SCT Flasher - ready!!!

[Quik_LS]

Well - Torrie (from FordPartsNetwork.com) and I have been working on this for a couple of weeks now and last week I was successful at loading all three different tuned PCM codes.

I had alot of issues trying to get the Flasher to work - turns out that other modules in the car ABS/TC and the FEM, REM were using the same data bus and interfering with the uploads. I fixed that by simply pulling out the fuses when flashing.

Torrie supplied me with 3 different tunes - mild, wild and MBT. I did three runs each with my G-tech Pro Comp.
- mild was hardly noticable = +6.1rwhp +8.2lbs/ft
- wild better (and what I'm currently running) = +13.2rwhp +16.7lbs/ft
- MBT is a little more agressive = +21.11rwhp +20.7lbs/ft - but it does 'ping' under heavy acceleration and high rmps.

All these numbers are G-Tech numbers - not real dyno numbers. In the past my G-Tech is pretty close to my time slips at the track.

So it looks like this is the real deal - and we can finally get some tuning done!!!!!

Great news for future products.

Here's the link to the unit -> http://www.fordpartsnetwork.com/sct1-X.html

Torrie has made some tunes for the LS that he will include.

We are working on the next things on my wisklist - like shift points, rev limiter and starting in 1st while in SST.

[CGGorman]

I wondered when you were gonna drag that over here. I just about did it myself last week! Wanted to give you the chance, though.

[el es]

In the other thread Chris mentioned buying the software to build custom tunes with. I imagine if you are really going to get involved with this sort of modification three custom tunes will probably not get you where you want to be in the end. So I am sure additional work is going to come at a siginificant increase in cost.

With the tuning we are looking at values for an attribute of the pcm so there has to be some sort of master map for the pcm you are working with; is this pcm serial, or code, you spoke of in the other thread.

[CGGorman]

The flasher plugs into the OBD II port under the dash and reprograms the factory PCM. After the flash, you can remove the SCT unit.

[el es]

I am looking to find out how one knows what areas of the pcm they can program in and what the allowed values are.

when one sets out to build a flash where does this person find the where and what of the pcm he/she can tweak.

[CGGorman]

Sorry. I can't answer that definitively, yet. I'm still waiting on my software to arrive. However, from what I understand, basically every powertrain variable in the PCM is available to SCT for "tweaking"...

Do you agree, Lou?

[el es]

I would think they have it mapped out in some fashion or else you the techs would just be like three blind mice programming the pcm. But then again they do make a backup copy to restore the original.

I don’t expect a complete education but would like some product knowledge before I break out the sextant to navigate those treacherous waters.

[CGGorman]

I guess it depends on what your goals are... I want to go well beyond normal performance upgrades and actually improve the cars driveability...by MY standards. I'm very much a "have it my way" kind of guy and some of the things about the LS have bugged me since I first got acclimated to it.

If all you want is get an extra couple horses and the ability to tweak shift feel, A/F ratio, Static timing, and tire diameter settings, then the basic $375 ($325 flasher plus a $50 dongle) flasher will deliver just fine. Those few adjustments are simple sliders in a basic windows-type application for your PC. As my son says, "a trained monkey could do it"...

Myself, I have no interest (well, a little) interest in something that...simple. I want FULL CONTROL or nothing.

I have the service manual for HD RPTV and perform color, grayscale, geometry, and convergence corrections on it...and have for every TV I've ever owned. I designed and built the speakers in my home theater. I build my own PCs. I'm designing my next house, though my plans will go to an Architect for detailing and structural/code analysis. I'm a fairly accomplished cook. You get the idea.

Have you looked at the www.SCTflash.com website? They have some screen-shots of the software that may give you a glimpse of what to expect.

[el es]

Originally Posted by CGGorman

I guess it depends on what your goals are... I want to go well beyond normal performance upgrades and actually improve the cars driveability...by MY standards. I'm very much a "have it my way" kind of guy and some of the things about the LS have bugged me since I first got acclimated to it.

If all you want is get an extra couple horses and the ability to tweak shift feel, A/F ratio, Static timing, and tire diameter settings, then the basic $375 ($325 flasher plus a $50 dongle) flasher will deliver just fine. Those few adjustments are simple sliders in a basic windows-type application for your PC. As my son says, "a trained monkey could do it"...

Myself, I have no interest (well, a little) interest in something that...simple. I want FULL CONTROL or nothing.

