[hassie]

Lets start off with what I drive;

2001 F150 4x4 S. Cab, 4.6L V8.

Ok, here's what happened...I went to get good price/delivery on an Edge Evolution prog. I go in and the guy is telling me that the Edge isn't the best programmer for my buck. Since I am new to the whole programer scene and from what I've read online (FordF150.net) and elsewhere in mags and other web sites, that the edge is probably the best choice. But this guy starts telling me that you cannot edit the programing from the dash mounted module, only from the non-dash mounted module. Also, that Superchips (apparently who owns Edge) make a better programer for my truck. That the Superchips programer will give the best hp/torque/milage gains over the Edge.

Can you guys give me some insight as the time is ticking down to when my fiance will be ordering the programer of choice.

Thanks

 

[Lightning Steve]

Don't have any direct knowledge on the Edge but Superchips does make good stuff. I know the SCT X-Cal II is one of there newset and more popular programers, there is also the Predator programmer. The thing with those two and I would imagine the Edge is they come with pre-loaded programs, but with the X-Cal II and Pred you can also down load into the Programmer custom tunes, but I don't know if you can do that with the Edge. The other good thing with the programmers is the ability to read any codes/check engine lights etc.

 

[Viper238]

From what I read.. MSD owns Edge.. MSD also owns Superchips..

but Edge operates as it's own entity..
http://www.edgeproducts.com/company.php

As for the Edge.. I don't have any direct experience with one yet..
So I can't fill in thoses gaps..
I would check out their website for some good info though
http://www.edgeproducts.com/product.php?pk=54&pvk=160

 

[Lightning Steve]

Just looked at the Edge site, looks like a nice programmer, can monitor a lot of stuff! It appears to have three built in engine programs but can't install custom tunes (don't think that would be an issue for you), but it is upgradeable. The only real advantage to being able to install custom tunes is if you were doing major engine modifications. If you were doing the usual intakes, cat back etc. I wouldn't think you would need that feature.

 

[hassie]

There is a bit of custom to the edge...like WOT and I think I've heard something about Spark advance...other than that, I agree with you, that I don't need to do custom tuning as I won't be doing any major mods to my truck.

Thanks

 

[f150phule]

I dont have a programmer in my truck yet but when I do it'll be either the X-Cal II or III. I know the edge comes with canned tunes but you can get more HP/torque etc..from a custom tune. Since I'm one of the few on here with a v6 I also go to some v6 ford forums and I have found tons of good info on the Xcal tuners. I have also read that with some motors the Edge tuners sometimes have a tranny shudder issue which as of this time Edge is still trying to figure out.

 

[Smokefan]

I run with an Edge in the Supercrew, I like it(except the power cord).
You can set customs parameters if the 4 level tune doesn't have what you are looking for, I did the exhaust at the same time so any gains would be factored from both additions

 

[Colin]

I'm going to say that SCT is the way to go. The X-Cal 2 or 3 comes with canned tunes for stock trucks that will give you good gains. Also they have the ability to datalog and can be used if you ever want to go serious with modding your engine.

Most of the top tuners use SCT so if you ever wanted to get dyno tuned you already have the device.

 

[Bush_aholic]

I have an edge tuner in my 5.4L and I noticed a difference, IMHO I would rather the edge over superchips there is way more custom options and extras compared to the superchips. I have a superchip that is VIN locked for my truck used to be in a V10 and insted of paying 200$ to get it reset I went for the edge....superchip makes a good paper wheight now!!!!

 

[Irish FX4]

I'm going to say that SCT is the way to go. The X-Cal 2 or 3 comes with canned tunes for stock trucks that will give you good gains. Also they have the ability to datalog and can be used if you ever want to go serious with modding your engine.

Most of the top tuners use SCT so if you ever wanted to get dyno tuned you already have the device.

Only the Xcal 3 has preprogrammed tunes. The Xcal 2 does not. I have the Xcal 3 and the edge. The edge is a nice unit and has some great features that let you monitor whats going on with your engine. You get 3 tunes with the edge and the same for the Xcal 3. You can get custom programing for the edge. you have to contact Bill at http://www.powerhungryperformance.com/ and he can do a custom tune for you at a very reasonable price. He can take into account what mods you have.
The Xcal 3 can not only hold 3 preprogrammed tunes but also 3 custom tunes. This guy here http://www.troyerperformance.com is the best for custom tuning imo. I tried the preprogrammed tunes on the Xcal 3 and my truck did not like them at all. Mine through codes and ran like chit! Some people have had issues with them , others have had great results.

With any canned tuners they are programed for a stock truck. Thats why you have to get custom tunning if you have a lot of mods as these tunners can cause your engine to run lean and you can do a lot of damage if it does.
As for power they all pretty much the same until you get into the custom tunes. The edge boasts 35 extra hp but from what i have heard its more like 12 - 15hp. I have run the edge also on level 2 and its awesome! its like a totally different truck. It like day and night over stock. I have custom tunes from Troyer performance on order and i will be able to speak about them when they arrive this week some time. The draw back to ordering from Troyer is the 6 - 10 week wait time. The guy is the best and hence he is inundated with orders for tunes.

Hope that helps you .

Good luck.

 

[white4by4]

By reading your post IrishFX4 it sounds like you preffer the EDGE over the SCT. Is that what your stating???
In the research i've done and reading of others input the EDGE sounds like the better programmer for the adverage guy who is only doing minor mods such as CAI,Exhaust,Programmer. What do you guys think???

 

[Colin]

If you want to get max power out of your setup SCT is the way to go. It is the best software for tuning our trucks and any mod motor. Going through Troyers custom tune process will probably net you the highest horsepower possible, otherwise the canned tunes will be fine.

