Just wondering who owns a predator if they could tell me how they like it, I use it as my driver and to pull my race car around, I am not planning on doing the tranny but will do a exhaust, gauges, and intake- I was wondering what the best programmer for the buck was to get the most power without rebuilding the tranny, and how it compares to the banks six gun.


Thanks for any help.

I have the Predator and Juice Attitude. I prefer the juice for power and for built-in guages. I like the predator for one reason only and that is for engine dialogistics. If you have any further questions that are more specific just ask.

so far I am very happy with my predator on 65hp tune. My hand calculated mileage is up from 16.5 to 18.

You need to specify whether you are LB7 or LLY. If a tuner does well in a LB7 version, it may not on the LLY, and vice versa. For the LLY, the Predator is pretty damn good.

I've been running the Predator on my LLY for 3 weeks now and love it. I run it in the 65 hp tune with my Edge J/A on zero. Doesn't slip the tranny until I turn up the Edge.Smooth power from bottom to top. It also works when the truck is cold,no waiting for 180 degrees like the Edge,a big plus in the winter.

also a just about all the tuners have too much power for a stock trans when set all the way up.......so you just have to find a tuner that you think best suits your needs...ie. do you want this option or that option.....speedo correction or not, adjust on the fly or not,......you get the point

ok guys, heres what i would like to know. i have the predator for the LLY and while i rate it good over all , theres definitely some things that i dont like about and wanted to know if others experience this as well - the shifting is a little crazy, it flairs and drops rpms lower than usual after the shift ? it seems like it cuts off power at 3,000 rpm ? and the brakes dont seem to be as good when i program it for my bigger tires, in comparison, if i use the bd tuner for tire size, it brakes much better, night and day difference. Any thoughts ??

You also need GM to reprogram your abs for the bigger tires if you are reprogramming for bigger tires with the predator.

max - are you getting the other symptoms im experiencing as posted above ?

after about a week my shifting calmed down and now it shifts about like it did stock.

what about the flairs, and rev limiter ?

I also run the Predator 65 HP tune and the Edge J/A on 0. I am very happy with the Predator. I do get a “flare” with the 1-2 shift every so often, but it is getting better with time. 1<SUP>st</SUP> gear pulls pretty hard with the Predator 65 HP tune.

I do like the Edge J/A and I only have one issue with it. The winters get cold here, so I believe my problem is the power not being adding until the engine temperature is up. There are times it takes a long time for warm up so my transmission is getting confused with the different power levels. When the engine is coming up to temperature with the Edge J/A on 2 (no Predator tune installed) and under acceleration in 5th gear it’s like the engine misses or the transmission is locking and unlocking the converter rapidly.

Thanks for the replies, I think I am going to get one.

I use the 65 HP tune also and find it really perked up the truck. I also found it took a few days for the truck to shift smoothly etc. There is a bit more "diesel chatter" and it sounds mean on cold startups. Don't have a Banks so I can't compare.

Well I got one from a local accessory shop that I have done busisness with for many years. I set my edge on 2, and the truck seems to be more responsive on low end now. Plus the high end is more fun as well. A bit more smoke, I am not running it hard. I set the predator on tow level only.

Current Predator programming allows increased RPMs in 5th gear to obtain top speed increase.

As for power fall off at 3k mentioned somewhere:

I have tested on the dyno and found at least on one tune that peak HP was at 3000, repeated at 3050, dropped 1.3HP at 3100, and another 4.7HP at 3150RPM.

Kennedy, since alot of us are running the 65hp tune any chance you can strap your truck down and give us an idea of what kinda HP is making it to the ground on this setting..

I am running a predator on my lb7 and I love it. Everyone says that you can run the programmer up to 90 more hp on the lb7 with no worry on the tranny, but I am making sure, so I run at 65hp and you really can't tell much difference between the 65hp and the 85hp setting.

