I have had my '04 F250 6.0 4x4 CC since Feb. and am now thinking of some mods. I think I'm gonna get the Predator. I have had zero problems so far and have 12,000 miles now.

I'm mainly looking for an increase of fuel mileage, performance is secondary (as far as cost). Currently get approx. 14-15MPG normal city driving. About 10MPG when towing my 30' travel trailer. (6800#)

My question is... In your opinion, is the Predator enough? Or should I look into air intakes and/or exhaust also? Both of the latter, I've read here and other unnamed places is pretty good for stock equipment. And gauges! Do I need em for casual camping style towing?

Is the Predator the best starting place? What would be the next best course of action? Or should I be looking at another beginning point?

Thanks for your input!

 

WOW...
promise this will be another "exciting" thread

Get another cup of joe and be ready to read !

EVERYONE will recomend gauges first,
then many will recomend exhaust to allow the egt's OUT faster ,
(since the stock muffler is so restrictive.)
then some will recomend filter to allow more air in....
then some will say superchiips, then some will say no way - edge, then a few will say quadzilla....
then I'll say it's boxers or breifs...
then Tim will say calm down posters - let's keep it civil...
then you'll have to read thru it all and glean what you can to make YOUR decision about YOUR truck and how YOU spend YOUR money

but it will pass a Saturday morning !

***********************************
My $.00000002 and some will disagree with the avenue I took...
but it's worked for me for 32k+ miles and no issues !
(check my gallery for dyno numbers as somewhat "proof")

I don't tow... other than my fat **** around
so...
I first tried a muffler delte to let the egt's get out...
too loud in my Ex on long trips...
got an aluminized turbo back exhaust installed for about $500 total..
Sound levels and EGT's solved as far as I was concerned...
got the predator and run it on +65HP EVERY DAY....
has been in the +100 HP mode maybe 3 or 4 times is all...
(Dyno Day, drag strip, and friendly neghbor grudge match )

Been running around like this for at least 6 months now and no ill effects...
the fuelage did go up... and would go up much more if this DARN thing weren't so fun to drive with the predator - just COMPLETELY changing the character of the lumbering beast to something MUCH more "crisp" to drive...

I call it the "Predator Grin"

and here comes the other opinions right behind me !
Good luck on your decision and if you're in my neck of the woods, come on down for a test run !

ANYONE that has ridden in mine after getting used to their stock 6-oh have ALL grabbed the "OH NO!" handle and ordered one from Motorhaven !

 

I have been running around for some time now with the 65HP Predator. Other than that, I am totally stock. I restored the original tune for a few days at one point. What a difference! Like JD says, if someone is used to stock, take a ride in one with a Predator. It's the least expensive performance mod you can get.

 

Installed the 65 horse Predator program in my totally stock 04/04. Wouldn't trade it for anything. I too was looking for increased fuel mileage. It didn't go up or down; but it sure is a lot more fun to drive. It gives this 62 year old memories of the big blocks of the 60s and 70s, plus the fuel mileage is liveable.

 

I had mine for 6 months and 17,000 miles. All but a few on the 65 HP program. I drive a lot on the road and I get 17.5 MPG average driving 85MPH most of the time. I think it improved the mileage 1 to 1 1/2 mpg. It is really a kick to drive. I have had it up to 3,600 RPM. Someone told me by GPS that is 136 MPH and it was a long way from topped out.
I have gages Boost EGT and oil pressure and a K&N FIPK air cleaner.
My dyno sheet with the 100 HP program is on my gallery.

 

I've also been looking at the predator. Just a question on the ford warranty side. Does the predator leave any sign that it was installed if you take it back for service? Don't want to give them any reason not to service the truck if you need it.

 

No footprint that ANY have reported...

 

thanks for the info. just don't want anything for them to pick on