Bassani or Predator?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Bassani or Predator?
So many upgrades and so few dollars.....I've got some money freed up, now I have to decide. Which should I get, the Bassani exhaust or the Predator programmer?
2nd question: Corvette Specialty here in Riverside, CA recommended the Granatelli "Big G" programmer over the Predator. Anyone have any experience with the Big G? It's new I understand.
2nd question: Corvette Specialty here in Riverside, CA recommended the Granatelli "Big G" programmer over the Predator. Anyone have any experience with the Big G? It's new I understand.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
So if I go with the Bassani exhaust now, will the computer recognize this mod and then compensate for the increased airflow (already opened up the intake with K&N), ultimately yeilding more hp so I wouldn't even need the Predator? I know a dyno tune is best, but for a daily drive car I'm just looking for a little more kick in the pants, not a lower et.
I guess my question is this: if I go with the Bassani, then let the computer adjust, would the Predator yield any more actual horsepower than the computer will already produce using the factory "adjustments" which should kick in when it senses the increased exhaust airflow?
I guess my question is this: if I go with the Bassani, then let the computer adjust, would the Predator yield any more actual horsepower than the computer will already produce using the factory "adjustments" which should kick in when it senses the increased exhaust airflow?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,056
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From: Havelock, NC ( NJ Resident )
answer
Originally Posted by zeevette
Save your money on hand-held tuners, get performance mods, and then get a dyno tune. If you mod, you'll end up doing these things anyway, and this'll just save you time and $$$.
do the performance Mods
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
First of all, just changing your catback, regardless of brand, is not going to affect your performance, or your tune, to a noticable difference. It'll just change your exhaust sound. In other words, the Bassani, or whatever isn't really a performance mod. Now, headers....
Hey, there's nothing wrong with getting a new catback. If you have the regular Corvette, versus the ZO6, this is often the first mod. The stock exhaust is so quiet. For myself, after a shifter, and CCW wheels, the very next thing I did was Borla Stingers. Since I've added headers, and catless X-pipe, I backed down to Magnaflows because the Stingers were pretty obnoxious after adding the headers. So basically, I wasted money on the Stingers, but **** happens. Oh yeah, I no longer have the CCWs either. It just keeps on going....
Hey, there's nothing wrong with getting a new catback. If you have the regular Corvette, versus the ZO6, this is often the first mod. The stock exhaust is so quiet. For myself, after a shifter, and CCW wheels, the very next thing I did was Borla Stingers. Since I've added headers, and catless X-pipe, I backed down to Magnaflows because the Stingers were pretty obnoxious after adding the headers. So basically, I wasted money on the Stingers, but **** happens. Oh yeah, I no longer have the CCWs either. It just keeps on going....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,406
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From: York PA
Originally Posted by zeevette
Save your money on hand-held tuners, get performance mods, and then get a dyno tune. If you mod, you'll end up doing these things anyway, and this'll just save you time and $$$.
Personally, I don't think a custom tune is needed for just a cat-back and new air intake system. It wouldn't be worthless, though, if you had one done. A good custom tune would certainly optimize your engine's performance; maybe even increase your gas mileage (something to consider if this will be a daily driver). My car made decent numbers before the custom tune with just the Halltech Stinger-R air intake, long tube headers, and GHL cat-back (335 RWHP/345 RWTQ). It seems once you change the heads and/or cam or go with some kind of forced induction package that a custom tune is definitely needed.
Beware...once the mod bug bites you, it's very hard to stop doing more and more. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
Huck
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
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From: Riverside CA
First of all, just changing your catback, regardless of brand, is not going to affect your performance, or your tune, to a noticable difference. It'll just change your exhaust sound. In other words, the Bassani, or whatever isn't really a performance mod. Now, headers....
They both claim to boost horsepower, and I believe it for the Predator, but if sound is the only difference and no real horsepower gains are made with the Bassani, maybe I should leave the factory exhaust on??? Another 5 or 10 hp isn't worth $1,000, but the predator is less than $500 and should produce 20+ hp I understand.
Maybe what I'm trying to figure out is which would give me the most hp bang for the buck. For example, a $1,000 Bassani produces say a 10 hp gain, versus a $500 Predator yielding a 20 hp gain, I guess I'd lean towards the Predator and wait for the Bassani (or whatever exhaust) later.
Here's the way to figure it out: can anybody ballpark the gains I would get with the Predator versus the Bassani based upon their personal experience just adding one or the other? Or both together in combination? Everything else is stock on my 2000 except the K&N air intake......
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Originally Posted by Gene Wolf
When you say the Bassani exhaust won't affect my performance, and since I'm okay with the factory "sound", maybe I should forget the Bassani and just get the predator tuning?
They both claim to boost horsepower, and I believe it for the Predator, but if sound is the only difference and no real horsepower gains are made with the Bassani, maybe I should leave the factory exhaust on??? Another 5 or 10 hp isn't worth $1,000, but the predator is less than $500 and should produce 20+ hp I understand.
