SCT X4 tuner?

gray2014gt

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I hope I'm not asking a question that's already been answered but is an tuner worth the money with stock car minus axle backs? 2014 mustang gt manual I don't have the money for boost etc right now probably ever for boost. TIA!
 

vxr500

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I hope I'm not asking a question that's already been answered but is an tuner worth the money with stock car minus axle backs? 2014 mustang gt manual I don't have the money for boost etc right now probably ever for boost. TIA!

It’s not a bad option. I’d combine it with a cold air intake though for a better result.

Then down the road you can get a custom tune of you get more mods
 

gray2014gt

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It’s not a bad option. I’d combine it with a cold air intake though for a better result.

Then down the road you can get a custom tune of you get more mods
Car came with an K&N intake on it when I got it I bought an factory box with filter from a buddy for $20. I didn't like the way the K&N fit so I put factory box on. Only mods I may do would be long tubes eventually.
 

Forty61

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Different application but a tuner and freebie ‘no tune’ intake woke my ‘08 up a little bit. It didn’t stay that way for long and I added a bunch of other stuff but I’d say the tuner is a great first step.
 

gray2014gt

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Different application but a tuner and freebie ‘no tune’ intake woke my ‘08 up a little bit. It didn’t stay that way for long and I added a bunch of other stuff but I’d say the tuner is a great first step.
Does SCT or reseller have them on sale any? If so around what time be best price?time to buy one?
 

vxr500

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Does SCT or reseller have them on sale any? If so around what time be best price?time to buy one?

I’ve never seen it any less than 399, but check the usual suppliers like CJ, AM, etc for deals around holidays
 

gray2014gt

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I’ve never seen it any less than 399, but check the usual suppliers like CJ, AM, etc for deals around holidays
A buddy who races says the tuner is worth it even with stock car any gains at all using the tuner on stock car? Or have to do mods to get any gains/benefits?
 

vxr500

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A buddy who races says the tuner is worth it even with stock car any gains at all using the tuner on stock car? Or have to do mods to get any gains/benefits?

The stock canned tune it cones with is ok. I’m guessing about 10 hp. With an intake probably 15 or more. If you’re getting long tubes at some point you’ll probably need it anyway.

I just did a custom tune with mine, and the difference is very noticeable
 

gray2014gt

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The stock canned tune it cones with is ok. I’m guessing about 10 hp. With an intake probably 15 or more. If you’re getting long tubes at some point you’ll probably need it anyway.

I just did a custom tune with mine, and the difference is very noticeable
I've never had a tuner so I don't know anything about them really last v8 car I had was an 94 gt so no tuner just a chip. So I want people with experience with this tuner let me know about it.
 

vxr500

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Well, in a nutshell, they come with preloaded tunes ranging from 87-93 octane that are sort of a “one size fits all” upgrade for your car. These are generally ok on close to stock or mildly modified cars like yours.

Once you get into heavier modifications, a custom tune can be uploaded by a remote tuner that is geared more specific to your needs. A lot of the major speed shops and some independent tuners can give you this option. Or you can get it dyno tuned at a local shop using the SCT.
 

gray2014gt

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Well, in a nutshell, they come with preloaded tunes ranging from 87-93 octane that are sort of a “one size fits all” upgrade for your car. These are generally ok on close to stock or mildly modified cars like yours.

Once you get into heavier modifications, a custom tune can be uploaded by a remote tuner that is geared more specific to your needs. A lot of the major speed shops and some independent tuners can give you this option. Or you can get it dyno tuned at a local shop using the SCT.
So either way a good investment and worth the money? I can check and clear cel codes as well with the tuner?
 

vxr500

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So either way a good investment and worth the money? I can check and clear cel codes as well with the tuner?

I think so. Especially if you’re eventually getting headers.

Yes they can read and clear codes as well.
 

gray2014gt

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I'd probably go ahead and get long tubes if I had access to a lift but all I have is dirt/grass where I live no asphalt or concrete.
 

skwerl

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I'm going to disagree with other responses above. IMO the tune is way more important than the device used to install the tune into the car's computer. And that is basically what the SCTx4 does. There is a generic bullshit tune on the device but all of the information I have ever heard about the canned SCT tunes is to not use them. Consider the tuner an empty vessel for transferring tunes.