Have any of you noticed in the morning when the truck has sat over night that it seems to shift a little harder until the tranny warms up? I have noticed when it has gotten cold that the first couple of shifts are harder or firmer on the 40, 65 and 85 (have not tried 100) setting...so what I have been trying is engage the tow\haul mode and seems to be much better for those first couple of shifts...otherwise it has been great. Currently running 85hp will probably go back to 65 and leave it.

most of our trucks will do this when cold, its pretty common and normal. pretty sure theres nothing to worry about on that part

Mine also shifts harder until the tranny gets warmed up. I' running the "tow tune"

thanks for the replies

I'm fairly new to this, and am trying to make an educated decision as to what exactly I should do with my 05.
From what I gather, here are the factors at play:

1: The predator works well, expecially stacked w/ the Edge
CON: I'm worried about a glitch while programming making the ECM go haywire. Should I quit worrying because in practice it "almost never" causes a glitch?
Con: Cannot change performance level on the fly like the Edge. To change perf level, need to reprogram?
PRO: When I do need to go to dealer, it's easy to reprogram back to stock?

2: The Edge alone is alright, but not as good as when stacked w/ Predator
CON: Much harder to get out of the truck for a dealer visit?
PRO: Gives ability to dial a performance level on the fly. (With or without Predator)
PRO: Provides gauges in unit

Am I correct so far? This truck will occasionaly tow #10,000, but mostly metro driveing, and striking FEAR in HEMI's ):h
What else am I not taking into account?
Thanks one & all! :ro)

I really wouldn't worry about uploading the Predator program. I've done hundreds of them without an issues. Granted it can and has happened to people but that issue is very rare. I think you summed the rest up pretty good :)

2005 Duramax power Sierra HD (http://www.tbyrne.com/Sierra/sierra.html) - MANY mods going on now!
2002 8.1 Silverado HD (http://www.tbyrne.com/Silverado/02silverado.html) - Full Throttle lift, 37" tires, 4.56 gears, Comp Cam, TOG headers, Volant induction plus more! - for sale soon!
2002 8.1 Suburban (http://www.tbyrne.com/Suburban/02suburban.html) -Intercooled Whipple supercharger, 22" wheels/tires + more - 407hp/558 ft-lb torque at the rear wheels - 13.93 @ 95.79 MPH - sold!

If you don't run the pyrometer, the Edge can be removed in minutes.

I have tried several options including the EDGE for the LLY and so far happiest with the predator, works great!

1: The predator works well, expecially stacked w/ the Edge
CON: I'm worried about a glitch while programming making the ECM go haywire. Should I quit worrying because in practice it "almost never" causes a glitch?
Con: Cannot change performance level on the fly like the Edge. To change perf level, need to reprogram?
PRO: When I do need to go to dealer, it's easy to reprogram back to stock?


I have had occasions where the glitches occurred while loading the Predator. This was with a custom tune that had a minor bug in it which is not related to the std unit. The Predator was easily able to restore the stock data and all was well.

As for changing levels on the fly, it is sometimes better NOT to do this as it can confuse the Allison.

Easily returned to stock for dealer visits.

FYI - I was on DiabloSport.com web site today. It says that for the 2004.5 - 2005 Predator programmer once the stock tune has been reinstalled into the vehicle that the VIN will no longer be locked and the programmer can be used on another vehicle. I thought once it was locked it will always be locked. Looks to me like they changed things a little

The Predators used to be married to the vehicle once it was install. They no longer lock these in.

The LLY Predator differs from the LB7 unit in the VIN lock respect. The LLY can move on once the OE program is restored. The LB7 must be sent to Diablo to be unlocked. There is a fee of $75? to do this,and the last operation performed must be loading the stock tune.

When running the Predator, will the OEM protection parameters still exist in the PCM like the Limp Mode etc...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the limp mode is set in/from the TCM. Yea it's still there "Been there done that"
I got the predator for the diagnostic, but am happy with the tunes. (For now)

I put the 65hp tune in my Sierra last night. The Allison is learning to shift again so it flares a little but that has been getting better throughout the day. I'll probably drive with this one for a little while then goto the 85hp tune to see how that goes. I'll then pull it out to run the Edge by itself and will probably stack them in the end.

