Here's my input so far:

My vehicle is a March '04 Excursion. I'm using the Hi-Perf mode. Put the hammer down on the interstate and got these MAX values per my X-Monitor:
Pyro: 1079
Boost 32.9

The X won't smoke the tires at all but accelleration is great once under way. Had a friend pass me in his new F-150 today and by the time I hammered it, the boost came up and it downshifted, he was too far ahead to even know I had tried to catch him. Oh well. Once it gets going though, it's got some serious gumption. The Shifts are AWESOME. I can't believe other manufacturers are having a problem. As others have stated, the 3rd gear revs higher than i'm used to but it's not bad. I would have lowered it a bit unless there's rationale for having that high. One change I would consider (if possible) is more low-boost power (like a competitor). It still lags off the line but is better than stock (this is my first diesel, so I'm trying to get used to the turbo-lag thing). Also, for some reason, the first time my remote start tried to start the vehicle, it didn't fire in time and I had to reset it. Started OK the second time.

[on edit] Experienced no radiator fluid leakage.

 

With the Predator and I assume Superchips, there is no turbo lag. If there is any lag in acceleration, it is because the tires are blown away.

 

I've used this method. It is very good, especially if you use some dye. In a gas engine a compression gage will give low readings. Using dye will show which bank so you have only one head to pull. If it's really bad in a gas engine, cranking with the plug out turns it into a water pump.

 

Vic,

I really want to get the superchip tuner. Here is my problem.

I have an engine built in 10/27/03. It is an 04 motor.

I have had the vin checked on OASIS (off another forum) and they only thing that came back was that it had the original flash. Could not tell me if I had the Oct flash. I inquired about the engine being built in Oct and if this could mean it has the Oct flash, and they said possibly.

I am currently getting ready to move and cannot purchase the tuner for a few months and am a little leary of getting the truck reflashed at my dealership right now because the truck runs perfect.

What flash do I need for my 04? and will another dealer reflash my truck for free if there are no problems?

Thanks

 

The only flash available for the post 9/29s is the original or the Jan/Feb one. There is no Oct flash for the 04/04s.

 

Vick stated earlier that the computer (between the battery and the fender drivers side) with the sticker designation DAX0, DAX1, TEC0, TEC2 and others will work. I only point this out because mine is a 5/03 engine build and a 6/03 truck build and has a DAX0 sticker. I do not want to have mine reflashed because like yours, it runs perfect and has the engine braking.
I have been running a Predator without problem and would like to try a Superchips programmer to see which one is best. Check to see if yours has a sticker and ask if it will work.

 

Thanks...l'm going out right now to check for this sticker...I don't recall seeing anything..keeping my fingers crossed. What happens if there is no sticker or I do not have DAX0-1, TEC0, TEC2? Does this mean a reflash? I didn't know that 04/04's only had one flash (original).

 

Almost, its either original or the flash that came out the end of Jan. So for the 04/04s there are only 2 flavors. For the 03s there are 9.

 

Have you ever determined why the Predator works on your truck on not on other peoples trucks with earlier flashes than October?

Are you sure the dealer didn't sneak in the October flash on your truck?

 

OK...this is what I have:

Between the battery and fender (drivers side); there is an aluminum looking thing with a sticker that says the following

TBS5 DPU-252A

Back towards the firewall (drivers side); there is a little black box...on the mount there is a sticker that says...

Harness made in Mexico

Linea 7 MAQ-1 AC2

ARNES 0377
FICHA 35956
11/6/03
17:59:24

I didn't see anything else....so what do I have and will it work?

Or am I looking in the right place? I'm just a dumb Infantryman so your gonna have to spell it out for me.

 

The predator will work on nearly all except those with the early injectors. Mine was one built after the changover. It has never been reflashed.

 

I'll be publishing dyno, EGT, programming time and 1/4 mile results tomorrow. Also, the amount of smoke produced (there was a big difference between the two products). Plus opinions on the shifting of each product from driving tests. There are a few surprises.... and not where you would expect to get them from.

 

If the sticker is on the aluminum box that is squeezed between the battery and the fender on the driver's side, it is one that we haven't seen on this thread, although, Vic might recognize it. Being a former Marine, we all have an infantry primary MOS 0311. The (dumb infantryman) excuse won't fly with me, we know better!
I really think as new as yours is, it should work fine. Yours is newer than most the test mules. Superchips has been working on this for a long time.

 

You are always making us wait Ken!

 

Macvtt,
Did you get a resolution to your coolant overflow?

It might be as simple as the coolant overflow cap is supposed to hold 15 lbs pressure and, like mine, yours may only be holding 5 lbs...
And given that the overflow bottle is too small,
any limitations in the cap WILL cause an overflow issue...