The Touch Screen Extreme (TSX)...
The Touch Screen Extreme (TSX) retails for $899 and features a three-axis accelerometer and Bluetooth wireless technology to provide the latest in functionality and versatility in a handheld tuner. It's a substantial device in hand, and offers all of the bells and whistles that one would expect from the flagship of the SCT tuner lineup.
Handheld tuning devices have been around for quite some time now and at the forefront of this technology is SCT. The company's latest offering is the flagship of the handheld lineup, and puts wireless tuning technology into the end user's hands.
The Touch Screen Extreme (TSX) is SCT's new Bluetooth wireless automotive performance tuner and all-in-one monitoring system for Ford car, truck, and diesel applications. SCT claims that the TSX offers more data and features than any other performance tuning system on the market. The Touch Screen Extreme is shipped in a durable molded-plastic case, and includes a USB charging system for your laptop or 12-volt vehicle input, multiple two-pin input/output assemblies, a hard-wire connector, a high-quality dash/window mount, and an instruction CD.
Once you're linked up and ready to explore the unit's capabilities, you'll find that the TSX is capable of uploading performance or fuel economy programming into both gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, as well as read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The touch screen has adjustable screen themes, built-in shift lights, an image viewer, a music player, and a GPS. SCT included an external SD card slot that allows you to insert multi-media files onto the device-just throw away whatever electronic gadgets you're using now.
To use the TSX, plug the vehicle...
To use the TSX, plug the vehicle interface module into the OBDII diagnostic port and then tuck it up and away under the dash. Unless you opt to use the four analog inputs or 12-volt switch, this is the last you'll need to see of it.
An external OBD-II-mounted Bluetooth dongle key accepts both 0-5-volt analog signals, and produces additional output signals. Once plugged in, the dongle key can be hidden under the dash of the vehicle, all the while performing for the Touch Screen Extreme.
So you think you've heard it all, and you're probably sold on the TSX by now, but that's not all there is to it. The TSX also performs the role of a datalogger, and can be configured to offer visual instrumentation of the vehicle's various sensors and functions using completely wireless technology. You can mount the screen anywhere you choose with the included mount; then just tap and scroll your way to tuning bliss.
But there's still more to the TSX. Two additional 0-5-volt signals can be monitored and recorded through a special two-channel Firewire analog input, while two separate two-pin hardwire inputs are also available for up to four different signals at once. And since the SCT guys are racers at the core, there is even a 12-volt, two-pin output port that allows you to run nitrous solenoids, water/methanol pump drivers, or any other 12-volt switch that you may need to flip.
Now that you've cleared some trouble codes, played some music, and watched your fuel injector pulse width on the wireless touch screen, it's time to go out and have some fun with the TSX's internal three-axis accelerometer. Inside is a performance calculator that will measure horsepower and torque, quarter-mile times, 0 to 60-plus-mph times, as well as braking distances. SCT thinks that the TSX bridges the gap between expensive instrumentation and datalogging systems, complex tuning systems, and real-time data acquisition systems.
We only had a limited amount of time to tinker with the TSX on our subject vehicle, but we were very impressed with the quality of the TSX's construction, as well as the multitude of functions that it performs. While the retail price of $899 might seem steep, it's pretty inexpensive when you consider everything it does. And it may just be the last tuner you buy-that is until they incorporate a cell phone into one.
The Touch Screen Extreme is available through SCT's custom tuning dealer network and warehouse distributors throughout North America.
The TSX is capable of uploading performance or fuel economy programming into both gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.
While the retail price of $899 might seem steep, it's pretty inexpensive when you consider everything it does.
SCT claims that the TSX offers more data and more features than any other performance tuning system on the market.
The TSX mounts to any solid...
The TSX mounts to any solid and smooth surface using this beefy suction mount. It's the same as what most high-end GPS units use.
After connecting with the...
After connecting with the car's computer, the TSX reads the PCM code and strategy.
The TSX's most basic functions...
The TSX's most basic functions include the adjustment of various options. To page through the list, simply stroke the screen like you would an iPhone.
With the TSX, you can reprogram...
With the TSX, you can reprogram your car for different octane fuels.
Changing the rear gear ratio...
Changing the rear gear ratio in the TSX will make sure that your speedometer reads true after that ring and pinion swap.
Inside the TSX programming,...
Inside the TSX programming, you'll find a number of calibrations for most of the cold-air kits on the market, as well as the stock airbox.
You can also make changes...
You can also make changes to the calibration regarding spark, fuel, and air/fuel ratio.
When you're done making you...
When you're done making you option changes, simply command the TSX to calibrate.
When not using it to program...
When not using it to program the vehicle, you can configure the TSX to display various vehicle parameters in real time.
Now it's time to load your...
Now it's time to load your custom tune.
Whether you have a gasoline-...
Whether you have a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle, there is a significant number of PIDS (parameter IDs) to choose from, and you can monitor them from the TSX as you drive down the road or make pulls on the dynamometer.
If you have the TSX, you can...
If you have the TSX, you can download the SCT Live Link 6 datalogging program to your laptop for free from its website. The Live Link also works with several other SCT tuners.
Our first test vehicle belongs...
Our first test vehicle belongs to Julia Herbert of Greencove Springs, Florida. It's a 2010 Shelby GT500 that's been fitted with a Whipple 2.9L supercharger upgrade. With the custom calibration from Tony Gonyon at TunersInc, the Shelby pounded the Dynojet rollers with 702 rwhp and 635 lb-ft of torque. Having 600 lb-ft available at 3,000 rpm is ludicrous, but the modified GT500s make it look easy.
Since our GT500 was modified...
Since our GT500 was modified with a custom tune, we wanted to see what SCT's out-of-the-box tune would do on a relatively stock vehicle. To accomplish this test, TunersInc's Tony Gonyon called in customer Brian Vassak, who provided us with his 2006 Mustang GT. Brian's Mustang was fitted with aftermarket headers and mufflers, along with a cold-air kit, but we returned the tune to stock and bolted on a factory airbox for the test.
On our baseline pulls, the Pony produced 265 rwhp and 286 lb-ft of torque. After programming the car with the TSX, we saw power and torque improve to 273 rwhp and 290 lb-ft of torque. There was a significant improvement in low-speed torque, and gains were seen across the powerband in both horsepower and torque. Results will vary depending on your combination, and as you modify you car, you can continue to make changes to the calibration.
Once you have completed your...
Once you have completed your computer adjustments, you can use the TSX to perform several performance tests, including a full quarter-mile dragstrip hit, 0 to 60, top speed, and braking distance calculations.
Depending on the test, the...
Depending on the test, the TSX has a unique screen that will best display the needed information.
The quarter-mile drag simulator...
The quarter-mile drag simulator is pretty trick, with a working Christmas tree and everything.