Ive been having a hell of a time with the Predator. It is jut not good. First and second gears (2 and 3 on the lever) are VERY touchy.


The thing is a bitch to drive when running the 40 and 65 Hp tunes. Ive gotten the new ones today from Johan, and it has gotten worse than a 65 HP custom tune I had. The 40 HP (v 1.11, I guess) feels at least as strong as the custom 65 I had been running.


Even the 65 custom tune I had been running wasnt all that great. Still had to be very gentle on the pedal when in traffic.


If I was doing drag races all day, it would be alright. In traffic, to trying to accelarate from a stop moderatly is just a chore.


Anyone with a success story from one brand of tuner in paticluar?


Anyone else know the chances of gettina a refund on a 9 month old predator?


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif

I am running quad 135. 70 and 90 tunes are pretty level but kick you in the butt about 1700 RPM. 110 and 135 kick in real hard at 1700 but you can adjust with your foot. Quad has new tunes that are smother in the low RPM range. I might try a six gun from Banks for the ability to change on the fly. Anyone running a 6 gun on a 6??

I just want it to be like stock, but with more smooth power...


I drove a PSD auto with a SCMT at 80hp, and it was a gem...


None of this abrupt power crap. It is bad...

I would get a Van Aaken if you want smooth stock like pedal power. I have the big one, but on the smaller setting it is very smooth and predictable with stock like throttle feel. Im not sure if my lower is 70 or 110, but Im sure either is smooth.

Ya. I am not sure about the VA box...Seems like higher injection pressures isnt good for long term...


I think I know why there is a problem with the Predator. They make tunes for all trucks, 6 speeds and Allisons. At 0-30 mph, the converter on the Allison is unlocked. This allows for much more abrupt power at low speeds without annoying the driver.


With the direct drive of the ZF, there is always a direct link between the engine and the wheels. Thus, any little engine surge is going to be felt much stronger than in an auto...


Thats my theory, and Im stickin to it...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

The VA would be a very smooth choice and you have no reason to be afraid of injection pressure because the smart box e doesn't alter it. The new Quad tunes would be worth a try, some six speeds run very smooth on the old tunes and some were jumpy like your predator but I would bet one set of tunes would work for you. Good luck returning your predator, I had one that stunk from day one and called to return it and they told me they had a fix for it so I shipped it both ways on me and it still drove terrible. I called them to return it and with the time that had lapsed they wouldn't take it back. Oh well that's the last dime they will get from me.Edited by: CPMac

Thanks CPmac...


I sent the thing to them 2X and then tried the custom tune route...Still not good.


It just sucks. DiabloSport is a crappy company to deal with. They always do the least amount. Im hoping that I can get something changed here...


What does a Quad box or Smart E box run? I wonder if anyone would want to trade...I dont even know if that is possible...My luck it wont be...


Nothing like having to run the lowest tune, and still have it be a pain in the ass...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif

Edge Juice w *** would give you a woody.Mine in level 3 is pretty controlable.Level 4 & 5 comes on stronger.The nice thing is you can adjust on the fly with the push of a button and you have low boost adj not to mention all the other things it does.Customer service is #1 as is Quadzilla's.Had a little problem with my 135 tuner but am waiting for new one with the new tunes.There excellent to deal with also.

Im really dissapointed in the Predator...


I got sucked into it when it was the first tuner for less than 700-800 bucks...


I guess you get what you pay for...Along with the customer service...


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

Gee, I always liked that power surge from the Predator. But I had other issues with the thing.

I tried the Quad and really didn't like it at all. Noisy, made the motor knock like crazy in the first little bit of throttle movement, and odd throttle behaviour ... at some speeds backing off slightly would actually accelerate the truck a little. I see they've refined their tunes recently, haven't tried those, maybe it's better now.

Then I tried the Juice w/Attitude. Blows them all away. Smooth power, infinitely adjustable, and you can change the power level on the fly. I drive around in level 1 a lot, with low boost fueling level 4 for lots of throttle response. That makes the truck effortless to drive but keeps down the wear and tear. Then when it comes time to make a pass on a little 2-lane road, I'll reach down and bump'er up to level 5 before I nail it. Hang on ;)

The only thing with the Attitude on the 6-speed is you don't get the performance measurement and speedometer features. That wasn't clear to me before I bought it, so it was something of a surprise. But it's worth the money anyway, it's just a much more refined fueling curve than the other tuners I tried, it's obvious.

You could also check out a TST. It is very adjustable to what you want. It has 9 settings for lower end fueling and 9 settings for upper end fueling. Plus has egt and boost gauges built in. Adjustable on the fly. Just another possibility for ya.

i do have the Edge with ***. can't complain one bit. When on level 5 it is a total power house, but still easy enough to drive around town in. Edge has the product the service and the experince to back up what they sell.