Maybe what I'm trying to figure out is which would give me the most hp bang for the buck. For example, a $1,000 Bassani produces say a 10 hp gain, versus a $500 Predator yielding a 20 hp gain, I guess I'd lean towards the Predator and wait for the Bassani (or whatever exhaust) later.
Here's the way to figure it out: can anybody ballpark the gains I would get with the Predator versus the Bassani based upon their personal experience just adding one or the other? Or both together in combination? Everything else is stock on my 2000 except the K&N air intake......
They both claim to boost horsepower, and I believe it for the Predator, but if sound is the only difference and no real horsepower gains are made with the Bassani, maybe I should leave the factory exhaust on??? Another 5 or 10 hp isn't worth $1,000, but the predator is less than $500 and should produce 20+ hp I understand.
Maybe what I'm trying to figure out is which would give me the most hp bang for the buck. For example, a $1,000 Bassani produces say a 10 hp gain, versus a $500 Predator yielding a 20 hp gain, I guess I'd lean towards the Predator and wait for the Bassani (or whatever exhaust) later.
Here's the way to figure it out: can anybody ballpark the gains I would get with the Predator versus the Bassani based upon their personal experience just adding one or the other? Or both together in combination? Everything else is stock on my 2000 except the K&N air intake......
OK, get Predator's advertising out of your head. At most the performance tune (built in to the Predator) will net you 6-7 HP, and that's being optimistic. And a catback even less. these are well documented numbers. If you're happy with the sound of your stock muffler, and want real gains, get long tube headers for now, and leave the factory catback on. This'll still be quiet, but give you actual gains. The handheld tuners have a pretty narrow tuning range, mostly to keep DIY'ers from frackin' up their motors, and the resultant complaints/lawsuits.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Really? I've been swallowing a bunch of advertising claims??? Doesn't really surprise me, I guess. Well, that's why I love this forum, to get the straight poop from others who have already been there and done that.
Okay, I'm beginning to change my mind here, but I'd like to make sure that others who have dyno numbers can support this, also. If there's a strong trend that supports what Zeevette is saying, then I need to reassess my choices.
In real world experiences, what actual dyno measured hp gains has anyone else seen with these two "mods"; either the Predator, Bassani or both. If others chime in and report that they have dyno proof that either or both of these two mods have only gained 10 or so hp, then it isn't worth $1,500 to me and maybe I'll wait and consider the headers if that's what's going to get me the biggest hp bang for my buck.
Okay, I'm beginning to change my mind here, but I'd like to make sure that others who have dyno numbers can support this, also. If there's a strong trend that supports what Zeevette is saying, then I need to reassess my choices.
In real world experiences, what actual dyno measured hp gains has anyone else seen with these two "mods"; either the Predator, Bassani or both. If others chime in and report that they have dyno proof that either or both of these two mods have only gained 10 or so hp, then it isn't worth $1,500 to me and maybe I'll wait and consider the headers if that's what's going to get me the biggest hp bang for my buck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 2
From: foley al
i used a predator tune(with a couple tuning tips from mike mercury),a 160 thermostat and the tie wrap mod for the air filter housing and while no dyno report a very noticable HP increase in the seat of the pants on my 2002 a4,cost about 480.00,worth it to me. my .02 worth. richard
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth Texas
One thing you haven't mentioned, and I can't tell from your picture, is whether you have an automatic or a manual transmission. The Predator can provide some advantages on automatics with the programming of shift pressure, quickness, and shift points.
If you do have an automatic...what gears do you have?
I would think about doing headers first. They would be the best bang for the buck!
If you do have an automatic...what gears do you have?
I would think about doing headers first. They would be the best bang for the buck!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Originally Posted by da vette guy
i used a predator tune(with a couple tuning tips from mike mercury),a 160 thermostat and the tie wrap mod for the air filter housing and while no dyno report a very noticable HP increase in the seat of the pants on my 2002 a4,cost about 480.00,worth it to me. my .02 worth. richard
And I'd bet %90 of that SOTP gain is from the $.10 zip-tie.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
I've got an automatic, so the Predator sounds like it should help with the what seems to be kind of slow downshifts that I'm now experiencing which will definitely help with the perceived sense of acceleration which now seems lacking. I have always thought the stock shift points were a bit too conservative and required too much throttle before downshifting occured. It will be great to have quicker shifting that's more responsive.
I have read others experiences on this forum with the Predator similar to da vette guy and it always seems to be positive, although I can't say I remember any hp claims. I understand it removes the torque management system which perhaps alone creates the greatest sense of acceleration. This along with the improved shifting may get me what I'm after.
I am leaning towards just getting the predator now, because it sounds like it will probably yield the greatest perceived improvement in acceleration, and wait on the Bassani, which sounds like it won't really result in much of an improvement in actual performance. Any other thoughts?????