I'd like to check the mileage but that goes downhill in the winter. I end up using the remote start when it's going so that doen't help mileage.

I am also interested in mileage. Is the Predator the best bang for the buck? Also does the new predator moniter injector balance rates?

Can anyone post a dyno curve (HP and Torque) for the LLY Predator in the lower tunes. Thanx Geo.

Predator is probably the best bang for the buck. Having said that, it's also a egt monster, does shift a little weird (flares and what have you), and the top tune will limp the trans in short order, and then more easily as time goes on. I assume in my case that's the tc clutch degrading. It seems about as powerful as the six-gun, and stacking them has varied results, depending on levels used. EGT gauge and exhaust is necessary with the pred. I've had a Hypertech, the pred, and the 'gun. Bottom line is, you need to upgrade trans to get max benefit from any serious tune; the stock shifting is really not crisp enough for any racing. I currently have the Pred and the gun running. Will probably downgrade to the 85hp tune since my trans limps pretty easily lately.

I have an 05 D-Max and I Love the predator so far..I have it on the 85 tune and drive it every day...I like the way it shifts with this tune, and i think by far its the best (SO FAR) out for the LLy..Just my 2 cents..:ro) Just for the record i have tried the edge,PPe and a proto-type Van Aekn all on this 05 lly...


sean

I have an 05 D-Max and I Love the predator so far..I have it on the 85 tune and drive it every day...I like the way it shifts with this tune, and i think by far its the best (SO FAR) out for the LLy..Just my 2 cents..:ro) Just for the record i have tried the edge,PPe and a proto-type Van Aekn all on this 05 lly...


sean

Sean,

I see you're from NY. How"s the Predator doing in cold weather?

Sean,

I see you're from NY. How"s the Predator doing in cold weather?
So far so good...I will give you an update in the next 2 days it is suppose to get into the teens...The coldest i have seen so far is 22 degrees, and i didnt plug in the truck and it started right up no problems..Hope this helps ya..

I am using the predator at the 65hp tune and i think it is great i haven't had any problems. my mileage has also gone up which is great. I like the ability to get the ECM codes

I am running mine on the 65hp tune and my mileage (hand calculated) is up 1.5 mpg. So far I am happy with it.

I sure like mine. I've had mine installed for about a year and havent had any problems. I need to send mine in to Diablo and have it reflashed with the new updates to take advantage of the "newest and greatest" software. I'll do that soon.

I love what it does for my truck!!

I also am running the 65hp on my 2005. No problems at all. I have 1500 miles on the truck so far. Best mileage is 16mpg. I assume this will increase as the enging breaks in.

I’ve had my Predator for just over two weeks, started with the 40HP tune and loved it. Truck was noticeably quieter from idle to WOT, especially when cruising on the freeway. Overall I really like the 40HP tune, and for those towing over 8k I think it’s how the General should have programmed these trucks from the get go! :ro)

My second week I’ve decided to bump up to the 65HP tune, and all I can say is WOW! Power from a dead stop is right there right now! There is more Diesel noise than with the 40HP tune, but not significantly more than stock. I think the best part is so far with both tunes my mileage is up from stock, and that’s with a heavy foot as these tunes (especially the 65HP tune) will make you want to mash the throttle quite often:D. I think my throttle is afraid of the 85HP tune with the abuse I’ve been giving it from just the 40 and 65 levels.):h

I've read through this thread, and I see no mention of the 120hp tune. The predator has that .... doesn't it? Surely somebody has tried it. I'd like to know how good or poor that tune tuns.

Depends what you have, the lb7 predator goes to 120, the lly predator goes to 100.

Well, kind of looks to me like if you have a LB7 the Edge or Predatator is the way to go. If it's a LLY then the Predator seems to have the market (for now).

Aren't there ANY issues with the LLY Predator?

To be perfectly honest, I feel that NONE of the LLY releases will be final editions...

