DIABLOSPORT PREDATOR - GO GET IT!!! Satisfaction Guarantee!!

[808e]

Purchased a DiabloSport Predator on Ebay from west_coast_performance for $281.99 + $11.95 shipping. Received the brand new product in a couple of days.

As I'm not an engine expert like many of you, I've done some research and decided to purchase the Predator because of its simplicity and ability to increase the performance of a stock Escalade. It's ready right out of the box.

Simple Instructions Included: Apply parking brakes / remove Onstar fuse from engine compartment fuse box / connect Predator's connector to existing Escalade diagnostic connector located right under the steering column area / shut driver door and turn on ignition (but not engine) / select "Performance Tune" on Predator / select "Automatic Transmission" / select "Original Backup" to backup the stock settings / once backup is saved - select either Diablo Tune (for high octane fuel), 87 Octane Tune (the one I selected - for us cheapy ones), or select Modify Tune (for the experts who wants to change settings manually) / select "Install Tune" / once completed, you will be asked to turn ignition off and turn it on again (without starting the engine / download is then completed and remove connector / reinstall Onstar fuse in box / Start engine and you're off!

*Note: It is normal to see the dash gauges/info texts flash or move about while the Predator is connected.

PERFORMANCE: You will feel the drastic difference immediately when you punch the pedal. Instant reaction, unlike the sluggish reaction in stock mood. The shifts between gears are much smoother, unlike how it's noticeable in stock. Believe me, you'll feel good about the way it responses. Probably the best buy so far in enhancing my stock Escalade.

FUEL ECONOMY: Too early to tell since I just installed the performance parameters.

I highly recommend this performance programmer for your Escalade. You won't be dissappointed!

[nofinga911]

Originally Posted by 808e

Purchased a DiabloSport Predator on Ebay from west_coast_performance for $281.99 + $11.95 shipping. Received the brand new product in a couple of days.

As I'm not an engine expert like many of you, I've done some research and decided to purchase the Predator because of its simplicity and ability to increase the performance of a stock Escalade. It's ready right out of the box.

Simple Instructions Included: Apply parking brakes / remove Onstar fuse from engine compartment fuse box / connect Predator's connector to existing Escalade diagnostic connector located right under the steering column area / shut driver door and turn on ignition (but not engine) / select "Performance Tune" on Predator / select "Automatic Transmission" / select "Original Backup" to backup the stock settings / once backup is saved - select either Diablo Tune (for high octane fuel), 87 Octane Tune (the one I selected - for us cheapy ones), or select Modify Tune (for the experts who wants to change settings manually) / select "Install Tune" / once completed, you will be asked to turn ignition off and turn it on again (without starting the engine / download is then completed and remove connector / reinstall Onstar fuse in box / Start engine and you're off!

*Note: It is normal to see the dash gauges/info texts flash or move about while the Predator is connected.

PERFORMANCE: You will feel the drastic difference immediately when you punch the pedal. Instant reaction, unlike the sluggish reaction in stock mood. The shifts between gears are much smoother, unlike how it's noticeable in stock. Believe me, you'll feel good about the way it responses. Probably the best buy so far in enhancing my stock Escalade.

FUEL ECONOMY: Too early to tell since I just installed the performance parameters.

I highly recommend this performance programmer for your Escalade. You won't be dissappointed!

I have been saying this over and over...but they still dont wanna listen

[808e]

nofinga: It took me a while to check out some reviews to convince me that it wasn't just another catch, but man I'm glad I took the chance. Just drove it out tonight and it seems I'm getting at least an increase of 2-3 mpg. I'm not concerned about low mpg since I've expected it, but the performance is just sweet. Do you know if I need to change the plugs as well?

I hope this will convince some to try it!

[Superjim]

My son recently bought one for his '07. I have a 2006 DTS Performance Sedan. He can now outrun me from any speed, which he couldn't do before. It also made the trans shift better. I am guessing he picked up about 20 HP. He now has no speed limiter also. It is still pulling pretty strong at 125mph.

He is experimenting with the "Modify Tune" adjustments now to see if he can make it even better.

[teutonictrio]

Guys, come on. If GM could increase the performance of their engine and increase mileage by 2-3mpg for $200 (their cost, let's say), why wouldn't they do it? Let's get real here...

[TSS]

1. requires premium fuel

2. harsher on warranty items and truck in general

3. not as suitable for towing (I think)

In that order, likely . That is why GM tunes it differently. Predator rocks and is worth every penny for performance .

ps. I have personally not noticed an increase in mileage beyond , at most, .5 mpg.

[808e]

My assumption on getting 2-3 mpg is based on what I get on the inboard mgmt system. I usually check it out on a regular basis. I'm sure we'll all have various opinions depending on how each person drives. I'll do the old method of estimating my avg mpg, but like I said, I don't care about the mpg. On the other hand, my wife wants the most out of mpg and is concerned with warranty so she's not modifying her Escalade.

