quick predator question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
quick predator question
Didn't have time(or want) to sort through the pages and pages of info in the sticky thread.
To add a predator, do you have to modify anything in the engine?(ie. drill a hole in the manifold for a sensor) Or is it just a "plug and play" modification?
In other words will it effect my warranty?
To add a predator, do you have to modify anything in the engine?(ie. drill a hole in the manifold for a sensor) Or is it just a "plug and play" modification?
In other words will it effect my warranty?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
Predator is a plug and play. YES it will affect your warranty but it's completely erasable. Also online updatable, code scanner, and all kinds of good fun. No you DON'T have to change anything in your engine, but EGT gauge and Exhaust mods are recommended ( or maybe a little self-restraint if you can wipe the Predator GRIN off your face)
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 920
Likes: 2
From: CA
You can run the Predator in stock profile, without any mods (EGT gauge,larger exhaust ect.) but its 'recommended' by Diablo, highly by some, that you have at least a EGT gauge.. Nothing needs to be done to the engine for the tuner to work.. Just a 'quick' re-program and BAM!! I personally WOULDN'T run it in anything higher than 65HP tune without a gauge, pipe, and maybe an intake/filter and probably wouldn't do any significant towing/load in 65HP without a gauge either.. And, there are alot of variables that can cause the exhaust temps to climb, like high outside temps, high altitudes, and moderate to heavy loads on grades with/or on a hard acceleration.. Cheap insurance for sure, and you don't want any surprises, or, warranty issues to pop up.. Mine runs in stock profile (empty most of the time) with no mods except an EGT and the Predator in 65HP tune, and I've 'never' seen anything even close to damaging temps.. I ran mine for a few months without the gauge, but I JUST GOTTA KNOW!!
SEATBELT modification may be needed!!
.................................HP............... .........
SEATBELT modification may be needed!!
.................................HP............... .........
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
One note of warning, and I am probalbygonna catch heck for this, but be warned. I bought a predator from motorhaven like every one suggests on this site, but when I went to use it, it would not download into my truck. It seems the unit was not updated from the supplier ( motorhaven).After several attempts to reach diablo sports I finally was told I needed to up date it my self with a computer down load and I needed to buy cables to interface my computer with the predator. I am in no way computer litterate and if it were not for a tech from D S talking me thru the process, I would have been up the creek. I e mailed motorhave about my problems and all I got was excuses from them. The predator does work great ( now ) and I am happy with it. Make sure the unit you buy has the latest updates.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
Originally Posted by achiro
Didn't have time(or want) to sort through the pages and pages of info in the sticky thread.
To add a predator, do you have to modify anything in the engine?(ie. drill a hole in the manifold for a sensor) Or is it just a "plug and play" modification?
In other words will it effect my warranty?
To add a predator, do you have to modify anything in the engine?(ie. drill a hole in the manifold for a sensor) Or is it just a "plug and play" modification?
In other words will it effect my warranty?
I bought mine from MotorHaven and got the best price and the service was great. If you can't do the upgrades from a PC to the Predator, you probably ought not try to update your truck. It is really easy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
You could have called me and I would have been happy to walk you through the process of updating the unit if Diablo's instructions on their site wouldn't work for you. AFAIK, you didn't call me for help updating it.
You didn't get excuses from us (MotorHaven is owned by Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc.). You got the truth, 100%. It was readily apparent from the tone of your email that no answer would have satisfied you. Here is what I sent you in response to your email:
I told you the truth, never lied, was not hostile yet you followed up with another email accusing me of making excuses in the above email. If we're that bad, by all means restore your truck to stock tuning, and return the Predator to us. We'll refund 100% of the Predator purchase. Send the cables from Radio Shack too, along with the receipt, and I'll pay for that too. If you call me, I'll even recommend another dealer. My competitors love it when I send them pleasant customers.
You didn't get excuses from us (MotorHaven is owned by Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc.). You got the truth, 100%. It was readily apparent from the tone of your email that no answer would have satisfied you. Here is what I sent you in response to your email:
Diablo doesn't always tell us when an update has been made. When we become aware of them, we update the units here before they go out the door. And they are supposed to send us updated units (we order weekly from them).
I'm sorry to hear that. We recommend Walmart, CompUSA and Fryes Electronics -- runs about $15 there. (This was in response to your statement that you paid $40 for the cables at Radio Shack, the worst place to buy cables because they overcharge.)
Unfortunately Ford is constantly adding new PCM codes and that is beyond our control. The chip companies are one step behind Ford and the (Diablo) dealers one step behind the chip companies.
(The below is in response to saying you wouldn't buy from us again.)
I'm sorry to hear that. Our experience is that the vast majority of our customers are happy with the tuning products. We sincerely want you to be happy to with your purchase.
