intro:

I was one of the first to purchase the newly released Predator program tool. Before I was able to connnect it up, DiabloSport (the mfgr) came out with a software upgrade. I sent my Predator to them and got it back in about 7 days, with the new version software installed.

I went through the initial process... where the Predator reads and stores the factory PCM program (which can be restored back anytime); and then loads it's own Performance Tune into your cars PCM. Before making even further changes, I decided to drive the Vette around for a couple of days to see if there were any problems. Everything was fine and there were no error codes thrown and I did notice a slight SOTP increase in pull... plus my A4 seemed to shift more solidly.

Then... THEN winter hit BIG TIME. :( I still occasionally drove the car, but it was too cold to try and perform any of the enhancements that the Predator is capable of.

Yesterday I was able to finally operate the Predators Enhancement screens... and "a tuning" I went :)
First off I must say that the Predator is extremely easy to use. Everything is menu driven. There is no guesswork involved in what you are adjusting, and how far you are varying the specific field. The LCD screen is extremely easy to read. Possibly one benefit to the mono LCD screen; it gets better in sunlight.

The changes I made were:

Shift Time -10% 1-2 shift; -10% 2-3 shift
WOT Spark Advance +5%
Shift Pressure +10% 2nd, +10% 3rd
upshift RPM WOT 5950rpm 1-2 shift, 5950 2-3 shift

Although I have been driving the Vette often since the winter ended; I was only able to spend the time with the Predator yesterday. Meaning... MEANING that I was very familiar with how the car was running.

First off, the shift time (or speed at which the shifting process occurs within) was instantly noticeable. There is no more lolly-gagging around when the A4 shifts. You get from the current gear to the next one with serious intention :)

I didn't notice much change in the line pressure "firmness" of the shifts... I didn't change it that much though (+10%), but I'm taking this in small steps. I've read where many increase it by 25%. There was enough improvement with a 10% change to notice a difference but it was not enough to always feel it. I'll experiment with this setting some more after I get back from next weekends Spring Cruise in Athens.

and my SOTP meter notices more pull.. without any doubt. :yesnod:
As far as timing advance; my plans are to do the poor-mans (cheap bastich) approach.. where a buddy watches real time data being displayed on the Predator - specifically the knock retard sensor - as I drive the car doing WOT runs. If I get no knock-retard "counts" , then I will continue to increase the timing by a couple of points until I get knock sensor activity. Then back it down a small amount.
That is why I started out with just %5 additional advance. Hopefully I can increase it when further testing time comes my way. Maybe my exclusive useage of Sunoco 94 Gold gasoline will permit 10... or maybe 15% of total additional spark advance.

Anyways; it took me a total of about 30 minutes to accomplish these starting goals... being my first time with the Predator Enhancement screens ; from the time I plugged it in until I drove away. (remember, I had already loaded the supplied performance tune a few months ago).

I will not try to richen or lean out the A/F mixture with the Predator until I can do an actual dyno tune.

Next Predator use for me will be adjusting the cooling fans turn-on temps once I install a 180 degree thermostat.

I couldn't be happier with the Predator.
Granted; LS1-Edit is capable of doing more finite adjustments; but I will never be doing such drastic mods to my engine where I would need LS1-Edits extended capabilities (especially with the C6 introduction comming soon).


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[Modified by Mike Mercury, 6:24 PM 4/13/2003]

 

NOTHING BUT PRAISE FOR IT ALSO :thumbs: