Don’t buy an SCT Tuner till you’ve read this review.
There’s been a lot of buzz around SCT Tuners recently. If you don’t already know, SCT makes performance tuners and monitors. Their products use preloaded and custom car tunes to get the most out of your vehicle within safe parameters. But are they worth all the hype?
This review will show why SCT Tuners are widely in demand. We’ll also examine three prominent SCT Tuners and tell you which one is right for you. If you want to change the performance of your car with one of these tuners, then you should learn about these SCT Tuners:
- X4 Performance Programmer
- BDX Performance Programmer
- Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer
Table of Contents
What’s the Truth About SCT Tuners?
SCT’s primary goal is unlocking better performance in your vehicle through ECU calibration. They have built a lot of software for the OEM industry and custom tuning. This company develops handheld units that you can use to carry out performance calibrations on hundreds of vehicle models, including Ford, GM, and Dodge vehicles.
SCT has been around since 2003, with its team of passionate experts with experience in performance shops, vehicle calibration, parts manufacturing, racing, and aftermarket tuning. Together, they worked hard to bring in-depth customization and tuning to enthusiasts to get more performance from their vehicle.
Apart from tuners, SCT also makes meters and adapters, pod mounts, throttle boosters, EGT sensor kits, and cables. They also provide custom tuning training for engines like the one in Ford Coyotes.
Are SCT Tuners Good?
Yes, SCT Tuners are built and maintained by engineers who work tirelessly to bring better features on every new release. The latest versions of their tuners allow you to tune an entire vehicle in a matter of minutes.
What Vehicle Brands Do SCT Tuners Support?
SCT Tuners primarily support Ford, GM, and Dodge vehicles, covering hundreds of makes and models. SCT allows you to check for vehicle compatibility on their website before buying. Once you select your vehicle’s year, brand, model, and engine, you’ll be shown all the products that are compatible with it.
Who Should Buy SCT Tuners?
SCT Tuners have proven reliable generation over generation. The latest generation of their devices adds more useful features and even faster tunes if you use their preloaded tunes.
Where to Buy SCT Tuners?
You can check their official website for local dealers with tuners around you, but that is the long route. Ideally, it would help if you bought SCT Tuners on Amazon since you will likely get better deals. Here are links to get the best prices on the tuners we’ll be discussing:
Best SCT Performance Tuners/Programmers Review
X4 Performance Programmer
Overview of the Tuner
The new X4 is smaller than its predecessor, the X3, but it packs a bigger punch in tuning features. Its custom tuning features will help you get the most out of the modifications you’ve done to your car, and even if it’s stock or old, X4 will take its performance to an extraordinary level.
The Package
X4 connects to your car via the OBD2 port, so it naturally comes with an OBD2 connector. It also has an included USB cable for connecting to the computer for downloading tunes or updating the device.
Design and Specifications
Instead of having a fixed cable attached to it like the X3 calibrator, the X4 Performance enhancer comes with ports instead. This way, you can switch to longer cables if that’s better for you. The device has five navigational keys; four directional keys and one Select key. Using these keys to operate the device is easy since the screen guides you on what to select and actions to perform.
Vehicle Brands and Models It Supports
X4 Performance Programmer supports Ford vehicles as far back as 1989. Moreover, it supports Mercury vehicles since 1994 and Dodge and Lincoln since 1996. However, the X4 also extends support to other brands like GMC, Cadillac, Jaguar in later years. You can check for vehicle compatibility on its official website.
Features and Functions
X4 comes preloaded with DYNO Proven performance tune files, making it a plug-and-play device. During tuning, it offers many key adjustable options for the best tune. Besides tuning, you can use it to monitor different vehicle gauges and data logs. It can also clear DTCs from your ECU, although it can’t delete emissions data.
Custom Tunes
The X4 stores ten customer tunes apart from the preloaded and saved stock files. You can load custom over your computer while your device is connected through the provided mini-USB cable.
Licensing and Pricing
X4 Performance is moderately priced at $338.95 on Amazon. However, other dealers may quote higher prices up to $419, which is why you might want to stick with Amazon. You can always tune more than one vehicle with X4, but you have to return the car to stock and unmarry the device.
Software Update
Wi-Fi is provided for easy updates. The update process is generally a frictionless one. You’ll have to download the update software to your Windows PC, install it, then connect your X4 over the micro-USB cable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightning-fast tuning on most cars
- Supports up to 10 custom tunes
- Very easy to use
- Comes with all the right cables
Cons
- Doesn’t support update over macOS
X4 Performance Programmer
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer
Overview of the Tuner
Tweak your vehicle’s electric control module to access extraordinary performance with the Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer. This programmer has preloaded base files and allows custom-tuning to monitor and upgrade your vehicle in a cinch.
The Package
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer includes a few accessories with the device. First, you have the user guide, and then there’s a micro-USB cable, an OBD2 connector, and a window mount. Since this gadget is more of a performance monitor, you can mount it on the window to read the various gauges on the go. It also has a junction box and a Video Input for an auxiliary camera.
Design and Specifications
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer features a 4-inch full-color touchscreen. The screen is touchable whether you have wet or gloved hands. In addition, the screen has an ambient light sensor to adjust the brightness day and night.
Auto on/off/sleep mode shuts the device off two minutes after shutting off the ignition.
Vehicle Brands and Models It Supports
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer is compatible with 1996+ Ford diesel and gas vehicles. Here are just a few of the compatible models.
[table “1147” not found /]Features and Functions
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer comes preloaded with street-tested performance tunes. It allows you to optimize ignition timing, air-fuel ratio, fuel curves, ignition timing, and peak boost. Moreover, you don’t need a separate device to monitor your vehicle’s parameters. You can view and record your rig’s parameters on the device.
