FocusSport/SCT chips FAQ - Please read!

[FocusSportVP]

I'm trying to determine which unit, Xcal 1 or Xcal 2, is right for my application.

Xtreme software, used both for the Xcal 1 / Xcal 2, allows "tunes" to be tweaked and saved as separate end user "tunes" and, then, uploaded to the vehicle (awesome).

QUESTIONS:
Does the Xcal 2 allow the same (as the Xtreme software) tweaks directly from the unit keyboard?

Does the Xcal 2 allow additional tweaks or features (aside from datalogging and trouble code support) that are not available to the Xcal 1 + Xtreme software user?

If so, what are the additional features/tweaks of the Xcal2?

I guess put another way, does Xcal 1 + Xtreme software = Xcal 2 (without datalogging/trouble code support)?

Thanks very much!

You can use the Xtreme personal tuning software on bot the Xcalibrator 1 and 2. The Xcal2 will just do more, like data log and allow program tweeks with just the Xcal2 unit on it's own, without being connected to a computer.

[jims99]

You can use the Xtreme personal tuning software on bot the Xcalibrator 1 and 2. The Xcal2 will just do more, like data log and allow program tweeks with just the Xcal2 unit on it's own, without being connected to a computer.

Thanks Randy.

Just curious. It appears Xcal2 also allows "tweaks" from the keyboard above and beyond those allowed with just the Xtreme Tune software. What additional items can be tweaked from keyboard.

Thanks! I can't wait to order one of these!

[SYDST170]

Hello Randy, I am keen on picking up an XCAL2 for my Oz delivered ST170. I understand that there are some differences in the RON ratings readily available in the States as to what we have....

FYI

Cheap and Nasty 91 RON - Readily available
Middle Range "Premium" 95RON
High End Premium 98RON

98RON is available pretty much everywhere and you will never fail to be able to get hold of 95RON.

So, i was wondering if you have maps to suit these type of fuels - i understand that on 98RON you should be able to give move ignition advance than on the lower rated fuels.

Appreciate you comments Randy!

Cheers
Rob
Sydney, AU

[FocusSportVP]

I don't think I would go as far as to say I have spark tables created for non US spec cars, but I would think that a 93 octane file would work. The cool thing about the current XCal2 is that we've enabled user adjustable parameters, so if you need a little more spark you can make that tweek. Same goes if you hear any detonation, you can reduce spark yourself. All without the need to be hooked up to a laptop or other equipment. What is your ECU code?

[SYDST170]

Hello Randy - thank you for the prompt response. I am yet to get my hands on a ST170 however i am not to far off now.

I also think that a 93RON base tune should work with some tweaking According to Ford Australia the ST170 is to run on 95RON however i would be surprised if they are running a good tune on it, as it is still making the same 170HP as the US spec tune which runs on lower octane fuel.

So, i suppose it will be worth going for the XCAL2, filling the car up with the fuel i intend using and making some adjustments

[Dansgreat]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a SCT, but I was wondering, I know premium 93 fuel is expensive, but would it be more fuel economical or as economical as a normal non sct car if I kept my tune with egr, disable alternator at wot, and have aggresive timing? I think the answer is no, I' just asking personal experiences.

Thanks!!

Dan

[FocusSportVP]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a SCT, but I was wondering, I know premium 93 fuel is expensive, but would it be more fuel economical or as economical as a normal non sct car if I kept my tune with egr, disable alternator at wot, and have aggresive timing? I think the answer is no, I' just asking personal experiences.

Thanks!!

Dan

If you want to save on gas money, we do offer low octane files along with our higher octane files. Keeping the EGR will help just a tad. And many FS/SCT customers do report increased mileage since we do clean up the Air/Fuel.

[CrazyWella]

Randy... Do you guys do custom FI burns?

[d.bluefocus21]

also, Randy, can the SCT chips be switched on programs on the fly? or do they have to be switched when the car is off?

pretty much meaning if I wanted to spray nitrous, but I was on all motor mode, could I switch the modes while moving and the car was on in order to spray the right way w/timing retarded?

[pauly452]

What program does the chip default to when the knob is unplugged from the harness?
I bought my Focus with this chip already installed, and I have no idea what is on it. When I got the car, the adjuster knob was unplugged from the harness. There is no paperwork, so I don't know anything about this product other than what I have read here and on the focussport website.

