Data logging and tuning a vehicle can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process, especially if you’re operating a laptop from the passenger’s seat with cords running from the OBD2 port back to the computer. Tuning, however, benefits cars with engine modifications and stock vehicles. That said, figuring out what path to take when tuning your LS engine can be a pain, and nobody wants to risk damaging their computer while making a pull in their car to get a data log. Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem: the SCT X4 handheld tuner.

This device allows you to data log and tune your engine without needing a laptop. In addition, the X4 comes with impressive hardware that enables you to select different gauges and gauge layouts that you might not otherwise be able to see, such as knock retard. You can also connect any 5-volt source and view it as a gauge, such as AFR, boost, and more.

Out of the box, the X4 comes with the tuning capability of pre-loaded or cloud tunes. You can use the pre-loaded SCT tunes or have a custom tune made by a tuner and delivered via the cloud. A quick Google search will bring up countless reputable tuners across the United States.

The X4’s display is super clear, and the brightness can be adjusted for day and night. You can even mount it on the windshield for quick viewing while driving down the road, making it an excellent option for people who would like to have a few extra parameters they can monitor.

With the ability to display a variety of gauges, the amount of data the X4 puts at your fingertips is incredibly helpful.

When tuning with the X4, you are in total control of everything that gets changed. Depending on your vehicle, you can configure many options, including a rev limiter, rpm-based spark timing, speed limiter, shift firmness, shift points, axle ratio, and more.

Once we had the X4 connected to our Firebird, we could make changes to the tune file by using the easy-to-navigate menus.

Setting up the X4 is super simple. After taking it out of the box, connect it to your computer and ensure the X4 is updated to the latest version. Then, connect it to your vehicle and download the stock tune to the handheld device.

Setting up the data logging feature is as easy as the programming function. You can go through the menus, choose which data you want to see onscreen during logging, and then go for a drive.

We tested the X4 on Project Dirty Bird and loaded up the 93-octane tune in the Firebird. We mounted the X4 on the windshield and set it up to display knock retard and fuel trim banks before taking off for a cruise. In less than 15 minutes, we were able to retune the car and immediately noticed a change in the Firebird’s performance. It had more torque at the low end and carried it through the RPM band.

We wanted to keep an eye on knock retard and fuel trims during our test drive. The data we needed was always in view by simply checking the corresponding boxes.

We were impressed with how much of a difference the X4 made in just 15 minutes with a few changes. The X4 makes data logging and tuning a lot easier and, in comparison, allows you to do almost everything a laptop can in the palm of your hand.

If you’re looking for an easier way to data log and tune your engine without needing a laptop, the SCT X4 handheld tuner is an excellent option. It comes with impressive hardware that allows you to select different gauges and gauge layouts, and it’s capable of pre-loaded or cloud tunes. The display is super clear, and you can even mount it on the windshield for quick viewing. Overall, the X4 makes data logging and tuning much easier and more accessible. For more information on the SCT X4 handheld tuner, please visit www.sctflash.com.