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Is a Predator programer enough to tune a Converter?

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Old May 10, 2005 | 07:39 PM
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Default Is a Predator programer enough to tune a Converter?

The situation is that I'm putting a SY3500 in my 01 TA and a tune will run me $450 and it's a 4 hour drive to the place. I'm wondering if I bought a predator if I'd be able to do enough tuning to make the car drivable (i.e. reduce torque management and change shift points). This should pry be in a different forum, but I figured I'd get more responses here.

Thanks!

Adam
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Old May 10, 2005 | 07:42 PM
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Yes, it can do what you want. I've had good luck with mine.
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Old May 10, 2005 | 07:53 PM
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for the money, i would have custom tuning by a good shop or sponser. no WAY would i run predator if you are looking for max effort. its generic tuning. it WONT effect driveability once you start getting into more radical setups.
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Old May 10, 2005 | 09:51 PM
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No, not the as-delivered handheld. You want part throttle
shiftpoints and TCC lock/unlock points adjusted to make
it drive like a smooth monster. All the Predator will touch
is WOT. I have one around here somewhere. It was
totally inadequate once I got my 3000 converter in.
Walk away.

Beware the $450 "dyno tune" as well - part-throttle, street
driving tunes are not their strong suit, certainly not what
pays the rent on the dyno rig. A good street driving tune
takes time and time is, you know. Not so likely they have a
proper set of shift tables for -your- converter, gears and
driving style in pocket. But for $450 they'll go and put in
some kind of guesswork and off you go.

At $450 you'd be well on the way to owning the tools to
do it right. In fact I've picked up a used copy & cable of
HPTuners for less in the Parts For Sale. If you can't get
that lucky, go in with somebody trustworthy who needs
your year or the "other" year (they come with two now).

Then you can d!ck with it until it's perfect. You did need
a hobby, right? Because once you find out all there is to
mess with, it's like eating one potato chip.
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Old May 10, 2005 | 11:10 PM
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Originally Posted by jimmyblue
Then you can d!ck with it until it's perfect. You did need
a hobby, right? Because once you find out all there is to
mess with, it's like eating one potato chip.

Very good! Isn't this the case with the entire LS1 habit??
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