Diablo Programmer

[L2C]

Does anyone have this on their H2? If you do can you let me know if you got any improvements? Thanks

[05h2sut]

I have the Predator - upgraded firmware using the regular fuel settings -

BIG difference in shift and performance - no lag, firm shifts, seems to have much more low end torque.

Bought it used from a member on here - well worth it.

-Dave

[SummitUp]

The Diablo Predator offers the most options and is the best IMO. Also I believe it's the only one that allows disabling Torque Management. Another plus is Diablo can create custom tunes which they can email to you and you can then upload the tunes to the Predator with your PC. Great support on their forums as well.

The 93 octane stock tune made a huge difference in the performance of my H2 running on 85 octane fuel (that's right, 85 octane fuel!), but then I run at 9000 ft. elevation and only have 50-60% of the HP you guys have at sea level!

Do a search for "Diablo Predator," it's been discussed numerous times on these forums.

[05h2sut]

Never dawned on my to try the 93 octane tune on lower octane fuel. Something to do this aft :jump:

[SummitUp]

Never dawned on my to try the 93 octane tune on lower octane fuel. Something to do this aft :jump:
05h2sut: BAD IDEA!! I can get away using the 93 octane tune with low octane fuel because of the altitude I live at. Octane requirements become reduced at higher altitudes. Your at sea level (Rhode Island) and running the 93 octane tune on low octane fuel could result in pre-ignition/detonation with can damage your engine. That's why Diablo has a warning/disclaimer in the user manual about not programming the 93 octane tune on lower octane fuel.

For an explanation, scroll to the bottom of this Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octane_rating) article and read the section titled "Regional variations."

[tomp]

To add to SumUps comments, running the 93 program will more than likely put your ECM into Knock Retard mode and you won't even know it. Stick with the program for the fuel type you'll be using.

[SummitUp]

And to further add to tomp's comments it may be worth mentioning that one nice feature of the Predator is that engine parameters can be monitored in real time while driving.

When I first ran the 93 tune with 85 octane fuel I monitored the spark and knock retard readouts on the Predator from dead stop to 70mph while running at wide open throttle (engine under maximum load). I did this several times and since no knock retard was ever noted I was confident that 85 octane was safe to use with the 93 tune.

I might also mention that I monitored again while in Moab (elevation 4000 - 4500ft.) and didn't see any knock retard there either. But sea level is whole other story I'm sure! :D

[L2C]

Did it get better gas mileage at all?

[05h2sut]

Point taken - maybe I'll run a couple tanks of 93 thru it just to see what the high octane program does - now that I don't have to refinance my house to do it! Thanks for the input!

As far as MPG, I'm around 12 with a heavy foot, mostly town driving. Can't say if it is better, retuned it almost as soon as I got it.

[tomp]

Just trade me wheels and we'll call it even!

Hey, knowing your steering setup - order some of the new Cognito sway bar links (for no lift) that will clear your large inner tie rod joints. I have already extended my links and still tearing the inner rubber boots.

And to further add to tomp's comments it may be worth mentioning that one nice feature of the Predator is that engine parameters can be monitored in real time while driving.

When I first ran the 93 tune with 85 octane fuel I monitored the spark and knock retard readouts on the Predator from dead stop to 70mph while running at wide open throttle (engine under maximum load). I did this several times and since no knock retard was ever noted I was confident that 85 octane was safe to use with the 93 tune.

I might also mention that I monitored again while in Moab (elevation 4000 - 4500ft.) and didn't see any knock retard there either. But sea level is whole other story I'm sure! :D

[SummitUp]

Just trade me wheels and we'll call it even!
Hey! Quit coveting my wheels! :jump:

Hey, knowing your steering setup - order some of the new Cognito sway bar links (for no lift) that will clear your large inner tie rod joints. I have already extended my links and still tearing the inner rubber boots.
I've been thinking about that. Been lucky so far, no torn boots yet, but probably pushing my luck. But yeah, I need to get those longer sway bar links. Where can I get 'em (could you post a link)?

edit: tomp, are these the ones (SBELKHD-1000 Stock Height/Level Kit) ?
http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/page149.html

[SummitUp]

Did it get better gas mileage at all?
No real change in mileage, but much better performance!

[tomp]

I've been thinking about that. Been lucky so far, no torn boots yet, but probably pushing my luck. But yeah, I need to get those longer sway bar links. Where can I get 'em (could you post a link)?

edit: tomp, are these the ones (SBELKHD-1000 Stock Height/Level Kit) ?
http://cognitomotorsports.com/store/page149.html

Yup, that is the right ones. If you can wait a few days, I have them on order and will let you know if they are long enough. They did state they are longer than OEM and will clear the larger inner joints on the HD tie rods. I really like the swivel link they added on the bottom of the link. This will help with the angled lower control arms due to the torsion bars being cranked. As you may have noticed, the sway bar links toe inward when the LCAs are in downward position due to cranking up the TBs.

[L2C]

No real change in mileage, but much better performance!
Thanks, do you know if it will do the same for the 08 H2? If I put 37" tires on my H2, do I need to change anything on it.

[tomp]

If they make a programmer for it, then I am sure there will be gains from it. Mostly, you will gain from disabling the Torque Management feature.

If you changed the tire diameter to 37s, then you should recal the speedo using the programmer.

[L2C]

what is torque management feature

[SummitUp]

what is torque management feature
In 1996-1997, GM introduced a new PCM feature called Torque Management (a.k.a. TM). This feature was designed to extend the service life of automatic transmissions by removing a certain amount of timing advance temporarily before beginning the shift between gears. The effect is there is less wear and tear on the transmission because not as much power is being run through the transmission while the clutches and bands are engaging/disengaging.

However, TM also reduces performance, and removing it, especially in the trucks, can produce a noticible improvement in performance.

Or as the folks at Diablo say:

"TM is basically GM's way of putting an end to the fun before it gets started. There are several different scenarios that bring TM into play. Among these are "abusive launches" and WOT (wide open throttle) upshifts/downshifts. When TM is enabled, the PCM thinks you are being abusive, and either pulls timing or closes the throttle body on ETC trucks to kill power. You may drive forever without ever realizing what TM is or does, until you experience a vehicle back-to-back with the TM removed....major difference. By applying the Predator tunes we improve the throttle response in these electronic throttle body vehicles drastically...if you command WOT with your right foot, you get WOT, not what the PCM feels like giving you!"

[L2C]

thanks for all the info

[Albie]

If they make a programmer for it, then I am sure there will be gains from it. Mostly, you will gain from disabling the Torque Management feature.

If you changed the tire diameter to 37s, then you should recal the speedo using the programmer. Does it go up to 40's as well for the speedo

[tomp]

Albie...It will allow you to go to 40s but I have never done it. I do want to point out that there is a limitation in the ECM that will deactivate Traction Control System at a certain tire size, I just don't know what the maximum is that will cause it. Might check with Diablo on their forum to be safe.