Diablo Sport Predator
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Diablo Sport Predator
I noticed quite a few of you have been referencing using the Predator tuner on your rides. I wasn't familiar so I did checking up on in and familiarized myself with the manual. Couple questions for as I am interested in it but again am not mechanically savvy:
- Are the 'Diablo Sport' tested (provided) tunes that come with the system decent and worthwhile to use without manually adjusting any of the parameters yourself. Not knowing anything about fan speeds, timings, fuel adjustments, etc. doesn't make those custom adjustments an option for me.
- Premium fuel requirement: I could have sworn reading in the Dodge Charger manual to NOT use premium fuel as it will infact inhibit the performance of the car... Do the Predator tunes therefore overide this making premium fuel acceptable?
- I am in the process of getting a CAI and exhaust like most have and I have already read from you guys that the Predator will improve the gains offered by these mods... I am therefore assuming tuning with the Predator is the recommended third step in the road of mods...???
- I read that you should restore your original backup before going to the dealer for maintenance, etc. I assume this prevents them from voiding any warranty? Should I be worried about doing any harm to my car using the 'tested/safe' Predator tunes and using premium fuel??
Thanks boyz!
- Are the 'Diablo Sport' tested (provided) tunes that come with the system decent and worthwhile to use without manually adjusting any of the parameters yourself. Not knowing anything about fan speeds, timings, fuel adjustments, etc. doesn't make those custom adjustments an option for me.
- Premium fuel requirement: I could have sworn reading in the Dodge Charger manual to NOT use premium fuel as it will infact inhibit the performance of the car... Do the Predator tunes therefore overide this making premium fuel acceptable?
- I am in the process of getting a CAI and exhaust like most have and I have already read from you guys that the Predator will improve the gains offered by these mods... I am therefore assuming tuning with the Predator is the recommended third step in the road of mods...???
- I read that you should restore your original backup before going to the dealer for maintenance, etc. I assume this prevents them from voiding any warranty? Should I be worried about doing any harm to my car using the 'tested/safe' Predator tunes and using premium fuel??
Thanks boyz!
Professional
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 176
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RE: Diablo Sport Predator
I have a Superchip right now but my Predator is on the way. Just about all of your questions apply to tuners in general.
- The provided tunes will develop more power and better fuel economy (once you get done playing) than the factory settings. They are a good starting point for mods. If you are unsure of your skills to do custom tuning, the "canned" custom mods will give you good results.
- Premium fuel burns slower than the lower octane grades so it is not as prone to preignition (knocking). This means that you can run a more aggressive timing curve and fuel mapping to produce more power without harming your engine. The custom tunes that come with the Predator are set up for use with the more knock resistant premium grade fuels. The stock settings don't take advantage of this feature so you aren't gaining anything by filling with 91+ Octane fuel and it may actually run worse due to the slower burning characteristics. Use the tuning setting that matches the fuel that you are burning. I have found that the difference in fuel economy is such that it is actually cheaper for me to run premium with a 91 Octane tune than to use the stock settings and regular gas. You also get more smiles per mile with the performance tunes.
- I have a CAI and a cat back exhaust on my 06 and the tuner definitely makes a difference. Depending on your modding strategy and priority, you can use the Predator on a stock car before any mods using the non-CAI tunes and switch to the CAI settings when you get those parts installed.
- Removing the Predator before bringing the car to the dealer for service does two things. The first has to do with how these are licensed for use. You can use a Predator (or Superchip for that matter) only on one car at a time. You have to uninstall it from one car before you use it on another. If you have the Predator installed and the dealer flashes (updates) the controllers, the tuner (Predator, Superchip, etc) sees this as different car and will not let you use it any more. You then have to buy another tuner! Always uninstall the tuner before having the car serviced by someone who might do controller updates and protect your investment. The second reason is to eliminate an excuse by the dealer to void your warranty if the dealership plays those games.
Enjoy the ride!
Redbeard
- The provided tunes will develop more power and better fuel economy (once you get done playing) than the factory settings. They are a good starting point for mods. If you are unsure of your skills to do custom tuning, the "canned" custom mods will give you good results.
- Premium fuel burns slower than the lower octane grades so it is not as prone to preignition (knocking). This means that you can run a more aggressive timing curve and fuel mapping to produce more power without harming your engine. The custom tunes that come with the Predator are set up for use with the more knock resistant premium grade fuels. The stock settings don't take advantage of this feature so you aren't gaining anything by filling with 91+ Octane fuel and it may actually run worse due to the slower burning characteristics. Use the tuning setting that matches the fuel that you are burning. I have found that the difference in fuel economy is such that it is actually cheaper for me to run premium with a 91 Octane tune than to use the stock settings and regular gas. You also get more smiles per mile with the performance tunes.
- I have a CAI and a cat back exhaust on my 06 and the tuner definitely makes a difference. Depending on your modding strategy and priority, you can use the Predator on a stock car before any mods using the non-CAI tunes and switch to the CAI settings when you get those parts installed.
- Removing the Predator before bringing the car to the dealer for service does two things. The first has to do with how these are licensed for use. You can use a Predator (or Superchip for that matter) only on one car at a time. You have to uninstall it from one car before you use it on another. If you have the Predator installed and the dealer flashes (updates) the controllers, the tuner (Predator, Superchip, etc) sees this as different car and will not let you use it any more. You then have to buy another tuner! Always uninstall the tuner before having the car serviced by someone who might do controller updates and protect your investment. The second reason is to eliminate an excuse by the dealer to void your warranty if the dealership plays those games.
Enjoy the ride!
Redbeard
Charger Moderator
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,109
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From: Allen TX
RE: Diablo Sport Predator
Yes thecanned Predator tunes are prefect for a stock setup or near stock with mild mods like a CAI and Catback.
If you jump into a cam or milled heads you should get a custom tune, most vendors that have their own custom cam grinds will provide a Predator tune via e-mail.
If you jump into a cam or milled heads you should get a custom tune, most vendors that have their own custom cam grinds will provide a Predator tune via e-mail.