Predator Tuner - Need Advice, Please

FL2005GT · Jan 26, 2006

I'm sure that this is covered in other posts, but I'm too stoopid to find one covering all these questions.

I'm looking at getting a Predator tuner and custom dyno tune at a local shop for $600. I asked in the SE regional forum and everyone who replied told me to use this shop. I have a 2005 GT, manual tranny. For now, I'm keeping the stock airbox. Only mod is Flowmaster AT axle-backs. This is my daily driver, street use only except maybe once a year to the track, so I need it to be dead reliable. Questions:

1) Is there more than one Predator tuner for a 2005 GT? If so, which one do I want?

2) What are the potential power differences between an 89 and 93 octane tune?

3) Will the tuner allow for adjustments in the @!#$& torque management settings to give better throttle response?

4) Will the tuner allow elimination of the emissions-related "RPM hang?"

5) How do I restore the stock tune if I want to?

6) Has anyone who's used the Predator tuner had CEL, error codes or other problems with these or other changes?

7) Is $600 for the tuner and one tuning session a decent price?

Appreciate any advice.

AznStanger3v · Jan 26, 2006

1. There is only 1 predator right now. Get $70 off if you buy through partshopper
2. I havent used an 89 tune, but i did an 87 and 93 tune and the difference was VERY noticeable in my ass. Pulled harder, less lag.
3. I read the book on it, and unfortunately you arent going to be able to mess with the torque management, although the 93 tune pretty much got rid of most of it
4. Negative.
5. Just plug it in, press "Original Back up", and poof, back to normal. The predator automatically locks your VIN into it and makes a copy of your stock program and when you put your stock program back on, it unlocks your VIN and you can use it on another stang
6. Negative. Ive had nothing but AWESOME luck with this predator. Definently a good investment
7. Negative. A dyno tune will pull another 5 horses or so out of such a stock car. They will probably try to sacrifice your gas mileage by upping the fuel. Not worth it. If you want to drop 600 bones, mindswell just get the CAI + Predator package from partshopper, which you can apply the $70 discount to.

Just some food for thought. I hope this helps you. Any more questions just ask.

thump_rrr · Jan 27, 2006

With the only mod on your car being the axlebacks you don't need a custom tune.
If you purchase the C&L intake you can download the tunes for free from the Diablosport website.

I'm running JBA Longtube Headers and Steeda U/D Pulleys along with my C&L on the C&L tunes without a single CEL.
I have no throttle lag or torque limiting problems on mine.
If you were auto I'd say you have more options with the SCT X-Cal II but this isn't the case.

Also with the X-Cal II most custom tunes are locked so any change you want to make you need to email your tuner and ask for a change.
Even little things like tire diameter, gear ratio, cooling fan temperatures, ect.
What happens if the guy tuning your car goes out of business or gets hit by a bus?

I got the Diablosport U7140 from Here.
I sent them an email asking what their lowest price was.
I received a reply with a coupon code to reduce the price by $75.00.
I ended up paying $325.00 including Pc interface kit and free next day air shipping.

LarryS · Jan 27, 2006

thump_rrr said:
With the only mod on your car being the axlebacks you don't need a custom tune.
If you purchase the C&L intake you can download the tunes for free from the Diablosport website.

I'm running JBA Longtube Headers and Steeda U/D Pulleys along with my C&L on the C&L tunes without a single CEL.
I have no throttle lag or torque limiting problems on mine.
If you were auto I'd say you have more options with the SCT X-Cal II but this isn't the case.

Also with the X-Cal II most custom tunes are locked so any change you want to make you need to email your tuner and ask for a change.
Even little things like tire diameter, gear ratio, cooling fan temperatures, ect.
What happens if the guy tuning your car goes out of business or gets hit by a bus?

I got the Diablosport U7140 from Here.
I sent them an email asking what their lowest price was.
I received a reply with a coupon code to reduce the price by $75.00.
I ended up paying $325.00 including Pc interface kit and free next day air shipping.

I have an automatic 06. You can't change shift speeds with the Prediator? Can you change cold and warm idle? Mine idles way too fast cold. How about converter lock up and unlock speeds? Do you have a web site? Thanks!

thump_rrr · Jan 27, 2006

LarryS said:
I have an automatic 06. You can't change shift speeds with the Prediator? Can you change cold and warm idle? Mine idles way too fast cold. How about converter lock up and unlock speeds? Do you have a web site? Thanks!

I don't have a website since I'm just another 05 owner like you.

I own a 5 speed Manual myself.

The idle speed can be adjusted

Use the search feature and you'll find many threads out there comparing SCT X-Cal II vs Diablosport Predator.

From what I recall the diablo will adjust shift rpm only but the sct can change shift firmness and lockup also. Don't quote me on this.

Another good source of information are their respective websites.

Diablosport

SCT

With the latest update R28 the U7140 Predator can turn off the rear O2 sensors and also disable the traction control the same as the SCT can. The free update is available on the Diablosport website.

PS. Nice numbers with that Fox body Larry

FL2005GT · Jan 27, 2006

Great, thanks for all the help. I found a local shop that sells the Predator for $350.

Considering again that I just have the axle-backs, do you think I'll notice decent SOTP feel from the basic 87 or 89 octane tunes? I'm looking for maybe another 10HP to the wheels and, more importantly, better damned throttle response.

AznStanger3v · Jan 27, 2006

yeah man, your assmeter will definently feel it. the lag will definently go down as well. why are you going to a shop when partshopper will save you 20 bucks and they ship EXTREMEMLY fast

FL2005GT · Jan 28, 2006

It's a shop I used for my old Mustang, so I know the guy, no other reason. If I do have any questions, I know he's only about 10 minutes away.

LarryS · Jan 28, 2006

thump_rrr said:
The idle speed can be adjusted

Use the search feature and you'll find many threads out there comparing SCT X-Cal II vs Diablosport Predator.

Diablosport

SCT

PS. Nice numbers with that Fox body Larry

I tried the search but couldn't fine anything about tuning for cold and start up idle. Will the Diablo program for cold and start up idle? My warm idle is perfect. I just don't like the 2000 rpm start up.

Thanks for the compliment on my 88. I actually ran a 10.30 with a 1.369 60' after this. Unfortunately I wrecked it a couple years ago. Sure was a fun car.

AznStanger3v · Jan 30, 2006

from what i understand, you cant touch the open loop operations during startup.

LarryS · Jan 30, 2006

17yrOldStanger said:
from what i understand, you cant touch the open loop operations during startup.

Yes, I found that out. In fact there is a whole lot the Predator or Xcal 2 won't do.

Come on HP Tuner, make a tuner for Ford! For $499 it will do everything the PCM controls. www.hptuners.com

Predator Tuner - Need Advice, Please

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