Why should I tune my car or truck?
Tuning can bring tons of benefits to the table, from increased power and torque, to better shifting, improved throttle response, and options like the ability to remove the speed limiter, raise rev limiters, or disable MDS or AFM (systems that shut down half the cylinders on your V8 to run as a V4).
Which tuner is best for me?
We offer multiple tuning solutions, with most vehicles having at least 2 options to choose from. PredatorX is our most affordable tuner, and it is a mobile applications controlled through your smartphone. Coverage today is limited to 07+ GM cars and trucks, but Dodge is coming later this year and Ford after that. The Predator 2 Handheld tuner is up next, with an easy to use interface and simple yes/no options. Moving on from there is the inTune 3, which brings WiFi update capability, a full color touchscreen, and multi-license support. Finally, the Trinity 2 is our top of the line device. its a 5", full color touch screen display with tuning built in. it can display real time gauges, and has all the same wifi and license capabilities as inTune 3.
We also offer some inline modules, like the Pulsar for 15-22 Hemi Ram and the Pulsar Cat6 for the 25+ Hurricane powered Ram 1500.
What are licenses for?
All of our tuners include a license to tune one vehicle. If you wish to tune a 2nd vehicle with the same device, you can purchase a tuning license to allow use on a 2nd (or more) vehicle(s). PredatorX licenses are handled through the app, and i3/T2 licenses are added through the Update Agent software, or by calling in, 561-908-0040. (Predator 2 does not support multiple licenses)
What HP/TQ gains can I expect?
This varies be year/make/model and engine. We try to keep this data populated on the website, if you configure your vehicle then click on the product, it should display the specific gains in the 'Specs' section of the product page. Average gains on 87 octane for a V8 application are about 15 rwhp 15-20 rwtq, while premium fuel will generally deliver 25-30 rwhp and 25-30 rwtq. Factory turbocharged vehicle will see even more impressive gains.
Do I need a custom tune?
Any of our 'Platinum' tuning devices support custom tunes created by 3rd party tuners using our CMR software. There are lots of scenarios where one may seek a custom tune for their vehicle:
You want more power. It may be possible through fine tuning (datalogging, adjusting, repeating) to find some additional power over the tunes we provide. You may also prefer more aggressive shifting, or have some other specific need that can be accomplished through custom tuning.
E85 or race fuel. Different fuels have different tuning requirements, and a custom tune can allow you to safely run fuels other than 87/91/93 pump gas while getting the most out of them.
Modifications. There comes a point where modifying your vehicle will require a custom tune to make it all work together properly. You may do a bunch of bolt ons, and think it runs fine, but you are likely leaving some power on the table. It varies by platform and engine, but some vehicles need a custom tune just to run a CAI (05-10 Mustangs for example). As a rule, any time you do a cam swap, you will need a custom tune. Intake manifold changes may or may not require a tune, but will likely benefit from one. Throttle bodies are another popular mod, while some may bolt on and work fine, others may need tuning to function properly. Any time you are adding forced induction or Nitrous to an engine, a custom tune is a must.
How do i update my tuner?
Most of our devices update using our Update Agent software on a PC or Mac. This covers Predator 2, inTune 3, and Trinity 2. To update, connect the device to a PC with the supplied USB cable, launch the Update Agent software, and let it do its thing. Click YES when it asks if you want to update, and let it go. Updates usually only take a couple minutes. In some cases it may ask to reboot the device so it can deliver more updates, but its not common.
If using PredatorX, you'll simply update the app through the app store like anything else on your phone.
When/where should I tune my vehicle?
The key is to be in a safe place, ideally near a PC, and where you have cell and internet service. Not because you need them to tune, but because in the event you run into a problem, its difficult for us to help you if you are at a campground in the middle of the woods
Always ensure you have good battery voltage (12V+) when starting the tune process, as you'll be sitting there with the ignition in RUN mode for a few minutes to complete the process, and voltage drops during the flash process are not ideal. Everything in the vehicle should be turned off allowing for minimal voltage draw while loading tunes.
2013-2014 Dodge/Ram/Jeep owners:
These vehicles have an extra layer of security which causes the initial read process to take a long time. This is due to replacing the locked bootloader in these PCMs. Its important to ensure the battery is healthy or to connect a battery changer when tuning these applications for the first time.
2008-2014 Challenger owners:
These vehicles are equipped with a removable push to start button. When tuning, you must remove the button and insert the key fob to perform the requested key on/off cycles. Once tuning is complete, you may reinstall the button and it will work normally. (This is NOT an issue with Charger/300 models or 15+ Challengers)
What should I do if I need to take my vehicle to the dealership?
Its always advised to restore the stock tune to the vehicle if going to the dealer for any reason. Chances are, they will apply any available updates and if they flash the pcm or tcm, you'll get locked out and have to work with us to reset the device assuming you did not return to stock first. If you have an inline like one of our Pulsar modules installed, we also recommend removing that prior to visiting the dealership.