FocusSport/SCT chips FAQ - Please read!
This will be an FAQ thread, but we'll also open it up for questions that have yet to be covered. I'll be cleaning up the thread incorporating the questions into the FAQ, so don't be alarmed if you see your post missing. The idea is to have a clean thread that you don't have to scroll thru page after page to find your answer.
Q: What will a FocusSport/SCT chip do for my Focus?
A: The goal is to give you horsepower, torque, and control over many parameters, such is idle, rev limit, speed governor, etc. With the FS/SCT chip you have the power to control your car's computer like never before.
Q: Don't I need to bring my Focus to your shop in order for a chip to be any good?
A: Not necessarily. FocusSport spends countless hours each month testing on our in-house Dynojet and also on the street in real world conditions. This means we know what works and what doesn't. We know what to do and what not to do. It takes a lot of time to learn the limits of the Focus and that is something that we know very well because of our testing. Of course, there are scenarios where having the car in your presence is preferred, but 98% of Focus owners do not fall under that statistic.
Q: What options do I have with the FocusSport/SCT chip?
A: Currently, we are offering the following options.
Aggressive ignition timing for race gas
Aggressive shifting at wide-open throttle (Auto Trans Only)
Alternator disabled at wide-open throttle
Anti-Theft mode
Custom idle
Custom rev limit
Custom shift light setting at wide-open throttle
Drag Launch
Early fan activation
EGR system disabled
Increased fuel pressure
OEM (stock) mode
Mild ignition timing for low octane gas
Rear oxygen sensor disabled for race header
Tire size speedometer & odometer correction
Valet mode - 30mph Max
Q: What does each option do?
A: An explanation for each option can be found HERE
Q: How much better can your FS/SCT chips really be compared to the regular off the shelf chips?
A: A good amount better. Here is a great comparison dyno chart. CLICK ME. Note that the only change was the chip tuning, everything else stayed the same on the test Focus.
Q: I have a different MAF, can you make a program for it?
A: We don't prefer aftermarket MAFs in general. They are not needed for most applications and they usually have a good amount of voltage fluctuation, which can cause issues with tuning. They also don't work correctly half of the time. We don't recommend them usually. Concerning other Ford MAFs, we can make them work, but you'll need to give us all of the information concerning the car that the OEM MAF was intended for. It should be noted again, however, the Focus MAF works great for most people. And just because a company makes an aftermarket MAF, doesn't mean it's good or even needed.
Q: Can you create a nitrous program for me?
A: Yes, we can. We do ask, however, that you call us to order a chip with nitrous in mind. We need to gather all the necessary data so the best possible program is created based around your kit and intended shot(s).
Q: Can I trade in my old Diablo or Superchip for credit towards one of your FocusSport/SCT chips?
A: Yes, at this time we are offering a $50 trade-in credit towards one of our FS/SCT chips. The catch is that you need to send in your old chip FIRST.
Q: If I purchase a chip with only the standard performance program, can I send the chip in later to be reprogrammed or have a program added? And what would be the cost for each additional program?
A: If you have a <font color="red">RED </font> FS/SCT chip, you can't add any additional programs. If you have a <font color="green"> GREEN </font> FS/SCT chip, you can add up to three additional programs at $25 each. The reason for this is when we first started with SCT the multiple program chips were not available, but now we only sell the <font color="green">GREEN </font> FS/SCT chips, so they can easily be upgraded with multiple programs at any time.
Q: I have an old <font color="blue">BLUE </font> Superchip. Can you reprogram it for me with a FocusSport file?
A: I wish we could, but we can't. The old style <font color="blue">BLUE </font> Superchips can't handle the larger files that we create for use with the FS/SCT chips.
Q: I want to dyno my car with your FocusSport/SCT chip. Is there anything I should know before I do this?
