust.
Or do I need to purchase the tune files separately?
What is the best way for me to go about getting a file for my F150 on the XCAL?
I NOM NOM NOM Threads...
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 15
From: Wal-Mart, Women's section.
I have an Xcal 3 and from when I was researching a canned tune ( one that comes with the programmer ) and a custom tune ( ie guy like Justin at VMP ) the best analogy that made sense was the follow.
"Buying a programmer is similiar to buying a men's suit. You can get an off the rack suit which is your size. That's similar to using a canned tune that comes with the programmer. Fits you pretty well.
2nd option is buying an off the shelf suit and get it tailored to fit you. It's your size and now fits your personal self much better. This is getting a live tune from a tuner like VMP or Troyer. It's made for your vehicle but also taking your exact mods and engine code into consideration.
3rd option is getting a custom suit made specifically for you. It fits the best, looks the best, and also cost the most money by far. This would be taking your truck to a reputable local tuner and they hook your truck up and tune while on a dyno. This would have great results but also cost a lot. Generally about $400.
Like I stated before, I have the Xcal 3 and when I first installed it, I saw a little bit of difference but nothing remarkable. Had a dyno ran and turned out my air/fuel was running lean so I got a custom tune made for my by Bamachips, d/l and installed that and talk about a massive difference. All I have is basic bolt on's and the custom tune made it feel like a different car....
So it's all what you want to do, I don't recommend the dyno tuning unless you looking to squeeze every last drop of hp out ( as well as the pocketbook! ) and a canned tune will make a difference, but getting a custom one burned is generally not to expensive, usually under $100 and it will really wake your truck up....
Just my experience having dealt with this prior. Have fun with what you decide to do!
"Buying a programmer is similiar to buying a men's suit. You can get an off the rack suit which is your size. That's similar to using a canned tune that comes with the programmer. Fits you pretty well.
2nd option is buying an off the shelf suit and get it tailored to fit you. It's your size and now fits your personal self much better. This is getting a live tune from a tuner like VMP or Troyer. It's made for your vehicle but also taking your exact mods and engine code into consideration.
3rd option is getting a custom suit made specifically for you. It fits the best, looks the best, and also cost the most money by far. This would be taking your truck to a reputable local tuner and they hook your truck up and tune while on a dyno. This would have great results but also cost a lot. Generally about $400.
Like I stated before, I have the Xcal 3 and when I first installed it, I saw a little bit of difference but nothing remarkable. Had a dyno ran and turned out my air/fuel was running lean so I got a custom tune made for my by Bamachips, d/l and installed that and talk about a massive difference. All I have is basic bolt on's and the custom tune made it feel like a different car....
So it's all what you want to do, I don't recommend the dyno tuning unless you looking to squeeze every last drop of hp out ( as well as the pocketbook! ) and a canned tune will make a difference, but getting a custom one burned is generally not to expensive, usually under $100 and it will really wake your truck up....
Just my experience having dealt with this prior. Have fun with what you decide to do!