Been a long time but when I bought my 2014 GT I called up my buddy Justin at VMP. I picked up a standard tune from him, which included the SCTx4 with both 87 octane and 93 octane tunes. I loaded the 93 tune and never touched the tuner again for the next 5 years. It made a big difference with zero drivability quirks.

I felt bad pulling the tune off when I traded the car in 2 years ago but the dealership probably would have wiped it clean and tossed the tuner anyway. So I kept it and picked up tunes for my new F150. On that truck I'm running the 87 octane tune. Not a huge power increase but it definitely improved drivability over the stock tune.
 

gray2014gt

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I'm going to disagree with other responses above. IMO the tune is way more important than the device used to install the tune into the car's computer. And that is basically what the SCTx4 does. There is a generic bullshit tune on the device but all of the information I have ever heard about the canned SCT tunes is to not use them. Consider the tuner an empty vessel for transferring tunes.

Been a long time but when I bought my 2014 GT I called up my buddy Justin at VMP. I picked up a standard tune from him, which included the SCTx4 with both 87 octane and 93 octane tunes. I loaded the 93 tune and never touched the tuner again for the next 5 years. It made a big difference with zero drivability quirks.

I felt bad pulling the tune off when I traded the car in 2 years ago but the dealership probably would have wiped it clean and tossed the tuner anyway. So I kept it and picked up tunes for my new F150. On that truck I'm running the 87 octane tune. Not a huge power increase but it definitely improved drivability over the stock tune.
Never said I'd use the pre-installed tunes just wondering about the tuner since I've never had or used one.
 

stkjock

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agree w/ @skwerl - it's the tune that is important. If you're good with running 93, then you'll pick up 30-40 HP IIRC with a good tune.

Lund - available thru Lethal Performance
VMP
Palm Beach Dyno - available thru Lethal Performance
ProDyno (which is somewhat close to you I think)
 

Juice

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I will try to keep it short. Based on my 2013 5.0 and yes, I have tried the canned tune:
Not worth it on a stock coyote.
Long tubes did not need a tune change. Fuel trims swing a bit more, but the car runs fine with LTs and no tune. Can be tuned to reduce the swing.
Most tune stock coyotes for the silly shit, fake cam sound, popping on decel, etc. (Ricer shit lol)
The only real reason on a stock car I see is if you changed gears or taller tires, you can correct the speedo.
Without the software to write a tune, thats all a tuner is good for on a stock vehicle.
CAI does nothing for performance on a coyote, just makes whooshing sounds, and increase intake noise. Think "sound tube" ;)
Tuning for 93 does nothing for a coyote, they adjust for the fuel based on the knock sensors. I am currently running SCT's 93 octane value file. I can run 87 just fine, PCM adjusts as needed.
 

gray2014gt

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I will try to keep it short. Based on my 2013 5.0 and yes, I have tried the canned tune:
Not worth it on a stock coyote.
Long tubes did not need a tune change. Fuel trims swing a bit more, but the car runs fine with LTs and no tune. Can be tuned to reduce the swing.
Most tune stock coyotes for the silly shit, fake cam sound, popping on decel, etc. (Ricer shit lol)
The only real reason on a stock car I see is if you changed gears or taller tires, you can correct the speedo.
Without the software to write a tune, thats all a tuner is good for on a stock vehicle.
CAI does nothing for performance on a coyote, just makes whooshing sounds, and increase intake noise. Think "sound tube" ;)
Tuning for 93 does nothing for a coyote, they adjust for the fuel based on the knock sensors. I am currently running SCT's 93 octane value file. I can run 87 just fine, PCM adjusts as needed.
Car came with/has American Muscle staggered wheels so I don't know if the speedo needs to be recalibrated for the wider wheels and tires. I've thought about going to 3:73 from 3:31 I have now but had buddy say not noticable difference between them said 4:10 but this my daily as of now heard lose mpg and top end/speed with 4:10 gears.
 

Juice

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Tire width does not matter for speedo. Tire height/diameter does.

And the gear ratio change w/X4 may not work without a custom tune anyway. Not 100% sure on this.
 

gray2014gt

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I have 255/45/18's and 275/40/18's so I don't think either is taller than stock tire size.
 

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