Well I went ahead and got a SCT xcal2 off ebay last month. I was fortunate to download the Spartan tunes for my strategy just before they took down the archive. I ran the Max Econony tune for a while but didn't like the shifting. Then I tried the Agressive Street tune for a while. That was a really quick tune but I again had concerns with the shifting. Overall they were good but under full throttle it missed a gear and overrevved. Scary! I decided it wasn't the right tune and ran the mild street economy tune until a week ago. It was good all around and no real complaints. I smelled coolant at a stop light. I'm not sure it was me as it hasn't happened again but I switched back to the stock tune as a precaution. I miss the SCT. Running the mild street economy tune I was averaging 1 mpg over stock.
Eric at Innovative has a good reputation. I hear his transmission control programming is the best available. I intend to get an innovative tune at some point in the future.
I would like to do an EGR delete but it is my understanding that the updated strategies (post recall in 2005) will enter a limp mode if they detect a low EGR flow condition. This is determined by the computer based on comparing the needed intake air vs actual. If the readings are too close together a low EGR flow condition is set. This parameter is set in the computer deeper than the SCT flash can go so it is not something that can be corrected on the later strategies with a tuner.
Brimmstone the 6.4's are monsters. (gotta love the common rail) Spartan has released their own tuner called the Phalanx. They dynoed one at 580 hp, 1100 ft-lbs at the wheels with just the Phalanx, an exhaust and intake I believe. It is based on the Dashdaq monitor and can read and datalog a ton of engine and transmission parameters as well. The Phalanx for the 6.0 is in beta testing right now. They can eliminate the EGR limp mode situation apparently and tune the FICM as well. This ought to be the one to get once it is in production.
Now I am just waiting for my warranty to expire and then I'll be putting some head studs, EGR delete, Phalanx and probably propane to it. That's in at least a year from now.
I have also heard that someone has solved the issue of fuel starvation at high HP on the 6.0's but they aren't sharing any details yet. The HPOP system has been the limiting factor on the 6.0 and 7.3 from what I understand so this ought to open up more potential for these motors if it is indeed for real.
I have been reading everything I can get my hands on and this is what I have gathered thus far.