Learning Process: I read everything there was on flashing my SVTF. I read the forums, spoke with people that had flashed their vehicles. I met Tom and his son last year at Fun Ford Weekend in New Hampshire. It’s impressive what he can do to a Focus. He’s down to earth and takes the time to discuss cars with anyone who wants to. I decided to go with the Diablo Predator (w/Tom’s flash) because I felt he knew what he was talking about.
Ordering Process: When I was ready to order, I called Tom (numerous times) to discuss the mods I had made to my car. He explained to me what to expect from the flash. He recommended that I wait till January to get the new unit which would be better and even has the SVT welcome screen. When Tom receives the Predator, he tests it and tunes according to what the customer wants or specific mods done to the car.
Flashing Process: My Predator arrived via the USPS a few days after I had ordered it. I called Tom and he asked me if I wanted him to run through the process with me. I wasn’t ready for the install at the time so he gave me his version of what to do which was a lot simpler then the directions I received from the company. Tom told me not to read the directions but, just to pull fuse #46 and 61 (I think this was the hardest part of the flash). Living in Maine, I put off flashing the car for a few days till it stopped snowing and the mercury made its way above 0 degrees. Yesterday (Monday, January 24), I had the time and decided to flash the SVTF. The actual flash took about 5 minutes and the directions on the screen made the process so easy that anyone can do it.
Driving Impressions: I waited till the next morning to drive the car. My car started easily and idled at 1400 rpms (20 degree weather) for 2-3 minutes and settled down to about 950 rpms. Take off was surprisingly pleasant and easy. No bogging and lots more power on take off. I didn’t have to worry about it bogging down or keeping the revs up to get the car moving. The roads are still snow covered. It is hard packed snow and pretty slippery. Going up one of the hills on the way to work, I usually have to downshift into second gear especially with snow on the roads…today, I didn’t have to. I kept it in 3rd gear and it made it up the hill easily. There was enough power to pull even when the front wheels started to spin a little and the revs dropped. Shifting through the gears, power was instantaneous. It didn’t matter what gear I shifted into, the power always seemed at its peak. One of the biggest changes is no stumbling, and the revs actually drop when you shift. The car overall feels much stronger. Now I can’t wait for the roads to dry-out and be safer to run some acceleration tests and drive it like it should be driven.
Issues that the Predator Diablo should resolve…(Tom said it would)
Things I notice when I flashed my SVTF with Tom’s tune:
· On cold days, my cold start revs are a lot lower then before around 1400 rpms, then in a few minutes, they settle down to 950 rpms.
· Low end torque is much better. It pulls from stop without having to stomp on the gas.
· Power and torque throughout the power band is much improved.
· Idle speed up a little.
· During shifts, no more hanging revs.
· No more stumbling.
· Overall drivability much better.
Did the flash do everything I was guaranteed it would do?…..Yes. Is it worth the $495?…to me “most definitely it is”. I don’t really care whether you buy Tom’s or somebody else’s flash. For those who buy the FocusSport SCT, believe me, if you get half the tune and benefits I got with Tom’s (and I’m sure Randy tests his product as intensively as Tom), you will be very ecstatic on the transformation of your SVTF.
____________________ 02 SVT Focus, CD Silver, No. 2032.
I have thought about getting a flasher, I just can't justify the money as of yet. My car is still basically stock (no power mods done). Maybe once I start to add power I will want one enough to make the price ok. I like the write up you have done on this. You have given the flasher a real world break down of just what it does..
Thanks. Please move it where you'd like. As for other mods...seriously think about this mod before others. It's worth it. Here is a list of my mods: 02 SVT Focus, CD Silver, No. 2032. Diablo Predator (Tom's tune), FS CoolFlo, Screamin Demon Coil and LiveWire Plugs,FC 65mm Throtle Body, Borla 2.5" Exhaust, Steeda Short Shift, MAC Rear Engine Mount, FS Upper Strut Bar, BAT Lowering Springs w/adjustable SPAX Shocks, Dual Guage Pod with Air/Fuel and Volt Meter. The Diablo Predator gave me as much or more performance then all the other mods. I would think of doing it first and then seeing if everything else is necessary.
____________________ 02 SVT Focus, CD Silver, No. 2032.
Just ordered my predator today.
Had a reflash done last week at ford. car lost power, runs lean,and idles like crap.
After talking with tom about the predator and mods on my svt i decided to but one and quit crutching the little black jrsc boxs problems.
Tom's very easy to talk to and suggests a few things to help power output.
Let ya'll know what happens...
Tom is a great help and easy to talk to...I can't say enough about his flash...my car seems to be getting better and better...it drives like a different car.
____________________ 02 SVT Focus, CD Silver, No. 2032.
date about the tune.