FocusSport/SCT chips FAQ - Please read!

[FocusSportVP]

This is a much needed thread that will only pertain to FocusSport programmed SCT chips and flashers. There are a lot of questions out there about these chips and this is the place to find the answers.

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 or flasher 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 that in most cases 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 years of 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 ( SPI and Zetec only )
Anti-Theft mode ( chips only )
Custom idle
Custom rev limit
Custom shift light setting at wide-open throttle
Drag Launch
Early fan activation
EGR system disabled ( not for SVT )
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 ( chips only )


Q: What does each option do?

A: An explanation for each option can be found HERE


Q: How much better can your FS/SCT programs really be compared to the regular off the shelf chips and flashers?

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 andwWe 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 or flasher 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: Not at this time. However, SCT has trade-in promotions occassionally and when they do, we make it well known.

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 red FS/SCT chip, you can't add any additional programs. If you have a green 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 green FS/SCT chips, so they can easily be upgraded with multiple programs at any time.


Q: I have an old blue Superchip. Can you reprogram it for me with a FocusSport file?

A: I wish we could, but we can't. The old style blue 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 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 endless 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 similar approaches 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 be 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. Or in the case of the FS/SCT XCalibrator 2, you can make this correction yourself with the user adjustable parameters.


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. However, on the SVT, the traction control cannot be completely disabled with ECU tuning alone.


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. And with the FS/SCT XCalibrator 2, you can make shifting adjustments yourself with the user adjustable parameters.


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 chips or flashers. 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 FS/SCT Flashers for the SVT and Duratec. Can these flashers also be used on my Zetec? How about the SPI?

A : Yes, FS/SCT XCalibrator2 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.

[Felnus]

The aggressive shift at wide open throttle option is a big help. I wish I could give some exact numbers but after several attempts being wiped out by rain, I hope to get to the drag strip tonight. The biggest difference is that the stock tranny if left in drive will shift at 6200 rpms even though the fuel cutout is several hundred rpms higher. With the SCT chip my car is shifting out of first gear at about 7000 rpm if I punch it from a dead stop. I'm hoping I can run the 1/4 mile without it shifting to third gear. I'll post results tonight in the Drag Racing forum if the rain holds off.

Update: Linky to Drag Racing post

[DisrupTer911]

I see that you offer the Anti-Theft mode as a standard option.

What is the anti-threft mode exactly?

I have an aftermarket alarm will it affect the alarm in anyway?

Are there any side-affects to using the anti-theft mode and an alarm?

[SoCalKona]

If I'm not mistaken... I think the anti-theft mode is basically a kill switch. Put it on a certain program and whoila... the car won't start. It should affect the aftermarker program but then again... I don't work for FS or SCT

[FocusSportVP]

I see that you offer the Anti-Theft mode as a standard option.

What is the anti-threft mode exactly?

I have an aftermarket alarm will it affect the alarm in anyway?

Are there any side-affects to using the anti-theft mode and an alarm?

The anti-theft mode, when selected, WILL NOT allow the car to start. If the car is running in another program and then you switch to the anti-theft mode the car will die (not a good idea to do that, by the way).

This will in no way interfere with alarm systems, as it's just not allowing the car to run or start.

[FocusZx83]

dose this install
like the old chips where you have to saulder it into the computer
or dose it plug into the obt 2 scaner and program everything
in other words can the dealership tell you had one and void your warnty

[FocusSportVP]

There is no soldering with our chips. The chip is easily removed, but you do need to clean the J3 access port before you install the chip, so I guess the dealer could tell if you cleaned it. However, that doesn't mean that your warranty is voided, the law doesn't work like that.

[NewtzZx3]

ok, thats kinda what i was hoping wasn't the case. i was just curious, i don't have rims, but think about getting em from time to time.

so this is the case, even if the chip ordered doesn't have any correction? if so, how do you know if the customer has stock 14", 15" or 16" rims? or are we both confused about what the other is saying? if im correct in your meaning, no matter what someone ordered on the chip to begin with, switching rim/tire sizes requires you to reprogram, no other change will work, and let you use the chip at the same time

[minlalala]

Here I have a question
I am having a 2004 focus with a Vortech aftercooler kit,
cat cams,FS exhaust,clutch master street version clutch,
FC race headers and FC Flex pipe. Here is a Link to my car's
website.
Click Me
There is also some Dyno sheets.
I have a Diablo chip which is giving me trouble all the time. They always programed it too rich even I give them the dyno sheet. The latest time(Lot times )
The programer from diablo just drag the curve to rich for 2 A/F average. So I am getting like High 8 to Low 9 at about 5000 RMP. (You can read that through the Dyno sheet on the website.

