Ken, hope you can help. I have an 01 7.3 powerstroke automatic all stock. Want to purchase either the predator or the superchip tuner. Will be towing my 25ft camper trailer (5,000 lbs loaded) dont want to modify my truck(i.e. down pipe, exhaust etc.) if I dont have to. However would like to add some gauges. Could you inform me of the differences between the 2 tuners and if possible which one would you reccommend for my application. Like the idea of simplicity. Thanks in advance.

 

That sounds just like what i want to do! Accept i dont want anymore gauges....

Chris

 

The SCMT:

-60 HP
-80 HP
-Numeric diagnostic code reader (gives you the code number which you look up in a book)
-Clears DTC codes.
-Always raises speed limiter
-Non-backlight screen (can't read at night or in very bright direct light)
-No support for custom tuning

The Predator:

-stock horse power + user adjustable transmission shift firmness tuning
-40 horse power + user adjustable transmission shift firmness tuning
-60 horse power + user adjustable transmission shift firmness tuning
-85 horse power + user adjustable transmission shift firmness tuning
-Optionally raise the speed limiter
-Full text OBD-II Diagnostics + diesel specific diagnostics
-Real-time sensor input data monitoring (fuel, MAP, coolant temp, RPM, live diagnostic codes, etc.)
-Clears DTC codes
-300% larger screen than the competition
-Backlit screen allows you to use the tool in full sunlight or total darkness
-Port which will allow the download of updates and customized programs

Either will do the job just fine. Both are very simple to use. The Predator has default transmission settings or you can fine tune it to your likes. Cost-wise the SCMT is the winner but feature-wise the Predator beats it.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by webmaster
[B]The SCMT:

--Always raises speed limiter

Actually, the speed limiter raise is an option on the MicroTuner 1700. Maybe they cut this out on the 1705?

I sold my SCMT 1700 and am planning on buying a Predator. Yes, it is more, but you pay for what you get and it can be updated with new programs (Like maybe a fuel reproduction program.... )

Besides, it looks much cooler when you show your friends.

 

You're right. I had a brain-fart. I was typing at the same time I was answering someone's questions on the phone about a chip.

 

not sure about the Diablo, but the 80hp option on the SCMT is NOT recommended if you are going to tow. It would be nice to have the ability to download updates. The SCMT also adds 115lbs of torque.

Another thing to remember when buying either tuner...if you take your truck to the shop for warranty work, take the codes out! If a Ford rep reads your truck, and finds out you've got it tuned, your warranty is voided. I bought mine from my dealer, so it's not a worry.

 

The high HP option on the Microtuner has pretty much the same for the Predator - light towing only.

Buying from a dealer isn't going to make a difference ---- Ford does not endorse or support a product simply because a dealer sold it. If a dealer is going to hassle you about it, they'll hassle you about it regardless. Did your dealer give you something in writing? Probably not.

Besides, they cannot void your warranty simply because its tuned. An aftermarket modification has to be the cause of a problem in order for them not to cover it. When in doubt, remove codes.

 

I think the default should be ALWAYS remove the programming if you've modified the truck when you bring it back to a dealer...

Ken's been a straight shooter on every question I've asked or any I;ve seen him respond to and the fact that the Magnum-Moss act SAYS they can't void your warranty because of a modification, doesn't mean it will turn out that way for you... I would think that Ford's deep pockets could sure hold out a LOT longer than any of ours if they decided that they wouldn't honor your warranty even though the chip/tuner didn't cause the problem...

How many times have you taken your vehicle in to ANY dealer and they've not done what you asked by omission or just used the old "Cannot reproduce" or "performing as designed" roadblock... think about if it were a serious problem and they could prove there was a chip to stress the system more than stock?!?

While I understand it's difficult to fix what you can't SEE happening... the dealerships need to LEARN each customer - some may blow things out of proportion and say the sky is falling, but most of the time if a customer complains about something and documents it... it is really an issue... I don't know about you, but when I buy a 40k+ vehicle and am paying a LOT per month, I don't just give it up for fun so it can sit at the dealership

 

Correct!

While technically they don't void warranty fighting a dealership is like fighting city hall: You can't win without a good lawyer. Some dealerships are great about aftermarket additions (mine is, they performed TSB work and didn't care that it was chipped). Others will do anything to get out of warranty work due in part to the reduced flat rate times Ford is paying techs these days.

If your dealership cool about changes (ie, you know it for a fact --- not just something the salesman told you so he could make the sale) that's great. If they aren't then CYA and remember the saying when it comes to mods: "I am my own warranty station."

 

Hey all,
I have the SMT 1705 and it asks me if i want to raise the speed limit when I am uploading the perf programming.

 

once the pred is installed(or any chip for that matter) how har is it to remove so dealer wont notice? whats involved. i want to chip my 2002 psd auto but dont know wich to get. i tow crs and bobcats and such, hayans straw all the time. i have a stock truck and want to chip it, gauges are next then the chip. i dont know where i want to put the gauges yet though.

 

Yes it does... and even though our psd Ex CAN go fast... be careful
whlle you and your battleship are going down the road at light speed --- be sure to pause a second to think about the tires and brakes (at least)...

There's a reason some sports cars have Z rated tires for the speed they will go... and stopping 8k lbs takes at lot at 40 mph, much less @ 100+
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We were looking at the 03 Lincoln LS at the Dallas Auto Show last week and one guy that owns one was crowing about going over 145 mph in it... While I know it's possible (cause we have an '02) I will never prove it!
******************************
The first picture that came into my mind was of my BF Goodrich tires shredding 'at speed' in my 89 Probe Turbo and how slow everything seemed to happen as I fought it for about 5 seconds... then the shredded tire flopped over in the other direction and it amazed me how fast I was heading straight right toward the 500 foot drop off... SIDEWAYS and then backwards and then sideways... providence made it go a little past the drop off and when I slide into the soft dirt the rim dug into the dirt about 12 inches deep and started a VERY fast 5 or 6 rolls that speeded EVERYTHING up !!!
And it HAD the Z rated tires... just not what turned out to be good ones !
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So in chipping the truck, make sure all the other components can handle the 'improvements'... tranny, rear end, and torque convertor for the GOBS of torque, tire load and speed rating for the extra mph...

 

Use the Predator to reprogram the computer to its stock program and clear codes, if any, that are in the computer. For a chip, pull the chip, disconnect the battery and pull the headlight switch for 30 minutes. most people put the gauges on a pillar mount.

 

can the delta chips be programed to what ever you want: Stock,50,80,125 hp??

 

Yes, pretty much any combination. Stock is always one of the settings.