I have read others experiences on this forum with the Predator similar to da vette guy and it always seems to be positive, although I can't say I remember any hp claims. I understand it removes the torque management system which perhaps alone creates the greatest sense of acceleration. This along with the improved shifting may get me what I'm after.
I am leaning towards just getting the predator now, because it sounds like it will probably yield the greatest perceived improvement in acceleration, and wait on the Bassani, which sounds like it won't really result in much of an improvement in actual performance. Any other thoughts?????
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
If you've got an Automatic, the predator helps A LOT. Cat back exhaust won't get you any HP gains - its just for the looks and sound (which might make you feel you've got HP, cuz it will get louder, and more crisp sound. But that's all).
Your first mod should be an Air intake, which you've alread done. Next - tell us what your gears are in the Automatic. They would be 2.73 or 3.15 (performance gears). Either way, you'd want to go up to 3.42 gears. Its a great combo for daily driving, and also a real kick if you want it to be... While doing the gears, do the stall converter also. You'll save on the labor. This mod alone with make you feel like you've got extra 50 HP. Car will be much more quicker, responsive, and you'll feel the SOTP.
Going back to your original question, the predator will help lowering your temperatures for the trany, engine, and you'll get to set your shift points in the A4. Also if you do the gears, you can use the Predator to program your PCM. This would be a must, after grears change.
Everyone's got their own opinions. From what I understand you're trying to get the best bang for your buck, and what more HP & Speed, without going the "exotic" way. Just my 2 cents....
Your first mod should be an Air intake, which you've alread done. Next - tell us what your gears are in the Automatic. They would be 2.73 or 3.15 (performance gears). Either way, you'd want to go up to 3.42 gears. Its a great combo for daily driving, and also a real kick if you want it to be... While doing the gears, do the stall converter also. You'll save on the labor. This mod alone with make you feel like you've got extra 50 HP. Car will be much more quicker, responsive, and you'll feel the SOTP.
Going back to your original question, the predator will help lowering your temperatures for the trany, engine, and you'll get to set your shift points in the A4. Also if you do the gears, you can use the Predator to program your PCM. This would be a must, after grears change.
Everyone's got their own opinions. From what I understand you're trying to get the best bang for your buck, and what more HP & Speed, without going the "exotic" way. Just my 2 cents....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Great! Thanks for the advice....I don't know what gears I have, but it feels like whatever the non-high performance option is. I bought it used off a lot two years ago and don't know the previous owner. It's hot out here in CA and it gets pretty doggy on the really hot days, so I just learned about rerouting the hot water away from the throttle body, which I will do next, along with opening up the fog light shrouds to let in more cool air.
Changing gears makes a lot of sense, but how much does this run? And what is the stall converter? Is there a way to tell from the vin what gears I have?
Changing gears makes a lot of sense, but how much does this run? And what is the stall converter? Is there a way to tell from the vin what gears I have?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Gene Wolf
Great! Thanks for the advice....I don't know what gears I have, but it feels like whatever the non-high performance option is. I bought it used off a lot two years ago and don't know the previous owner. It's hot out here in CA and it gets pretty doggy on the really hot days, so I just learned about rerouting the hot water away from the throttle body, which I will do next, along with opening up the fog light shrouds to let in more cool air.
Changing gears makes a lot of sense, but how much does this run? And what is the stall converter? Is there a way to tell from the vin what gears I have?
Changing gears makes a lot of sense, but how much does this run? And what is the stall converter? Is there a way to tell from the vin what gears I have?
Look at the label in your glovebox with the option codes. G92 is perf axle, GU2 is standard axle.
http://www.idavette.net/facts/2000.htm
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,254
Likes: 5
From: Anaheim Hills, Ca
Hey- I'm in Corona. What do you think about Corvette Specialties? I am thinking about possibly going with long tube headers and exhaust. Maybe we could split the cost of the programmer????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 4
From: Riverside CA
Corvette Specialty is the BEST! Great service, tunes, and especially body and paint deluxe. Everything from frame off restoration to add ons, it's got it all.
I would love to share the expense of the Predator, but as I understand it, the programmers are "married" to an engine once it's used, so it wouldn't work for two people. But yeah, Corvette Specialty is great so stop by and see them.
I have to trim bushes with the wife, but when I get a chance I'll check out which gears I have. Again, any ballpark figures on how much it costs to make the change to the performance axle? And what is the stall converter?
I would love to share the expense of the Predator, but as I understand it, the programmers are "married" to an engine once it's used, so it wouldn't work for two people. But yeah, Corvette Specialty is great so stop by and see them.
I have to trim bushes with the wife, but when I get a chance I'll check out which gears I have. Again, any ballpark figures on how much it costs to make the change to the performance axle? And what is the stall converter?