Predator Users Please Step IN
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Predator Users Please Step IN
Is this tuner worth the money? My car is pretty much stock other than a Blackwing and some cold air screens. I may change the air duct, but that's about it for now until I eventually do the exhaust. I need a quick fix for the track to get into the 12's. I ran consistent 13.0's yesterday. Best being 13.060@106.98mph. I don't want any custom tuning or dyno tuning right now. Will the Predator get me at least a 12.9 by removing the torque management and firming the shifts?? Is there anything else I'll need to adjust??
Also, if I decide to get a pro tune down the road, will I be able to? Do I have to change everything back to stock first? Thanks for the help!
Also, if I decide to get a pro tune down the road, will I be able to? Do I have to change everything back to stock first? Thanks for the help!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 645
Likes: 1
From: Hayward Wi
form what it sounds like u probaly do need an tune (ie engine management upgrade to make up for the upgrades) if u did all the from stock with no tune you engine still thinks its stock and is not making adjustments for the upgrades, thus no HP or even is some cases an little HP loss 
take for instance
if u change all or an few of the fallowing you will need an tune and an dyno run wouldn't hurt to
Intake, "Air box/filter thing", exhaust manifold, fuel injectors, intake manifold (if different from OEM one), Camshaft, rear axel ratio.
the predator might help with the shifts, not shure on doing the tuning required to ajust for anything else
take for instance
if u change all or an few of the fallowing you will need an tune and an dyno run wouldn't hurt to
Intake, "Air box/filter thing", exhaust manifold, fuel injectors, intake manifold (if different from OEM one), Camshaft, rear axel ratio.
the predator might help with the shifts, not shure on doing the tuning required to ajust for anything else
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 37
Mine made a nice noticeable driving difference. Do you have an auto or manual? If you are just trying to get 0.1 second I have to believe it would do it just based on how much quicker the car feels but would be better to have someone with track experience tell you that.
They recommend taking the Predator tune off for every time it goes in the shop for service. With the new Predators you can put your stock tune back in and then the unit could be changed to another car; like if you got a dyno tune later still get something for selling the tuner. The older ones would not change between cars.
They recommend taking the Predator tune off for every time it goes in the shop for service. With the new Predators you can put your stock tune back in and then the unit could be changed to another car; like if you got a dyno tune later still get something for selling the tuner. The older ones would not change between cars.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Mine made a nice noticeable driving difference. Do you have an auto or manual? If you are just trying to get 0.1 second I have to believe it would do it just based on how much quicker the car feels but would be better to have someone with track experience tell you that.
They recommend taking the Predator tune off for every time it goes in the shop for service. With the new Predators you can put your stock tune back in and then the unit could be changed to another car; like if you got a dyno tune later still get something for selling the tuner. The older ones would not change between cars.
They recommend taking the Predator tune off for every time it goes in the shop for service. With the new Predators you can put your stock tune back in and then the unit could be changed to another car; like if you got a dyno tune later still get something for selling the tuner. The older ones would not change between cars.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Maplewood MN
It comes with a basic performance tune built in.
You can then make adjustments to the tune after it is uploaded.
I am happy with it so far, you will notice a big change in shift firmness with the automaic.
You can then make adjustments to the tune after it is uploaded.
I am happy with it so far, you will notice a big change in shift firmness with the automaic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
It woke my stick car up. I also have changed the fan settings. Since mine is an older revision I will be able to tune out the O2 sensors after I install long tubes.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units as long as the revision isn't 1.0x can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units as long as the revision isn't 1.0x can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
Last edited by Camjamsdad; Mar 16, 2009 at 03:27 PM. Reason: Corrected a revision mistake
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 15
From: Vero Beach Florida
From what I have read on the Diablo site, the Diablo Predator 7198/revision 1xxx, becomes forever locked to the original vehicle it was purchased for, even if the original tune is returned to this vehicle. The model 7198/ revision 2xxx and higher, can be used on other vehicles if original tune is returned to first vehicle it was used on. I'm pretty sure that this info is correct.
It woke my stick car up. I also have changed the fan settings. Since mine is an older revision I will be able to tune out the O2 sensors after I install long tubes.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It woke my stick car up. I also have changed the fan settings. Since mine is an older revision I will be able to tune out the O2 sensors after I install long tubes.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
A couple of misconceptions, first being the older units can be swapped car to car after restoring the factory tune. That "unlocks" the tuner which can then be moved car to car. Then there was a comment that a tune was needed after a CAI or other minor changes. These cars learn new settings after minor changes. They may run rough but a 20 to 30 mile drive will relearn the settings.
Back to the original question, I'd think you would be able run high 12's after the Predator tune. Once you gain some knowledge you can log data and then adjust your fuel trims for added benefit.
If you buy the claims of Vararam you'd pick up the time your looking for. Just a thought.
