V-10 Excursion, Predator & MAFia Q's

[nebmike]

I've got an '05 Excursion w/ 2-valve V-10 and 40k miles... just installed a Banks Power-Pack system (RamAir CAI, headers & Y-pipe, cat-back, OttoMind chip, TransCommand). In spite of excellent reviews from other Banks customers and having dropped 2k+ on the system, I've gotten no performance improvement either unloaded or while towing ~7500lbs. I'm confident that my problem isnt with the parts or the install, but some other underlying issue (which we cant seem to figure out)... after a lot of reading, I'm considering purchasing a Predator and possibly a MAF.ia. to give me (and my frustrated mechanic) additional tuning options.

1. Would this application w/ the mods require custom tuning?
2. Could a skilled mechanic locally (nearest CMR is 2 hours away) use the Predator to achieve the same tuning as a custom CMR tuning?
3. Is the Predator compatable with the Banks OttoMind chip -- and if so, should the tuning (and/or stock back-up recording) be done with the chip installed or with it removed?
4. Would this application benefit from a MAF.ia. in addition to a Predator?
5. If I have someone set up a custom CMR tune, are the various parameters still adjustable with the Predator... or are they "hard-wired" so-to-speak?
6. Do the Predator and MAF.ia. come with instructions that help guide you through determining the various settings?

Sorry for the length and thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!!!
Mike

[mikel]

I've got an '05 Excursion w/ 2-valve V-10 and 40k miles... just installed a Banks Power-Pack system (RamAir CAI, headers & Y-pipe, cat-back, OttoMind chip, TransCommand). In spite of excellent reviews from other Banks customers and having dropped 2k+ on the system, I've gotten no performance improvement either unloaded or while towing ~7500lbs. I'm confident that my problem isnt with the parts or the install, but some other underlying issue (which we cant seem to figure out)... after a lot of reading, I'm considering purchasing a Predator and possibly a MAF.ia. to give me (and my frustrated mechanic) additional tuning options.

1. Would this application w/ the mods require custom tuning?
2. Could a skilled mechanic locally (nearest CMR is 2 hours away) use the Predator to achieve the same tuning as a custom CMR tuning?
3. Is the Predator compatable with the Banks OttoMind chip -- and if so, should the tuning (and/or stock back-up recording) be done with the chip installed or with it removed?
4. Would this application benefit from a MAF.ia. in addition to a Predator?
5. If I have someone set up a custom CMR tune, are the various parameters still adjustable with the Predator... or are they "hard-wired" so-to-speak?
6. Do the Predator and MAF.ia. come with instructions that help guide you through determining the various settings?

Sorry for the length and thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!!!
Mike

1. Yes, the headers put you over the top.
2.Likely not, the range of adjustment in the Predator is minimal compared to what is available to a CMR dealer.
3.I am not too familiar with this chip, but most likely the answe is no.
4.No, the Mafia is mainly used in high power forced induction applications. You would have no need for one.
5.Yes, the full range of adjustment is always there.
6.Yes, but like I said, you do not need a Mafia.

Thanks

[carringb]

I put the exact same setup as you on my van, and the power gains were very noticable. I think it was more than published by Banks.

However, I wanted the additional options and power offered by the predator, so I'm toying with that now. But, I think your lack of power gains may have a more basic cause. Have you tried things like plugs, fuel filter, etc?