Well, my Predator finally showed up today.... i RAN to the truck to get it installed. All I can say is if you are hesitating to buy one, don't bother, BUY IT NOW!

Installed the 40hp tune, and I think it's quieter than stock, and boy can you tell a difference. It actually spun the tires in second gear):h That was new.!

To any newbies tho, the transmission shifts Teeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrible. It actually worried me, and i've read about it doing this from everybody. I drove it around tonight for about 50 miles up and down a few stretches of highway letting it shift up through all the gears, at different throttle levels, and it's almost back to normal.

Now PLEASE don't any of you crazies that got me turned on to buying this in the first place tell me the 65hp tune feels much stronger than the 40hp tune. I HAVE GOT TO LEAVE IT ALONE!!:help:

i wont talk you into changing it because i was more than happy my self with the 40 hp. i had no complaints. but i told my self every time i got 20 mpg i was gonba bump it up. well i did. then i got 20 again and put it on the 85 and it stops their. i was horseing around way to much to get any type of mialge out of it. the only reason i am still inthe 65 is because of the 33"( i hope to be 35"s tomorow). in the 65 it feels like it did the the 40 hp tune so i left it.
i tell every one to buy one. i got no regrets about it. glad to see yet anoughter person satified with the pred.

It won't help telling you not to go to the 65 tune. It happens all by it's self. You keep wanting more power and in the end you wind up with it on 120 tune and smiling. When your finished playing you can put it on 65 and leave it for a everyday driving. It is smooth and is still fun to play with without the worry of warping the tranny. Great product and really catches those little rice burners with their loud pipes off guard.:joke:

I tell ya, the predator programmer seems to be a great product. I've been no higher than the 65hp setting....it was so strong is smoked my clutch that was already going out a little:) ...40hp feels more than it is. With my six speed, it'll spin with ease from the 1-2 shift, and the 2-3 shift in town...that's with 285's, I'm really impressed. Can't wait to get my new clutch and go back to the 65 hp setting. All in all, power is very smooth, and oh yeah, better milage!!!

J-HEFF:ro)

Now PLEASE don't any of you crazies that got me turned on to buying this in the first place tell me the 65hp tune feels much stronger than the 40hp tune. I HAVE GOT TO LEAVE IT ALONE!!:help:
Why would you buy it and not play with it? Do what you want, if you're in it for mileage stay at 40, If you're not towing anything go to 65. If you want to play, see some smoke put 'er on 85 but use caution, with OE exhaust you want to make sure you're not playing too hard for very long at least. Short bursts of power only, other wise drive it normal. If you want to show off - flip it up to 100.... don't be skeered! You know you want to. Just don't leave it there unless you want to buy a new tranny, and I always lock mine out of OD just to be sure. Oh, one last thing.... make sure there are no cops or firefighters around):h .

It's 10:30 here and I'm already thinking about bumping it up.....

I tow a 10K lb boat tho. That's why I need to leave it alone.

If I pop it in the 65 tune, will the tranny learn, and then be normal when I switch it back to 40, or will it be funky all over again learning the 40hp tune.? I don't want it to have to learn again, it was awful. Terrible flaring and shifting..

moakster is right......it's already speaking to me...... :muahaha:

It's 10:30 here and I'm already thinking about bumping it up.....

I tow a 10K lb boat tho. That's why I need to leave it alone.

If I pop it in the 65 tune, will the tranny learn, and then be normal when I switch it back to 40, or will it be funky all over again learning the 40hp tune.? I don't want it to have to learn again, it was awful. Terrible flaring and shifting..

moakster is right......it's already speaking to me...... :muahaha:
If you go to the 65 yes the tranny will need to learn, but it'll be fine when you back down to 40. When I first got mine I put it on 65 right outta the box and like you said it was horrible. Later on that night I put it on 85 and it actually shifted better than 65 :confused: . I just tried out the 40 for the first time last week when I had to pull the trailer - plenty of power for pulling.

got mine 2 weeks ago and said to hell with it and started at 100hp, holy you know what, flat immpresive,smokes my 37 inch tires with ease, and oh ya it flat puts the smoke out!

100hp will limp the tranny in 5th very easily.

That's it!!!! I put it off for to long. I'm ordering mine tomorrow.

Max Power thats what ive heard, I have yet to hold it wot passed 4th.

guys - youre missing the boat here.... get the tranny done and let er rip already !

guys - youre missing the boat here.... get the tranny done and let er rip already !I would love to but, the bank won't like my excuse if I miss a mortgage payment.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/badidea.gif And then my girl friend would give me one of thesehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/images/smilies/nutkick.gif

You guys are killing me! I ordered mine Sunday night and can't wait for it to be delivered! I can't wait any longer !!! :bawl:

Question: If you are running the 65 HP tune and the trans shifts normal again, what happens to the tranny if you have to return it to the "stock" program for a trip to the dealer. Should you let it "re-learn" before the dealer trip?