Just want everyone to know it has been below 15 degrees now for 2 days and i have not plugged in my truck...I have the predator on stage 3, 85hp and it starts right up...This predator kicks ass in my opinion..I owe a thanks to Kennedy Diesel for hookin me up with a good tunner....


sean

The only issue with the predator so far that I am aware of is a little extra clatter. Not too bad but it is definately there.

The only issue with the predator so far that I am aware of is a little extra clatter. Not too bad but it is definately there.
Yes i agree with you there..But i think you will always get some sort of clatter with any programer...Some worse then others but all i think...Please correct me if i am wrong on that statement, i am new to this but from my experiences so far thats what i see...

By the way to all that have helped me with answering my questions and problems THANK YOU...THIS IS A KICK ASS WEB SITE...

SEAN WALSH

My edge doesn't add any noise at all. Although some have had problems with it adding noise. If it the predator was quiet I would have nothing to complain about :D

It still doesn't check and clear TCM codes!!!

(WanaDmxsub is now climbing off his soap box)

That is part of the reason I have both ;)

sean walsh wrote:"Yes i agree with you there..But i think you will always get some sort of clatter with any programer...Some worse then others but all i think...Please correct me if i am wrong on that statement, i am new to this but from my experiences so far thats what i see.."

Just depends on how aggressive the programmer gets in advancing the injection timing.

I received and installed my Predator this evening on a 40HP tune, upped my speed limiter to 125 and programmed it for my 285/70/17s. I fueled up directly after and noticed a huge increase in fuel economy so far, too early to post numbers. The transmission is flaring a little at low throttle input on the 1/2 & 2/3 shifts but I beleive that will go away after a week or so.

The biggest question I have is what fuses really need to be pulled when programming on a 2004 version LB7 loaded with onstar etc., the book my LB7 predator came with does not jive with my truck?

Thanks...
6600LB7

How much fuel economy improvement are people seeing with the Predator on an LB7? I am thinking about getting one, for the economy and scanner capability (and of course a few more hp). Also, what does transmission flare mean?

I received and installed my Predator this evening on a 40HP tune, upped my speed limiter to 125 and programmed it for my 285/70/17s. I fueled up directly after and noticed a huge increase in fuel economy so far, too early to post numbers. The transmission is flaring a little at low throttle input on the 1/2 & 2/3 shifts but I beleive that will go away after a week or so.

The biggest question I have is what fuses really need to be pulled when programming on a 2004 version LB7 loaded with onstar etc., the book my LB7 predator came with does not jive with my truck?

Thanks...
6600LB7
Info, Radio, and radio amp should suffice. I believe it should follow the 2003 models. Huge increase in the display is bogus. The DIC is highly inaccurate with a power program/module installed.

Do you really have to pull the fuses?? What if you dont?

The program won't upload correctly. I talked to someone that missed one of the fuses before he tried to install the program. It went through about 25% of the process and then said something like "couldn't complete". Pulling the correct fuses allowed the tuning to be loaded without a problem.

Does any one know if you can use the predator to retrieve trouble codes from other OBD II compliant vehicles?

When I loaded the 65hp tune I didn't pull any fuses and it would not load, I tried it a second time and it worked fine. My cd player seemes to take longer to load a song after start up.

You also need GM to reprogram your abs for the bigger tires if you are reprogramming for bigger tires with the predator.
if I had a Quadzilla and reprogrammed the tires would it also reprogram the abs?

Just installed the prdator with the 40hp tune last night.....definately an increase in power. The tranny does hesitate after the shifts.....hopefully this will dissapear soon.

Does any one know if you can use the predator to retrieve trouble codes from other OBD II compliant vehicles?

yes you can, but only on the same brand vehicle GM/GM Ford/Ford etc........more info is in the FAQ's of www.diablosport.com

yes you can, but only on the same brand vehicle GM/GM Ford/Ford etc........more info is in the FAQ's of www.diablosport.com (http://www.diablosport.com) Thanks for the reply I checked out the site and it was very good. I also liked the tip on teaching the allison to learn faster.):h

i woudnt know what to do without my predator. a guess i would be boring and slow.