Diablo or SCT tuners?

[Lowndex]

I see mostly SCT tuners referenced here. Both Lidio and Reinhart use SCT. Any reason why not Diablosport tuners?
http://www.coolblueperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=819

I have spoken with two performance tune shops in Northern CA area (925, 510, 650, 408). None use the SCT products; only Diablosport! I wanted to hear from the Marauder owners before being concerned.

Thanks

[magindat]

The tuner itself matters little. What you need is to go with the type tuner that your favorite local tuner uses.

To tell ya how mixed up I am, I have an engine tune originally done on a Predator overlaid with a tranny tune I did on an SCT and I keep it on an Xcal2.

Sounds like you're better off with Diablo for your situation.

My story is long and complicated and I've had both, but ended up with SCT due to my trusted tuner.

[FordNut]

One of the reasons I have SCT is the Pro Racer's Package. Diablo does not offer a similar product. I only used the PRP to get my tranny shift points and torque converter lockup schedule setup to my liking, but it was worth buying just for that.

[Paul T. Casey]

I have both (don't ask how). There is no difference. just a matter of preference. If you're overrun with Diablo shops nearby, get Diablo. Neither manufacturer is going to sell you a tune that's going to blow up your car, off the shelf. The differences come from the actual tuner him/herself. Go with a reputable one, with a dyno. I'm currently running the Diablo "flip chip" with custom tunes loaded on it. I'd reccomend either brand with multiple tunes.

[Vortech347]

Paul hit it on the nose. Both are plenty good. But use what everyone around you uses and can tune with no issues.

[Joe Walsh]

I've heard that the SCT has more adjustable parameters and can store multiple tunes...

:dunno:

[Power Surge]

Both tuners can hold the same tune. It's what the actual human tuner does that matters. Both software companies have access to about the same parameters (I tune with both).

As for tools themselves....

The Predator is neat because it has great self logging with a better playback screen. However, SCT's Live Link datalogging (which is done through the tool, to a laptop), is just about the most powerful datalogger you can use, and is WAY better than what Diablo has.

As mentioned, the Predator can only store one tune, the Xcal can store 3.

Hope this helps!

[Vortech347]

The DS that came with my dads 05 vortech package had 2 tunes on it.

[Lowndex]

Thank you guys. I learned much from your input. I have come to a surprise conclusion. I will keep my SCT XCal3, as Reinhart and Lidio use ot for engine and transmission tunes. I will buy a Diablosport Predator to visit local dyno shops in my area for additional tuning. When I get a supercharger, I will need to work with the local shop to install and tune.

Thanks again everyone!

[Power Surge]

The DS that came with my dads 05 vortech package had 2 tunes on it.

That's different. That's a special tuner that's done for a select few companies where Diablo load those companies tunes into it. But it STILL only holds one "custom" tune (like if you had your car dynoed).

[Paul T. Casey]

That's different. That's a special tuner that's done for a select few companies where Diablo load those companies tunes into it. But it STILL only holds one "custom" tune (like if you had your car dynoed).

I seem to think I've got 2 custom tunes in my Diablo, plus the one in the factory box (custom also).

[Power Surge]

I seem to think I've got 2 custom tunes in my Diablo, plus the one in the factory box (custom also).

That'd be a new one to me; I've been begging them to make the Preds hold more than one custom tune since they came out.

Just a quick edit here... the Preds for some newer cars (04+F-150, 05+mustang) and the latest revision for Lightning Preds with blue cases only, allow multiple custom tunes. The MM one still doesn't support that but they are working on that update.

[Marauderjack]

I like the Diablo since you can make parameter changes and download the final tune to your computer for safe keeping!!:beer:

It keeps you from having to reset the idle speed, shift RPM', axle ratio, etc......Maybe the X-cal will do it too??:confused:

Marauderjack:D

[UncleLar]

Okay,I've been away awhile,by SCT are we talking SuperChips Max Micro (#1724 in my case,2004MM) Tuner or are we talking the old original mod of opening up the ECM and R&R'ing the stock chip?:dunno::dunno::dunno:
If so I saw one used on Ebay a week or so ago but I heard that like my Harley's Screamin Eagle Race Tuner that once the Super Chips tuner was used it reads/assimilates the VIN from that vehicle and will only work on THAT vehicle.
True or false?

[cougar9150]

Check out this link for more info on the Predator: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=33119

I just recently got one and am I'm pretty green with it but there is some great things I know the Predator can do after less than a week:

Adjust multiple tuning parameters while sitting in the car without a laptop and download them to the car right then . (Adjusted my shift points in a Publix parking lot yestreday on my way home from work)
Multiple levels of data logging that you can download from the Predator to view on and save to your PC. (Have to downlaod free software from the Diablo Sport website)
Download and save your custom tunes to your PC from the Predator.(Have to download free software from the Diablo Sport website)
Downlaod new tunes to the Predator from your PC that you got via email if you sent them off to a tuner, or if they were saved on your PC.
Save a copy of your original stock tune to your PC for safe keeping.
It's a diagnostic tool also.
PLUS MUCH MORE!!!!The Predator does have a section called "Read Extra Tune" that is for downloading the "Performance Tune" on the car to the Predator after it has read and saved your "Factory/Original Tune" (when it does this it marries the Predator to one car until the "Factory Tune" is restored to the car).
This is so that you can upload/export this tune to a PC to be modified by a Pro tuner, who has the full software to make changes the Predators are not capable of.
The Predator is an easy tool for beginners and experienced people alike. It will allow to to play but can cause damage if your are not careful. It is the tuner who makes a difference, I worry less about what type of tuner and more about who does the tune and work. Bad shops and tuners are easy to find..... good ones are not.