Diablosport Predator
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Elder User
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From: Stevens County, WA
Diablosport Predator
While I know the predator has had many bad reviews on this site relating to causing problems, my question is this: Is the new latest software update of the predator likely to cause problems if used on the tow/haul setting only. I'm asking because a friend has offered me the predator for free because he just bought a complete Banks system. The last thing I want to do is stretch the headbolts or cause any other problems I've read about.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
The new software is supposed to be safer. What you need to do is 1) get the Predator model as the older versions with the white 6.0 sticker on them won't support the newest flashes from Ford 2) determine what flash is in your truck 3) contact Diablosport to ask any questions you might have. If you're already having anykind of puking problems then the Predator will magnify them, as will any tuner--even SCT. I would advise you to get an EGT gauge as well since you already have a little bit of an exhaust.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Stevens County, WA
Originally Posted by npccpartsman
The new software is supposed to be safer. What you need to do is 1) get the Predator model as the older versions with the white 6.0 sticker on them won't support the newest flashes from Ford 2) determine what flash is in your truck 3) contact Diablosport to ask any questions you might have. If you're already having anykind of puking problems then the Predator will magnify them, as will any tuner--even SCT. I would advise you to get an EGT gauge as well since you already have a little bit of an exhaust.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
You have the latest model of the Predator that is updatable for the latest flashes like the U7165, so you should be ok.
Any performance tune can cause issues. Even Ford factory flashes caused issues with some engines because of bad quality control on whoever's part. Ultimately you have to be willing to accept some responsibility.
FWIW--when properly done Ford headgaskets and bolts will take quite a bit of abuse. THAT part depends on the tech that puts it back together and how well he checks the parts (heads and block deck) for correct tollerences.
Any performance tune can cause issues. Even Ford factory flashes caused issues with some engines because of bad quality control on whoever's part. Ultimately you have to be willing to accept some responsibility.
FWIW--when properly done Ford headgaskets and bolts will take quite a bit of abuse. THAT part depends on the tech that puts it back together and how well he checks the parts (heads and block deck) for correct tollerences.
Last edited by npccpartsman; Jul 24, 2007 at 01:37 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Arizona
Nitrous,
I would definitely take Tim's advice. I would contact Diablo and get the latest flash update for your truck, so that you are assured of getting the safest files they have available.
Also call and talk to Diablo and get all your questions answered to your satifaction. If you don't feel comfortable with the answers you get or the feeling you get after talking with them then let your intuition be your guide. IMO if i don't feel comfortable dealing with someone selling a product or service then i am not going to use their product or service no matter what the price.
I would definitely take Tim's advice. I would contact Diablo and get the latest flash update for your truck, so that you are assured of getting the safest files they have available.
Also call and talk to Diablo and get all your questions answered to your satifaction. If you don't feel comfortable with the answers you get or the feeling you get after talking with them then let your intuition be your guide. IMO if i don't feel comfortable dealing with someone selling a product or service then i am not going to use their product or service no matter what the price.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SoCal, SD CO. East
Originally Posted by Nitrous
This model predator has a white sticker on the back that says "2005 6.0." I am currently running the 06E17 flash. I have no puking issues and have 68k miles on my motor. I don't really want to call diablosport because I'm sure they are not going to tell me their product will ruin my engine on the tow/haul tune. Is the "2005 6.0" sticker predator better than the "6.0" sticker predator that is known to be evil? I'm not going to install this tuner if the mildest setting will increase my likelihood of headgasket failure.
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Elder User
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From: Stevens County, WA
Thanks everbody that responded to this thread. The predator is updated with the latest download so I will give it a try and let everyone know my experiences with it. I'm doing a 500 mile trip towing about 7k next weekend through the eastern sierras. We'll see how it compares to stock.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
If you have gauges, definatly monitor them closely, as anything suspicious will definatley show there first. If you don't have gauges, get some as your next mod, you will not regret being able to see what is going on while driving/towing. Don't push the truck til you get the feel for what is going on, and you should be just fine.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Stevens County, WA
Originally Posted by mrxlh
If you have gauges, definatly monitor them closely, as anything suspicious will definatley show there first. If you don't have gauges, get some as your next mod, you will not regret being able to see what is going on while driving/towing. Don't push the truck til you get the feel for what is going on, and you should be just fine.
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From: Stevens County, WA
Well, I ran the Predator. The 40 Hp/100lbft of torque tow setting, version 8r14. Here is my impression:
I ran it about 50 miles and took it out and went to back to stock. I didn't like how jerky the transmission shifted, even after the 5 off/on key cycles the manual stated it would take to smooth out. It smoothed out somewhat, but still jerky. When the cruise control was released, or you tapped the brake to release it there was a huge jerk. I loved the power but not the shifting. Also, it would smoke when idling cold. When I went back to the stock tune, no smoke at idle. I think I will look into a Matt SCT since I'm kind of hooked on the power now!
I ran it about 50 miles and took it out and went to back to stock. I didn't like how jerky the transmission shifted, even after the 5 off/on key cycles the manual stated it would take to smooth out. It smoothed out somewhat, but still jerky. When the cruise control was released, or you tapped the brake to release it there was a huge jerk. I loved the power but not the shifting. Also, it would smoke when idling cold. When I went back to the stock tune, no smoke at idle. I think I will look into a Matt SCT since I'm kind of hooked on the power now!
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Joined: May 2004
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From: southwestern us
I have often wondered if anyone else had the same experience with the Predator when turning off the Cruise Control. I can't figure out what would cause that huge jerk. It's like hitting a brick wall or something. The remedy for it is to get back on the gas so you are slightly accelerating a split second before you turn the cruise off. It will eliminate the jerk. Kind of tricky if you are coming up on slow traffic though. It doesn't feel natural to stick your foot in it when you are approaching something you need to slow down for. The other remedy (which I chose and clearly, you did too...) is to go back to stock. I have been stock for almost a year now and I'm used to it. I don't know that I would drop another four bills for another type of tuner. Pretty much had my fill.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Arizona
Originally Posted by Nitrous
Well, I ran the Predator. The 40 Hp/100lbft of torque tow setting, version 8r14. Here is my impression:
I ran it about 50 miles and took it out and went to back to stock. I didn't like how jerky the transmission shifted, even after the 5 off/on key cycles the manual stated it would take to smooth out. It smoothed out somewhat, but still jerky. When the cruise control was released, or you tapped the brake to release it there was a huge jerk. I loved the power but not the shifting. Also, it would smoke when idling cold. When I went back to the stock tune, no smoke at idle. I think I will look into a Matt SCT since I'm kind of hooked on the power now!
I ran it about 50 miles and took it out and went to back to stock. I didn't like how jerky the transmission shifted, even after the 5 off/on key cycles the manual stated it would take to smooth out. It smoothed out somewhat, but still jerky. When the cruise control was released, or you tapped the brake to release it there was a huge jerk. I loved the power but not the shifting. Also, it would smoke when idling cold. When I went back to the stock tune, no smoke at idle. I think I will look into a Matt SCT since I'm kind of hooked on the power now!
The big advantage of going with a Flash Programmer (ie SCT) and "Custom Tune", is Matt (or any good tune writer) can work with you and create a tune specific for your truck, driving style and load. The "pre-programmed canned" tuning devices just do not have this flexibility and customization ability.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,368
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From: Stuttgart, Ar
I've had that transmission issue even with some of the custom tunes I've run. I never asked what it was. Kinda like it was pulling a load and then just got the brakes put on. It is a weird sensation though.