Hey all, I want in on this. I am getting my 2005 CC, SB today after waiting 8 wks for her I finally get to pick her up at the stealer.

I've got my Predator on its way. I've got a couple of questions though:

1. For those of you with 05s have you modified exhaust yet?
2. Is your EGR non extinct?
3. If so did you throw codes?

I really want to get rid of the EGR. but I think eventually you will plug your CAT up and cause EGT to increase. Therefore, I think you almost need to remove EGR & Cat at the same time. THen check EGT with OEM exhaust and possibly upgrade to a 4" exhaust.

I Tandem tow a 30' 5er and a 20' Sea Ray Cuddy cabin during summer and I am concerned about EGTs and melt downs.

From What I read the Dmaxs run hotter than CTDs which is what I usually tow with.

All input from all that have Predators and Tow would be helpful to this newtime Dmaxer,
2005 GMC SLT, CC, SB, Summit White, Sunroof, XM, Marker Lights, Line-X, SS door handles, WW Nerf Bars, Chrome Bug Shield, Predator, Prodigy, SS Rockers, DFX Punch Grill, Overhead Windshield 2 Gauge Mount w/ EGT & Boost, & Reese Kwik Slide 5er hitch.

Question: If you are running the 65 HP tune and the trans shifts normal again, what happens to the tranny if you have to return it to the "stock" program for a trip to the dealer. Should you let it "re-learn" before the dealer trip? Mine shifted horrible the first time @ 65hp, but then when I went back to stock, and then again back to 65hp, the learning curve seemed very short... almost non-existant.

Sea Wiz...
I've still got stock exhaust, but am not towing... without gauges I'm verrry concerned about EGT's. Hopefully exhaust plus gauges (Considering stand-a-lone, Edge Attitude, Bully Dog monitor) within the next week or so. I do still have an EGR...

Got my Predator last Friday. Set it on 65 hp and you guys are right it shifted horrible -:t , but after the tranny learned.............hold on :D !!! Towed my gooseneck horse trailer with 2 horses extensively this weekend and the additional power was incredible. I started up a 3/4 - 1 mile 6% grade at about 55 mph went over the top at about 70 mph and never shifted out of OD. I could have gone over a lot faster but I was worried about egt's. The only thing I was disappointed with was mpg...12.2 @ 75 mph. Driving like this without the tune I was getting 13.5 mpg. I slowed down to 70 mph for the second tank so maybe it will be alittle better. My wife is going to fill 'er to the brim this morning.

I will find out this week what mpg I will get empty, if I can keep my foot out of it ):h .

So far I am all smiles. I may try the 40 hp tune for a while and see how it goes. I am sure that I will fall to the temptation and at least try the 85 and 100 hp tunes for at least a little while but I don't want to cook my tranny.

For anyone who hasn't got one yet..............:grd:

#1) I don't plan on upgrading my exhaust (don't feel the need in MY circumstances).
#2) I just blocked my EGR and installed the Finger Stick 2 days ago.
#3) IIRC you will always throw a DTC code when doing the EGR mod but won't always get a SES light.

Note: There's been recent concern about clogging the CAT when blocking the EGR. I somewhat disagree on this theory but am still undecided so I started a new thread on the subject HERE (http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=481266#post481266)

Just wanted to update you on the mileage. I reported 12.2 towing at 75 mph Predator set @ 65 hp. Towing the same @ 70 mph.......14.04 mpg. Not too bad, but still not as good as my stock 02 lb7, (mileage, not power) I hope the mpg improves with more miles, only 5,000 so far. Anxious to see if there is any improvement empty.

Looks like everyone is using the 65hp setting. Anyone beside me use the 85? It is much quieter at hwy speeds. I have an MBRP cat-back, but need some gauges. For anyone using the 85 with gauges, what kind of EGT's do you get?

Looks like everyone is using the 65hp setting. Anyone beside me use the 85? It is much quieter at hwy speeds. I have an MBRP cat-back, but need some gauges. For anyone using the 85 with gauges, what kind of EGT's do you get?
I'm runnign 85 with gauges. Stock exhaust. I can hit 1200 - 1250 if I keep on it from a stop. I let off after that:D . It will get up there pretty quick. I suppose you won't have to worry with the MBRP.

Where's the best place to buy one of these things?? You guys got my attention!