I've got the Edge/Attitude. The older box i had (ver. 3.2) had a couple issues, it made the engine noisy (I didn't mind), smoked a fair bit (I didn't mind), made my oil pressure gauge sit on 0 (I minded) and made the truck surge a bit on the highway when in cruise control (I minded).


I traded it in on the new Edge/Attitude yesterday and boy, what a difference. Almost no smoke in levels 1 to 4, even with low boost fueling set in 5. Level 5 puts out tons of smoke, and tons more power than the lower levels. Level 1 through 4 are VERY smooth, feels like stock except it makes the truck much more responsive and accelerate much harder than stock.. No surge, just smooth power at the touch of the pedal. No putting it to the floor and waiting for the power.


I suspect that level 4 is what a STOCK duramax would feel like if they came with 400hp and 770ft/lbs of torque. Buttery smooth power with much, much better response at low RPM. I love the gauges, too.


OTOH I haven't driven with the Duramaximizer but it supposedly drives just like stock until you put the pedal to the metal, then the power comes on. It's infinitely adjustable too which is nice. They claim no extra engine noise and no smoke.

I have driven with the maximizer only. It does not smoke or surge any. It does pretty much drive like stock, very predictable. I will disagree with the engine noise though, it makes a very noticeable increase in engine noise, rattles more, kinda like a stroker or Cummins.

I'm running a 6 gun on a ZF 6 speed and it works bitchen. Smooth as stock, just more power. Banks did use a six speed as part of their 6 gun development and it shows. I run on level 5 daily and tow on 2 to be easy on my clutch but 6 is always there.Edited by: MOTO HEAD

My Vote would definetly towards the quad, or edge!!!! both are great programs!!!!!

I really dont want to have to buy another one. An exchange would be the best...


I didnt buy the $450 Predator to be retired in a year...BTW, Im cheap...


Anyone wanna trade! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I'm running a 6 gun on a ZF 6 speed and it works bitchen. Smooth as stock, just more power. Banks did use a six speed as part of their 6 gun development and it shows. I run on level 5 daily and tow on 2 to be easy on my clutch but 6 is always there.

Banks SIX-GUN-w-SPEEDLOADER was engineered to work with all transmissions and to deliver smooth power throughout. IMHO and I'm stickin to it.

mannytranny your Predator is VIN-locked, I'm afraid it's married to your truck. Maybe if you raise enough stink you can get Diablosport to buy it back from you (doubt it!)

Ya, thats what I was afraid of...


Damn. Ive been sending emails to one of their lead techs (Johan) and havent gotten anything... http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

Mine smokes like a frieght train when appling throttle in 4-5-6 gear, and that with the edge on stage 3 or 4, does yours do that.???http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif

I have never run anything over 85 (V 1.04) for more than 10 miles. The 85 smoked pretty dang good.


Even the 40 and 60 hp ones smoke pretty good before boost builds. After the boost comes up, it is very little. I really done care for the smoke. Especially with fuel costs the way they are. I REALLY dont like smoke after the boost builds. The 40 hp suits me fine, but they just cant get it right...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cry.gif


Im pretty clost to sea level, and that makes a pretty big difference. I towed a car up at 10000 feet once, and the smoke was REALLY bad even in the 40 hp mode.


No need to pollute here...


Im running stock now...

Anyone running a SuperChips? I wonder how that stacks up...


I wish I could get someone to sell me an edge or quad with only the low HP for use, at a discount...


I really dont want to pay for the high horses with I would never use them.


Lets see, an edge is 90 hp, right? What, 600 bucks? And if I only used the 30? hp setting, it should cost only about 200 bucks! (6.6 $ / HP)


I WISH!

Anyone running a SuperChips? I wonder how that stacks up...


I wish I could get someone to sell me an edge or quad with only the low HP for use, at a discount...


I really dont want to pay for the high horses with I would never use them.


Lets see, an edge is 90 hp, right? What, 600 bucks? And if I only used the 30? hp setting, it should cost only about 200 bucks! (6.6 $ / HP)


I WISH!











Contact Van Massey, or Kennedy Sales and service. If you need their numbers contact me.


Also I have a 90hp Juice for sale for $400 in the classifieds.


Hope this helps you out?





Quad

Well, I bought it from Runniniwiththedevil about 10 months ago. I assume that he would have to be the one to buy it back.


I really wouldnt want to buy another one until I can get rid of the Predator for something near what i bought it for...(Yes, I know I might be dreaming...)


Also, I am under the impression that the Juice cannot be adjusted with a 6 speeder. Ive got a friend with an 03 D/A, but Im not sure I would want to ask him to let me borrow his truck for this...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Evil Smile.gif


I would probably want to buy one new, unless it comes with a 30 day warrantee/exchange. I dont want to get into the problem that I am in with the Predator.


Have you done any work with the Quad on 6 speed trucks? I just want something that has less than immediate throttle response at speeds under 30 or so...


I just dont think that Diablo Sport even knew that 6 speed trucks existed, let alone test their crap on one of them...

