SCT or Diablo?

[Sonic Mustang]

I have a Diablo and one thing I do not like is the need for a data cable and a power adapter (when not connected to the car) but what are the advantages / disadvantages from the standpoint of the users?

Would like to see some feedback from the tuner guys out there as well.

[UK PONY]

I'm interested in this too, haven't bought a tuner at all yet so am curious as to which is best - especially as the prices are so similar.

(Sorry Sonic, not trying to hijack your thread - think we're after the same information though).

[j-roc]

In my opinion if you plan to do any custom tuning with it in the future I would go with the brand that the shop you plan on tuning with uses.

[Matthew]

I personally prefer the Diablo system. If you use a laptop, you don't need the power adapter because you can have the programmer in the car while it's connected to your computer.

It's good advice to check with whoever is going to program the car first though, as J-Roc said.

-Matthew

[Stangiac]

I was thinking of going with Diablo, but when I went to Steeda, in Milton, they dealt with the SCT Xcal3 tuners, so that's what I bought. I'm still waiting on my cai to come in, then I can install my goodies. Todd @ Steeda said they'll install whatever tunes I want. I think it comes with 3 tunes. Apparently the quality is about the same between Diablo and SCT. With my setup, they claim, like, 38rwhp.

[jay86]

Not that I have a tune my self yet... however, I can tell you this from being on other forums and reading material on the mustang for the past year.... the most commonly used tuner is the sct xcal3. However, I agree with j-roc and matthew.... its is best that you decide who your going to deal with for your tune setup (whether its local shop or online vendor)... and make sure you decide that your going to stay with them for future stuff and just get what they use for tune.

For what its worth, I will be getting the sct xcal3 because its the most common imo.

believe me i did my research on this... for example the following stang popular sites all use sct xcal:
brenspeed, bamachips, modular depot, tillman speed, american muscle, the mustang shop... lol... the list could go on.

hope this helps.

[Matthew]

Well, SCT certainly has more than their share of online evangelists, however that doesn't make it a better or more common system. I use both SCT and Diablo, but I have Diablo in all my own cars, and strongly prefer the Diablo system.

I think the best advice on this thread is to check with whoever you are going to have program the car and use whatever they are most comfortable with. Don't be swayed by ANY online forum otherwise, since most posters on this subject either have no real idea what they are talking about, or a vested interest in one system or the other.

-Matthew

[Pro SC]

Mathew can you explain the differences in laymans terms of both systems? Does either system do better in terms of controlling an auto? As far as the eec iv is concerned i dealt with Don Lasota from Lasota racing as he has built quite a name for himself, that was before becoming a member of MC and i did not know about you as i lived in Ontario before. I do like the idea of SCT four bank chips and was considering there Pro Racer package but it gets pricey very fast. I know your a busy guy but that would make a great sticky having a non biased thread on the differences of all the systems that are on the market. Another one that i would be interested in is the different after market stand alone systems that are out there. Just a thought...

[lone sailor]

I have a Predator, it's a great tool. It's very easy to use and you can make adjustments within a minute. The canned tunes on it are great IMO, and the "firm shift" option for the 5R55's really is FIRM, like 60% more firm. Barks them in 2nd and 3rd. Picked up .5 in the 1/4 with just the tuner.

[UK PONY]

Originally Posted by lone sailor

I have a Predator, it's a great tool. It's very easy to use and you can make adjustments within a minute. The canned tunes on it are great IMO, and the "firm shift" option for the 5R55's really is FIRM, like 60% more firm. Barks them in 2nd and 3rd. Picked up .5 in the 1/4 with just the tuner.

Good to know Lone Sailor - one of my main reasons for buying one would be to adjust the shift on the 5R55S box.

+1 on the features & benefits idea if you have the time Matthew - no need to give a reccomendation as such but a list of pro's & cons would be great.

[GT4MT]

Here's a question....suppose you were running an XCALII and wanted to switch to the Predator for whatever reason. Obviously, one would flash back to the stock tune with the XCALII and then load the Diablo tune, correct?

Seems reasonable, but then are you stuck with the XCALII tuned for your VIN only, or can it be wiped clean and used for another vehicle?? Does the original retailer/tuner have to do that or can any shop clear it??

Just curious, and for once I'm even on topic!! Hot damn!

[TheDutchGun]

Originally Posted by GT4MT

Here's a question....suppose you were running an XCALII and wanted to switch to the Predator for whatever reason. Obviously, one would flash back to the stock tune with the XCALII and then load the Diablo tune, correct?

Seems reasonable, but then are you stuck with the XCALII tuned for your VIN only, or can it be wiped clean and used for another vehicle?? Does the original retailer/tuner have to do that or can any shop clear it??

Just curious, and for once I'm even on topic!! Hot damn!

Congrats on being on topic. Jokes.

I'm actually wondering the same thing concerning switching tuners. This whole tuner being matched to your VIN sounds like you wouldn't be able to pick up a used one or anything.

[UK PONY]

Didn't realise the tuner was coded to the VIN. Had previously talked with a friend about sharing the cost of one.

[Matthew]

Originally Posted by GT4MT

Here's a question....suppose you were running an XCALII and wanted to switch to the Predator for whatever reason. Obviously, one would flash back to the stock tune with the XCALII and then load the Diablo tune, correct?

Seems reasonable, but then are you stuck with the XCALII tuned for your VIN only, or can it be wiped clean and used for another vehicle?? Does the original retailer/tuner have to do that or can any shop clear it??

Just curious, and for once I'm even on topic!! Hot damn!

You can return the car to stock with the Xcal and then use the Predator. The Xcal can be unlocked and used on another car. If I remember right, the Xcal can only be unlocked 5 times, which means that you can only change vehicles 5 times, but this is usually not a problem. Unlock is function that the end user can activate with some software from SCT.

The same procedure can be used with the Ford Pro Tool if you need to do a custom tune with a Predator, or some other tuner.

The Predator can be similarly uninstalled, but it will wipe any custom tune off the device when you use the "Restore Original Backup" function, so make sure you have your custom tune saved somewhere just in case.

Whenever your car goes to a dealership with a custom tune in it, I advise people to tell the service advisor not to have the car reflashed, AND to tape a note directly to the steering wheel that says "custom tune, do not reflash" in case the tech doesn't read the fine print. It creates a lot of problems if someone puts a fresh Ford tune on the car when you had a custom tune on there before.

-Matthew

[GT4MT]

Originally Posted by TheDutchGun

Congrats on being on topic. Jokes.

Bound to happen sooner or later!!!!


Thanks Matthew-nice idea with the note on the steering wheel. There has been discussion on this issue before....I usually tell the service guys, as well as put a sticky label over the OBD port.

Interesting that the Predator wipes out any custom tunes on the unit if you go back to the stock tune. I'm sure it's easy enough to load the custom tune back up from your computer, but that's a little nerve wracking for someone with limited computer skills. (In that instance...advantage to the XCAL to be able to go back and forth???) Guess it would just be a matter of actually doing it to get comfortable....interesting discussion though.