Predator on 5.4L
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Predator on 5.4L
I just got my Predator and so far I have mixed feelings....
First of all, I was really impressed with Motorhaven, their communication and shipping was EXCELLENT, I have never dealt with anyone as prompt as they have been.
Installing the performance tune went fairly well, with the exception of the axle ratio variable, my truck has 3.55's and the predator said 3.30 or 3.27 (can't remember which, not 3.55 though). I did manage to get my speedo calibrated properly so not a big deal. I consistently carry 1000 lb's in my truck and can't say I noticed much difference in partial throttle shifting, even with the shift pressure cranked, and the torque modulation set to 100, maybe the difference is more noticable with an empty truck. I did however notice the shifts to be harder/faster on wide open throttle, even though I never modified any of the wide open throttle shift settings. Fuel mileage seems to be an improvement, but time will tell, I haven't done any accurate tests, it just "seems" better.
The one thing that does realy dissapoint me with the predator, and has me thinking of returning it, is the way the predator deals with the torque convertor. I really like how it keeps the torque convertor locked up when travelling down the highway, until you really put your foot into it. I really do NOT like that even when you back off on the throttle all the way, the torque convertor stays locked up for quite awhile, which results in kind of a jerking/clunking feel when re-applying throttle, and even when easing off on the throttle. I find it really really annoying. Is there any way to change this? I believe the way the factory tune operates is as soon as you release the throttle fully it unlocks the torque convertor and as a result no jerky/clunky feel.
Also what does the KS1 voltage spike to when the engine is "pinging", or what is the best way to monitor for pings, I am running premium fuel right now, and would like to optimize my timing without doing any damage.
I have heard elevation can affect whether or not your truck pings. Is the higher the altitude the more octane you need or less? Basically I live about 300M above sea level (according to GPS), but travel daily to another town over the mountains, I beleive I climb to as high as 1700M and then back down. I am concerned that if I optimize my tune where I live that when travelling at different altitude/climates my truck may start pinging. Any opinions?
Thanks a bunch!
Chad
First of all, I was really impressed with Motorhaven, their communication and shipping was EXCELLENT, I have never dealt with anyone as prompt as they have been.
Installing the performance tune went fairly well, with the exception of the axle ratio variable, my truck has 3.55's and the predator said 3.30 or 3.27 (can't remember which, not 3.55 though). I did manage to get my speedo calibrated properly so not a big deal. I consistently carry 1000 lb's in my truck and can't say I noticed much difference in partial throttle shifting, even with the shift pressure cranked, and the torque modulation set to 100, maybe the difference is more noticable with an empty truck. I did however notice the shifts to be harder/faster on wide open throttle, even though I never modified any of the wide open throttle shift settings. Fuel mileage seems to be an improvement, but time will tell, I haven't done any accurate tests, it just "seems" better.
The one thing that does realy dissapoint me with the predator, and has me thinking of returning it, is the way the predator deals with the torque convertor. I really like how it keeps the torque convertor locked up when travelling down the highway, until you really put your foot into it. I really do NOT like that even when you back off on the throttle all the way, the torque convertor stays locked up for quite awhile, which results in kind of a jerking/clunking feel when re-applying throttle, and even when easing off on the throttle. I find it really really annoying. Is there any way to change this? I believe the way the factory tune operates is as soon as you release the throttle fully it unlocks the torque convertor and as a result no jerky/clunky feel.
Also what does the KS1 voltage spike to when the engine is "pinging", or what is the best way to monitor for pings, I am running premium fuel right now, and would like to optimize my timing without doing any damage.
I have heard elevation can affect whether or not your truck pings. Is the higher the altitude the more octane you need or less? Basically I live about 300M above sea level (according to GPS), but travel daily to another town over the mountains, I beleive I climb to as high as 1700M and then back down. I am concerned that if I optimize my tune where I live that when travelling at different altitude/climates my truck may start pinging. Any opinions?
Thanks a bunch!
Chad
