Diablosport Predator

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

I just purchased my ZO6 finally. I wish I could use my Predator on it, but I can't, because the VINs are not transferrable from my 99 Hardtop. Has anyone heard about sending the Predator in so the manufacturer can remove the VIN? I was told I needed to buy another Predator. Great!............

 

[Chalky]

That seems to be the policy of Predator. Not doubt, that policy has kept many from buying a Predator, myself included.

 

[Huffer]

Predator and Hypertech,

Hypertech has the same policy but there are hacks out there that can remove the VIN. Do a search on E-Bay and yahoo for used ones and ask about how the VIN was removed. If you're as lucky as I was (I bought a used Hypertech and got burned) you may get a confidential reply and help to follow. ?;7)

 

[Chalky]

Hypertech was never tied to one vehicle like predator. Hypertech was trasnferable between behicles as long as the owner restored the stock programming, ie, uninstalled the Hyeprtech programming from their car. Some people may have sold the Hypertechs and not restored the stock settings. In that case, the new owner was screwed.

As far as I know, Hypertech is still not married to one car like Predator is.

Best of luck with the Predator. You would think someone could find a way around this issue for users that purchase different cars after buying Predator.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

The Predator

I managed to swing a deal with Diablosport to buy back the Predator and purchase a new one with a credit for the old one. Oh well, it's only my hard earned cash.

 

[Huffer]

Diablo Predator,

When I called Hypertech and asked them about reprograming the one I had, one guy said it would cost $150 ($329 new) even though the manual said to just call and they would send a new chip. I didnt tell them I wasnt the original owner. I just told them it didnt recognize my car. The manual said it could happen if the car went to the dealer and got a upgrade. Then I called back to get details about the chip and they said they didnt do that anymore and said they could not help. Which was exactly right, they were NO help what soever. They did say they would give me $50 toward a new one

Thank goodness for hackers ?;7) In the end, I found out the programmer doesnt have NEAR the capabilities that TunerCAT has. Hypertech has one performance enhancment program and one fan option. TunerCAT, with a little practice and some engine performance knowledge, has a limetless potential for performance enhancments. And, with the required cable and software is half the cost. There is also no VIN hassel involved. Try it, you'll like it.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

The Predator

I received $120 for the old one, and had to pay an additional $300 for the new one. I payed $495 for the old one. Not the greatest deal, but the capabilities are what is important to me. Just to give you an idea, I can raise my rev. limiter 600 rpm, raise or lower (2) fans on/off temperature, advance or retard the spark 10 degrees, power enrichment up to 10%, complete code reader and check engine reset (the DIC can do that). Monitor real time diagnostics, seeing all O2 sensor voltages, and miscellaneous info. such as coolant temp., MAF Kpa etc. I like it, but I don't like the non transferability of VIN's. I've given them enough money now. I could have gotten out of this cheaper I suppose, but feel comfortable with the use of this one. I did buy a few new mods. for the car already. I purchased the Blackwing, Granatelli MAF, Carbon fiber high flow air bridge (with ZO6 emblem), 160 degree thermostat, coolant by-pass, CAGS by-pass, and performance hood seal. I did buy the MAT reocation kit, but couldn't locate it in the engine bay, does anyone know if it has been deleted, or relocated? It's a start, with a long way to go.

 

[Chalky]

Can't answer your question on the MAT.

Good luck with the Z06. You will enjoy it.

Like you, I think the Predator is a solid investment if you know you are going to keep your car.

Best of luck.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Found the MAT

I just received the Blackwing, Granatelli MAF sensor and the carbon fiber ZO6 air bridge. Also was the 160 degree thermostat, coolant bypass and CAGS by-pass. As I was installing the MAF, there it was, inside the MAF housing. The last year for a remote mounted MAT sensor was 2001. I installed the intakes and by-passes then took the car out for a spin. Improved throttle response, and more of that seat of the pants feeling. The car needs a better sounding exhaust. I've been thinking about Borla Stingers. On my 99 Hardtop, when I installed SLP long tube headers and high flow cats, they were not compatable with my Borla cat back system, and ended up cutting the inlets to them to get it all to fit. What a shame. I was impressed with the blackwing. It's a really cool filter. The wings grab air and force it up into the filter. The gain is supposed to be 18hp for a regular C5. I still haven't received the Predator back yet. The combination MAF and the Predator claim 30hp in the latest Corvette Magazine. Who really knows?

 

[msiska]

Re: Found the MAT

The combination MAF and the Predator claim 30hp in the latest Corvette Magazine. Who really knows?

Which Corvette mag was it? And what month?

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

the name of the mag

The name of the magazine is Corvette. It's a new magazine only about a year old. The magazine comes out every two months. It was the last one probably the July issue. I'm at my office so I can't be exact. The advertisement says 30hp in 3 mins. They are probably referring to the Predator alone, because the Granatelli takes more than 3 minutes to install. I think I can scan the advertisement and post it here.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Corvette Magazine

It was the September 03 issue. It has the C5R racer Andy Pilgrim 440 Corvette on the front. On page 32 at the top is the advertisement. It says up to 30hp for the Predator and 23hp for the Granatelli MAF. I think the combo of the MAF and a good high flow filter should add about 20hp. The claim of 30hp for the Predator is definitely possible with full power enrichment at WOT.

 

[1FASTDOG]

Re: Corvette Magazine

It was the September 03 issue. It has the C5R racer Andy Pilgrim 440 Corvette on the front. On page 32 at the top is the advertisement. It says up to 30hp for the Predator and 23hp for the Granatelli MAF. I think the combo of the MAF and a good high flow filter should add about 20hp. The claim of 30hp for the Predator is definitely possible with full power enrichment at WOT.

I don't think it will play out that way. Most MAF deals are alternate situations to "trick" the ECM, most don't work.

Reprogramming, done correctly, eliminates the need to "trick" the system with altered electronic devices.

Predator could well better answer your questions, but I'll tell ya, there isn't 20HP left on the table with the stock programming. Remember the terms "up to" actually means "could be less than"... Zero HP is clearly less than 20... Better question would be what's the least a modification will produce...rarely a part of advertising in the aftermarket.

I wouldn't put an aftermarket MAF on my worst enemies car. IMO they are junk. I want an accurate MAF, not a suspect one.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

MAF sensors

The only advantage of the Granatelli MAF would be its better flow over stock. For the electronics part, it will signal an advance in timing through the PCM, and alter the pulsewidth to the injectors for more fuel. The Predator can do that alone, or even a MAF translator more so. I went with larger injectors on my 99 Hardtop. The translator, and the Predator allowed really great tuning ability. The best part was that you can monitor your short and long term fuel trims, and O2 sensor voltages 24/7. I ran the car slightly rich.
I could see what was going on, which is better than an aftermarket MAF on your blind worst enimies car.