I'm sorry to hear that. We recommend Walmart, CompUSA and Fryes Electronics -- runs about $15 there. (This was in response to your statement that you paid $40 for the cables at Radio Shack, the worst place to buy cables because they overcharge.)
Unfortunately Ford is constantly adding new PCM codes and that is beyond our control. The chip companies are one step behind Ford and the (Diablo) dealers one step behind the chip companies.
(The below is in response to saying you wouldn't buy from us again.)
I'm sorry to hear that. Our experience is that the vast majority of our customers are happy with the tuning products. We sincerely want you to be happy to with your purchase.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I restore antique cars and buy a lot of parts from different suppliers all the time and Motorhaven is absolutely the best people I have ever dealt with.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
Originally Posted by webmaster
You could have called me and I would have been happy to walk you through the process of updating the unit if Diablo's instructions on their site wouldn't work for you. AFAIK, you didn't call me for help updating it.
You didn't get excuses from us (MotorHaven is owned by Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc.). You got the truth, 100%. It was readily apparent from the tone of your email that no answer would have satisfied you. Here is what I sent you in response to your email:
I told you the truth, never lied, was not hostile yet you followed up with another email accusing me of making excuses in the above email. If we're that bad, by all means restore your truck to stock tuning, and return the Predator to us. We'll refund 100% of the Predator purchase. Send the cables from Radio Shack too, along with the receipt, and I'll pay for that too. If you call me, I'll even recommend another dealer. My competitors love it when I send them pleasant customers.
You didn't get excuses from us (MotorHaven is owned by Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Inc.). You got the truth, 100%. It was readily apparent from the tone of your email that no answer would have satisfied you. Here is what I sent you in response to your email:
I told you the truth, never lied, was not hostile yet you followed up with another email accusing me of making excuses in the above email. If we're that bad, by all means restore your truck to stock tuning, and return the Predator to us. We'll refund 100% of the Predator purchase. Send the cables from Radio Shack too, along with the receipt, and I'll pay for that too. If you call me, I'll even recommend another dealer. My competitors love it when I send them pleasant customers.
Ken and the people at Motorhaven are great! Like most people, they respond best when you treat them fairly and kindly.
No vendor can compensate for the ignorance of their customers.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 1997
Posts: 23,165
Likes: 18
From: Enjoying the real world.
No need to call him ignorant. He's upset, rightly so, for getting a Predator that didn't have the latest flash in it. Why we got one that way from Diablo when it came from them after their latest flash, I don't know. We dropped the ball and it slipped through. Having said that, I stand by my comments that I offered only the truth and not excuses. The buy-back offer is serious.... if someone isn't happy with it I'll refund their purchase of it.
--you'd have to pry it from my cold dead fingers
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
I only recieved one e mail back from motorhaven, The one with all the excuses. No one ever offered to buy the cables etc. from me before this thread. I have been in the service industry for almost 20 years, so I do know a thing or two about customer service. I was not told in advance that I would need to do any thing to the predator execpt plug and play. As far as how easy it is to update the unit, we are not all great with computers. I am sure I can do alot of things some of you can't. When you hear of all the great things about the predator and look forward to using it, then finding out it didn't work like it was supposed too your not the happiest person around. It's like getting a great toy for Christmas but it didn't come with batteries so all you could do is look at it while everyone else is playing with theirs. As far as the predator goes, like I said before it works great and I am happy with it, I just wasn't happy about how I had to get it that way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,314
Likes: 4
Too bad you had no batteries what a frustrating Christmas ....
the only problems I've had with the Predator was caused by what's between my ears
I choose to try things and as a last resort I MAY read the directions ----
get myself in a lot of trouble that way ! not all things allow me to do that -
they have a tendency to bite me in the posterior when I skip that first important step that says something like
NEVER..... DO THIS
and of course, that's the first thing I tried already
what a frustrating Christmas .... the only problems I've had with the Predator was caused by what's between my ears
I choose to try things and as a last resort I MAY read the directions ----
get myself in a lot of trouble that way ! not all things allow me to do that -
they have a tendency to bite me in the posterior when I skip that first important step that says something like
NEVER..... DO THIS
and of course, that's the first thing I tried already
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
The older I get the more I find myself reading the directions (if I can find my glasses)
When I get my glasses on I hope that the directions are in English!
Then if all else fails I get my 12 year old daughter to read them for me.
When I get my glasses on I hope that the directions are in English!
Then if all else fails I get my 12 year old daughter to read them for me.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,483
Likes: 2
From: Central Texas
in the omputer business we have a saying, RTFM, Read The Furnished (orwhatever starting with F) Manual. Companies pay big money to have those things written. There is usually some pearls of wisdom there.