tuners and longevity
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: northern,california
tuners and longevity
Wed nite I ordered a diablo predater from motor haven. I have done alot of research on the subject of a tuner. Besides voiding warrenty if it screws up the truck, which I will take responsibility for, does the tuner take life expectancy away from the engine? I don't drive the truck hard. I just want to get rid of some of the low end lag. I tow a horse trailer on the weekends it's 7500 lbs. I figure I only live once and I might as well enjoy the new beast. It takes less muscle to smile than it does to frown. 
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
If used properly, no. And IMO anyone who tries to claim "yes" to that has either no idea how tuning actually functions, or they are just plain ignorant. Just to be blunt.
And I say this as a "non-fan" of Diablo products, especially for the 6.0, so take it for what you think its worth.
Now, I will say sometimes they do have the inherent capability to amplify an already existing problem such as poorly anchored cylinder heads, ect... but the problem will surface eventually with or without the tuning.
And I say this as a "non-fan" of Diablo products, especially for the 6.0, so take it for what you think its worth.
Now, I will say sometimes they do have the inherent capability to amplify an already existing problem such as poorly anchored cylinder heads, ect... but the problem will surface eventually with or without the tuning.
Last edited by PSD 60L Fx4; Jun 17, 2005 at 04:45 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
I doubt that PSD will bust the Predator in an open forum...he's got more class than some even dream about.
That said, I have been very happy with mine but, I never took it off the 65 H.P. setting...ever.
Just today however, I restored the original programming in anticipation of participation with the current recall . I have to say that two things stick out immediately.
First and foremost, the loss of 65 H.P is much more apparent and seems to have much more impact than the original gain of 65 H.P.
Secondly, immediately upon start up the smell of diesel fumes was much heavier. Probably was that way pre-programmer.
Is it possible that with a programmer you get a more complete fuel burn? Even @ idle? If this is true then would it be safe to say that a programmer could / would cause less EGR valve soot build up?
That said, I have been very happy with mine but, I never took it off the 65 H.P. setting...ever.
Just today however, I restored the original programming in anticipation of participation with the current recall . I have to say that two things stick out immediately.
First and foremost, the loss of 65 H.P is much more apparent and seems to have much more impact than the original gain of 65 H.P.
Secondly, immediately upon start up the smell of diesel fumes was much heavier. Probably was that way pre-programmer.
Is it possible that with a programmer you get a more complete fuel burn? Even @ idle? If this is true then would it be safe to say that a programmer could / would cause less EGR valve soot build up?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
kw, I don't know it this has anything to do with your performance indications after going back stock, but what about the learning strategy of the transmission when reset? Could that be the difference in how noticable the performance changed after tuner as apposed to before? Maybe after the learning period has completed you will notice some performance back in stock mode.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
Actually, it didn't take long at all for the tranny to relearn the shift strategy. 50 miles round trip of mixed driveing...and wallah. Nice and smooth. Didn't really shift hard in the first place. Not like last year when I first loaded the programmer.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 3
From: Bass Lake, CA
so KW,
Are you saying that the trans shifting was more crisp/firm when you first loaded the tune, and after time that went away??????
(tranny wear?)
curious, not trying to put words in your mouth!
these trannies are hella expensive stock.........not to mention what suncoast or the like would charge!
Are you saying that the trans shifting was more crisp/firm when you first loaded the tune, and after time that went away??????
(tranny wear?)
curious, not trying to put words in your mouth!
these trannies are hella expensive stock.........not to mention what suncoast or the like would charge!
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 19,098
Likes: 8
From: Great State of Texas
Not at all...
After loading the programmer the tranny does go thru a new shift strategy "learn" mode. This typically creates a hard shift sensation thru the first 4 - 5 start ups. After the new strategy is learned the shifts are what I would classify as normal. Again, nice and smooth.
You can create hard shifts with a programmer but, I don't recommend it. As you stated mattsf250, these trannies are expensive stock.
I only mentioned the restored shift pattern "learning time line since it was noticeably shorter than last year. Maybe because my driving pattern didn't change. Only the computer shift strategy has changed.
After loading the programmer the tranny does go thru a new shift strategy "learn" mode. This typically creates a hard shift sensation thru the first 4 - 5 start ups. After the new strategy is learned the shifts are what I would classify as normal. Again, nice and smooth.
You can create hard shifts with a programmer but, I don't recommend it. As you stated mattsf250, these trannies are expensive stock.
I only mentioned the restored shift pattern "learning time line since it was noticeably shorter than last year. Maybe because my driving pattern didn't change. Only the computer shift strategy has changed.
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,362
Likes: 3
From: Hendersonville, NC
Originally Posted by kw5413
I doubt that PSD will bust the Predator in an open forum...he's got more class than some even dream about.
That said, I have been very happy with mine but, I never took it off the 65 H.P. setting...ever.
Just today however, I restored the original programming in anticipation of participation with the current recall . I have to say that two things stick out immediately.
First and foremost, the loss of 65 H.P is much more apparent and seems to have much more impact than the original gain of 65 H.P.
Secondly, immediately upon start up the smell of diesel fumes was much heavier. Probably was that way pre-programmer.
Is it possible that with a programmer you get a more complete fuel burn? Even @ idle? If this is true then would it be safe to say that a programmer could / would cause less EGR valve soot build up?
That said, I have been very happy with mine but, I never took it off the 65 H.P. setting...ever.
Just today however, I restored the original programming in anticipation of participation with the current recall . I have to say that two things stick out immediately.
First and foremost, the loss of 65 H.P is much more apparent and seems to have much more impact than the original gain of 65 H.P.
Secondly, immediately upon start up the smell of diesel fumes was much heavier. Probably was that way pre-programmer.
Is it possible that with a programmer you get a more complete fuel burn? Even @ idle? If this is true then would it be safe to say that a programmer could / would cause less EGR valve soot build up?
I simply don't agree with some of the tuning methods used by Diablo in development. But as far as everyday driving, using it is just as healthy as running stock or an SCMT. Both tuners are light years away from the plug-ins.
The "rich diesel stink" will come about any time you flash back to stock. The stock files have to relearn idle air/fuel ratio (occasionally you will get a tune that will do the same thing) , and they will normally run a little rich until the adaptive database has some miles. It will most likely go away.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: northern,california
PSD60LFx4 Thanks for your honest input. I'm not trying to start a tuner war. I just like to learn the facts since I have never used one. I do use a chip in my 91 corvette and it makes a huge difference. I just don't want to screw up my new truck.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
Back to the original question, longterm affects of a chip or tuner.
My first PSD was a 95 7.3 F-350 CC LB SRW auto 3.73 gear, had chip as soon as I could get one(at about 18000 miles), towed most of its life with me. Sold truck with 280000 miles on it to by my 03 6.0 PSD. had no engine problems.
I would say if you have good guages and watch what your engine is doing with the tuner it will last a long time.
SCMT + 6.0 = ROCKET
My first PSD was a 95 7.3 F-350 CC LB SRW auto 3.73 gear, had chip as soon as I could get one(at about 18000 miles), towed most of its life with me. Sold truck with 280000 miles on it to by my 03 6.0 PSD. had no engine problems.
I would say if you have good guages and watch what your engine is doing with the tuner it will last a long time.
SCMT + 6.0 = ROCKET