Been looking for more info on the Predator

[hdmax(mike)]

I have yet to find much positive feed back. I just spent the last couple hours looking and reading on corvetteforum and LS1fourms. Other then 2-3 beta testers at each site. Most buyers seem to be unhappy. Many send them back. Some claim loss of power while others claim 2-6 HP gains.

I hate to call it a scam, But it doesn`t look good. And at best the predator is very new (even for the gas motors) and not much information is to be found anywhere.

I want this or any add on mod to be the cats meow. And I am looking everywhere James mentioned. And still not a large enough percentage of buyers are happy with there purchase to satify me.

I did not look at any Ford or Dodge sites, Because I am interested in what it will do for us GM owners. I am going to look for imformation in the other camp for diesel programing.

[RWTD]

I've already arranged for a product review on this unit from multiple sources (2 of them well known websites, one consisting of this great site).

The unit has a money back guarantee. If you happen to buy one, and you're not happy w/ it, send it back for a full refund. And, no, I don't give deals or freebies for doubters. ;) tongue.gif :D

Here, I spent 2 min. digging up these posts for you:

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=219925

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=204887

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=219925

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=219495

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=183825

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=218160

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=204551

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=212646

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=209439

http://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=208674

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=443200

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=447575

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=443694

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=426712

There isn't any Ford or Dodge Predators available, yet. You're not going to find any on those sites.

One thing to remember, is that you're going to hear more negative situations on just about anything on the net than positive ones. That's just the way it works. Always will.

My word states I've had an approval rating of over 90%. From the massive amounts sold, the minimum returns and positive feedback I've been getting has totally exceeding my expections (which, my expections, are always very high!).

You're going to get a LOT of power and features from this unit, for a GREAT price!

Sincerely...

[ 12-29-2002: Message edited by: RunninWithTheDevil.com ]</p>

[CPMac632]

Most people don't realize how lucky we are with the latest diesel technology. You can not expect much of an improvement on any gas motor with programming, even on the forced induction stuff. So it is not really fair to compare results from gas motor performance. You should check out some of their other diesel stuff for a better comparison. I have only seen a few powerstrokes with their product and the only feedback I have heard repeatedly is that they build a lot of heat with their products.

[hdmax(mike)]

James; As much as I`d like a free one. I sure don`t expect you to pass any out.

As I stated in the other thread, If my wife would not have run the plastic to the limit, I`d order one now. Even with me not being compleatly sure of the product. Like you said, I have 15 days to try it. I with you all the luck in the world! and don`t take my post the wrong way, I am just trying to learn as much as I can Thanks for answering all my questions.

[RWTD]

&gt;&gt;&gt;Most people don't realize how lucky we are with the latest diesel technology. You can not expect much of an improvement on any gas motor with programming, even on the forced induction stuff. So it is not really fair to compare results from gas motor performance.&lt;&lt;&lt;

You're exactly right, and I've been meaning to incorporate that logic into my posts. I'm glad someone did bring this up! Normally, on N/A vehicles 10 to 15 rwhp is considered excellent when tuning, and makes nearly all of them happy, and on vehicles like the Lightning I own getting 35 to 45 rwhp from just the addition of a chip is easily obtainable, but Diesels getting 50 to 100 rwhp is commonly expected as they are super conservative from the factory.

&gt;&gt;&gt;You should check out some of their other diesel stuff for a better comparison. I have only seen a few powerstrokes with their product and the only feedback I have heard repeatedly is that they build a lot of heat with their products.&lt;&lt;&lt;

It's NOT our "products" that are building the heat, it's how much power the owner insists on. I never take a *stock* exhaust Ford Diesel past the 80ish rwhp level, as anymore and you will almost always need some exhaust work done to keep the vehicle from choking on itself and allow the EGT to escape quicker.

Just the addition of a "chip" isn't the problem, it is how aggressive it is tuned for. If you stay w/in the range that your vehicle can. The next chip manufacturer can tune for the same power levels as well, and will have the same effect on the EGT if they go too aggressive. Many a so called "tuners" tend to choose the files based on the fact that they fill giving the customer more power is the way to go. It doesn't work that way. When in person, and able, I normally will check EGT. I've tuned Dodges up to 60 rwhp and 150+ rwtq and pretty much was at their limit before the owner needing to upgrade the vehicle.

