SCT tuners banned by EPA

[Sierra977]

Seems EPA is going after SCT tuners that many of us have used to improve our cars. Same as EPA did to Harley-Davidson.

I serendipitously updated my SCT X4 software, firmware and tuning files last week and will NOT do another update.


"DETROIT (AP) -- The government says a Florida company will spend more than $6 million in penalties and repair costs for selling computer software that disables automotive emissions controls.

'The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency say that Derive Systems of Sanford, Florida, sold 363,000 products that violated the Clean Air Act.

'In a civil settlement, Derive must pay a $300,000 penalty and spend $6.25 million to fix the products so they don't violate the law. Messages were left Monday seeking comment from Derive.

'Government documents say Derive sold the software under the SCT and Bully Dog brands. The government says hand-held products known as "tuners" would overwrite automaker programs. The software would stop catalytic converters, particulate filters and other emissions controls from working.

'The company also must stop selling the software."

[BLACK BEAUTY]

So Newman no more updates?

[Sierra977]

So Newman no more updates?

Probably no more "canned" factory tuning files that may violate EPA regs.

There are two parts to this ruling. One has to do with the SCT product itself and the other part involves aftermarket, third-party tuners.

This seems very similar to what EPA did to Harley-Davidson. Harley used to sell a tuner called Pro Super Tuner that was banned by EPA and Harley had to pay a fine and withdraw from the market. (Harley replaced the Pro Super Tuner with another product called Pro Street Tuner that is very limited in the changes it can make to a motorcycles tune.)

The precipitating event seems to be aftermarket tuners recently managed to crack the code of GM/EPA supposedly untouchable lp5 Duramax diesel ecm.

Aftermarket dyno tuners are going to be effected, I just do not yet know how. An SCT tuner or others can be bought either with or without "canned" tunes (ie. you can buy a blank tuner). To use a blank tuner you first flash the factory stock tune from your vehicle then send that file to a third party tuner to modify and send back you you. Dunno how that process is going to be effected.

If I wanted an SCT X4 7015 tuner, I would buy one TODAY before they are removed from dealer's shelves.

[428PI]

I've had the SCT X4 tune on my bird a couple years now. I bought it to firm up the shifts to prevent a shudder into 3rd and 4th. I found out the tuner didn't really help but changing the trans fluid a couple times and adding Lucas additive did. One can change the total advance at high or low rpm's which is nice and play with the trans firmness a little. I had to reduce timing a couple degrees at high and low to control pinging with 91 octane fuel.