Product Review: FocusSport SCT Chip

 

Introduction:

 

I've been using the FS/SCT Chip for about a week now. My last chip was a DiabloSport performance chip, and I'd been eyeing a few options for getting a chip with multiple tunes. Mainly, the Superchips Custom Tuning Chip and the DiabloSport DeltaChip were options I was considering. The main reason I wanted multiple programs was to run low octane fuel for daily driving, while keeping all the features that I was enjoying from my current chip (increased rev limit and speed governor, mostly).

 

I was discussing my programming options with the guys at FocusSport few months ago, and recently, Randy Robles (Vice President of FocusSport) called me and gave me some info on the FS/SCT. After doing some research on the SCT, I knew it's what I'd want to use, so long as I could find someone worth their salt to program it.

 

The first and most obvious advantage to the SCT is that resellers can program it with the right equipment and software. Most other chip manufacturers require you to send them the specifications of the car the chip is going to be used in (usually asking upwards of 20 questions regarding the vehicle and modifications), and then they let you download the proper program to burn to the chip.  Not so with SCT.  The SCT software allows the programmer to change literally hundreds of operating parameters of the car.  If the car's on-board computer controls it, there's a good chance that it can be changed.

 

The SCT Chip is a means of doing extraordinary things with a car's Powertrain Control Module.  The actual results you can get when you use it are dependent on who does the programming.  Undoubtedly, FocusSport shines in this arena, because of the research and development they put into their programs.

 

That brings us to Randy at FocusSport. He's been working tirelessly, putting every kind of Focus that he can find onto their dyno in Anaheim, CA. Once a baseline run has been established, he starts tuning and testing adjustments to the SCT parameters.  On FocusSport's page, there are only a dozen or so options to choose for your SCT chip, but behind the scenes, he already has dozens upon dozens of options beyond those you've chosen, all optimized for your setup.  So many Foci have been put on the dyno and tuned to perfection, that dyno-tuning is no longer a requirement when ordering from FocusSport, although you can bet that if you went to FocusSport's shop after buying the chip, they'd be able to get even more power out of it on the dyno by adjusting cam timing and fine tuning the chip's parameters.

 

Add in the ability to put anywhere from one to four performance programs onto the SCT, and you've now got a real winner.  Got nitrous? FocusSport can tune your SCT to work great on the bottle, and with the flip of a switch, still get the most out of your car without the spray. Matter of fact, almost any true driving enthusiast can appreciate having multiple tunes for their car, as not every situation is the same.  People who would definitely benefit from the FS/SCT chip with multiple tunes:

 

 

• Drivers who use nitrous oxide at the track

Call or email FocusSport directly so they can get all the specifics on your nitrous setup.  They will use this information to create an elaborate custom program that's perfect for your setup.  You should probably avoid using the form on their website for a nitrous program.

 

• Drivers who use large wheels and tires for summer but go back to stock for winter

FocusSport can give you adjustable wheel/tire sizes to keep your odometer and speedometer accurate to the circumference of different tire sizes

 

• Drivers who want high-octane performance only when they need it, and low- octane economy for convenience

FocusSport can configure the SCT to be used with high octane pump fuel (91-93 octane), as well as race fuel (100 octane and higher), and even low octane fuel (87-89) Octane.  Be sure to note exactly what octane fuels you will be using for each program.

 

• Drivers who often drive their cars at vastly different altitudes

FocusSport is doing research to create excellent high-altitude programs

 

• ANYONE who uses their car for more than just "Point-A to Point-B" transportation!

 

Next: SCT Parameters à