Newbie here. And I mean a real newbie. Have just purchased my first diesel ('02 F250 7.3 4x4 CC SB). So I am new to not only to the site, but to diesels in general.

Bought the truck slightly used for the purpose of pulling a travel trailer somewhere just over 8000 lbs fully loaded. I am wanting to make performance upgrades. Tired of seeing my friends with their PSD's leave me behind with their trailers.

From what I am researching, it looks like Diablo makes the best chips for the PSD. But which is the best route: preditor or delta chip?

Have a local (Houston area) center that is telling me that the chip is better and that if I do the 54/78 chip, all I really need is to upgrade the air intake. I don't buy into that, so it makes it hard to believe them about anything. But I really have no knowledge or experience from which to draw. Can anyone help?

Thanks,

 

If price is a concern, we're have a limited sale on the Delta chip for $288.95. Also, if switching between high and low on the fly is important the Delta is the way to go. If you're doing light towing, the dealer is correct, an intake will be enough. Anything heavy and you'll need to consider a downpipe as well.

If you want the most flexibility, cream of the crop diagnostics, 4 tunes, and the ability to download custom programs, the Predator is the way to go. It is simply the premium tuner, bar none.

Neither is a bad choice, each fills a different need. There's a chance your local dealer is only recommending the chip because he doesn't have Predators in stock!

 

Ken,

Thanks for replying. First, love the site. This has been a good source of information and I, for one, really appreciate all you do. I know this takes a lot of time.

The local dealer was telling me that I would not be pleased with the preditor in the long run. He stated that it just did not perform like the chip did. I have noticed that the profiles that are in the preditor are slightly different than those in the chip (54/78 vs 40/60/85). Could that be the reason?

As far as the other improvements, when is the load heavy enough to warrant the extra expense for the protection? Also, the local dealer commented that he did not really care for the Banks exhause system. I suspect because he is not a dealer, but he claims he could sell it if he wanted. He was suitably professional in that he would not give details, but I am still cautious. Banks seems to be a well respected source for performance exhaust systems and highly recommended by all. Any comment?

Again, thanks for the help?

Brion

 

Thank you!

The 60HP program in the Predator is performing about the same as 80HP program in the SCMT. The Predator its strong --- Diablo was not about to put out a product with low performance when they have the Microtuner to compete against.

Banks makes good exhausts, no doubt about it. They charge a premium for them and you get good quality. Your results would be about the same with virtually any free flowing exhaust system, but with the Banks there's no guessing as to the quality of the alloy or the thickness. Its sort of like computers: Dell makes good systems and you pay a premium for them. The local computer guy may put together similar or better computers for less, but unless he's recommended or trusted, you don't know.... and you won't have the "Dell" feather in your cap.

As to the towing limit:

Chip 78HP - Diablo says 8,000lbs. I would add the caveat of 8,000lbs under ideal (flat) conditions and 4,000lbs if you're doing incline driving.

Predator 60HP - Diablo says 8,000lbs (says something about their 60HP, doesn't it!). Again same caveat.

Best bet, get a pyrometer and you'll know exactly how much you can tow and how much throttle.

 

My $.02.... Get an aftermarket intake, a downpipe, a 4" exhaust, and some guages, and then throw one of Ken's Predators on the truck. You won't have to worry about your buddies getting away from you in their PSD's. You'll be waiting for them at the top of the hill.

 

Gentlemen, thanks for the input. You basically confirmed what I already thought to be correct. I am learning a lot from this forum. Again, it is much appreciated. You definitely have a new customer.

Oh, and I even know how to spell "Predator" now...

 

good idea quadzilla.. get it all so you don't have to worry...
...
...
but to do that some of us just might need your $.02

 

I have the Predator in my truck (from motorhaven) running the 40hp program due to the weight of my fifth wheel. I have not upgraded my exhaust yet but plan to do so in the future. Changed my air filter to a K&N, but am thinking of rigging the homemade Tymar. Seems like it make a big difference.

Ken, have you heard much about these homemade Tymars?
Thanks

 

Everyone that reported making one says they've had good results. The major point of restriction is the filter/filter housing, not the intake tube so you'll probably get the majority of the benefits with it. I look at it this way.... its better than stock by a long-shot.

 

With the 54/78hp chip an after market intake and Banks Exhaust, I'm making around 300rwhp. I love the chip, cause I don't need to spend time messing with it. Just flip the switch and leave'em in a black cloud!!!

Like I told Ken a few days ago, I could'nt be happier with the performance gains the Diablo chip has made to my truck.

Later,
Will-