This will be an evolving thread designed to be a one-stop place to get all the good technical info on a very impactful part of modifying your S197 Mustang. Not only is it convenient, but it should really cut down on multiple threads that rehash the same topic over and over.

Please refrain from debate. This should be an archive of facts, not opinions. The aftermarket for these cars is young, and there are too many variables to claim that one item or techniqe is catagorically better than another. Let's compare and contrast the similarities and differences, not champion the virtues of the "best" one.

With that disclaimer out of the way, share your knowlege hot rodders, help the newbs learn how this works!

Just to jump start things a bit maybe you the members can answer some of these common questions:

• Can I use this to tune the "throttle by wire" system for crisper response?

• Do I need to reflash the computer to adjust the speedometer if I get different gears?

• What are the names of all the computer tuning aids? Aproximate prices? Links?

• What are the main differences between them?

• Can they all be tweaked using a home computer?

• Is hiring the help of a professional tuner necessary to install a new tune, or can I do it myself?

 

Just to start off on answering number 3.

SCT Xcalibrator - Tuning flash programmer in a small case/design. -$350
http://www.sctflash.com/xtreme.php
http://www.sctflash.com/main.php

Diablosport Predator. - Tuning flash programmer in a handheld case/design. -$350 for the programmer, +$25 for the PC Interface kit.
Links:
http://www.diablosport.com/U7140.php
http://www.diablosport.com/OurDealers.php


Oh yeah, what you might want to do, is just keep editing your post and adding the information and then give a list of credit to the people who contributed info at the bottom. I did something similar on the 350Z forum.

 

Great! Thanks for the info and suggestion.


I've done some sleuthing and found some good answers to other questions:

• Can Tunes be edited?
[from peet] With the SCT tuner, sort of, is the answer. If you buy the tuner with the tune on board - no, you cannot edit it. You need the source file from your vendor before that will go.

[from 2005MustangGT] W/ the diablo, you can adjust air/fuel mixture, axle ratio, timing, cooling fans, idle, shift firmness, shift points, top speed/ungovern, and different tunes for different octane fuels.

[from zwooky] The Diablosport lets you edit as well, you actually make the adjustments on the unit, not on your pc.

• So you can edit tunes on the SCT Xcalibrator, but not on the unit itself?

[from zooky] Yes!
1. You open your tune on your PC. (.xtr file)
2. Make necessary adjustments.
3. Save this new file to PC.
4. With PC cable upload the new file into your SCT device.
5. Flash your car with the new file!

• What about this "3 tunes" on the SCT Xcalibrator?

[from DozersPony] The Xcal holds "THREE" tunes plus the factory tune. You can flash your OBD-II a hundred times every day, but you can only pick from the "THREE" stored tunes or the factory tune. The tunes can be be changed by a shop or your PC if you have a cable.

• What about this JET tuner?

[from subzero05] I spoke with JET about their module..They claim 16-19 hp and 20lb-ft of torque with their module as the average they have seen in testing.It plugs inline with the factory computer and "enhances" the signals coming out of the ECU and according to them does not reflash the computer..Thus, the benefit would be if you take the vehicle to the dealer for service you could remove the module and the dealer would not know it was there....according to them
That would be good for warranty reasons if this is actually the case and the performance #'s are accurate

 

I created a new thread with this info, but it's prolly useful to have it here -

FYI for anyone thinking of getting the Diablo Predator who has also/or are thinking about changing their pulleys (ie. Steeda pulleys), the owners manual warns against this. I emailed Diablo regarding this and they very quickly responded -

"ANSWER:
Dear,

You can use the Predator however I suggest tuning the car on the Dyno
to make sure you have a safe tune. You must check your A/f ratio and
check for detonation.

Thank you for your interest in DiabloSport!"

This may be obvious to some, but for others, thought this might serve as a useful piece of info prior to throwing down for either component.

 

Blake and his stickys

 

Fixed.

 

Re the above, apparently this is not a problem. U/drive's should NOT cause any issues.

 

Can anyone help.just spent $1,100 with Steeda and car runs like poo.Put muflers on wich the car ran great then i hoooked up the predator wich only has 4 options for tunes
Cai with 93
Cai and charge plates 93
factory HP
Original.
Car still ran great playing around with the factory HP.
Just installed the Cold AIr Kit.reprogramed for CAI with 93,Which the car has in it.Took it for a ride and wallaa Not low end doesnt pull at all,Think my explorer would eat it up.reprogramed back to Factory HP and it still has no low end or power with that Cold Air Kit in.

 

Ok I worked with Jay at Steeda.Downloaded latest version for my Predator and car seems good.I wish I could get on the dyno to test before and after.Customizing the timing seems to realy add power. So far Global set to 4 and advance on both rpms 8 or 9 seems real strong so far with 93 octane in car.I am going to get a Knockcensor gauge somewere because this would be a real help in seeing if car is detonating at anypoint while tunning.

