XCal 2 Fresh Info?

[Lindy]

Hi to all of you that have tried a chip update!

My 2005 T-Bird make is 02/05 (Feb 2005) with a catchword of CDF4 which is known to be one of the latest-greatest factory updates. However, I would like to try and enhance the performace of the engine and transmission and was wondering which flash kit a guy could buy for this.

Is the XCal2 still the one?

What is the price?

Where can a trustworthy dealer be found?

Is there a package available with programming with and without borla?

Currenty I do not have borla and use 93 octane fuel, so I would like to try loading an update myself without going to a shop for a custom tune, as I do not want to turn my T-Bird into a Ford GT, just want a little enhancement.

I've already searched about every thread here on the topic, yet a little clarification and good fresh advice would help dispell my doubts.

--Lindy

[cursorofold]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

There is now an SCT XCalibrator X3. From the ads, it sounds like the XCal3 doesn't really have any advantage over an XCal2 for the Thunderbird, but from what I see, the XCal3 is cheaper.

Also, what about the SCT XCalibrator SF3? The key difference from what I have read is that the X3 must be programmed by an expert. The SF3 comes with tons of basic programs. As long as your car has minimal upgrades (like a cold air kit or a cat-back system) it should be able to handle it. If your car needs a more extreme tuning, go for the XCalibrator X3 and work with an expert to develop the program.

I would feel better if I heard from someone who really knows before I order one of these.

[Lindy]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

Well I ordered an Xcal2 from Power Sports of CA

http://www.powersportcars.com/access...PARTMENT_ID=46

Evidently, the SCT Xcal2 is discontinued, because what they sent me was the SCT Xcal3, supposedly supplied with programs for my car's (the '05)catchword. I'm hoping this is going to be just a matter of load the program and ready to go. Anyone else have some expierience with the Xcal3?

[Lindy]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

While I've gotten mostly the proverbial 'dead cat bounce' with this thread. I am keeping my nose pressed to the grindstone. Today I installed the Xcal3 program from PowerSports of CA in my '05 Thunderbird (double red w/ performance white HT). While installing, I did take a peek at the user adjustable options. I don't think any of those included octane levels (I always use 93 as reccomended by the filler cap area verbage) or traction-control on/off. Anyway, I pressed cancel, and restarted, the procedure, and installed the, evidentally, one program that the unit came with, labelled "Thunderbird/Lincoln LS" (they advertised the unit as Xcal 2 coming with three programs). At any rate, first the stock program was down-loaded, then the one pre-programmed item mentioned above was uploaded. Maybe took ten minutes in all, and I did not disconnect the fan or anything else, incidentally the fan began to run as well as many dash light inicators and stayed so during the whole procedure (the engine was cold). While the new program (presumedly the one performance program) up-loaded, the SCT hand-held unit read "engine" and I expected it to next read "transmission" and keep up-loading, but it didn't, so whatever. Next I unplugged the SCT from the port beneath the driver's side dashboard and proceeded to start the car. The cranking was a bit longer than average (I assume because the spark is set a bit different or perhaps because I haven't started her for two months), but it started nonetheless and seemed to run great, I waited for the engine to warm-up and settle to the normal 1000RPM idle and it did so just fine. Then I shut it off. At this time I do not [yet] have the Borla exhaust or the CAI (cold air induction), there was a user adjustable setting to indicate a performance intake, but not exhaust, so far that I am aware of. Those modifications will have to wait, for now. However, I did not yet test drive her as of yet, that will happen (with the help of Heaven) sometime this week, during the unseasonably warm temps which are forecast for our area. Will post an update on my expieriences (good, bad or otherwise), and let you all know if I think it was worth the five C-notes that I spent on it. Stay tuned...

[Treken]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

This may be a good time to refresh some ideas here...

I have read allot of the older posts and even went around town asking questions on this subject after installing Borlas and CAI. I ended up just doing the Ford computer update. Mainly because it was an update that the 2002 has from Ford, and also the lack of information on XCAL2 at the time, and that Ford done the programming. I am not really a do-it-yourselfer on car computers, home computers yes...

Also, I read to let professionals do it but could not find anyone in the area...

[007Cruiser]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

Good luck with your project. This is uncharted territory for me, but I'm interested in your results.

[JRM]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

I had the borlas and CAI on my 2005 bird and a couple of months ago I bought and installed the XCAL3. I used the only program that came with it for the T-Birds and am very happy with the results. I set it up with the CAI option and tweaked the transmission 1st to 2nd shift.My car had a very soft 1st to 2nd shift sometimes. After setting the shift a little firmer the results are outstanding. The XCAL3 with the factory tune made the car more responsive and improved the all around driveability.

[Lindy]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

I set it up with the CAI option and tweaked the transmission 1st to 2nd shift.My car had a very soft 1st to 2nd shift sometimes.

Hey John, do you recall the settings that you used for 1st to 2nd? When tweaking, do you have to return the PCM to stock and re-upload by entering settings saving file and then upload with the new settings?

[JRM]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

Hey John, do you recall the settings that you used for 1st to 2nd? When tweaking, do you have to return the PCM to stock and re-upload by entering settings saving file and then upload with the new settings?

It has been awile but I think as you scrolled down user setting you will see the trasmission gear shifts and I just adjusted the 1st to 2nd shift a little to the plus side. I did go too far in the beginning and had to back off a little because I was getting a very hard shift. I dont think I had to return the PCM to stock. Like I said its been awhile but it was easy. If you need more info I will hook the programer later in the week.

[Lindy]

Re: XCal 2 Fresh Info?

Anybody care to share what settings were used on their Xcal3 or Xcal2 for transmission shift point? 1-2?, 2-3?, 3-4?, 4-5? Because my 1-2 shift point is too soft, and 3-4 too hard.

The choices are somehing like:
-3
-2
-1
+1
+2 etc.