Just when you thought it was all over...

Have you looked at the SCT Flash Tuner (now the XCalibrator)? They cost around $375. Don't confuse this with the Superchips MicroTuner. These are two different beasts.

As I mentioned, I've been looking into tuners for a few weeks now. Here are the things I like about the Diablo Predator, followed by what the pro-SCT folks say.

- Diablo Predator lets you tweak the settings all day long. [Once you get the settings right, you're not gonna mess with them again. SCT dealers will work with you to get your tune right. The guy behind the Jerry Mod is one of the SCT guys. He knows Mustang transmissions. They claim their baseline tunes are far better than what you get with a Diablo Predator. I've read more horror stories about Diablo tunes than SCT tunes, but this might be due to the large number of Diablo tunes already out there. SCT is coming out with their Quick Tune software in Nov 2004. Connect your SCT flasher to your PC and tweak your tunes all day or send/receive new ones from an SCT dealer, just like the Predator. ]

- Diablo Predator will let you turn off the O2 sensors or recalibrate the speedo for gear changes later, even if it is years later. [All SCT baseline tunes turn off the O2 sensors. Their flash tuners hold 3 custom tunes. You can have one tune set for 4.10 gears long before you get the gears. When you do, just load the appropriate tune. ]

- Diablo Predator lets you log data. [Most people won't know what to do with the data. Those who do will prefer the SCT Pro Racer's Package.]

* SCT flash tuner holds 3 tunes and you can load any of the 3 tunes in minutes. If you want a tune for normal daily driving and a tune for spraying nitrous at the track and a tune for when your mom borrows your car, then clearly the SCT has the advantage. With a Diablo Predator, you have to adjust all applicable parameters of the one and only Performance Tune you get.

PS. I'm not a dealer for either programmer. Just a regular guy who has been researching and comparing the two tuners for weeks. Right now, I'm leaning towards the SCT XCalibrator. I have an auto trans and I am thinking of getting a tune with firm shifts and 87 octane settings, another with firm shifts and 91 octane settings, and one with hard shifts and 91 octane settings. The SCT dealer promises to work with me to tweak the tunes until we get the performance and driveability settings right. Then, I'll be able to switch between each tune on my own. I'll probably get their Quick Tune software before I get the gears so I can do the speedo recal on my own later.

Earlier, I was really hyped up on the Diablo's ability to tweak the settings on my own. But after thinking about it more, it's really a set and forget affair. It's not something I would need to tweak every weekend for the next three years.

 

Damn you propellerhead! Just kidding of course. I actually heard of the SCT XCalibrator before and just took a real good look at it now. It is real close IMO between it and the Predator. The Quicktune 2005 software is available, officially, now. Again, I like the idea of fiddling with stuff on my laptop/desktop as opposed to using a handheld.

3 things I have about that....

1. Does it do any diagnostics? The Predator can read the codes so you have an idea of what is up. Granted, hopefully this would be few and far between - but it will be handy nonetheless. I can't find this feature listed on their site myself, just curious if you seen it anywhere.

2. When you buy it, do they have ya fill out a questionaire or something to get the tunes or are they extra? (Guess I could attempt to order one and not actually order it to find out.)

3. I'd personally like to see some screenshots of the software. If it is anything like the tweecer stuff, man that is way over my head.

The www.sctflash.com website could be a little more forthcoming with information. haha

Well, I'll keep looking around - all but the SCT Xcablibrator and the Predator are eliminated in my book. With any luck, this'll be decided before my 'Stang rusts out. (Na, gotta decide before the end of Dec.)

Take care and thanks again,
Ceyko

 

So by getting the Predator it will change the speedo correctly if you swapped out your gears?

 

Hey Yoshi,
Yes it will. However, I am not aware of too many of the tuners that would not do that. The SCT, Predator and Microtuner do that much.

Take care,
Ceyko

 

I don't think the Xcalibrator pulls codes. You can go to most auto parts stores. They do it for free. When you order it, you'll tell them what you have in your car and what you want to get out of a new tune.

 

What's the cost difference between the two?

 

I've seen the Diablo Predator for $350 new. You can also find them on message boards and ebay. Just make sure they "unmarry" the unit first, before sending it. The cheaper price also means no warranty or vendor support.

The SCT Xcalibrator lists for $375. It's fairly new. I haven't seen used ones yet.

 

Hey guys whats up ,read all your post and yes the sct & diablosport are both good products but my opinion a i would go with the predator you get alot more for your money.You can install the file from the predator in you car ,modify it to your needs and save that file on your pc and make another one strong or how ever ,you can make as many files that you like and save them on your pc and use the one you want and if you make any heavy modes like blowers or block work a custom file can be done for and saved on your pc and and do the changes you want and save as many times you want again . The predator is a plug and play tool . very simple.

 

The Xcalibrator will let me do that too, plus I can load 3 different tunes on the flasher and go.

 

Anyone got any screenshots of the xcalibrator software? Been trying to find some so I can determine its difficulty level. IMO most people won't outgrow the xcalibrator, but if the software is too difficult to use (read the tweecer) - that could be a show stopper for me.

Take care,
Ceyko