Diablo predator or SCT???
- Thread starter nocaratall
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personaly i will be getting the SCT eXcalibrator and the downloadable program. i'm good with electronics and software in general so i think i'd be good with flashing my own ECU and making changes as i go. from what i understand the SCT is about the exact same as the preditor, though you need a computer screen to see what you are doing vs the display on the pred. the only thing i am not sure of is if you need to also buy a chip with the eXcalibrator, but i am sure someone will chime in on that note.
so its all personal preferance.
Torinalth
so its all personal preferance.
Torinalth
ponygirl74
Member
I don't know anything about the SCT, but I am happy with my Predator. It is really simple to use and has on onscreen menu that allows you to make continuous changes. I used it to recalibrate my speedo for my gears and eliminate the MIL for my O/R pipe. You can also adjust air/fuel ratio, timing, etc. I've got the link to it for $325 shipped if you're interested.
Dan_Soprano
Mod Dude
propellerhead
New Member
Decide first on whether you want a chip, handheld tuner, or full blown tuning package, then compare the features. If you just throw out brands, you'll get brand-loyal posts that don't provide you with any information. Or you'll get replies from people comparing a pro-level package with an end user tool. Apples to oranges comparisons will just make things worse for you.
Chip: Plugs onto the computer. It intercepts and adjusts the signals going in and out of the computer. Any changes have to be done by the shop. Chip is easily spotted by Ford warranty cops. $200-400 (I think)
Handheld Tuner: Plugs into the diagnostic port and updates the data tables in the computer. You can do basic changes like timing, a/f ratio, speedo cal, MIL, etc. Not easily detectable by Ford. ($350-400)
Pro-level tuning package: Similar to the handheld tuning tool but you can change 100x more things. Not for the casual user. ($800+)
I went with a handheld tuner. If you want to know which one I chose and why, check my sig.
Chip: Plugs onto the computer. It intercepts and adjusts the signals going in and out of the computer. Any changes have to be done by the shop. Chip is easily spotted by Ford warranty cops. $200-400 (I think)
Handheld Tuner: Plugs into the diagnostic port and updates the data tables in the computer. You can do basic changes like timing, a/f ratio, speedo cal, MIL, etc. Not easily detectable by Ford. ($350-400)
Pro-level tuning package: Similar to the handheld tuning tool but you can change 100x more things. Not for the casual user. ($800+)
I went with a handheld tuner. If you want to know which one I chose and why, check my sig.
Marks5.0!
Founding Member
trinity_gt
10 Year Member
SCT XCal gets a nod here too. 'Course I didn't try the Predator for comparison and with a proper tune, both should return similar results. However, I have to give nearly 20 ft-lbs in the 3000RPM range and vastly improved throttle response (with a 93 octane tune) a big thumbs up.
The thing I like about the Xcal is that it's a simple, no-frills box. I don't want to pay for a fancy LCD and GUI. The simple LEDs and pushbuttons of the XCal coupled with an okay program to modify a tune on a PC is great.
The thing I like about the Xcal is that it's a simple, no-frills box. I don't want to pay for a fancy LCD and GUI. The simple LEDs and pushbuttons of the XCal coupled with an okay program to modify a tune on a PC is great.
Orions98GT
New Member
propellerhead
New Member
After a few runs at the track last night, we hung out in the pit lane and I adjusted my a/f ratio. My buddy adjusted his timing. Neither of us had to bring a laptop computer along, nor did we run home to use our home computers. We also data logged our SPARKADV to see what it was doing. Life is good.
ponygirl74
Member
hognutz
New Member
depends on what you want out of the thing.
I like th sct because you can upgrade to the proracer package if you ever do any real mods. cams, heads, power adder.
the predator falls on its face here.
now if you never plan on making any real mods and are only doing exhuast, pullies, cai. Basically stuff that does not affect the vehicles tune much it is a bit of a toss up.
I like th sct because you can upgrade to the proracer package if you ever do any real mods. cams, heads, power adder.
the predator falls on its face here.
now if you never plan on making any real mods and are only doing exhuast, pullies, cai. Basically stuff that does not affect the vehicles tune much it is a bit of a toss up.
propellerhead
New Member
Same applies to the either handheld tuner. When you go past basic bolt-ons and end-user adjustments, you go get a custom tune and load it in your car via the handheld tuner. You'll still have some adjustability with both units. However, one still gives you the datalogging, OBD-II reading/clearing, and the ability to make changes right at the track without needing a desktop computer.DCBigpimpin said:No a DSP would not be an effective tuner device with mods exceeding basic bolt-ons (ie H/Cs/PA). But that's when you get a custom tune from a DSP/CMR tuner (local or email) downloaded to the DSP.
propellerhead said:
There is a lot wrong with this! Compare apples to apples.
First, a good SCT Dealer can get you very close to perfect with any mod combination with the file they build for your car via chip or hand held tuner.
With the Extreme Tuner package and XCalibrator hand held tuner, you do not have the ability to data log, clear codes or tune without a PC/Laptop.
With the Extreme Tuner package and SCT 9100 hand held tuner, you can clear codes but cannot data log or tune without a PC/Laptop.
With the Extreme Tuner package and XCalibrator 2 hand held tuner, you won't be able to tune without a PC/Laptop.
Comparing the Extreme Tuner Software package with the 9100 or XCal 2, the SCT hand held tuner is far superior to Diablo hand held. It gives you a lot more flexibility than what you can do with Diablo. Change your MAF and with the extreme tuner software, you can do it yourself. With Diablo, you have to download the file.
The pro racer package is a step up yet from the Extreme Tuner package. Tuning the 2005 Mustang is the perfect example for comparison. Why is Diablo having so many problems with their tuning of it? The SCT dealers I know of are not having any issues and are finding power.
BTW an SCT vote here.
Some of the best SCT dealers:
http://www.blueovalchips.com
http://www.modulardepot.com
http://www.modularpowerhouse.com
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