I have a 2004 6.0 powerstroke F-250 Crew Cab FX4, and I want to get some more power, and more fuel economy out of it. The truck was manufactured in 08/03. I was wondering what is the best programmer for the money. I have been looking at the Superchips 1704, and the Preditor. Which one is better. I don't plan on doing any aditional mods at this time, except maybe a K&N intake. Any Info would be great.

 

My advice is to borrow one of each from a friend and install them on your truck.

They both have different power and drivability characteristics, though almost identical ETs and MPH in a 1/4 mile track.

Try both and choose one.
I tuned the 1704 and could easily tell you to just buy the 1704 because I believe it is better, but I'd like to challenge you to try both and choose the one you like best.

 

It's not too hard with the diesels, but the driver needs to understand the concept to fully benefit.

For a diesel to make more power at a given load, it needs more fuel.
The fact that boost is raised creates an even greater need for fuel.

Lets say you have a turbo diesel truck (any make or engine) making 100 more HP than stock with a programmer.
If you are on it from stoplight to stoplight using all of that power...you may not see a gain. In some cases, you may lose mileage because if your lead foot.

However, with a properly written program (particularty at part-throttle) and moderate driving, the truck now produces more power at less "load" than stock.
Greater load provides a need for more fuel, so naturally less load needs less fuel.
This is why often, with a diesel, you can have your cake and eat it too.
It requires being responsible with the power.

Some people don't see their mileage gains until months later, because they don't even notice they have become a throttle jockey after installing the new programming =o)

Some install a program, drive the truck everyday ad log the same mileage as stock while driving faster than stock.
The truck is more fuel efficient now, but the drivers is demanding more power from it, so you're getting to drive faster without sacrificing mileage.

The average gain with the Superchips Econ file is 2 MPG, but it all depends on how economical the factory flash was, where the truck is, how the driver applies throttle, quality of fuel used, temperature at times of fillup (this matters more than you think). Did you know you get more for your money if you fill your tank when it's cooler outside?

How hard did you drive the truck stock?
How hard do you drive it now?
How much weight are you pulling?

These are just a few of many variables in the world of fuel mileage.

 

I personally bought the Predator, but everything I've read (which is quite extensive) about both the Predator and Superchips has been quite positive and both DEFINITELY give more power. I got 5mpg more on the highway with mine. It went from 16 to 21 and I'm driving an 04F250 CC! Vic's right--try both and see which is right for you and your driving style and preference.

 

Normally I don't try to get on it too much. Don't get me wrong I love to try and blow the doors off those pesky 16 year old rice burners. Vic - I read some people who said that the shift points are all higher no matter if you are easing into the throttle or you are at WOT. I don't want something that is alway reving up when I am just trying to go around town. Where I live, I seldomly can go faster that 45 mph, a lot of stop and go driving. Will this be a factor when reprograming? By the way thanks for the quick reply.

 

i have a superchip 1704 and i gained 4mpg pulling a 5,000lb trailer on level 3 and about 6 or 7 with no trailer i think the gears grab faster and gets in to the last gear fast with standerd driving and when getting on it, it holds the gears longer

 

That is great gains.

 

The part throttle shifts are nearly stock. The more throttle you give it, the higher it will shift. Some of the first 1704's had a slightly higher shift point at part throttle. This was changed several months ago for those that prefer a more stock part-throttle shift.

 

The Pred really isn't even noticed if you drive normal. The shift points are real close to the same a factory in 65HP mode. It's when you stick you foot into it that you know something has changed.

 

We are talking about the 1704...

Anyways, the 1704 has near stock shift points and shift pressure at light throttle, but gets more aggressive as you move your foot.

However, even with "normal" driving, there it some serious part-throttle tuning. You will feel a differeence in power even at moderate pedal positions.
The overall program works great, because most people are picking up very noticeable mileage gains, the drivability is better than stock and the power when you get on it is incredible and very smooth with a nice crisp shift.

 

Sorry, Vic we are talking about Power Programmers.... and I have to concur with purple's assesment of the diablo predator shifting - after the first free online update to r34c version the shifts have handle the +100 rwhp perfectly....

I question anyones claim of a gain of 4 or 5 mpg with any tuner - it's nice to think that, but can't see it happening... (nor has anyone quantified such a gain yet even though we have had claims of 23 mpg with the 6-oh which are out of the norm EVERYONE else is reporting)

 

DER...oops.

This is a different thread anyway =o)
Well, I'm glad they got their shifting issues worked out.


I've seen 2 MPG consistently on 2004 trucks with the 1704 Econ file.
It all depends on the many variables....

I've had customers log 5 or 6 MPH gains, and I've had a few throttle jocks that didn't gain any mileage.

 

With all do respect Vic, he asked about both the SC and Pred...

 

My fault.

I thought we were in the other thread.

 

Yes, revision 2 of the Predator software added shifting programming. Now if Superchips can resolve the very hard slamming shifts with a few customers on some of the tunes.... Neither side is perfect, both are pretty good.