I have the service manual for HD RPTV and perform color, grayscale, geometry, and convergence corrections on it...and have for every TV I've ever owned. I designed and built the speakers in my home theater. I build my own PCs. I'm designing my next house, though my plans will go to an Architect for detailing and structural/code analysis. I'm a fairly accomplished cook. You get the idea.

Have you looked at the www.SCTflash.com website? They have some screen-shots of the software that may give you a glimpse of what to expect.

I get the impression you could stop a nuclear meltdown with a shoe sting, chocolate bar and some aluminum foil.

Well since you always have the backup copy to roll back too I guess little or no harm can be done. But there are some very smart monkeys out there; I suspect they will try to overthrow us any day now.

[CGGorman]

No, I don't pretend to know everything and I'm the first to admit when I don't know the answer. I just like to learn and I'm not afraid to fiddle with things in an effort to make them better suit my needs. I was just trying to make a point about what motivates me, not brag or belittle, though my friends HAVE likened me to MacGyver on many occasions

Anyway, like you said, the first step in the flash process is for the unit to download the factory program. There is little fear of permanent damage unless you (I) program the transmission to downshift into first at 130mph, or something crazy like that. Just take baby-steps and all works out.

Lou's really the one to talk to about this. He's done more modification to his LS than just about anyone I've ever heard about and he's the one who took the first step into this particular mod. I have a malfunctioning unit and no software. Waiting on a fix for the unit and the software should be to me near the end of the week. Until then, I'm just speculating based on my prior experiences.

[el es]

Originally Posted by CGGorman

No, I don't pretend to know everything and I'm the first to admit when I don't know the answer. I just like to learn and I'm not afraid to fiddle with things in an effort to make them better suit my needs. I was just trying to make a point about what motivates me, not brag or belittle, though my friends HAVE likened me to MacGyver on many occasions

Anyway, like you said, the first step in the flash process is for the unit to download the factory program. There is little fear of permanent damage unless you (I) program the transmission to downshift into first at 130mph, or something crazy like that. Just take baby-steps and all works out.

Lou's really the one to talk to about this. He's done more modification to his LS than just about anyone I've ever heard about and he's the one who took the first step into this particular mod. I have a malfunctioning unit and no software. Waiting on a fix for the unit and the software should be to me near the end of the week. Until then, I'm just speculating based on my prior experiences.

Nah it wasnt taken in that context at all sorry it I replied n a fashion that implied that.

I am an intrepid techie as well. My wife freaks out when she comes home to find drywall knocked out all of a sudden. I have built custom planters shelves and built my entertainment center in to my stairs so it is all recessed into the open space under my stairs.

hey if you have home appliance issues check this site out. http://www.fixitnow.com/
I just did my washing machine about a month ago. Saved me 200 bux.

[01 Lincoln LS]

if i am not mistaked the attempts to supercharge/turbocharge had not entirely been sucessful because of the inability to modify and tune the computer. so that being said this mod should be able to open a lot of doors for modding this car into a beast???

[CGGorman]

Yep. Within the the limits of the compression...unless you want start having custom engine parts built...

[Quik_LS]

sorry - been off on other boards for a while.

Yes - it is very comprehensive software that SCt uses, and you can purchase a single car version from Torrie (or select SCT dealers) that is the same software but only works on one VIN.

I am right now driving around with a tune that has some different shift points....

the software learning curve isn't steep - by the tuning curve is. You got to know how to tune - or you could realy mess things up. Running to rich and foul the engine and burn out the cats, run too lean and pick up pieces. too wide of an injector cycle - things will wear out fast....

But I'm with chris - be able to tune your own car is the next step, exactly your car with your mods.

Now Superchargers and Turbos should be acheivable....

[el es]

Torrie is definitely the guy I will buy from when the time comes. He is definitely a customer service centric parts man. He has been answering my emails tonight helping me put my parts list together for my V6 Valve Cover Gasket repair.

The guy is actually answering customer emails at 9pm I mean DAMN.

I am going to replace the CoPs while I am in on the RH side nonsense in getting this thing apart and not doing it.
I know I have a misfire and you cant just onesy twosy the coils on that side. I am looking at 212 dollars in parts and it is a 900 dollar job w/out the coils.

Thanks for the knowledge on the software. I reckon it is time I find some hard cover books on tuning.. I don't want to be Found On Roadside Dead picking up parts.