As I do with all mods, I spent considerable time researching and reviewing programmers for my nearly stock 2004 F150 Lariat. The only mod that I had made to date was a set of Center Line wheels and Nitto Terra Grappler 295/70 - 17 tires.

Last week, I decided upon the Diablo Predator largely because of the data logging options. It arrived Friday afternoon. A couple of hours later, I decided to install the 87 tune. Both tuners download and save the factory tune prior to installing the new tune. The diablo did so, I then modified the Daiblo 87 tune to include my larger tire size over stock. Following this, I instructed the Diablo to load the 87 tune. It failed at about 50% loaded. The Diablo then instructed me to load the Factory Tune back into my truck. I obliged; but, it didn't. The Factory Tune wouldn't load. My truck was now completely "brain dead".

My 22 year old son and I rationalized like crazy. I remembered an ongoing issue. Each time I run my truck through the auto wash, the check engine charging system warning comes on and then goes off. So, I thought that maybe the voltage coming from the battery was dipping below the requisite 12 volts during the install thereby causing the failure. I even ran out and bought an Optima battery with 750 CCA. I wanted to do this anyway so I didn't consider it that big of a deal. My neighbor had a volt meter so we monitored the output coming from the new battery. It never dipped below 12.63 volts and yet each attempt to reload the factory tune failed. I went to Diablo's website to call their Tech Support and guess what.... No telephone numbers listed anywhere. A local dealer provided their phone number. Boy, I thought I was completely screwed and would have to call Ford to get the factory tune reloaded.

Finally, this morning I was able to get in touch with Diablo tech support. Their instructions were simple. Keep trying to reload the factory tune. Eventually it will be successful. Imagine putting that in an instruction manual. Well they were correct, the 24th attempt was successful and occurred after approximately an hour of making one attempt after another. Each previous attempt failed between 1% and 96% loaded and there was no way to predict at what point each would fail. Tech Support told me that they have indeed seen this problem and are working hard to get it fixed even going so far as to have a truck in Georgia brought down to their Florida facility. I believe that they are. Clearly, Ford has changed settings along the way that they didn't know about. I bought my truck more than a year ago so it may have been one of the first 2004s built. At this time it no longer matters. I have the RMA in hand and have ordered a Superchip 1714 microtuner. I do not anticipate issues with it since it has been on the market consderably longer than the Diablo for the new 2004 F150.

This is an interesting story and please understand that I am not in anyway hammering Diablo. I am sure that they will get this issue worked out. I just decided to take the more conservative route with a more seasoned product and this is the reason why I chose to return the Diablo.

 

I would of Sh** if that happin to me . good post

 

I have tested both on my Lariat. They are both very similar in power gains in the high HP program, however, the diablo has slightly better throttle response. Other than that, you'll be pleased with your superchips.

 

Did you get the latest revision? I mean you wanted the data logging you should of got the cables...

and its not that hard to look...

http://www.diablosport.com/faq/index...&id=55&lang=en

diablo rocks

 

had both on mine, Diablo is much better.

 

I have an 04' FX4 Screw and this very thing happened to me last Friday. I tried to load the 87 octane tune in my truck and could not get any tune back in the vehicle after backing up the "Original Tune". And I had just down loaded the newest version (r77). I am unsure of which version I had before but did not have this problem before. I have only had the Diablo for 3 week now and I love the options it offers. I contaced Diablo about this problem last week and they said they are working on a fix. I am willing to wait a week or so to give them a chance to work our this problem.

Oh by the way "tschaid" it took me 16 tries to force the original tune back into the truck. I feel your pain!

 

Yep... Got the cables, loaded my factory tune from the diablo to my computer (just in case) then downloaded the r77 (mine was at r75).

The Diablo may be better; but, I don't need the last inch out of it. Still; though, I have ordered Magnoflow SIDO and Volant intake. Just wanna have some fun.

 

Same thing here with the diablo. I tried the 87 octane tune "failed", tried to restore original, took 12 tries. Talk about heart failure. WOW. What would ford charge to restore computer excluding tow? My build date is 8/04.

 

when comparing the supechips and the diablo id have to give diablo the nod. you got a freak tuner and will probably be happier with the diablo.

on a side not where did you buy your nittos and how much were they? thanks!

 

"freak tuner"? I'm reading three here already.

 

3 out of thousands sold. most people dont read the directions im not saying this is the case here but more often than not that is the case

 

I havent tried the Diablo, but Superchips was responsible for atleast 3 tenths off my 1/8 mile time. Between intake and tuner I dropped 5 tenths.

Superchips worked fine for me. Diablo has many more setting options, but I prefer the SC's.

I guess because the dyno guys here know me and they are SC dealers and they are hooking me up with valuable info and.....other things.

Anyway, I'd say try both to suit your needs if you are financially equipped to do so. If not, they should both help alot. One thing I did that helped was I DID NOT use the loaded settings in the tuner. I made my own and they were MUCH better.

 

Superchip tuner came in yesterday and I loaded the 87 tune. I still have 3/4 of a tank of gas, so I will wait to go to the perf tune. The 87 tune is nice. It was amazing at how easily this tuner extracted stock and then loaded the tune. Not a single glitch. The diablo may provide better performance ultimately; but, the superchip worked first time out of the box.

As for not following directions..... I am one of those guys that reads and reads and reads before starting anything. I have learned the hard way that browsing over a set of directions usually results in a critical sentence or statement skipped. The diablo didn't work because the guys at diablo had not seen the engine code for my truck or the other guys trucks. Diablo Tech Support readily admitted this. As I said in my original post. I am very confident that Diablo will work this out to the best of their ability. I changed because I have been in the computer industry for 20 years and know the issues that exist with programming a variable computer. It is one thing to write code for a system that you can throroughly test against. It is another to write code for a system that presents a seemingly moving target. Ford has made changes to these trucks along the way and only Ford knows each and every change that they have made. As such, Diablo will have to work on a trial and error basis using our trucks as the basis on which to work out the bugs. They will succeed; but, we will be the beta testers. They don't seem to have any other choice.

Now, how has Superchips done things differently? I can't be sure; but, since they have been out much longer, I suspect that they may have encountered some of the things that Diablo is now encountering. It is likely in the method or parameter ranges utilized for error checking the settings as each setting is loaded into the trucks computer. I suspect Diablo's only real issue is knowledge of each setting's acceptable parameter range based upon engine code.

Anyway, the Superchip loaded fine with the 87 tune. Today my Magnaflow SIDO arrives. Later this week, the Volant will arrive.
Then, I will play with the Hi-Perf tune.

You guys are great. The ideas and thoughts that travel through these message boards are driving my wife nuts. I, on the other hand, am having a blast.

 

Where did you purchase the Diablo? I was wondering who had the best price. It seems like the superchips is going to be cheaper with the member discount.

 

I am curious as to what you did different and how exactly it improved the tune? I want to play around with mine, but I am not sure what to do? What did you change and what would you advise?

~Colby