Worth it?

old fordnut · 20-11-2009, 06:57 AM

Is it still worth buying a first series capa flash tuner?

JC · 20-11-2009, 08:16 AM

In my opinion, it is not. They are unsupported - you may still be able to get one unlocked and tuned, but XCal3 or Livewire is so good (get one with the user options unlocked), you'll ask why you didn't get one earlier. I got mine from the states for less than a Flash 1 here anyway (and it was loaded with 3 generic tunes for the explorer - something you can't do for a falcon, unfortunately).

Stattic · 20-11-2009, 05:16 PM

i bought one and use one and its fine
i was actually looking at newer versions today, if i ever get a retune i might get one. JC why do you think xcal3 is so much better?

blueoval · 20-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Bruce, my tuner sourced one for me a while back, and havent had any reason to go to a higher spec version.

Its all depends on what application your running it for etc.

T3man · 20-11-2009, 05:46 PM

NO - been down that road. Just get an XCAL3.

blueau · 20-11-2009, 07:51 PM

if you dont have the cash for xcal3 then get an early one, its not like they tune your car any better. they just have some extras that most people never use anyway.

JC · 20-11-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stattic

i bought one and use one and its fine
i was actually looking at newer versions today, if i ever get a retune i might get one. JC why do you think xcal3 is so much better?

1. XCal3 is supported.
2. XCal3 (or Livewire) has user settings that you can play around with, without the need to go back to the tuner (more $$$). It means you can adjust things (shift firmness, shift point at WOT, idle speed, diff ration, speed limiter, rev limiter, fuel mix at WOT, etc).

blueau · 20-11-2009, 08:07 PM

after the first 2weeks how much do you use all those settings(and some tuners lock them out)
as i said it all comes down to$$$$$

Stattic · 20-11-2009, 11:30 PM

my tuner edits my flash box for free (im a repeat customer) but its a half an hour drive to get there so i guess it is convenient
it would be nice to fiddle with stuff such as idle rpm so easily tho, id love to get my hands on one at the right price

JC · 21-11-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stattic

my tuner edits my flash box for free (im a repeat customer) but its a half an hour drive to get there so i guess it is convenient
it would be nice to fiddle with stuff such as idle rpm so easily tho, id love to get my hands on one at the right price

The right price won it for me. $472 (USD$420 at the time) delivered to my door from the states, with 3 generic tunes (one for ULP, one for Vortex, and one for Vortex 98) plus all user options unlocked, and free support via email and phone (he's sent me a couple of tune files via email whcih i've uploaded to the XCal and then to the truck). For me, the XCal was a must as it removed the code we were getting when running on LPG.

blueau - You'd be surprised. I can change tyre sizes between 29.5" (standard) and 32" and I can adjust the revs/mile so the speedo is accurate. I can change shift points for each tune, and I've had to recently richen up the WOT mixture due to the hot weather (it was throwing a lean code). So it is handy, and helps to protect the car from damage.

For an AU, Flash tuner 1 is all you'd need, but it is now largely unsupported, so at some stage the box will become a paper weight.

mik · 21-11-2009, 10:54 AM

if i could get one for the right price with a different car tune say a mustang for example, i`m guessing that would mean i need to get the device cleared and different software added for the au, or is it simply a matter of hitting delete key to lose the tune and it will just read what ever ford its plugged into?, any idea`s about this JC? not really interested in getting it tuned at this stage but would like to tinker a bit myself ;).

JC · 21-11-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mik

if i could get one for the right price with a different car tune say a mustang for example, i`m guessing that would mean i need to get the device cleared and different software added for the au, or is it simply a matter of hitting delete key to lose the tune and it will just read what ever ford its plugged into?, any idea`s about this JC? not really interested in getting it tuned at this stage but would like to tinker a bit myself ;).

To get an XCal3 for your car, all you need is the Strategy code or CALID - then you send that to the dude in the states, and he sends you a box linked/locked to your car. You could ask him to do a couple of conservative generic tunes for an AU, but you first might have to supply him with the factory tune (The XCal 3 sucks it out from the car, and you can save it and email it to him). Not sure if this is actually do-able, but might be worth a shot. If you want contact details to do this, send me a PM and I will reply with the web address and you go from there.

mik · 22-11-2009, 01:34 PM

thanks JC i would like one if cash is ok around xmas, see how it pans, cheers mate.