 

Just so everyone knows, the Steeda predator does not have 91 and 93 octane tunes.

 

What program on your PC do you use to open the (.xtr) file for the SCT to modify this file?
I have downloaded the SCT xtreme files and those don't seem to work.
Any help would be great.

 

You mean they dont have any 91 tunes.All of steedas tunes are for 93.I have older version and newer version and it cleary states CAI with 93.And believe me,It wont even run without 93 and it better be a good quality 93.I have been taking a little timing out of it so that its not so picky with fuel.

 

You should of got a Predator :nono: Very user freindly,can Change anything.Load a tune and customize it yourself and Downloading from PC is easy.

 

You mean they dont have any 91 tunes.All of steedas tunes are for 93.I have older version and newer version and it cleary states CAI with 93.And believe me,It wont even run without 93 and it better be a good quality 93.I have been taking a little timing out of it so that its not so picky with fuel.
[/b][/quote]

To use the 93 octane tune, you have to at least have the CAI. I am talking about the 87, 91, and 93 octane performance tunes for stock or slightly modified cars. They are now telling me that they will exchange it.

 

To use the 93 octane tune, you have to at least have the CAI. I am talking about the 87, 91, and 93 octane performance tunes for stock or slightly modified cars. They are now telling me that they will exchange it.
[/b][/quote]
What do you mean, your tunes not working?And if not let me know.I had all kinds of problems and i worked them out.Ended up getting newer version over the internet.Had to buy connections from PC to predator but everything is great now.

 

What do you mean, your tunes not working?And if not let me know.I had all kinds of problems and i worked them out.Ended up getting newer version over the internet.Had to buy connections from PC to predator but everything is great now.
[/b][/quote]

I have already downloaded the newer version. My problem is that I do not have the CAI and all the tunes loaded into my predator require the CAI at least. I guess I could modify the stock tune, but I am not that confident in my abilities as yet and I have no access to a dyno. All of our fuel over here is at least 91 octane. I may get away with a computer tune but I do not want to chance my warranty with a visually noticeable mod like a CAI, not yet at least.

 

I have already downloaded the newer version. My problem is that I do not have the CAI and all the tunes loaded into my predator require the CAI at least. I guess I could modify the stock tune, but I am not that confident in my abilities as yet and I have no access to a dyno. All of our fuel over here is at least 91 octane. I may get away with a computer tune but I do not want to chance my warranty with a visually noticeable mod like a CAI, not yet at least.
[/b][/quote]
Well in that case install the Factory HP tune.Raise your redline up to like 6500 or a little more.adjust timing in small amounts.Make notes of were it was at start.raise global spark 1 degree(point) at a time.Raise spark in both RPM ranges a little at a time.Just keep righting down what you do so that you can go back if unhappy with it.Turn cooling fans on sooner(lower temperature).Honestly the CAI with tune doesnt realy feel to much diferent than stock.

 

Well in that case install the Factory HP tune.Raise your redline up to like 6500 or a little more.adjust timing in small amounts.Make notes of were it was at start.raise global spark 1 degree(point) at a time.Raise spark in both RPM ranges a little at a time.Just keep righting down what you do so that you can go back if unhappy with it.Turn cooling fans on sooner(lower temperature).Honestly the CAI with tune doesnt realy feel to much diferent than stock.
[/quote]

Thanks, I will give it a try.

 

Ran the car tonight for the first time made two runs.Stock tires.Left the line at 2,500RPM.Got wheel hop.Shifted at 6,000 each gear.Just about went threw the Traps in 3rd gear.Was only at 6,200.
1ST Run 60ft-2.048 13.59@102.62
2ND Run 60ft-2.023 13.463@103.79
Well, thats my baseline.I also shifted cautiously into 3rd.Stock shifter stinks.Could not believe the car weigh'd 3,763LBS

 

Looks like an interesting format.

We are pleased with the response to our Predator flash programmer for the 2005 Mustang GT, and value the input from our customer base.

The ability to update revisions and add custom tuning to a Predator makes it the fall down easy, versatile, never grows old programmer. No matter what bolt on modifications you choose down the road a program change can always be made with out any more then an e-mail, and download.

Factor in adjustability and diagnostic features, Predators hard to beat.

It may take a few days to make, test and release revisions on our part, but the market has no other manufacturer who offers the convenience of this feature, because it’s not easy to do.

We continue to dyno test and tune 2005 GT everyday. We will keep everyone in the hottest and most well thought out calibrations we can. We value the input we get from the forums, and look forward to answering what ever questions we can.

Thanks,
Nick Spinelli
DiabloSport National Sales Manager
nick@diablosport.com