TSS - I guess I received a predator with an update because there is an 87 octane tune option. The regular performance tune is there as well that requires premium fuel. I don't think I'll attempt to tow my boat with the Escalade; I'll leave that job with my truck.

[TSS]

Hmmm. I don't think mine has an 87 octane option ... even if it did, I wouldn't use it! Love the performance gains with 91+ octane . The performance program works great for me. Only modifications I made was taking off the speed limiter and upping my idle rpm in drive (by a mere 50 rpm). It (idle) always seemed just a hair low at lights in drive. Now it is perfect...that might also explain why I haven't seen an increase in gas mileage .

[Dif]

Originally Posted by TSS

1. requires premium fuel

2. harsher on warranty items and truck in general

3. not as suitable for towing (I think)

In that order, likely . That is why GM tunes it differently. Predator rocks and is worth every penny for performance .

ps. I have personally not noticed an increase in mileage beyond , at most, .5 mpg.

1. something most people don't seem to realize is unlike the 02-06 models..
91-93 Octane is what the 07 and beyond should be running regardless of a performance tune or not.
Yes the 07 will run stock on 87 Octane because the computer will detune it to adjust for the lower Octane but compared to how the 02-06 models run on 87 Octane,...there's much worse downgrade on the 07 and up.
It's worse for the engine and mileage and in the process kills power/performance.

2. yes, that's part of the reason.

3. it's actually better for towing with the Performance tune.
The engine does not have to work as hard since it is running more efficient producing more power.

Yes , .. Predator rocks and is worth every penny for performance.
And it's not just the performance increase.
The smoothness and efficient response with the Performance tune makes it so much nicer to drive and I won't go back to the stock tune.
My mileage was never a main concern but around town it "used" to be 11.5 - 12.5 mpg.
With a mix of highway driving, around town it would vary between 11.5 - 14.
With the Performance tune it is a "consistent" 13.5-14 mpg even when always driving around town.
Slower RPM is not always the best for mileage.
With the 6 speed and the Horse Power these engines produce, 80 MPH at 2000 RPM, the engine is just barely running in the power band.
At those figures, highway is a consistent 19 mpg or slightly more if it's a long highway drive.

Predator rocks

[808e]

Hey now, I'm going to take the advice of the last two posts and go premium; and take the tune up a notch. Thanks for the information. I'm sold!

[nofinga911]

Originally Posted by 808e

nofinga: It took me a while to check out some reviews to convince me that it wasn't just another catch, but man I'm glad I took the chance. Just drove it out tonight and it seems I'm getting at least an increase of 2-3 mpg. I'm not concerned about low mpg since I've expected it, but the performance is just sweet. Do you know if I need to change the plugs as well?

I hope this will convince some to try it!

man im glad you took the chance...if you want some real power and wanna get the most out of your predator pm me and ill give you my email ...glad to hear you like it!

[TSS]

Originally Posted by Dif

3. it's actually better for towing with the Performance tune.
The engine does not have to work as hard since it is running more efficient producing more power.

I was basing my original comment on the Superchips Programmer I had for my 01 Tahoe. It had pretty stern warnings not to tow in performance mode, and even had a "tow" versus performance programming option. You are correct though - I checked last night and did not see any similar warnings or cautions with the Predatror for the 07 Lade.

[teutonictrio]

I'm sorry, guys, but this is sounding like snake oil to me...I know about tuning with sports cars, as I've done some myself, and with turbo-charged engines it makes a huge difference, but in this case, it makes no sense.

If Cadillac could increase mpg, power, and towing capability with a simple adjustment of their ECU, it would be done. They don't have to keep the power down because there is another vehicle more expensive than it that it would be then superior to (see the Cayman and Boxster versus the 911 for examples), and they have no reason to keep the mpg DOWN when it could be 2mpg better. Throw in 'better towing' and you just make it impossible to believe, seriously.

And even if GM did it, how much does someone want to bet that these companies would be around stating that they could get even ANOTHER 2mpg and better power and better towing out of it?? Come on.

[403HP]

Originally Posted by nofinga911

man im glad you took the chance...if you want some real power and wanna get the most out of your predator pm me and ill give you my email ...glad to hear you like it!

Nofinga what other adjustments did you make? In addition to the Diablo tune I advanced the timing and increased fuel flow a little to get rid of pinging. I would love to hear how I can get more out of it.

[TSS]

Originally Posted by teutonictrio

I'm sorry, guys, but this is sounding like snake oil to me...

I hear you. But the factory tunes it to please as many people as they can and also limit warrantee claims and vehicle abuse as much as possible (trade off between the two yields a fine vehicle). This allows a more aggressive tune which an enthusiast would love, but might be a little too aggressive for some older, tamer customers. I understand the skepticism though. I made sure I could return mine if it turned out to be crap. I still have it. What do you have to lose by trying it? Autoanything.com (and maybe others) offers your $$ back if you simply decide you don't like it. I have taken them up on that offer on other items, and they stand by that policy - no hassles whatsoever. You might also check out the Diablo website - they do a pretty good job explaining the process.