[BUR_ZX3]

defaults to program zero.

[Zx3vteckiller]

I'm looking at the roush turbo kit can you guys program the ecu setting in the xcalibrator with some other options for me?

[FocusSportVP]

I'm sure we could, but I've yet to see a kit around Socal. Someone would need to bring one by for me to see what's needed.

[saleenzx3]

I have a 2002 ZX3
mods:
205/40/R17
short ram intake
Ford racing intake manifold
ford racing 70mm throttle body
Crower 65202-2 cams the old grind 2
cam gears
20% incress in flow of head with port match
titanum retariners and springs crower
ZEX nitrous prob an 85 dry shot timing needs to be retarded 3 degress
race header 4 to 1 2.5in exhaust with a flowmaster dual chamber
looking for 80mm mass air and injectors
EGR block off
need to get rid of GOV.

Could you guys make a chip for this?? Would I have different programs for nitrous and with out how do you switch from the different programs? And Last do you guys have a dealer in San Antonio Texas or somewere close with a dyno?


Thanks
Dan

[saleenzx3]

Any update??????????

[DisrupTer911]

your best bet, is to give FS a call @ 714.630.6353

and talk to Randy directly that way you can get the best possible SCT solution.

[FocusSportVP]

I have a 2002 ZX3
mods:
205/40/R17
short ram intake
Ford racing intake manifold
ford racing 70mm throttle body
Crower 65202-2 cams the old grind 2
cam gears
20% incress in flow of head with port match
titanum retariners and springs crower
ZEX nitrous prob an 85 dry shot timing needs to be retarded 3 degress
race header 4 to 1 2.5in exhaust with a flowmaster dual chamber
looking for 80mm mass air and injectors
EGR block off
need to get rid of GOV.

Could you guys make a chip for this?? Would I have different programs for nitrous and with out how do you switch from the different programs? And Last do you guys have a dealer in San Antonio Texas or somewere close with a dyno?


Thanks
Dan

That is a fairly radical set-up. I'd say you really need to have your Focus dyno tuned.

[bustonit]

Since the release of the Cosworth S/C for the ATX, is it possible to attain the same level of power handling achieved by their ECU tuning for the ATX? No other tuning has been able to conclusively increase power handling capabilities. Obviously they have done more homework on this to achieve these results. Release of such atx tuning would be a gold mine to those with NA or FRPP BBK Jackson kits.

[sc0tty8]

I would like to know, the sct 2, the handheld unit, on sct's web site, they say their unit works with a wide varriety of cars, including, the focus. Does your unit also have the programs for the other cars, or, is your unit proprietary to the focus, and, also, does it lock it to my vin only?

[BUR_ZX3]

It will lock into only one VIN... and for mail order applications, I think they're only doing Focuses (but they've tuned other Fords in the store on the dyno)

[FocusRyderZx3]

OK, well i am lost in all this chip talk. I plan on buy a chip or xcal2 soon. I have a Zx3, CAI and cat back exhaust.

Question - SCT chip or Xcal2, what are the benfits and drawbacks, of the two?

[Seawolf]

Ok, here's a question: The Xcal1 & 2 says "retains factory calibration...". If I already have a piggyback chip (an Autologic from Mike Wilson), will it read the settings from it and store those and I can tune from there, or would I be starting "from scratch" ?

[FordFociSHO]

I might have asked this before, I don't remember.

Can this be used to program for E85? (say to set a base Lambda to 11.2, or something like that, if I use a WBO2 and an analog signal)

John

[FocusSportVP]

Originally Posted by Seawolf

Ok, here's a question: The Xcal1 & 2 says "retains factory calibration...". If I already have a piggyback chip (an Autologic from Mike Wilson), will it read the settings from it and store those and I can tune from there, or would I be starting "from scratch" ?

The XCal flashers retain the OEM calibration, but it will NOT save a file from a chipped ECU. You'd have to competely remove the chip in order for everything to work as planned.

[FocusSportVP]

Originally Posted by FordFociSHO

I might have asked this before, I don't remember.

Can this be used to program for E85? (say to set a base Lambda to 11.2, or something like that, if I use a WBO2 and an analog signal)

John

If that is your goal, you'd want to step up to the Pro Racer with the XCal2.