Any decent sub $300 handheld tuners available?

dwcopple · Oct 13, 2020

I think the SCT one is $399. Are there any options below $300?

apsmith49921 · Oct 13, 2020

https://www.ebay.com/itm/96-19-SCT-...987396&hash=item2af43bab0e:g:d44AAOSwFM1dMgkr

this is the route ill go

dwcopple · Oct 13, 2020

Autoanything.com has NEW SCT X4's for $319 shipped with code FALL20 20% off

apsmith49921 · Oct 13, 2020

Oh man that's a heck of a deal imo. If I had the cash I'd buy one right now

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delling3 · Oct 13, 2020

So, a bit of hi-jack here, but can someone please explain tuners to me? Tuners for dummies I guess. I understand that they can be used to alter various parameters (i.e. ignition timing) to improve performance over the conservative settings that Ford's engineers programmed into the ECU. There are "canned tunes (i.e. 93 Octane tune) which will improve performance a bit, but that real bang comes from a "dyno tune" when a knowledgeable tech alters parameters on the dyno to get the maximum benefit out of whatever level of engine build you are running in your car. Do I have it right so far?

Assume I have a NPI motor, with aftermarket Stage 1 cams, a P.I. intake, running an automatic and 3.73 gears, will a "canned tune" benefit me, or do I really need to dyno tune the car? Are the parameters stored in the ECU, or does the tuner stay connected overriding the ECU settings? Why do I see so many ricer dudes that are running tuners on a mount in their cars?

apsmith49921 · Oct 13, 2020

delling3 said:
So, a bit of hi-jack here, but can someone please explain tuners to me? Tuners for dummies I guess. I understand that they can be used to alter various parameters (i.e. ignition timing) to improve performance over the conservative settings that Ford's engineers programmed into the ECU. There are "canned tunes (i.e. 93 Octane tune) which will improve performance a bit, but that real bang comes from a "dyno tune" when a knowledgeable tech alters parameters on the dyno to get the maximum benefit out of whatever level of engine build you are running in your car. Do I have it right so far?

Assume I have a NPI motor, with aftermarket Stage 1 cams, a P.I. intake, running an automatic and 3.73 gears, will a "canned tune" benefit me, or do I really need to dyno tune the car? Are the parameters stored in the ECU, or does the tuner stay connected overriding the ECU settings? Why do I see so many ricer dudes that are running tuners on a mount in their cars?

you have it right. a dyno tune is the way to go. canned tunes are ok for basic crap but its not going to maximize. They are designed with safety in mind. and most of the time really don't do a whole lot.