molch

Nothing happened with the tuner. My car got broken into and my SCT x3 got stolen (along with other bits, 2x ipods, locknuts, globes). Instead of forking out for a new SCT unit ++ $$ for future tunes I've gone down a DIY with HPtuners.

Mate I had the timing cover off recently. My advice is there is alot more effort to do some of the extra things that seem like you are close. For you to do just the timing cover gasket (Gasket goo) and crank seal the cost of the job for a DIY is like $50. The time is variable but allow for 1-2 days. If you do timing chain you should probably look at the timing chain guides also. I think there is a kit you can get for this. The billet oil pump and housing requires removal of the sump (Or enough to get to the oil pickup bolts) which needs one of two options. you undo the engine mounts and lift the engine or drop the entire k frame. All of this will add up to 1-2 more days and lots more money. The # of days estimated for each obviously depends on tools, beers, wifes, kids and other stuff that distracts you working at home. Dont want to scare you off, just want to let you know its not cheap or quick in the driveway.

Hey buddy, yeah that could help me get along quicker and is a awesome offer. I'll shoot you a PM .

Well still working on the tune but enjoying it so far. Taking things very slow and also posting stuff on over on hptuners. Currently working on boost map by adjusting WGDC.

Yeah it's definitely in the tune. Wastegate duty cycle is out throughout the rpm and it's only calling for 10psi max. I've now got a hptuner and am going to do a lot of logging and start to make some minor changes to control boost as I want. ive noticed some of the boost control is disabled but logging shows me it's still pretty bad. the Wastegate is at like 40% at 2500rpm and at 10% by 3500. The bigger turbo with better Wastegate flow needs it closed 100% for a bit longer to build up the boost goodness!!! I reckon it's around 3000 rpm @ 100% wgdc before it builds the wanted 15psi Then around 3500 @ 90% wgdc to build 18psi. Time will tell. Need to tidy up a few other things before I implement these changes.

Just bought it from http://vcmstore.com.au/ - The difference was like $50 once shipping and currency conversion was done. This $50 is worth supporting a local business and also getting the equipment sooner.

Hey guys, So looks like I'll be joining the DIY tuning ranks soon. Not that im going to be starting (I can't anyway, long story) from scratch but more using what Ive currently got as a baseline to improve on. I have been looking and it is cheaper to buy direct from hptuners in the states then the local disty. Is there any potential problems buying it direct? I really need the beer and wife bribing money!

I have the afr side covered with the innovate lc2 but hadn't considered something to monitor knock. The subaru system I had experience tuning had decent knock sensors and would pull timing overall or even from specific loads and rpm's (fine learning knock correction tables) which with added logging could easily be spotted and timing adjusted before it was crazy detonation. I know any knock is bad so small adjustments and measurements is the best when working timing and fuel to get the best performance then dialing back for safety etc. is this similar in the ford ecu?

Thanks fellas, heaps of great advice on both sides of the fence. I'll sleep on it tonight and make a decision tomorrow. I'm usually keen to learn which leads to more knowledge down the line and if needed greater appreciation to hand over my hard earned to the professionals.

Is the current hp tuner logging good enough that you don't need a sct any longer? I have read some older threads that suggested a sct x2 or newer just to datalog.

They only mentioned the xcal so not too sure if they also do hp .

So with my sct x3 stolen and the expense of going a sct x4 I am considering buying the hptuner kit and doing it myself. It wouldnt be my first time tuning. I'd still say I am pretty inexpereinced but willing to dig in and learn as much as possible. 5 or 6 years ago I upgraded my forester xt (turbo, fuel pump, exhaust, boost solenoid etc) and tuned it myself using Romraider and ecutek. Took me a couple of months to get everything perfect but ended up punching out over 200kw at all 4 (nothing compared to a xr6 / g6e I know). I still have the innovate LC-2 wideband O2 sensor in the garage so I could get this back out and use it again. So I guess I have an idea of reading the tables, understanding the concepts and researching my butt off but yeah I wanted to see if anyone else on the forum would go back to the original tuner or take the plunge and learn??

Yeah I was trying to be careful of only doing the channel in what appears to be the much thicker casting areas. But I guess time will tell.

Feels a bit slow. Need to get it retuned as wastegate duty cycles were setup for the poor flow situation. Now it has better wastegate flow it feels laggy at the moment.

Not the prettiest but results are more important for me now.

Ok so car is back on the road. Mamba exhaust housing had a bit more porting and now it's not boosting over 18psi at 6500rpm .... And much lower boost thoughout the whole rev range. I ended up buying a carbide grinding piece and doing it myself. I created a channel internally so the air was directed at the wastegate flappy instead of having to turn a corner .Picture to follow shortly but I got the inspiration from here http://www.bellengineering.net/article_info.php?articles_id=273

Hey ecu guys. So this last week my SCT X3 has been stolen out of my car while it was being worked on in my driveway I am going to call my tuner and find out what he recommends but I wanted to ask you guys also what the hell I can do. Ive read things about having to contact ford to get my original ecu software etc and this sounds like it could get very expensive with replacement SCT, tune, etc etc.

Looks nice man. And those wheels, wow. Are they custom billet?

I've setup a watcher on gumtree and eBay hoping it turns up for sale soon.

Some little **** has taken liberty to help themselves into my car and steal my sct x3 flash tuner, ipod and few other bits and pieces.. Just realised after my car has been off the road on jack stands for a week. Can't believe they came right down my driveway. What a way to top off my week of working on the car trying to get everything ready to see my tuner next week..

Wow what a bitch! I have heard (through Facebook) that it's possible to take off the engine mount bolts and lift the engine slightly.This can give enough room to get to the pickup. Anyone have ate experience with this or can see it as a bad way?

Hey guys. So timing cover is off and keep tossing up whether I should do oil pump. It's a zf auto that doesn't see limiter very often but yeah want some opinions from others on here. How much extra work is involved and would you go the extra ?

Hey guys. Just thought I'd post this up for those that might need it when checking timing with the front cover off. Please comment if anything is out.

Looks like they are the same according to ford parts department. I gave them my VIN and my old mans FG MK2 LPG ute VIN and they both came up with the same Camshafts! Then the guy said they were the same through all the series and models. Also some BF mk2 are the same. yep must be unlucky I guess. Only done 70k kms.

nah, BF series 2 after the 10th of November.