[BIGRED95]

Hello all looking to start beefing up the truck I had Wildman tunes with my 95. I was looking around the other day on DI's website and read about the Predator sounds like a pretty nice programmer anyone have any experience with this the 45 second uploads sound pretty cool also it says they can put custom programs on it. Lets hear your opinions on this! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Justin

 

[96Cobra]

I have one and like it pretty well now... When I got mine (when they first came out) it had a few issues, but now they have been fixed. As for the 45 second uploads, that is a bit optimistic. I read that ifno when I got mine, but it takes a little longer than that to switch programs. Also, the first time you use it it takes a lot longer, since it has to "download your stock program" into the unit.

Roger

 

[BIGRED95]

Thanks for the info have you ever run it in the highest setting if so any smoke? Overall you are pretty happy with it though?
Thanks,
Justin

 

[ProDriver18]

I've been running a Predator for a couple of years now. It's ok, but there are better options out there.
It has a decent powerband for towing (on the two lower settings) which is what I do with my truck.
Like Roger said, it will take a little longer than the claimed 45 seconds to change tunes.
Three complaints of mine would be:
1. too much smoke even on the tow settings.
2.the programming needs to lock the convertor up at lower miles per hour.
3. at best, I only get about 1/2 mile per gallon better with the tuner vs stock.
Pros:
1. It is nice to have the real time data streaming for troubleshooting and to be able to read codes.
2. the truck is really strong between 1,800 and 2,300 rpm which is where mine spends probably 98% of it's time while towing.
I'll keep this tuner for the diagnostic capabilities but a multi-position chip from DP Tuner is on my "to do" list.

On edit:
Oh, another complaint: EGT's are a problem even on the 40hp tow setting. The truck will flat out fly up any hill with a trailer on but will bury the pyrometer in a heartbeat. I have to backpedal ALOT even on smaller hills to keep the EGT's below 1250*.
I towed with the Predator for about a year before I installed the gauges. Before, I would just leave it on cruise and pass everything on the road going uphill.....I can't imagine how hot this thing has been before.
It really stinks to have a Cummins go around you on a hill only because you're having to back off the pedal to keep the EGT's down. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[rms0726ea]

I used the predator programmer on my truck for 6 months. I upgraded to a Tony Wildman 4 position chip and love it.

What I liked about the predator:
- good trouble code reader with explanations
- good economy & tow setting

What I didn't like:
- even after modifying the tune to set the tranny back to stock settings, the shift into OD was to aggressive (bang /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif). I guess the line pressure was adjusted - which I have learned is no good for the tranny.
- If you use it you need to modify the tune to put the tranny back to stock settings or you will blow your tranny/Torque converter over time. The predator (and others) increase the line pressure in your tranny which is no good in the long run.
- the 85 & 100 hp settings are no comparison to Tony Wildman's tunes.
- the 45 second programming change is a load of crap. That advertisement lie does not take into account the 2-3 minutes of downloading programs, any modifications to the tune or uploading data. The 45 seconds is only one step out of 3.

Basically I think you will be taking a step back by buying this if you already had the experience of using Tony's chip. If you still want to buy one, look in the classified section of this website. There are about 10 for sale (at about 1/2-2/3 of the original price). It should also make you consider why so many folks are selling theirs.

Hope this info helps in your decision.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rms0726ea]

p.s.

about 4 people from this site tried to tell me not to buy the predator and get a 4 position chip. Well, I didn't listen. Now I have $400 less in my bank account and I wound up buying the 4 position chip anyway. I learned the hard way /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sick.gif.

 

[BIGRED95]

Thanks again for all the great info guys appreciate it I've read some where that the 99-00 trucks some of them had problems with where you put the chip in PCM being thin and causing problems? I also had the Evo with the 95 I liked it but EGT's were an issue, sounds like this may do the same thing. White Buffalo did you have much trouble with smoke on the higher or lower settings? Thanks again for everybody's input sounds like I may have to get ahold of Tony again! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Justin

 

[rms0726ea]

I had some smoke when towing my Travel Trailer and some on the 100 HP setting. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif I noticed the filter minder on the ford Severe duty AIS was pulled down about 1/2 way a few times after romping on it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif, so I added the fender sleeve modification to th AIS box. That fixed the problem /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Alot of folks will also recommend replacing the new filter minder with the one that was on the stock air box. Now with Tony's tunes added - the WOT setting is all smoke! Have fun! This site has emptied my wallet a few times - but I wouldn't have it any other way /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Diezel Dawg]

go with Jody Tiptons Dp-Tuner chips, great programs and great power!!! I had two different SuperChips programmers and they dont even compare to the DP-Tuner

 

[imelmo]

[ QUOTE ]
Hello all looking to start beefing up the truck I had Wildman tunes with my 95. I was looking around the other day on DI's website and read about the Predator sounds like a pretty nice programmer anyone have any experience with this the 45 second uploads sound pretty cool also it says they can put custom programs on it. Lets hear your opinions on this! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Justin

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, you're starting off good! The chip from DI (multi-position, switchable on the fly) will be much better. They'll put all the custom stuff on it you could possibly want! The Predator is nice from what I've read, but for a 7.3, a custom chip is the only way to go. Call 'em up and get some details. They'll be glad to help you. Great bunch of people to work with too.

 

[ACD2]

I have the predator, and the 60HP setting makes a world of difference over stock, but I myself am going to get a Jody chip as soon as the money is in the bank for it. It is true, this thing wil knock the needle off the pin on EGT's in no time flat. The 80 and 100HP settings actually produced less power, probably due to boost setting the SES and defueling. I got a great deal on the tuner, and since it was winter time, and I didnt want to mess around with the PCM, I bought it, and dont regret it(provided the tranny isnt fracked from it). I can still use it as a scanner if I dont sell it.