I really don't see a reason to go Edge unless it has some special features that the xcal's do not.

 

[alpine]

I have a Jet as it was the only one I could find for the 2000 V6 and I was not aware of the X-Cal at the time. No major change in HP but it sure helped the transmission shifts.

 

[SKRWZ]

I am running an X cal 2 with Troyers custom tunes, along with an air force 1 CAI, granatelli coil packs, JBA/Gibson shorty headers, Magnaflow cat back, Magnaflow high flow cats, 24lb injectors, and Troyer under drive pulleys with Flexalite E fans and I can tell you the truck runs better is and is more responsive then before, and passes an e test with flying colors with his tuning installed as well, IF you are going to go with custom tuning go with Troyers, it's a bit of a wait but you will be happy

 

[Irish FX4]

Going with the edge gives you the gauges where as the SCT does not its just for loading tunes and re turning to stock and data logging.Here are some of the thing you can monitor with the edge.

Your Evolution monitor allows you to monitor the performance of your engine’s vital engine components and output values. The following parameters can be displayed on the main Evolution screen (maximum 4 at one time):
• RPM
• MPH
• Engine Coolant Temp
• Engine Oil Temp
• Transmission Fluid Temp
• Cylinder Head Temp
• Air Intake Temp
• Line Pressure Control Desired
• Fuel Rail Pressure
• Output Shaft Speed
• Turbine Shaft Speed
• Manifold Air Flow
• Manifold Air Flow Sensor Voltage
• Variable Cam Timing Actual Advance
• Spark Advance
• Torque fuel/spark Limiting Status
• Fuel Economy
• Engine Load
• Accelerator Pedal Position
• Battery Voltage

That Evolution can sound an alert when certain engine parameter levels are met. The following alerts are available:
• Spark
• Engine Oil Temp
• Engine Coolant Temp
• Transmission Fluid Temp
• MPH
• RPM
• Cylinder Head Temperature

Keep track of your performance by recording maximum/minimum for a variety of parameters including:
• Max Engine Temp
• 0-60 times
• ¼ mile times
• Max RPM
• Max Speed
• Engine Coolant Temp
• Engine Oil Temp
• Transmission Fuel Temp
• Cylinder Head Temp
• Air Intake Temp

Custom Options:
• Customized Shifting
• Adjustable Speed and Rev Limiters
• Speedometer Correction
• WOT Fuel Adjustments
• Adjustable Backlit Color
• Adjustable Idle

*Increase in fuel efficiency varies based on driving style.

With both you can adjust for diff tire sizes, idle speed, shift points/ shift firmness etc. There is no adjustment for intake (except for one one the X3), or exhaust etc.
I liked the edge because of the gauge feature. I monitor RPM,Fual economy, Engine oil temp, Tranny temp.
As for power as i said before they are pritty much the same. I only have the X3 because thats what you get when you get custom tuning from Mike at Troyers.
Some guys have had alot of problems with the edge and again some have not.
I still use my edge but only as a gauge.

 

[Irish FX4]

I am running an X cal 2 with Troyers custom tunes, along with an air force 1 CAI, granatelli coil packs, JBA/Gibson shorty headers, Magnaflow cat back, Magnaflow high flow cats, 24lb injectors, and Troyer under drive pulleys with Flexalite E fans and I can tell you the truck runs better is and is more responsive then before, and passes an e test with flying colors with his tuning installed as well, IF you are going to go with custom tuning go with Troyers, it's a bit of a wait but you will be happy

If i were to do it again. Troyers all the way. But damn the edge gauge is nice.:icon_lol:
Both cost the same amount of money for Custom tuning and the edge.

 

[f150phule]

I am running an X cal 2 with Troyers custom tunes, along with an air force 1 CAI, granatelli coil packs, JBA/Gibson shorty headers, Magnaflow cat back, Magnaflow high flow cats, 24lb injectors, and Troyer under drive pulleys with Flexalite E fans and I can tell you the truck runs better is and is more responsive then before, and passes an e test with flying colors with his tuning installed as well, IF you are going to go with custom tuning go with Troyers, it's a bit of a wait but you will be happy

Could you PM me a ballpark figure all those mods cost you? I was looking for most of the same things from MT as well.

 

[Northern Supercrew]

from what i hear the edge can cause tranny problems. the xcal with troyer performance seems the way to go. a guy on my other forum just got back from troyer and had it dyno'd. with the troyer tunes and AF1 intake he picked up 43 RWHP. pretty good. i run the hypertech PP3 and the wife has the superchip programmer and i don't notice any difference in power or mpg.

 

[fordtough.ca]

If i were to do it again. Troyers all the way. But damn the edge gauge is nice.:icon_lol:
Both cost the same amount of money for Custom tuning and the edge.

So tell us what is the difference between the 2?

 

[Irish FX4]

from what i hear the edge can cause tranny problems. the xcal with troyer performance seems the way to go. a guy on my other forum just got back from troyer and had it dyno'd. with the troyer tunes and AF1 intake he picked up 43 RWHP. pretty good. i run the hypertech PP3 and the wife has the superchip programmer and i don't notice any difference in power or mpg.

With both you could potentially have tranny problems if you don't do regular maintenance. As for picking up 43 RWHP with a AF1 running 87 Octane not a chance. You would get maybe 20 - 25 RWHP. You could possibility get 43 running Sunoco Ultra 94. To get 43 RWHP the guy on the other forum must have been running a high Octane to get the numbers he got. If you went with the 3.5'' AF1 you could get more RWHP but then again you have to have custom tuning to run the 3.5" AF1 other wise it will lean out your engine.