How does LS8 shift with SST and Xcal'ed computer?

[rocket5979]

Ok, this thread is different than the other one asking when to shift when using the SST so I decided to keep from cluttering that other fella's thread. I took a 04 LS8 for a test drive and messed around with the SST while driving and found it very soft when it shifted. I expect this from a stock auto tranny with no shift kit or shift reprogrammer. I know some of my other new gen explorer guys have used the Xcal on their slightly modded 4.6 explorers and are chirping 2nd gear through the 5R55W. I was just curious if anyone has messed with this option on the LS with the SST and got some really firm shifts out of them. Another thing that has me wondering is if going between regular D5 and SST uses different banks of data on the PCM or if they just use a common shift and line pressure data source and plug that into their mode of shifting that they are using. If they did use totally separate data banks (which I doubt) then you could set one for certain shift firmness through line pressure and the other to a different one. I know some of you fellas autoX these things on the weekends so I would see it as a benefit to having SST set to really firm fast shifts while D5 shifts at above normal firmness for good acceleration but nothing too jarring. This is all most likely a pipe dream. I would think they would pull from the same pot of data to save space and keep things simple. Any ACTUAL SCT tuners on this site that can let us know?

 

[eL eS]

Another thing that has me wondering is if going between regular D5 and SST uses different banks of data on the PCM or if they just use a common shift and line pressure data source and plug that into their mode of shifting that they are using. If they did use totally separate data banks (which I doubt) then you could set one for certain shift firmness through line pressure and the other to a different one.

The shifting is stored in two seperate locations. I spent the day with an SCT tuner to let him kind of train on my car if you will. We found that the SST and the auto shift points are stored seperately. So you can change teh SST behvior without messing up the auto programming.

 

[rocket5979]

The shifting is stored in two seperate locations. I spent the day with an SCT tuner to let him kind of train on my car if you will. We found that the SST and the auto shift points are stored seperately. So you can change teh SST behvior without messing up the auto programming.

That is great to hear! It would be a very nice advantage to run around town in the LS in D5 with some pretty decent shifting but nothing too savage. Then when in manual mode the line pressure would be programmed to be higher thus making the shifts firmer. Perfect for weekend race/daily driver car!

 

[Quik LS]

I am running the the SCT shift changes:
- firmed up SST shifts (very firm)
- moved the shifts points in auto

please with both. I took us about 5 different tries to get it right.

 

[eL eS]

I am running the the SCT shift changes:
- firmed up SST shifts (very firm)
- moved the shifts points in auto

please with both. I took us about 5 different tries to get it right.

excellent, have you noticed any side effects? Whe I went to visit torrie he tooled around with it a few times but there was some slop in the shifting. I am sure with more time he could have cleaned it up a bit but I am wondering by how much.

 

[Quik LS]

the changed shift points - when we had it wrong - I hated it - seem to always be searching for the right gear - up and down. I like what I have now.

the firmness in SST - is a MUST!!! it takes some of the lazy delay out of the shifts

I do think it's a personal thing though - what I like may not be want someone else likes, and may vary with driving style....

 

[eL eS]

the changed shift points - when we had it wrong - I hated it - seem to always be searching for the right gear - up and down. I like what I have now.

the firmness in SST - is a MUST!!! it takes some of the lazy delay out of the shifts

I do think it's a personal thing though - what I like may not be want someone else likes, and may vary with driving style....

Yeah some folks still buy lincolns for the sunday drive. I prefer promptness and when I need to get out of my own way the car must be able to deliver.

I have yet to buy in to the SCT Flasher but with advances in the shifting I just might procure this thing soon. I'd rather wiat till the SC is very near completion that is what will really make it worth the money for me. Or a good turbo config.

 

[Kelleyo]

the changed shift points - when we had it wrong - I hated it - seem to always be searching for the right gear - up and down. I like what I have now.

the firmness in SST - is a MUST!!! it takes some of the lazy delay out of the shifts

I do think it's a personal thing though - what I like may not be want someone else likes, and may vary with driving style....

Quik, has all of your hard (and greatly appreciated work) with this tuning been incorporated into Torrie's tunes he ships with the SCT or are yours totally custom?

Would this be any different for an 03 V8 with SST?

Thanks!

 

[Quik LS]

they are all part of Torrie's knowledge now - so he can add them to any tune he does for the LS - but you would have to ask for them to be included on top of your tune.

 

[eL eS]

it is a combo of knowing the map points and how to tune the engine.

 

[rocket5979]

the changed shift points - when we had it wrong - I hated it - seem to always be searching for the right gear - up and down. I like what I have now.

the firmness in SST - is a MUST!!! it takes some of the lazy delay out of the shifts

I do think it's a personal thing though - what I like may not be want someone else likes, and may vary with driving style....

I am very glad to hear this. The best of both worlds in my eyes. I do also agree about it being a personal thing. I installed a shift kit into my previous vehicle and set it to stage 4 of 5. It shifted very fast and firm into the next gear. Instead of lagging back, the vehicle would lurch forward into the next gear. Alot of people said it shifted way too firm for them when it was WOT, but when I didnt have my foot in the gas it shifted pretty firm but nothing too bad for daily driving. At least the programming can kind of mimic a shift kit. Either way this is really good news to hear. I just wish that the 03+ LS's didnt have the friggin throttle by wire! I want the VVT boost in power, the different interior and the regular TB too!