Performance Programmers
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Performance Programmers
I have been looking for a "plug & tune" programmer (not a chip) for my '98 A4 with no luck. I was hoping to get a Diablo Predator Power Programmer as it does everything I want (i.e. adust timming & fuel enrichment, optimize air/fuel mixture, remaps transmission shifts points & shift firmness, reset rev limiter, electric fan control, get rid of the torque management and get full OBD II diagnostics (plus adjust for rear end gear changes and tire sizes)... WHEW!!!
The problem is that all the literature I see shows that it is NOT available for the '97 - '98 models. It works with the '99 models and up. What's up with that!!!?
I have a cold air system and free flowing cat-backs. I also want to install a 160 or 185 degree thermostat. That plus the Diablo PPP would do it for me.
Most other plug & tune programmers also lack a unit for the '97 - '98's and those that do don't do much. Can anyone steer me to a unit that will do what the Diablo PPP does for a '98 A4?
I've tried to get help from the "Tuners" here in Honolulu and they all tell me to get a "plug & tune" programmer as they can not help me. SUCKS big time!!!
Mahalo,
DJ
Hawaii
The problem is that all the literature I see shows that it is NOT available for the '97 - '98 models. It works with the '99 models and up. What's up with that!!!?
I have a cold air system and free flowing cat-backs. I also want to install a 160 or 185 degree thermostat. That plus the Diablo PPP would do it for me.
Most other plug & tune programmers also lack a unit for the '97 - '98's and those that do don't do much. Can anyone steer me to a unit that will do what the Diablo PPP does for a '98 A4?
I've tried to get help from the "Tuners" here in Honolulu and they all tell me to get a "plug & tune" programmer as they can not help me. SUCKS big time!!!
Mahalo,
DJ
Hawaii
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Unfortunately it is what it is!
It will either be a Hypertech Programmer or you will need to buy Hp Tuners
Hp Tuners will enable you to do everything but you must learn to use it and use it wisely
Thanks,matt
It will either be a Hypertech Programmer or you will need to buy Hp Tuners
Hp Tuners will enable you to do everything but you must learn to use it and use it wisely
Thanks,matt
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 179
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Yep. These handhelds are not as flexible as the laptop based variations. And Diablosport decided to not make a model that covered the first two C5 years (as far as progamming they are somewhat unique)... especially since the 1997 production run was so low. So they decided to not include the 1997 and 1998 specifics into the Predator.
There are other handhelds; Hypertech - as mentioned earlier- and I think Crane sells one as well.
There are other handhelds; Hypertech - as mentioned earlier- and I think Crane sells one as well.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Well if that don't sink my boat!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks guys. I wanted to maximize my cold air induction kit and my cat backs as well as firm up my shifts. Guess I'll have to forgo the first and look for a shift kit. They do make a shift kit for a '98, RIGHT!!!
Thanks guys. I wanted to maximize my cold air induction kit and my cat backs as well as firm up my shifts. Guess I'll have to forgo the first and look for a shift kit. They do make a shift kit for a '98, RIGHT!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 4
From: Delray Beach Florida
i have a hypertech on my 98. its not as versitial as the diablo but it gets teh job done for the year model lol. If you do the powerprogramer you dont need a shift it, just put your shift firmness at 75-100% and thats the same thing as putting a shift kit in. IF you put the shift kit in, leave the firmness at the stock setting.
The thermostate, DO NOT put a 160 in your car, if you live in the south where its WAY too hot and way to humid. Down here in texas, if you run a 160 your gauges will go crazy and mess up the air/fuel. only go down to 180degrees. BUT truthfullly, i haev the stock thermostate in mine with the hypertech and it never lets my motor get hotter then 190 degrees.
ALSO for the shift points on the hypertech, you'll want to drive it after each program to get the feel how many mph to add to each gear.
fallow the instructions though, very important to read them first
The thermostate, DO NOT put a 160 in your car, if you live in the south where its WAY too hot and way to humid. Down here in texas, if you run a 160 your gauges will go crazy and mess up the air/fuel. only go down to 180degrees. BUT truthfullly, i haev the stock thermostate in mine with the hypertech and it never lets my motor get hotter then 190 degrees.
ALSO for the shift points on the hypertech, you'll want to drive it after each program to get the feel how many mph to add to each gear.
fallow the instructions though, very important to read them first
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
i have a hypertech on my 98. its not as versitial as the diablo but it gets teh job done for the year model lol. If you do the powerprogramer you dont need a shift it, just put your shift firmness at 75-100% and thats the same thing as putting a shift kit in. IF you put the shift kit in, leave the firmness at the stock setting.
The thermostate, DO NOT put a 160 in your car, if you live in the south where its WAY too hot and way to humid. Down here in texas, if you run a 160 your gauges will go crazy and mess up the air/fuel. only go down to 180degrees. BUT truthfullly, i haev the stock thermostate in mine with the hypertech and it never lets my motor get hotter then 190 degrees.
ALSO for the shift points on the hypertech, you'll want to drive it after each program to get the feel how many mph to add to each gear.
fallow the instructions though, very important to read them first
The thermostate, DO NOT put a 160 in your car, if you live in the south where its WAY too hot and way to humid. Down here in texas, if you run a 160 your gauges will go crazy and mess up the air/fuel. only go down to 180degrees. BUT truthfullly, i haev the stock thermostate in mine with the hypertech and it never lets my motor get hotter then 190 degrees.
ALSO for the shift points on the hypertech, you'll want to drive it after each program to get the feel how many mph to add to each gear.
fallow the instructions though, very important to read them first
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Macedon NY
Anybody know what potential gains that I might receive if I re-tune my '99 LS1 coupe with a Diablo Predator Power Programmer . Engine is completely stock except for an SLP Powerflo cat-back system. Also equipped w/ an auto trans and 3.15 rear gears.
In other words would the $370.00 cost be worth it?
Thanks in advance guys!!
Woody
In other words would the $370.00 cost be worth it?
Thanks in advance guys!!
Woody
Last edited by vetter79; May 10, 2008 at 04:57 PM. Reason: update
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 179
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Anybody know what potential gains that I might receive if I re-tune my '99 LS1 coupe with a Diablo Predator Power Programmer . Engine is completely stock except for an SLP Powerflo cat-back system. Also equipped w/ an auto trans and 3.15 rear gears.
In other words would the $370.00 cost be worth it?
Thanks in advance guys!!
Woody
In other words would the $370.00 cost be worth it?
Thanks in advance guys!!
Woody
handhelds give more out-of-the-box SOTP gains on A4's - then they do on 6 speed manuals.
But they still fall short of a full dyno tune.
Oh; you can AFR tune a C5 with a Predator (and I've personally done that), but you'd need to purchase a wide band O2 setup (which I did as well). The cost of the two units equals -or slightly exceeds- a dyno tune.
It's a tough decision to make.
For me; I like having the devices in-hand... to make changes as I see fit... at the moment I choose, and without having to lug a laptop around. But that just a personal preference.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
A pro tune will find everything that was left on the table. 