After adding a modification such as a 4# lower or a FTVB, or something along these lines, using a tuner such as Predator will fix everything and make all modifaction correct? I ask this because I have NO knowledge of tuners....

Are the tuners plug and play or will I need to take my truck somewhere to have it tuned after I do these mods. I just dont want to F anything up and want to make sure I have a safe tune 100% of the time no matter what mods I add. So if someone can just give me a brief overview of the tuner and what it can/can't do that would be great. I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined (I install most of my mods myself and have done quite a bit of work on thr 4.6 motors) but I just have no prior knowledge about tuners/chips and tuning. Thanks ahead of time.

 

A hand held tuner like the Predator or the X-cal 2 are flash devices that remove the stock tune from the factory computer and install a modified tune for your application. Typically when you modify a vehicle you request a tune from a vendor and he/she will write a tune for your modifications. A chip is does the same thing as a flash device, but it plugs directly into the computer in your vehicle and over-rides the factory tune. If you get mods, get a chip or flash device from a lightning vendor. They will be able to handle all your questions and fix you up with a correct tune for your truck. Good luck,

Rich

 

So do the hand held tuners come preset with any tunes or must they all be written by a tuner and then programmed in to the hand held tuner? Also what mods specifically, should I be getting a tune after I install them...I understand that any heavy duty mods, but I'm mostly looking at a new lower pulley, FTVB, CAI, exhaust, fan, and suspension upgrades. So if I plan on sticking to simple mods and do not plan on going with a built motor or a different blower, would buying a chip and having it custom tuned be my best bet and then down the line if I choose to add a major mod, just have it re-burned with a different tune that fits my application?

 

The hand held tuners come with at least 1 tune on them. The chip is the same way, it comes with at least 1 tune on it. With the hand held tuner though you can adjust some settings like spark, or shift points. These are only minor adjustments. Also if you need a re-tune your vendor can email an updated tune to you. You then download that tune in your hand held device and then upload it to your vehicles computer. With a chip you have to mail it back to the vendor and wait till it come back, this is time without your truck. As for the mods, anytime you increase boost it is recommended to get a tune for the added boost. I would also change the plugs. The other mods you listed normally do not need an adjusted tune for.

Rich