Pinging after Performance Tune with Predator

[01mgvert]

Two days ago I installed the Diablo performance tune with the Predator. Now when I accelerate in first gear, the engine pings (sounds like knocking). When I accelerate in other gears, the engine runs fine. I am using premium gas (91 octane) as the instructions require. The diagnostic tool in the Predator listed my idle timing at 14 degrees. Do I need to lower this to prevent the pinging? Are there any other reasons for this noise?

 

[LI98GTStang]

Have you tried octane boost to see if it goes away? Either way, I would suggest calling the place where you bought it from or Diablo directly to see if there is something that can be done.

 

[01mgvert]

I sent an e-mail to Diablo today, but I wanted to get some feedback from fellow stangers. I am primarily interested in the danger of the pinging. For example, is this the same as detonation.

I have tried any octane boost yet. I might just use the Predator to modify the timing in the performance tune. That is one of the benefits of the Predator: You can install the Diablo performance tune and still have the option to modify the tune.

 

[stangman]

i would play with the timing on it, & see if that helps it. that's what it sounds like to me

 

[01mgvert]

I read on another discussion board that some guys were getting better performance with the timing set at 12-13 degrees. I will try backing mine down to see if that helps. Again, the pinging makes me nervous.

 

[SonicB]

must use premium gas.

 

[okc2KGT]

91 is premium

 

[COramprat]

I read on another discussion board that some guys were getting better performance with the timing set at 12-13 degrees. I will try backing mine down to see if that helps. Again, the pinging makes me nervous.

My bet is that is the problem. Adjust your timing and it shoud go away.

 

[Go HoTO!]

Pinging is basically the same thing as detonation. It will tend to ocurr most readily under stress conditions such as load (towing, hills, WOT...) and when the ambient temps are higher.

If your car is pinging, the timing is advanced to much for the fuel that you are using. Think of "Octane" as meaning "resistance to pinging". The more octane, the greater the resistance to pinging. Either less timing or more octance should correct the problem.

 

[holler]

try finding a sunaco station with 93 and 94 octane and see if that helps.

 

[Beau]

just bump the timing back down a few degrees and I think you'll be just fine

 

[grodgers]

IIRC...

Two days ago I installed the Diablo performance tune with the Predator. Now when I accelerate in first gear, the engine pings (sounds like knocking). When I accelerate in other gears, the engine runs fine. I am using premium gas (91 octane) as the instructions require. The diagnostic tool in the Predator listed my idle timing at 14 degrees. Do I need to lower this to prevent the pinging? Are there any other reasons for this noise?

Doesn't the performance tune require 93 Octane?

 

[01mgvert]

Doesn't the performance tune require 93 Octane?

The Diablo literature states that only 91 octane is required for their performance tune.

 

[01mgvert]

just bump the timing back down a few degrees and I think you'll be just fine

I tried this but the noise is still there.

I put in a C & L TrueFlow inlet pipe at the same time. Could this be rattling? The only time the noise occurs is during first gear acceleration. Again, the noise sounds more like knocking than pinging.

 

[702 bullitt]

My diablo flip chip clearly states the use of 93 octane not 91 unless the predators tune has a little less timing.

 

[twogts4us]

Make sure the Trueflow isn't impacting anything, like the shock tower - I didn't have any problem with mine, but I guess it is possible. If you still have pinging after dropping the timing down to 12 or 13, then I'd drop it a bit further, or reset back to stock and start over. I'd also recommend 93 octane, or just add some octane booster to the tank. Detonation, or pre-ignition is potentially VERY damaging. That sound is your cylinder walls essentially rattling from a soundwave created by the A/F mixture exploding before its time! Sounds scary, eh?

 

[01mgvert]

Problem solved. The C & L TrueFlow inlet pipe was bumping against the Steeda strut tower brace. There is a 1/4 inch between the parts so I put a rag between them and the noise went away. The engine must really buck during acceleration in first gear.