Chip or Programmer?
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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Chip or Programmer?
I'm finally to the point where I need to get more peformance out of my 2002 7.3 diesel X. I'm looking to get a chip or programer......with so many out there I need a little help deciding. I like the edge unit because of the unit replacing the need for gauges....but my mechanic suggested either the diablo predator or a "van aken" chip. I've never heard anything about the "van aken". does anyone have any suggestions?
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 449
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From: North Texas
Never heard of the "Van Aken" chip 'til now. I poked around (quickly) and only found references in a couple of Cummin's forums. Might be a relatively new thing, or just word of mouth stuff.
On a personal note, the Predator rocks! Make sure you do the intake and exhaust upgrades before you use the ECM modifiers tho.
On a personal note, the Predator rocks! Make sure you do the intake and exhaust upgrades before you use the ECM modifiers tho.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 677
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From: Shawnee, Ks
See my reply to your thread in the 7.3 forum
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=455335
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=455335
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 968
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From: Tennesee
You'll love the Predator, it's the most popular programmer we sell at DPPI. The Edge Juice/Attitude is a close second, but to really get the same level of HP from it to match the Predator you'll also need the Edge Evolution propgrammer added to the J/Attitude module. Either way you need gauges, especially if you tow. Consider getting gauges, intake and exhaust first, then add the HP module, you'll better off and safer by a long shot. Call us at DPPI, we will be glad to help you with any questions etc.
Mark @ DPPI
Mark @ DPPI
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,253
Likes: 763
From: Houston, Texas
I'm with Mark, I'd also suggest the Preadator because it offers more than any tuner out there. The thing that has me sold on it, is the serial port that allows for updates and custom programs. It one of the quickest tuning times, probably the biggest screens, and probably the best rep out there.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 110
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From: Nanjemoy, Maryland
I have to say go with a chip. You may not get all the other stuff you get with a programmer but I get some awesome power out of my Dp Tuner chip. I have a 60, 80, 120, and high idle settings that are all switch on the fly. The 60 is way better than stock, the 80 is way better than the 60 and so on. www.dp-tuner.com 
Plus gagues are cooler lookin in your truck than a little display. Obvaiously I'm bias to the chip. Never experienced a programmer before.
Nick
Plus gagues are cooler lookin in your truck than a little display. Obvaiously I'm bias to the chip. Never experienced a programmer before.Nick
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 102
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From: Callaway, MD
I got a taste of 4x4 VANMAN's DP Tuner chip today and it ROCKS! I just got the diablosport predator programer this weekend. I've only tried the 60HP setting so far and I was vary happy with the performance. The nice thing about the chip is switching on the fly. It takes about 10 minutes to change programs with the programer. If you want to go with a high HP setting for a short period, you can do that with the chip, but not with the programmer. The nice thing about the Predator programer is you can also use it to download engine codes and if you really want to geek out you can hook up a laptop to it and monitor engine parameters.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2005
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I have the Edge Platinum installed on my 05' ex, and like you I liked the small display box rather than having rows of guages. The edge allows you to display just about anything. MPH, RPM, Boost, egt, intake temp, engine oil temp, engine water temp, blah blah blah, there is a ton more you can read up on it. At the max setting I am putting out more than 800 ft lbs of torque, with over 440 hp. The thing screams... This helped cause i put a 6" lift with 36" Mud Terrains. Also installed a cold air induction, from K & N. Banks Big Hoss is bad *** too but it was twice as much as the Edge. There is my 2 cents.... Good Luck...
Last edited by Vinceman; Jan 30, 2006 at 09:41 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From: Coal Valley, Illinois
I have the Predator also, It does very well. It's nice to be able to pull codes with it also. I may go with a chip in the future, but want to wait till the warranty is up. As was already stated, get the gauges, intake and exhaust first. You can do a cheap intake mod that works very well, check out the 7.3 forum, it's called the "Kwik" mod. Here is a link https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ht=kwik+filter . I started with a Walker big truck muffler (BTM) to open up the exhaust and worked okay. I have just ordered a 4" exhaust which is what you really want to do. All this isn't cheap, but you get so much more power out of the 7.3! It's also kind of fun doing the mods, It has become a good, although expensive hobby for me. There is seemingly unlimited mod potential, I'm working on a externally regulated fuel system mod right now. If you haven't already, spend some time in the 7.3 forum. There are a lot of very knowledgeable and helpful people there! 
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