A: Yes. Most dyno operators want to dyno test in 4th gear due to the gearing being closest to 1:1. However, this is not a good idea in regards to the Focus for a couple of reasons. First, in fourth gear on the Focus you'll be doing about 120 MPH. If you want to do a comparison with stock versus our chip, in stock mode your Focus will hit the rev limiter at 108 MPH. This is well before your redline, obviously. Second, we tune for MAXIMUM POWER. If you try to run one of our programs in fourth gear you may experience detonation. This is because most dyno facilities have a 30-40 MPH fan that they use when testing. Now factor in that you are doing over 110 MPH on the dyno and it's easy to see it's not a good idea to dyno in fourth. Insufficient cooling will always work against you and cause problems. We recommend dyno testing in third gear. This will ensure an accurate back to back comparison, without hitting rev limiters or having to worry about possible detonation. It's also very important to give ample and consistant cool down periods between runs. FocusSport will usually make six runs for each setting to be certain of the data.
Q: I don't have much done to my Focus. Should I get a FocusSport/SCT chip now or wait until I have more mods? Does it matter?
A: Through tireless testing and tuning on our dyno, we have come to the conclusion that you don't need to "finish" modding your Focus before you get one of our chips. We take the same approach to chipping a stock Focus as we would a Focus with most bolt-on parts. The difference is going to be the output - the Focus with more mods will have greater results versus the stock Focus. Some exceptions to our normal approach to chip tuning would be some aftermarket camshafts, lightweight flywheels, extreme Naturally Aspirated Tuning, Superchargers, or Turbochargers. In such cases, we take a more specialized approach. In any case, the goal is to get good, safe power and that is what we achieve, regardless of how many bolt-ons you have.
On a side note, if you installed camshafts, for example, and your idle has deteriorated it would wise to raise your idle so your car doesn't stall. That kind of programming just can't be put off until you are "finished" modding your Focus.
Q: Can you make adjustments for non-stock wheel/tire setups so the speedometer and odometer are correct/accurate?
A: Yes, we can make adjustments for your bigger or smaller wheel/tire packages. We just need to get your complete tire size info in order to make the corrections.
Q: My traction control hinders me when I drag race and autocross. Can you disable it?
A: Yes, we can easily disable your traction control (if you have it). We suggest this as an option on a second program, so you can still use it if needed.
Q: What about the hanging revs? I've read that the idle air valve causes the revs to hang. If so, can't the hanging revs be cured through tuning?
A: Every chip that FocusSport programs now has adjustments to keep the revs from hanging, that's why it's no longer an option. However, it should be noted that if you are experiencing severe hanging revs, you most likely have a hardware problem, such as a throttle body leak. In such cases, it's wise to fix the problem rather than try to cover it up with chip tuning.
Q: I have a stock Zetec with an automatic, will the FocusSport/SCT chip do anything to help the performance of the tranny?
A: Yes, we improve the part throttle and wide open throttle shifting, firming it up on even the most basic programs. And as an option you can select "Aggressive shifting at wide open throttle", which will give you shift points higher up in the RPMs.
Q: Are there any long term reliability concerns associated with installing the FocusSport/SCT chip?
A: No, there are no reliability concerns with the use of our chip. We know the limits of each given engine and will not program a file that will put you at risk. Having said that, we tune for power but not in a manner that may compromise longevity or reliability.
Q : I see that you now have the SCT Flashers for the SVT and Duratec. Can these flashers also be used on my Zetec? How about the SPI?
A : Yes, the new FS/SCT XCalibrator1 and XCalibrator2, or flashers, can be used on the Zetec, SPI, SVT, and Duratec Focus.
Q : I'm building my own turbo setup, and I'm going to run 42lb injectors with a matched Pro-Flow MAF. Can you program a chip for my turbo setup based on my model of turbo and psi without dyno tuning my car?
A : Yes, we could program a chip for you, however, once you start changing MAFs and/or building your own turbo or supercharger kit, things start to get more complicated and datalogging becomes VERY important. We would prefer NOT to program a mail order chip in such an instance because of the repeated dyno sessions that would be required. Your money would be better spent on the SCT Pro Racer tuning package that we sell. Click here for more info.
If you have questions, post here.
The stand alone data logging should be wrapped up this week I think. There is a beta out now, but its not perfect and not worth messing with since the next version will be out VERY soon.