The Diablosport Predator is an OBD-II handheld, flash tuner. Available for a host of cars, they have Predators available for Ford, Dodge and GM vehicles, both gas and diesel. While each version of the Predator comes with a set of standard features, they also have certain vehicle specific features.

The Hardware
The unit itself is built quite well. It fits into your hand nicely, the OBD-II cable is plenty long enough to reach even the back seat if need be. The display is easy to read in all kinds of lighting. The only problem I ever had with my unit was the sheathing began to come off the OBD-II cable where it entered the device. Other than that, it’s well built and you can throw it in your backseat without worrying it’ll break.

How Does it Work?
Most Predator units come with multiple tunes for stock cars or slightly modified cars. For example, the 300C version of the Predator comes with tunes for:

• 93 Octane Performance Tune
• 91 Octane Performance Tune
• 93 Octane Performance CAI Tune
• 91 Octane Performance CAI Tune

These tunes when properly used are good for an instant 20-25rwhp on the 6.1L SRT-8, and 20rwhp on the 5.7L RT. Both get between 20-25rwtq from the Performance Tune. In addition to these tunes, often referred to as “canned” tunes, there are other customization options on the Predator. Using the 300C again as the benchmark, here are some options:

• Axle Ratio
• Idle RPM Drive/Neutral
• WOT Fuel 1k-3.8k / 4k-5k / 5k-7k
• Rev Limit Drive/Neutral
• WOT Spark 1k-3.8k / 4k-5k / 5k-7k
• Cooling Fan adjustment
• Tire Size
• Shift Points
• Shift firmness
• Autostick auto upshift enable/disable
• ESP enable/disable
• MDS enable/disable
• TCM adaptive reset
• Speed limit
• Read/Write time is approx 60 seconds
• Clear codes supported

Once you’ve made the proper changes to the options above you’ll flash the tune to your PCM (or ECU) through the OBD-II port. It’s a very simple process that takes about 60 seconds.

My SRT-4 Diablosport Predator Experience

When I bought my 2003 SRT-4, it was a mostly stock SRT-4, besides a Mopar Stage 3 turbo kit as well as a Modern Performance 3″, catted, turbo-back exhaust. This setup served me well, that is, until I rode in a 50 trim SRT-4. I knew I had to go big turbo. My setup consisted of a CTI tubular manifold, on a completely stock motor, with a .63a/r Borg Warner S256.

For anyone interested, note that the Borg Warner version of the .63 S256 exhaust housing will have issues hitting the wastegate flange on the CTI manifold. You’ll need the .63a/r S256 exhaust housing from AGP Turbo

I originally used an AEM F/IC on this setup. However, after having some issues with it, I started looking at at the Diablosport Predator Tuner. It was relatively new, but I decided to give it a shot. I contacted Nigel at Tru Dyno Sports.

Nigel sent me back a tune which I downloaded to the Predator tuner. I did some highway testing that night. He mentioned it would be very rich to be safe in the beginning. Then when I sent feedback, he would reply with a tune that was slightly leaner. This is a quick video of that tune. As you can see it needed some serious fuel removed once full boost hit. Multiple emails back and forth and we had it running really well. I’ve since sold the car, but Nigel’s tune was good enough to make a hair over 400whp and around 420wtq.

I was amazed the difference bewteen my AEM FIC tune and the first Diablosport Predator tune. I was experiencing stumbles and difficulties tuning with the FIC. After flashing the first tune Nigel sent me I thought it had failed and went back to a stock tune, it was that good. It drove without stumbles or hiccups.