Another feature I particularly like is the ability to configure gauge warnings and alerts for crucial engine parameters. Not to mention, you can change gauge and screen graphics layouts to your liking.
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer can read and clear diagnostic trouble codes. It also has a switch-on-the-fly feature such that you can switch between tunes without reprogramming or waiting for a reset. Hence, you can go from drag racing to towing in a minute.
No worries if you’re new to performance tuning. The monitor instructs you on how to perform each test and gives you helpful hints for almost all provided functions.
Custom Tunes
Beyond the available tunes, Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer can hold ten custom tunes. You can get the tunes set up by an authorized SCT dealer. This programmer is not Wi-Fi enabled, so you’ll need to use the provided USB cable to add the custom tunes.
Licensing and Pricing
Today’s price tag for the Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer is around $600. It’s a midrange tuner with tons of applications to suit various vehicles. Nevertheless, it’s not for sale in California since its emission levels have not been adjusted to meet the legal limits.
Software Update
This performance programmer receives updates over a USB connection to a PC. You need a Windows computer to use the device’s updater. Unfortunately, you can’t update the gadget on Apple or Mac devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Light-adaptable screen
- Includes windshield mount
- Live monitoring and high-speed data logging
- Reads and clears DTC codes
- Automatic on, off, and sleep mode
- User-adjustable alerts and warnings
Cons
- Not Wi-Fi enabled
- The frame can slide when not mounted
- Screen smudges easily
Livewire TS+
SCT BDX Performance Programmer
Overview of the Tuner
SCT BDX Performance Programmer is designed to get more power out of your vehicle by giving it a massive boost in horsepower, torque, and fuel economy. It can use both generic tuning and custom tuning specific to your needs while keeping an eye on important vehicle information.
The Package
When you order your SCT BDX, it will come with a quick install guide to help you get started. You’ll also get an OBD2 cable, which you’ll use to connect the device to your vehicle. Lastly, a USB cable will come in handy for downloading tunes.
Design and Specifications
SCT BDX is a compact handheld device. It is pretty easy to operate since it has one main button, two up and down scrolling buttons, and two left and right moving buttons.
In addition, SCT BDX has two ports; the USB port and the OBD connection point. Everything is straightforward, even for newbies.
A full-color LCD provides a user-friendly navigation. The screen is brightly lit, and you can see the features in bright sunlight or at night.
Vehicle Brands and Models It Supports
The SCT BDX performance comes with 700 applications to help you tune a considerable number of vehicles. Here’s the complete list of compatible vehicles.
[table “1146” not found /]Features and Functions
As I’ve mentioned, the SCT BDX performance programmer delivers tunes that work in real-world conditions. To this end, you can adjust powertrain performance, monitor PIDs, and data log with a few scrolls.
SCT BDX allows you to record vehicle performance, so you can come back later using SCT’s LiveLink software to analyze logged data. Moreover, you can receive DLX files over Wi-Fi for a closer look at your car’s performance.
You get multiple SCT tuning levels to get you started tuning your vehicle. Plus, you can send and receive tunes over Wi-Fi. This way, you can access various functions such as rev-limiter adjustments and wheel and tire size calibration, among others.
Custom Tunes
This tuner can store up to 20 custom tunes. It’s easy to get these tunes from an SCT dealer near you. Therefore, you’ll have the preloaded stock functions, tunes, and custom tunes in a wholesome device.
Licensing and Pricing
SCT BDX Performance Programmer is priced at around $420 on Amazon. Again, the device can be priced as high as $700, depending on where you look. That’s why it’s advisable to stick to Amazon. Nonetheless, SCT BDX is not legal for pollution-controlled vehicles in California.
Software Update
Updates on the SCT BDX happen over Wi-Fi and cloud-based tune-delivery so you can have the latest tunes that are tailored to your vehicle.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek, handheld design
- Adjust over two dozen functions
- Reads and clears DTC codes
- Up to 20 custom tune files
- Live monitoring of PIDs
- Cloud delivery of tunes
Cons
- Lacks cover for protection
- No holder
If you’re already trying to make your rig better, SCT BDX Performance Enhancer can make it perform at its absolute best. In only a few clicks, your everyday vehicle becomes a beast!
What Makes the 3 SCT Tuners Different From Each Other?
SCT X4 is a simple tuner that supports a permanent installation of the tunes into a vehicle’s electrical system. It is super easy to use as it enables unlocking a vehicle’s full potential.
On the other hand, SCT BDX provides complete control over the vehicle’s specific outputs. It allows a car to perform at peak levels, and it has lots of performance features. Moreover, it can store 20 custom tunes allowing maximum customization.
Meanwhile, Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer offers remarkable efficiency for monitoring the engine’s parameters on the go and allowing the car to reach its peak levels. It enables on-the-fly program switching, but the other two tuners do not.
Which Should I Buy?
SCT X4 is ideal for drivers who want a tuner to increase fuel efficiency, torque, and horsepower while remaining within safe parameters. It’s super easy to use, so beginners will find it straightforward to use.
For those who want a car that reaches peak levels for specific tasks such as towing maximum load capacities or power to drive uphill, the SCT BDX Performance programmer is for you.
Livewire TS+ Performance Programmer is better for advanced drivers who monitor live vehicle gauges as the car reaches its maximum power level. It’s also for drivers who want to change programs without a reflash.
Read more: Best Car Tuning Software 2023 [update]: Here is The Top 10 ECU Tuning Software
