Just installed Predator... initial impressions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 915
Likes: 1
From: UK
Just installed Predator... initial impressions
Firstly, the backup of my factory program failed for the first 3 attempts :eek:
The first error was 'Access Denied' followed by 'Script Error'. The other 2 attempts resulted in 'Script Error'. The 3rd-attempt (at this point, I was rather worried), worked successfully.
The reason for the above may be because I think I accidently left on my side-lights! :smash:
Anyway, I installed the Performance Tune and then modified the 1-2 shift and the 2-3 shift with -25% shift time and +15% shift pressure.
To be honest, I didn't notice any real difference in the speed of the shifts, just firmness. I had previously been running with the HPPIII and had programmed 100% line pressure. The Predator settings feel the same, just a little softer (I'm guessing that the full +25% shift pressure would be equal to my previous HPPIII line pressure setting).
As for general performance, my initial impressions are very good! Ever since getting new tyres on the rear, I have been unable to activate TCS from a standing start (except for maybe once on a really cold night). With the Predator tune, I stomped on it from a stop light and immediately activated TCS. Then, I floored it again from 35mph (downshift to 1st) and activated TCS again! That's never happened since I've had new tyres! This is with regular 95RON (90 octane US equivalent) gas in the tank and several degrees of KR as a result. Ambient temp was 49f.
One thing I really like about the Predator is the realtime scanning functionality. It's a shame that data-logging isn't supported, but it's still a useful tool. I monitored IAT, KR and LTFT's. With the factory tune, I was getting 7 to 10-degrees of KR at WOT. LTFT's were -1.5 at idle. With the Predator tune, I was getting 5 to 6-degrees of KR even at part-throttle (to be expected with the gas I have in the tank currently, I guess). WOT KR was over 10-degrees. IAT was around 68f (49f ambient) whilst driving and well over 118f whilst idling (heat soak). I'll be installing a Halltech T1-Cobra to replace my K&N cone filter soon, so it'll be interesting to note if my IAT readings come down as a result.
Incidently, I noticed a discrepency between both the engine speed and road speed indicated on the dashboard/HUD and the same readings as reported by the Predator. My dashboard revs looked about 100-revs below what the Predator was reporting and my HUD speed was about 3mph above what the Predator was reporting. So, now I have different speed readouts... HUD, dash and Predator... all different! :crazy: It would be interesting to get a GPS unit to see which one is actually accurate.
Any comments from any Predator dab-hands?
Tuning tips for fuel and spark?
Cheers,
Ian.
:cheers:
The first error was 'Access Denied' followed by 'Script Error'. The other 2 attempts resulted in 'Script Error'. The 3rd-attempt (at this point, I was rather worried), worked successfully.
The reason for the above may be because I think I accidently left on my side-lights! :smash:
Anyway, I installed the Performance Tune and then modified the 1-2 shift and the 2-3 shift with -25% shift time and +15% shift pressure.
To be honest, I didn't notice any real difference in the speed of the shifts, just firmness. I had previously been running with the HPPIII and had programmed 100% line pressure. The Predator settings feel the same, just a little softer (I'm guessing that the full +25% shift pressure would be equal to my previous HPPIII line pressure setting).
As for general performance, my initial impressions are very good! Ever since getting new tyres on the rear, I have been unable to activate TCS from a standing start (except for maybe once on a really cold night). With the Predator tune, I stomped on it from a stop light and immediately activated TCS. Then, I floored it again from 35mph (downshift to 1st) and activated TCS again! That's never happened since I've had new tyres! This is with regular 95RON (90 octane US equivalent) gas in the tank and several degrees of KR as a result. Ambient temp was 49f.
One thing I really like about the Predator is the realtime scanning functionality. It's a shame that data-logging isn't supported, but it's still a useful tool. I monitored IAT, KR and LTFT's. With the factory tune, I was getting 7 to 10-degrees of KR at WOT. LTFT's were -1.5 at idle. With the Predator tune, I was getting 5 to 6-degrees of KR even at part-throttle (to be expected with the gas I have in the tank currently, I guess). WOT KR was over 10-degrees. IAT was around 68f (49f ambient) whilst driving and well over 118f whilst idling (heat soak). I'll be installing a Halltech T1-Cobra to replace my K&N cone filter soon, so it'll be interesting to note if my IAT readings come down as a result.
Incidently, I noticed a discrepency between both the engine speed and road speed indicated on the dashboard/HUD and the same readings as reported by the Predator. My dashboard revs looked about 100-revs below what the Predator was reporting and my HUD speed was about 3mph above what the Predator was reporting. So, now I have different speed readouts... HUD, dash and Predator... all different! :crazy: It would be interesting to get a GPS unit to see which one is actually accurate.
Any comments from any Predator dab-hands?
Tuning tips for fuel and spark?
Cheers,
Ian.
:cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Re: Just installed Predator... initial impressions (i_york)
Firstly, the backup of my factory program failed for the first 3 attempts :eek:
The first error was 'Access Denied' followed by 'Script Error'. The other 2 attempts resulted in 'Script Error'. The 3rd-attempt (at this point, I was rather worried), worked successfully.
The reason for the above may be because I think I accidently left on my side-lights! :smash:
The first error was 'Access Denied' followed by 'Script Error'. The other 2 attempts resulted in 'Script Error'. The 3rd-attempt (at this point, I was rather worried), worked successfully.
The reason for the above may be because I think I accidently left on my side-lights! :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 1
From: Irvine CA
Re: Just installed Predator... initial impressions (i_york)
Predator requires everything drawing current should be off and the emergency brakes to be engaged so that the DRLs are off.
You might want to check your battery, but I doubt that a good battery and single light on would cause an error. There are instances where these power adders/programmers fail to initialize.
You might want to check your battery, but I doubt that a good battery and single light on would cause an error. There are instances where these power adders/programmers fail to initialize.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 0
Re: Just installed Predator... initial impressions (i_york)
I agree with the impressions of the Predator, with one small (or large depending upon how you look at it) caveat....... Don't look for a custom tune!
Also, a great many of the "features" we were told over a year ago would come, still have not. :( It's a shame.
I too loved the Predator and was extremely eager to utilize it for ALL my car's modifications, sadly the support after the sale appears to be lagging a bit.
Go to the "C5 Scan and Tune" section of this Forum, scroll through there and you will see a bunch of postings from folks concerning how to "tweak" the Predator settings. Enjoy!
Just don't modify your H/C or add a blower. :seeya
Also, a great many of the "features" we were told over a year ago would come, still have not. :( It's a shame.
I too loved the Predator and was extremely eager to utilize it for ALL my car's modifications, sadly the support after the sale appears to be lagging a bit.
Go to the "C5 Scan and Tune" section of this Forum, scroll through there and you will see a bunch of postings from folks concerning how to "tweak" the Predator settings. Enjoy!
Just don't modify your H/C or add a blower. :seeya