Thanks again for the help! I know the Vararam works because I've seen it work on another C5. (The car gained a couple of tenths.) But I chose not to go that route because I wanted a simple install and as I said, I have/like the cold air screens. I'm going to try a larger cold air duct and the Predator for next weekend. I'll also clean the filter up and adjust tire pressure. I figure these are some easy mods to work with for now.
What did you guys raise your shift points to on the auto? How about the fan settings? (thanks again)
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Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
For what the Predator is it does a good job. It woke my AUTO up and I was able to tune my long term fuel trims pretty easily. When I upgraded to bigger wheels it was a 5 minute update to the tune to get my speedo right again. When I do the headers/gears upgrade in the next year or two I will go back to stock and get a dyno tune. There are plenty of places that you can get it for close to $300 as opposed to $400 as most of the big places advertise it for.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 2
From: Cabot Arkansas
I have a 99 a4 convertible all stock but 3.73 gears and I really like what the Predator did for me. Mine is a weekend driver and no racing. Changing the shift times and removing the TM just made it a lot more fun to drive. I didn't need the more extensive/expensive capability for my application. Also Diablo has a great forum with quick reply's and valuable information. The logging features for adjusting LTFT's are very easy to use if you have a laptop but not as good with just the unit. If you buy one be sure and get the data cable to go with it.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 6
From: St. Louis Missouri
My car came with a predator and the tune installed. I restored the factory tune and drove it for a while and then put the Predator tune back on. I definitely noticed a difference. I like the predator tune. Since then, I made some other mods and ended up getting a dyno tune (first I removed the Predator tune so the device could be used on someone else's car). I think the Predator is a nice tuner and gives you quite a few options: It comes with tunes from the Company and it allows you to change individual parameters as well. I still have mine if someone is considering one but doesn't want to pay new. You can PM me.
In any case, I think the OP will be happy with what he is able to do. Let us know!
In any case, I think the OP will be happy with what he is able to do. Let us know!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
From what I have read on the Diablo site, the Diablo Predator 7198/revision 1xxx, becomes forever locked to the original vehicle it was purchased for, even if the original tune is returned to this vehicle. The model 7198/ revision 2xxx and higher, can be used on other vehicles if original tune is returned to first vehicle it was used on. I'm pretty sure that this info is correct.
Mine is a 2.13 revision and while it would be nice to log data via a laptop, if I send it in for the update I lose the ability to play with the emission systems settings, so I'm staying with my revision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 15
From: Vero Beach Florida
I actually would prefer the 213 revision, because it allows you to turn off the rear o2 sensors if you remove cats or install headers, something the newer ones will not do.
You are correct, revision 1.03 was the release revision and it won't unlock, but most were updated to the 2.xx revisions. I know the Revisions 2.10 to 2.13 will unlock and move around easily. The newest 9r0x revision will unlock and move. Without doing any research I'd guess you could send in a 1.xx revision and get the 9r.xx for $99. plus the unlock charge. I don't know.
Mine is a 2.13 revision and while it would be nice to log data via a laptop, if I send it in for the update I lose the ability to play with the emission systems settings, so I'm staying with my revision.
Mine is a 2.13 revision and while it would be nice to log data via a laptop, if I send it in for the update I lose the ability to play with the emission systems settings, so I'm staying with my revision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
i really like mine. IMO it works best with a auto (mine is an '01 z51 auto with 3.15). I did the vararam and corsa first and after my computer adjusted to these mods I noticed a slight ping at WOT. So i replaced the plugs and added GM performance wires with no change (but now I could see the condition of the plugs - which looked fine - which mad me fell better) so I added the predator and it took care of the slight ping plus it felt even stronger. After some extensive research I did tweak my tune some. Here is one link that I found useful on tweaking.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/2652650-post10.html
I also read a ton of old treads on the tuner section of this forum.
I think you will like the Predator. Best hand held tuner IMO.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/2652650-post10.html
I also read a ton of old treads on the tuner section of this forum.
I think you will like the Predator. Best hand held tuner IMO.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
i really like mine. IMO it works best with a auto (mine is an '01 z51 auto with 3.15). I did the vararam and corsa first and after my computer adjusted to these mods I noticed a slight ping at WOT. So i replaced the plugs and added GM performance wires with no change (but now I could see the condition of the plugs - which looked fine - which mad me fell better) so I added the predator and it took care of the slight ping plus it felt even stronger. After some extensive research I did tweak my tune some. Here is one link that I found useful on tweaking.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/2652650-post10.html
I also read a ton of old treads on the tuner section of this forum.
I think you will like the Predator. Best hand held tuner IMO.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/2652650-post10.html
I also read a ton of old treads on the tuner section of this forum.
I think you will like the Predator. Best hand held tuner IMO.
What is the stock thermostat temperature in our cars?
Last edited by Shirl; Mar 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,823
Likes: 1,826
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