Where's the best place to buy one of these things?? You guys got my attention!

There are plenty of Vendors on this site that sell them.

Buy it from a supporting vendor....they have been good to the members of this site.

I got mine from big dog performance. He is a nice guy and a supporting vendor. I have also bought stuff from Kennedy Diesel. Also a nice guy. They should both post a reply for us.

[QUOTE=cowdoc]Got my Predator last Friday. Set it on 65 hp and you guys are right it shifted horrible -:t , but after the tranny learned.............hold on :D !!!

How long (time and miles) did it take for your tranny to learn how to shift again, and did it get back shifting completely "normal"?

Took mine about three to four hundred miles of light city driving on 65hp. After, when I bumped it to 85hp the trans learned much quicker. I just went to the 100hp tune and the trans shifted fine from the start. Be patient, it's worth it. Sooner or later you'll have it shifting good again.

Rob

Check the thread for the downshift method. It will cut a lot of your time off the tranny learning. I dove a hundred mile using different accellerations from easy to WOT. It produced a very small change in the shifting(terrible). Did the downshift method and the tranny smoothed out great. This was on the 65HP setting. When I shifted to the 85HP and played with the 100HP it shifted smooth in no time at all.

Check the thread for the downshift method. It will cut a lot of your time off the tranny learning. I dove a hundred mile using different accellerations from easy to WOT. It produced a very small change in the shifting(terrible). Did the downshift method and the tranny smoothed out great. This was on the 65HP setting. When I shifted to the 85HP and played with the 100HP it shifted smooth in no time at all.
Any idea where to find that thread?

Give this link a whirl ...
http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23066&highlight=learn+tranny (showthread.php?t=23066&highlight=learn+tranny)

I think message #9 gives the steps.
I've been told it's a wives tail, have never tried it before, but plenty her e seem to have tried and happy with the results.


(http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23066&highlight=learn+tranny)

Just installed predator on 65hp, shifting was poor so;


Actually I saw it on the Diablo Sport Website. The advise is as follows:

Now there is also kind of a trick you can play on the system that helps speed up the process. Take the truck out on an open piece of road, allow it to shift all the way up to high gear at cruise, then release the throttle and shift the truck down into low gear, not to worry it will not jerk down into low gear, foot off the throttle allow the vehicle to shift down through the gear progression until your riding along in low, apply brake, put the truck in Park, and do it again.
After two or three times, generally, you will see improvements right away, Allison has learned.

It was written by:

Nick Spinelli
DiabloSport Sales Manager

WORKS LIKE A CHAMP, THIS IS A GOOD PROCEDURE!!!!.....Rick
__________________

How long (time and miles) did it take for your tranny to learn how to shift again, and did it get back shifting completely "normal"?
It took about 50-60 miles of stop and go before it started to shift close to normal. It still is not quite as smooth as stock, bbut pretty close.

Very happy with the Predator, set at 65hp..

My tranny is shifting within 90% of normal now, less than 100 miles after I installed the Predator tune. I think I prefer the drivability of the 40 HP tune over the 65. The 65 seemed to make the engine louder also. With the 40, this thing has plenty of power and exceleration, plus I won't need to de-tune every time I tow. The higher HP tunes would be more fun if I drove aggresively all the time, but I don't. I bought the truck to tow, last a long time without issues, and get decent mileage compared to the 460 Ford I just sold. If I want to hot rod around, I've got a 1600 V-twin for that, or a 300 hunny for the dirt..........

I love my predator, set to 65 and forget about it. Have about 1k on it and shifts are almost normal. When you jump on it leaves a nice cloud.

Installed my Predator last night - 65 HP. Was sort of timid about it but all went well and basically just had to follow the prompts. Well worth the $ if only for diagnostics. Peace of mind knowing injectors are doing OK (for now). Trans shifted very poorly as expected. Good or bad I did the "force the Allison to learn" trick 3 times and after about 25 miles the shifting is back to about 90%. Fuel ping at cruise speed is a little louder. The '05 maon / droan noise is still there. Definately has more power. I don't need anymore personally (for now :) ). All in all, I'm satisfied.

Sounds like everyone is happy with the added power, but what about fuel milage?
Mine drops off over 65 mph (19 mpg). If I go 75-80 it will be 17. It has plenty of power in the stock trim for me, but if I could add some true/honest mpg I would consider buying one.
Thanks
John

Few people are seeing significant gains in real tank to tank mileage with performance tuners. If that is what you seek, look elsewhere. Realistically, 5% increase in mileage is about the best you're going to see, 1 mpg.

Here's the problem, you can now accelerate faster, and that uses more fuel. There is no magic. If you can stay out of the pedal, you can see a mild improvement.

