My dad has a C5 Z06, my mom has a C6 Vert. A6, and i have a C6 A6.. i am very interrested in buying one of these programmers but would i have to get one programmer for all three cars? if so is there a way around it? (sort of a dumb question lol)

 

Only one vehicle can use a Predator at a given time so you would have to buy one for each vehicle.

 

The C5 Z06 and the C6 cars actually use different part numbers.(U7198 for C5/U7191 for 05 C6/U7194 for 06-07 C6).
If both C6 cars are 05s or both 06-07s, then you could use the same Predator on both cars but only on one car at a time.

Thanks
Mike

 

ok well that sorta blows... guess im just buying one for me

 

Nothing like buying a tool that works for only one bolt. Nice.

 

One of the main advantages of the Predator is its ability to store the factory program which allows you to return the car to stock at any time.
Once the program is stored, it marries that tool to the car. This is not done to inconvenience anyone, just to keep your backup file safe and secure.

Thanks
Mike

 

Does the tool stay connected to the car or something? there is no way to save the stock data file on a computer somewhere?

 

No, it saves the backup file, then allows you to write a new tune to the PCM. The original backup file can be saved to a PC from the Predator using our free interface software. The Predator only needs to be connected to the car when writing a tune or for diagnostic purposes.

Thanks
Mike

 

oh so then you could sorta use it on different cars. Just make sure to save the stock tune to a computer first, and keep them in order.

Right?

 

So far, all I can see is that the device will do 1 car at a time.

If I tune my car, then backup the config to the PC I still cannot tune a different car. Is that correct?

Just trying to figure out what I would be getting if I were to pay. Unfortunately, these days with "digital" products, restrictions are everywhere. Knowing what the restrictions are BEFORE I purchase something will help me asses the actual VALUE I place on the device.

For example, I buy this and tune my car and then my friend (with a similar car) wants a tune, can it be done using the device I already paid for?

 

Let me try to clear this up....
The Predator can only tune one vehicle at a time.
As long as the Predator contains the backup file from your vehicle, it is locked to that vehicle until the backup is restored, at which point the tool is reset and unlocked, ready to tune any other supported vehicle.
Exporting a copy of the backup file to a PC does not unlock the tool, this is simply a way to keep the file for safety.

Thanks
Mike

 

that is kinda weak.

 

Actually, they all work that way. Poor business sense to make a product that one person can buy and 600 can use for free. No diff if you get a custom tune--your car only.

 

Honestly, if these tools could just tune as many vehicles as you would like, we would have sold about 50 of them, and then gone out of business!
Think of it like this...if you buy a cam, you put it in your car, then you cannot use it in another car until you remove it from the car it is installed in. Works that way for ANY aftermarket performance part.

Thanks
Mike

 

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

I don't buy that argument. Sorry.

Maybe say that for the price they are being sold at it only makes sense to allow them to work against 1 car...a sort of DRM.

However, how about putting a different price on it that will allow me to use it as much as I like? Unfortunately, when stuff is priced lower with limited functionality you do get a lower cost of entry but at the expense of flexibility. I prefer the flexibility and price to match.

Is it possible to price a unit such that it has unlimited use (multiple concurrent cars)?

 

Hmmm. There are 2 sides to this story.

As you can tell, I feel somewhat strongly in how I am allowed to use tools that I purchase.

I buy a socket wrench set and use it on my car. I finish and then let my friend borrow it. He gives it back when done. He has no need to have his own kit but each time he needs to do something that require the tools he will have to ask. He cannot "clone" the tools.

Therefore, if he gets to the point where it makes sense for him he will buy his own set and have them available whenever he likes.

Now, if socket wrench makers *could* limit the use of the tools they probably would giving the same argument you did about going out of business since everyone would share tools.

Hello...people do this all the time and as far as I know there are plenty of companies making money from selling socket wrench sets. There is some sharing, of course, but a lot of people buy their own also. They are priced accordingly.

Now in the case of the tuner, sure, you will have some people who share. Not everyone will. It's a piece of hardware attached to software. You NEED the hardware to make this work. In this case, some *local* sharing would work (I have a friend I know who lives nearby, for example). Maybe he wants a tune and I use the tool I paid for. It works out good. Now he wants to do his own tunes. Guess what, he'll buy his own and mess with his car.

Personally, I would buy the tuner, but if it's locked to 1 car the value I would apply to it would be a lot less than what the current asking price is. More like 100 bucks or so. It's very limited in what it ALLOWS me to do, therefore, the value is also limited.

Others will apply a different value, of course. I don't analyze the market to figure out what the sweet spot is for pricing/value, but at least I gave you my opinion. Some others may fell similar. Can't say.

Back to the same question: would you consider offering the device at an adjusted price for unlimited use? If so, what are we looking at?

This is a valid question from someone who would be interested in getting one if the price matches the value. If this is too much to handle due to how the business is setup then I understand. I'll keep looking until I find what I need

 

I think you underestimate the amount of time, resources, money, engineers, etc.. required to make tuning products.

Its no easy task.

GM and other auto manufacturers do not give out instructions, or aid in any way.. In fact, they try to make it even more difficult which is why you see so many companies struggle to release tuning solutions for new vehicles so soon..

If you're looking for a complete tuning solution for your vehicle at $100, then you should really question the quality of the product you are receiving.

Good scan tools are at least three times that amount, shop caliber scan tools are around 30x that amount.

Good engineers aren't cheap.

 

True, true.. and I guess for only 300(ish?) dollars its a good deal.

Thanks

 

Here is my .02 Spent over 1000.00 easily over a 6 month period having 06Z professionally tuned on a dyno. Tuner did a great job and really tried to get every ounce of power out of the car. Car ran great, but since it was tuned to the max, I had some spark knock issues. After talking with him, we decided to reflash the stock tune back. I just happened to trade the car about 6 weeks later on a 07Z. Not wanting to have these same issues again but still wanting to tinker with it, I talked with Mike@ Diablo and asked a ton of questions about the parameters of their tune. I was satisfied enough to try it. The results?
I installed their "canned" Z06 tune and the car performs just as good as my 06 did and with nooooooo spark knock. For 320.00 delivered and the ability to restore the factory tune myself, I think this is one of the best bargins you can get. And better yet, the tune is really safe!
Priceless!