The only thing the predator is good for to anyone else is for the code reader. So I think you will have a very hard time finding someone that would pay more then a couple bills for it.


The programing side of it is dead to every truck but the one it programed.


Runninwiththedevil came on the seen a little over a year ago boasting about how he had the very best customer service. This maybe his chance to prove it. Call or e-mail him and ask him what he is willing to do to make you happy.


As for boxes for the 6 speed; I would say that the best one would have to be the TST Powermax. I had it (with my Allison) and it would blow right throw the tranny with any setting over 6 and 2. The ZF is a much more stout tranny, that is why I thing it would be a great box. However at $849 (unless they have lowered the price) it is one of the more pricey boxes. When I bought it, it was one of the lowest priced boxes and has gages to boot.


Good luck trying to get rid of the predator.


By the way; Banks claims they will take your box on trade. I think they knock a couple hundred of the $650-$700 price tag.


John or Quad may do something like that also, it can`t hurt to ask.Edited by: hdmax

Ya, Cyclone offered me 200 bucks on trade in for it.


Im gonna keep bitching to Diablo Sport and RWTD until this gets resloved...


The thing is a POS.

Alright,


I looked around, and found a Smart Box E 2.0.


What do yall know about this one? I know it was mentioned earlier, but tell me more. What are the power settings?


It is used. Is it warrantied by VA?


It looks like this is the one for the 6 speed...

Mannytranny, when did you get your 65 hp tune? I have one from RWTD, but I bet it is the same one you have. You dont like smoke?? Why not? I have a nice and smokey tune that is pretty stout, would you like to try it? Let me know. I really like my Predator, it spools pretty quick and gets er done!

I have got the latest 65 hp tune. It was sent on wed. of last week. V 1.11, I guess.


It pulls great at speeds over 30 or so. Under 30, the pedal is so unpredictable and hard to control, driving in any sort of light traffic is a mess. I just hate it. You really have to baby it, or it surges, and you have to nail the clutch to avoid ramming another car, and it is just a PITA.


If I can make power without smoke, Ill do that. Smoke is inefficiency. Not to mention pollution.


The VASB/Dynomite box is CARB approved. Apparently good for better mileage too.


The Predator is a glorified scan tool...No good for smooth power.

Mannytranny,


I have the Quad135 and I like it. On the highest setting, it blows a lot o smoke when you get on it, I like it. I do not like the surge, but it seems to me w/ the 6spd that the surge was worse on the lower settings than it is on the 110 & 135 settings.


Now if only we could get a decent clutch and flywheel that can handle the torque...


Someday if I get a wild hair, I might give the 6gun a shot if it's as smooth as I have heard. I do miss the linear throttle control and the injectors are loud with the Quad, no doubt about it. But I still like it...


Tim

I guess I missed you here!


Thanks!

[QUOTE=luvthesmellofdiesel]


Mannytranny,


I have the Quad135 and I like it. On the highest setting, it blows a lot o smoke when you get on it, I like it. I do not like the surge, but it seems to me w/ the 6spd that the surge was worse on the lower settings than it is on the 110 & 135 settings.


Now if only we could get a decent clutch and flywheel that can handle the torque...


Someday if I get a wild hair, I might give the 6gun a shot if it's as smooth as I have heard. I do miss the linear throttle control and the injectors are loud with the Quad, no doubt about it. But I still like it...


Tim





If you have a surge and too much injection noise you should follow these directions.


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5945&PN=3


Then you can see what this is all about!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif





"Ok I got my tuner back today and loaded up the 110 tune.


First of all -- no injector or diesel rattle noise! It sounds *stock* at all RPMs.


It is certainly stronger than stock under 1,800 RPM and quite a bit more than before, but it still begins building most of its torque around 1,800 RPM like the older version I had (v1.16). That is where the similarities end, however. What used to be a surge of power accompanied with injector noise (from 1,800 - 2000 RPM) is now a quiet, smooth, steady increase of power -- and alot of power indeed for a 110 tune. It's so smooth it is deceiving. The pedal seems less touchy than before, but with even more power at all RPM levels. I am really looking forward to trying the rest of the tunes -- so far I am *REALLY* liking the upgrade."


Or get the full story here:


http://dieselplace.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6216&PN=1





If you have any questions, just let me know!








Quad

mannytranny your Predator is VIN-locked, I'm afraid it's married to your truck. Maybe if you raise enough stink you can get Diablosport to buy it back from you (doubt it!)


Have your lawyer send it back to them with the address to your bank!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

I wrote them (RWTD, and Diablo Sport) a week ago about it, and still no replies...


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

I called James today...


He is supposed to call me back tomorrow...


Anyway, I will give them one more chance, and then I guess Ill have them unlock it, and Ill sell it...


The question: Is there a difference in throttle sensitivity between the Juice and the VASB-e? I can find the juice, I cant find the VASB, so thats why I ask...