Sincerely...

[ 12-29-2002: Message edited by: RunninWithTheDevil.com ]</p>

[mackin]

Mike

It would be tough to compare one beast to the other as in trucks, with MODS .....I guess just have to see how it stacks up with the competition......Horsepower over Cost to get it....What are the Torque numbers,RWTD??? My assumption is power delivery is done the same as another box out, EDGE .....How exactly is Diablo tuning the handheld,as in Adjustable parameters or set settings???

But if you want some reading, are you a TDR member (Dodge)???Do a search in all forums, at least it's diesel.....But you have to be a subscriber....One thread is so reminiscent of the other thread here in this forum, you would swear some names have been changed, and we're GM guys now,seriously,RWTD,could be Bob Reily,(not that your are I AM NOT questioning your identity)...Had some PDQ appearance too....Quote was the Devil himself showed,them guys crack me up....Not to many are still running the PUCK ......Some hated it, others loved it....Can't please everyone....You decide....I'm not dragging it here....Not worth it as your comparing different applications....There are a few TDR guys here that may chime in....Forget GAS verses DIESEL IMO...Your wasting your time...

The PUCK Turned into a Ebay item like earlier DMAX boxes,as no resent as in this year posts,that I seen....Never bothered over at The Diesel Stop (Ford) ,yet....


MAC

[ 12-29-2002: Message edited by: mackin ]</p>

[SteveO]

RWTD

I have a few Questions of my own, they may or may not have been answered all ready but here goes&gt;&gt;&gt;

1) How many DTC listings does the Predator support?

2) Will it read history (non current) DTC's, and/or snapshot data?

3) How many data tables can be read and displayed?

4) Can the 120 mph limiter be moved to say 65 mph?

5) The Predator has two HP settings, a high and a low? Correct? If that's the case, how do you move it from the low setting to the high setting or vice versa? If the setting is on High in Normal range does that mean that it's on high in Tow/Haul?

Steve Overcash

[RWTD]

Heheh, kindof funny that there is some comparison to us all on other sites. Maybe we all come from the same bloodline? No?!?! ;)

That TDR site is big. I see PDQ (btw, they are NOT DiabloSport, just a distributor, as I am) is an advertiser there. Didn't know there was that many Dodge owners :D ;) :D

As for the eBay comment, yeah, that's been a hot topic a lot w/ DiabloSport products. Per dealer agreement it is not allowed (eBay and any other auction style selling). Luckily DiabloSport is adamant about rouge dealers breaking that contract and they readily put their foot down and stop lowballers (wannabe dealers who feel they need to sell something at a buck over cost to steal business - slight exaggeration, but you get the point).

I must say that working for and w/ DiabloSport is definitely a great experience. We're all like family in a sense. We really stick up for one another and everyone believes in each other. They are some of the nicest and most brilliant people I've ever known; an awesome pleasure indeed!

Thanks, and have a GREAT night!

Sincerely...

[RWTD]

&gt;&gt;&gt;1) How many DTC listings does the Predator support?&lt;&lt;&lt;

Good question Steve. I'll get some answers tomorrow for us. I know on the gas versions that it supports (reads and clears) all generic "PO" OBD-II trouble codes, as well as reads enhanced P1 code descriptions. I'll see if I can't get some of the boys at DiabloSport to answer this in the morning.

&gt;&gt;&gt;2) Will it read history (non current) DTC's, and/or snapshot data?&lt;&lt;&lt;

I can only speculate until I get some more info. tomorrow, but the gas version does read "H" (history) DTC's and snapshot data.