My question is Can you guys tune it well to like between high 11 to low 11?
And I am having the idle problem since I installed the cooler and a small pully. After reving the engine, the engine shut it self. I have no idea at all. If i purchase the Superchip, can you fix that?

BTW, How much it is for the Chip and option controller (I love the valet parking idea.)
Thanks
min

[FocusSportVP]

I'm sure we can work something out. Maybe you should give me a call and we can go over all your options.

[FordFocusDanielSan]

randy, how many programs can be burned onto a single set-up?? like theres set up 1-4 on the dail, how many programs pet set-up?? i remember reading 4 additional programs added onto the ones already on there, but im just being sure so i know how to set up my programs. thanks

[FocusSportVP]

randy, how many programs can be burned onto a single set-up?? like theres set up 1-4 on the dail, how many programs pet set-up?? i remember reading 4 additional programs added onto the ones already on there, but im just being sure so i know how to set up my programs. thanks

Here is the run down:

slots 0, 1, 2, and 3 are for custom programs

slot 4 is a stock setting by default and cannot be changed

slots 5, 6, and 7 are anti-theft settings by default and cannot be changed.

[FordFocusDanielSan]

i see i see. so how many different programs i can put into slots 1-3??

[FocusSportVP]

Thats 4 complete programs - 0, 1, 2, and 3.

[sleeping_focus]

i got a dum question but it wearth a shot i no you can put nitrous progams on you chip but does that also mean you could activate the nitrous and deactivate it a at a given rpm? i mean controled by the chip not me, also could i run stock timeing and then have it pulled(3700 rpm) before i start shooting?

[FocusSportVP]

i got a dum question but it wearth a shot i no you can put nitrous progams on you chip but does that also mean you could activate the nitrous and deactivate it a at a given rpm? i mean controled by the chip not me, also could i run stock timeing and then have it pulled(3700 rpm) before i start shooting?

With our FS/SCT chip we can't activate or deactivate your nitrous system, sorry. However, we can create programs for nitrous. We prefer to program for kits that spray at wide open throttle. Your last question pertains for more of a window switch set-up for spraying nitrous and yes, we can do it that way, but it's safer at wide open throttle IMO.

[Steve_zx3]

ive got a few questions since i have a race header is there any ill side effect from disableing the egr system? such as gas mileage or anything like that .. i know it will help with the stumble. And for instance i need the second o2 and the egr turned off is that classified as 1 program ?

[Totaled02focus]

I'm sure it's in here somewhere, but what's your phone number, and how much is the chip, I have a diablo chip, but considering tradin it in on yours. And can you program my rev limiter to 8000?

[FocusSportVP]

Check this out:

FS/SCT chip page

Our number is in my sig.

[tparker]

Intalled program from SCT/Xcalibrator last night, works great. This is the easiest mod you can do. BTW Randy right on the money with the program Engine is much more responsive and pulls all the way to 8000RPM. Now I need to get the Xcalibrator program and serial cable and I can see what I can do. I recomend this to anyone looking to get a chip, get the Xcalibrator instead you don't have to pull the ECU out or anything.

[MillerTime]

Question about previous Programing.

If I get the Procharger supercharger or any other suoercharger it either comes with a chip or you send the EEC moduel in and they reflash it for you with their new fuel maping and the best tuning (for the most part) for their Kit. With having the SCT chip it does not let another chip their and as was stated in previous posts the SCT chip over rides the Factory EEC calibration. So the question. The SCT chip alows for a Factory Calibration. Is that just leting the SCT chip get by passed and using the Current Programing on the EEC? Point of asking is I would like a standrad Street Tune for the Focus with my supercharger. So I would be going to a dyno and geting it Tuned. However I take it to the track and I want to be able to use the Higher Octane and also use some other Programs the the SCT chip alows useser to have. SO what would be the best choice of action . Thank you for any and all info from the fourm.

Thanks

Chris

Krazy_Elder_Miller@yahoo.com

[ax0n]

If they re-flash the PCM, I'm pretty sure that the "stock" setting on the SCT will just use the tune that's on the re-flashed PCM at that point.

Either way, you need to get ahold of Randy at FocusSport to ask him about this. You'll need a pretty customized SCT. Randy can make programs that will work great, but he needs a lot more info than you can give him by ordering on the website.

[jims99]

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!

[NiNCuMPoot]

What if someone were to sell me one, but they themselves had an svt and I a zx3. I could still use this on it as long as it is properly programmed right?

[FocusSportVP]

What if someone were to sell me one, but they themselves had an svt and I a zx3. I could still use this on it as long as it is properly programmed right?

Yes, no problem.