I LIKE that Vic....
We know you work for Superchips and somehow get a pass from the site rule for no vendor solicitation and sales on the forums... but you must also volunteer for one of the politcal campaigns as a speech writer

That's the perfect veiled slap you added there
But Diablo only had to change their shifting once and online for free -
no shipping -
no loss of use for a week or more -
and no "custom" shift fixes for each scenario needed...

And again I think 5 or 6 mpG increases are probably not realistic claims... just like 150 hp gains are probably not for either the SC or predator....
but I can only speak to what I know.... the predator is a dyno proven +100 rwhp minimum...

 

I decided on the Predator. Makes good torque at a lower rpm.
I use the 45 hp/115 tq heavy tow mode. After the tranny went
through the learning stage, it shifts great. Even when it was learning,
the shifts were not that harsh, but really firm. On a light to medium
pedal, the shifting feels stock. I pulled my 8000 lb TT this past weekend,
and all I can say is , , ,and .

 

Well,
I bought the Superchip, and yes, the shifts are firmer, but I think that to categorize them as "slamming " is a bit of an injustice, and I would make the same statement if I had another product! I think when you add XXX h/p & xxx torque with the use of a programmer it is wise to add quicker & firmer shifts if for no other reason than to eliminate excessive slipping and the associated heat!
I do not find the firmer shifting even noticable now, and when driving using moderate throttle I can't feel any difference and neither can anyone else in my truck.
This is my opinion based solely on my truck, so please take it as just that.
John Russell

 

Read what I said again.... "Now if Superchips can resolve the very hard slamming shifts with a few customers on some of the tunes." I didn't say everyone had this, but its the #1 issue I have as a front line dealer and the only reason I've had a return on them, other than customers who don't want to hassle with sending them to Superchips to update.

 

WOW!
I didn't mean to start a fight between Predator and Superchips. Anyway thanks for all the information from everyone who posted on this thread, your information is greatly appreciated. Anyway, Do I need to do any other mods to support either programer?

 

There were a limited amount of calibrations that had a firmer shift than others.
This is why a some people experienced a firmer shift.

This has been resolved.

The 1704 will work on a totally stock truck, although I recommend boost and EGT gauges on any diesel...stock or modified.

 

You didn't start it and apologize that some can't just respond

I don't work for any of these prdducts companies, so I'm an independent without a bias

Some will say you MUST have this and you MUST have that...
others will say that you should have this and should have that...

I'll tell you what I've been running hard since Jan and you can use that with your decision....

In the beginning was stock....
then came predator and I knew I could spend money on gauges or exhaust...
my simple minds logic...
i could spend money on gauges to TELL me I was too hot or spend money on exhaust to cure the too hot...
I chose a muffler delete pipe which lowered egt's but made my X too loud (for me!)
everything was fine except noise so I went with a turbo back exhaust and have had it for about 6 months ....

I run the predator in 65hp mode 99.99% of the time and have not had an issue with my engine, even though I drive hard and have fun with it too much

good luck on your decision... and give the good guys here at motorhaven a call they can help !

 

It's not cut and dry like that.

The only way to know you aren't too hot is to have a gauge.

The gauge also helps you see where your turbo runs coolest. This will help with proper gear and speed selection under each load condition.

Granted, most all tuners are safe on a stock truck, but it makes good sense to drop a couple hundred bucks on gauges. It takes 20 minutes to install a boost gauge and about 45 to install an EGT gauge.

You'll get a lot of answers in this (or any) forum that are opinion. This sometimes (not always) opinion with very little technical knowledge.

I have had a fair amount of seat time testing the 7.3 and the 6.0.
I've fitted many trucks with thermocouples and tested them on the dyno and street.

Did you know it's possible to run too hot of an EGT on a STOCK truck if poor driving habits are used or it has a funky stock calibration?

Lets just say you have a high EGT problem (improper gear selection towing a load, old stock calibration, or for other reasons).
An upgraded exahust may help, but it doesn't mean you still won't be too hot.

If you care about your truck, you should have gauges.

Ford is finally making trailer brakes a factory option for 05 (finally!), maybe next time they will include gauges....

I tune diesels for a living. This gives my opinion some validity.

I personally would not own a turbodiesel truck without boost and egt gauges.

Truth be told, It's very hard (if not impossible) to run it too hot with the TOW or ECON file with the 1704, but the gauges will still help you find the optimal driving conditions for your truck and the health of your turbo....stock or modified.

 

And I drive vehicles for a living - not really - but my opinion and experience is just as valid BUCKO !

I offer help - not offering sales !

And your holier than thou attitude got tiring a long time ago - just like on other boards...

I'm outta here !

 

I never said your input was not valid.
In fact, I value your opinion...but I have spent a great deal of time testing EGT's.

My apologies if you found my post offensive.

 

I found it very much so !
And apology accepted --- until next time...

The X wife always said - it's not what you say but how you say it !!!

Maybe you could learn from my experience as well ....

 

Ken,
As a front line dealer and moderator, I believe I read what you said the first time! I also read through a lot of extremely long threads prior to making my first post, and upon completion, I placed an order for my choice with Motorhaven, which I believe is a front line dealer!
As I have a fairly new product, I felt your response a bit harsh since that particular issue has been rectified,and I also noticed no mention by you of a problem noted in another thread that caused me to make the choice I made. My point is, no matter what anyone chooses, they will get a very noticeable increase in power with either of the above programmers, or any of the others available for that matter. I do agree that both of the above mentioned products are good, and I really don't care which one anyone gets because it will be correct FOR THEM, as I believe mine was for me.
Now that being said, if I commonly drove in traffic and never exceeded 45 mph, I would probably not spend the money for either because it would be extremely hard to justify the expense.
All this boils down to personal choice, and all I wanted to express is mine, because I have nothing to gain, I do not sell parts or represent either manufacturer as do other respondents on both sides in this thread, and yes, I do read!
John Russell

 

jdadamsjr uses my gages since our setups are identical. I would warn him if I had ever had an excessive egt event. Lucky for us, the Predator has been perfect. Making GOBS of power (check my gallery and jdamsjr gallery for dyno sheets) while maintaining perfect manners.

No excessive EGTs
No oveheating or blowing water(a myth started on the 1704 thread)

When are you gonna release the long promised 1704 dyno sheets?

 

You and me and Adams and Keith, we can gang up on em the next dyno or track day we have at DFW!

 

agreed........