Ken and club,
I've been researching on this forum for quite awhile, and I think I'm almost ready to take the plunge. I'm strongly leaning toward the Diablo chip w/ settings for 87 and 91 octane (not much 93 in this area).

The truck is an 02 5.4 XLT SuperCrew 4x4. All I've done is add a K&N filter, but the previous owner put some dual pipes on it. Will you need to know more about the exhaust mods to program the chip? If so, someone will need to tell me what to look for.

I won't be towing or doing any speed demon stuff, I just want a little more pep in my step. I love my truck, but I grew up driving sports cars so it's always seemed a little sluggish.

I'll welcome any useful input.

Thanks,
Eric

 

The diablo predator works great in my 01 5.4 it gives that pep in the step and more passing too . Then you also have a diagnostic scanner and adjustable settings and can even get a costum program done . It does take about 5 minutes to change any settings but its worth it imo.

 

I like the increased flexibility of the Predator, but I also like the simplicity of the Delta chips, and the ability to switch back and forth between fuel types. What are everyones reccomendations between the two?

 

If you're going switch often, have nitrous, dual tanks, etc., then the chip is a good bet. I've been doing these for a long time and have a lot of options available. Or if budget is a concern. Otherwise, go with the Predator.

Or a SCT Custom chip with 5 settings (stock, 4 power settings) plus a kill switch setting. Lots of bang for the buck, but like a Diablo chip, its short on the features the Predator has.

 

I won't be using nitrous or anything like that. I just like the thought of using 87 for daily driving, but being able to fill up with 91 and flip a switch when I'm feeling giddy.

Cost is definitely a concern, and the Predator is higher than the Delta chip. But once you add an 87-octane tune to the chip, the cost difference goes down. And it looks like the Predator has a built-in 89 tune, which may be a good compromise.

I'm not very mechanically savvy, but I'm a quick learn (and a compulsive tinkerer). Is the Predator easy enough to use that a novice can benefit from it? And will it instruct me how to tinker a little without messing things up? I don't want to end up damaging anything. Or should I just stick with the Delta so I'm not tempted?

 

Yes, the Predator is exceptionally easy. The manual even tells your how to adjust timing for different octanes if you don't want to use their built-in tunes. The preloaded tunes are very easy for the novice, and the advanced features will please the gearhead.

 

Based on cost, I'm still sort of leaning toward the chip. Is there still a discount being offered on the Predator? What is the actual cost difference between the two (Predator and a chip w/ added 87-octane tune)?

 

My bad, the discount/rebate is actually on the SuperChips unit. How do those compare? I get the general impression that the Predator is actually the more flexible unit.

 

The price on the Predator is the price listed on the site. We had a sale on the Predators but its over now. Yes, the Predator has more features. If you call in we can lower the price on the Predator slightly by sending it via UPS Ground instead of overnight.