But the good news is, your tank to tank mileage will probably not go down. On gas motors, you add 100HP and it CREAMS your cruising mileage. That is the beauty of the turbo diesel, you can dial up the power easily without hurting the mileage.

I was thinking about making a new post for this but I am not sure if it is worthy of it.


I was having some really poor shifts with a lot of lag that didn't seem to get any better with casual driving. I then used tow haul mode for about 10 miles and it seems to shift a lot better. The shifts are firmer and the lag between shifts is also better. One other thing I noticed was the trans seemed to hold the gear better rather than just shifting to the next gear right away.

Just a side note....I noticed these same changes in stock mode (pre tuner) but, so far it seemed to speed up the learning process/

I was thinking about making a new post for this but I am not sure if it is worthy of it.


I was having some really poor shifts with a lot of lag that didn't seem to get any better with casual driving. I then used tow haul mode for about 10 miles and it seems to shift a lot better. The shifts are firmer and the lag between shifts is also better. One other thing I noticed was the trans seemed to hold the gear better rather than just shifting to the next gear right away.

Just a side note....I noticed these same changes in stock mode (pre tuner) but, so far it seemed to speed up the learning process/

Posting your experiences is why this board is great.

It seems for me, the T/H has one "learned behavior", and when I switch back to normal, it has another. I am seeing that T/H improves shifting when running more HP. I drive more and more in T/H now.

you guys think if i put it on the 100hp tune and lock out OD that it will limp it? stock everything so it will only be for very short bursts ;)

Ive had mine on the 100 tune now for 3 weeks stock tranny turning 37 inch tires, and have yet to limp tha tranny. But i still plan on upgrading it this spring.

It won't do it right away. But eventually it will.

If you want to run the 100 to see what it feels like, do it.

Understand that at some point, you will need to "adjust" the trans for the power. If you like how 375rwhp+ feels, you are living on borrowed time.

Trust me, once you feel the power, you too will be eating Top Ramen.

Trust me, once you feel the power, you too will be eating Top Ramen.
It's not too bad for the first 30 days.....-:t

I would like to use the predator for the tire calibrations. I currently have the J/A setup. Anyone have any luck running both the J/A and the predator? If so what settings worked best for you? LLY

FWIW - I'm one that checks my MPG's hand calculated at every fill-up. I now have 7500 on my LLY. I was getting a constant 17MPG back & forth same route to work (50/50) until winter fuel. Since winter I've been getting a constant 15.5 mpg's - same route. Installed the finger stick & blocker plate for one tank - still 15.5 same route. Installed the Predator (40HP) and as of this AM (first tank) I got 17mpg - same route. Keep in mind that this latest MPG was also during the time when the trans was learning in both the normal and tow haul modes so I hope to see even a litlle more improvement now that things ae shifting normal. I'd have to safely say I saw a 1.5 - 2 MPG increase with the Predator.

I have a 350 mile roadtrip (not towing) to do tomorrow (all x-way) so I'm going to recheck the MPG's again.

Just my observations...

I lost about 2mpg with the predator but I'm not being as nice on the peddle as I was before either. I know with just the edge if I drove it like I did when it was stock it didn't change my fuel mileage any. JMO(just my observations).

I've been trying to drive it as I did when stock so I can compare "apples to apples", but it has been tough with the added power :)

With the setup I have (shown in my sig) I can get 19.5 mpg pretty easily. This is all hand calculated, and it's a solid 1 to 1.5 increase from what I was getting stock. I haven't been in the 19's since I had my stock wheels and tires. Haven't checked the milage on any setting but the 40hp. THe 19.5 I got was a mixture of driving in town and some highway runs. At the ranch this weekend, I only got 16...but that was mostly off-road conditons and trying not to get stuck all the time. All in all I am happy with the added mpg. If you get your foot into it all the time you don't see that 19.5 though:)

With the setup I have (shown in my sig) I can get 19.5 mpg pretty easily. This is all hand calculated, and it's a solid 1 to 1.5 increase from what I was getting stock. I haven't been in the 19's since I had my stock wheels and tires. Haven't checked the milage on any setting but the 40hp. THe 19.5 I got was a mixture of driving in town and some highway runs. At the ranch this weekend, I only got 16...but that was mostly off-road conditons and trying not to get stuck all the time. All in all I am happy with the added mpg. If you get your foot into it all the time you don't see that 19.5 though:)
You have the LB7 though, we have the LLY - so you are already ahead of us in the MPG game :)

This is very ture;) Just thought I'd throw it out there for anybody that stumbles upon this thread.:)