&gt;&gt;&gt;3) How many data tables can be read and displayed?&lt;&lt;&lt;

The Predator has green backlit (can view in the dark) 8 line LCD display and it will display that many at once. As for how many it will display total, the gas version has 18 I do believe. Here, I'll list them:

Engine Load (calculated in %)
ECT (coolant temps in degrees F)
STFT Bank 1
LTFT Bank 1
STFT Bank 2
LTFT Bank 2
MAP
RPM
MPH
Spark (timing in degrees)
IAT (intake temp in degrees F)
MAF (lb/m)
TP Angle (%)
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1
HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 2
Knock Retard (in degrees)

Here is a couple of links to some screen shots, as well as a video:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=444191 (screenshots)

http://www.runninwiththedevil.com/files/diablo.wmv (video)

&gt;&gt;&gt;4) Can the 120 mph limiter be moved to say 65 mph?&lt;&lt;&lt;

On the Diesel version, no. It's preset at 120. On the gas versions they are able to be raised/lowered in 1 mph increments. I'll ask about why this isn't on the Diesel version, as I can only think it may be a programming issue that would need more addressing.

&gt;&gt;&gt;5) The Predator has two HP settings, a high and a low? Correct? If that's the case, how do you move it from the low setting to the high setting or vice versa? If the setting is on High in Normal range does that mean that it's on high in Tow/Haul?&lt;&lt;&lt;

The way you change from the economy tune to the performance tune is by selecting which tune from the Predator, and then reflashing the pcm. This takes approx. 2 min. The engine must be off, and the key on.

Hope this helps! I'll have more info. sometime tomorrow.

Sincerely...

[ 12-29-2002: Message edited by: RunninWithTheDevil.com ]</p>

[IndigoDually]

The adjustable speed limiter would be a riot. If wifey wants to drive the truck set the limiter to 65. LOL tongue.gif "This thing is slow, I don't want to drive it anymore."

Then again that just might be what Mac needs to stay out of jail for a while. :D Can't get a speeding ticket without any speed.

John

[hoot]

I would want to know what this unit does to produce more power before plugging it into my truck. As you know, early devices messed with fuel pressure. I don't believe they were good for our injection systems, hence, they have pretty much disappeared.

I also am curious about the code read feature. What you listed is only a fraction of what is available with a Tech II.

When will a 100% Duramax version of the specifications and capabilities be available? Something I would want before considering any order.

[hdmax(mike)]

-----------The adjustable speed limiter would be a riot. If wifey wants to drive the truck set the limiter to 65. LOL "This thing is slow, I don't want to drive it anymore." ---------------------

This would be a great feature for those that have teenage kids ;)
But who in their right mind would let a teenager drive their pride an joy? :D

[RWTD]

Guys/Gals, wanted to give you some more info. on the Predator as of today. This is good news! I'll have more info. to give tomorrow on the previous questions. Everyone is swamped today w/ R&D and they are short handed (vacations and such), but here goes for now:

The Predator for the Duramax will have 4 tunes standard! Yes FOUR tunes! You will get a 40 hp economy tune, a 60 rwhp towing tune, an 85 rwhp performance tune, AND you will also have a tune that has NO performance modifications whatsoever, but it will have your rev limiter and speed limiter increased. All files will have rev limiter and speed limiter increased.

To break this down:

4 included tunes:

1: 40 rwhp economy tune
2: 60 rwhp towing tune
3: 85 rwhp performance tune
4: Non-performance tune w/ just speed limiter and rev limiters increased ONLY (many were asking for this ability only).

RWTQ (Rear Wheel Torque) #'s will range from approx. 100 to 200 on the the 3 performance files.

These #'s are done on a SuperFlow dual assorbing Eddy-current system, which typically yield from 5 to 10% lower #'s than a Dynojet, so expect these #'s to be pretty true across the board for most trucks, but please remember that each truck is different, so there may be some slight variation on some vehicles.

In order to use each tune you must turn the vehicle off, key on, plug the Predator in, then choose which file you'd like to use, one at a time. It takes approx. 2 min. to change tunes. The Predator works off of flash tuning, which is the most complete and proper way of tuning a pcm, so there is no switching between the tunes on the fly.

As for the rev limiter increase, the 6-speeds will benefit most from this. The automatics will really only benefit in top gear, but this is where your 120 mph speed limiter will come into play as well. As we know, the Allison does do a great job at learning and compensating from increased power, which will cause the Allison's pcm to possibly increase the line pressure and the shift points.

I'll post more information later on this evening.

Sincerely...

[mtomac]

can we adjust the rev limiter in 100 rpm increments or is it preset like the speed limiter?

[RWTD]

It is preset like the speed limiter.

Sincerely...