Initial Predator Results on 2006 SSR

[Bob 06SSR]

First, I purchased the 05/06 unit from concoursdirect.com. The price was $320 delivered to the door. It was Rev99 which is the latest.

Second, the install went smoothly but read the directions carefully. It's easy to make a mistake because the directions are not real clear. I even went back to the stock tune easily to verify my results and then back to the diablo tune again. No codes have been set.

Third, I purchased the unit to primarily get rid of the Torque Management on my 06 automatic. Any HP gain would be a plus. Here is what I found. On the stock tune the Torque off the line is held to about 280 lb-ft of torque and builds up as the speed increases. The full 400 lb-ft did not register on the OEM torque meter until 50 mph, or so. With the Diablo Performance tune the torque off the line is still around 280 lb-ft but then steps up faster. The full 400 lb-ft comes on at about 30 mph. Both of these observations were done with the T/C off. I have not done any speed measurements yet with my Tazzo Performance Meter but the SSR does seem more responsive and faster.

Summary, I was looking for an even bigger reduction in Torque Management. There is an option to turn it off but I'm not sure that's a smart thing to do as others have pointed out on this board. I plan to do more testing and post it on the board.

[JimGnitecki]

You are being smart in your approach. Take it slow and easy.

Jim G

[OC]

D/S HAS ISSUED ANOTHER UPDATE (E4O-8r01) CHECK IT OUT!!!

OC

[shiftz33]

I had the 7r97 installed on my 05 Auto SSR. I downloaded 8r01 and installed it into my SSR (91 Octane Tune). Within 1 mile, the check engine light came on. When I got back home I checked for any codes but none were noted.

I had tried to preserve the 7r97 tune file before updating the predator to 8r01, but the software would crash when trying to save it to the PC. I located the 7r99 file and installed that into my predator and my 05 SSR. That seems to work ok (no check engine light with 7r99). I know they state you must have the latest GM warranty firmware updates in place to use 8r01, but they state that for 7r99 and that one works as did 7r97 with my 05 SSR.

[poppa]

Originally Posted by shiftz33

I had the 7r97 installed on my 05 Auto SSR. I downloaded 8r01 and installed it into my SSR (91 Octane Tune). Within 1 mile, the check engine light came on. When I got back home I checked for any codes but none were noted.

I had tried to preserve the 7r97 tune file before updating the predator to 8r01, but the software would crash when trying to save it to the PC. I located the 7r99 file and installed that into my predator and my 05 SSR. That seems to work ok (no check engine light with 7r99). I know they state you must have the latest GM warranty firmware updates in place to use 8r01, but they state that for 7r99 and that one works as did 7r97 with my 05 SSR.

What I want to know is how can you tell if you have the latest updates? How do the dealers get them? Does the dealer scan every vehicle ,every time it comes in?? Does anyone know whats going on? I always save the old crom files from Diablo to my computer, just in case.

[shiftz33]

poppa,

Do you happen to have the 7r97 crom file? I tried locating this crom file on the general net but I could not. I'd like to have a backup of the file that was installed in my SSR before yesterday.

[poppa]

You have a PM

[shintajay]

Originally Posted by shiftz33

I had the 7r97 installed on my 05 Auto SSR. I downloaded 8r01 and installed it into my SSR (91 Octane Tune). Within 1 mile, the check engine light came on. When I got back home I checked for any codes but none were noted.

I had tried to preserve the 7r97 tune file before updating the predator to 8r01, but the software would crash when trying to save it to the PC. I located the 7r99 file and installed that into my predator and my 05 SSR. That seems to work ok (no check engine light with 7r99). I know they state you must have the latest GM warranty firmware updates in place to use 8r01, but they state that for 7r99 and that one works as did 7r97 with my 05 SSR.

That's good to know. I removed my 97 and installed the 99 with no problems. I do fell the 99 gave me better mph. I was considering going to 01 but after your install, I think I'll wait until the next version comes out.

[poppa]

Originally Posted by shintajay

That's good to know. I removed my 97 and installed the 99 with no problems. I do fell the 99 gave me better mph. I was considering going to 01 but after your install, I think I'll wait until the next version comes out.

Hi Jay
I went with the 01 this morning so far no problems every thing went smooth no codes and it does seem to be faster definately more wheelspin
Poppa
PS I save all the old croms in my computer just in case I want to go back!

[shiftz33]

Interesting. My stock 05 auto SSR with the 8r01 encountered the "check engine light" within a mile of leaving my drive way. There was no stored code when I used the predator to look for the fault code.

[05INDYYELLOW]

Originally Posted by shiftz33

Interesting. My stock 05 auto SSR with the 8r01 encountered the "check engine light" within a mile of leaving my drive way. There was no stored code when I used the predator to look for the fault code.

No sure if this is the same thing your talking about but after i put the new
update in my check engine light went on.I put the factory tune back in and
the light stayed on.I went to the local dealer and they check and said the
new GM upgrade need to be in for the light to go out.Its a service bulletin
and if you come in with that problem they will do it under warranty.It fixed
the problem and i put the predator 91 back in with no problems.They will not notify
you of this SB

[shiftz33]

Thanks 05INDYYELLOW.

When I installed the 7r99 "91 Octane Tune" in my SSR, the check engine light went out and stayed out. There is very likely a GM update that my SSR does not have. It was updated once back in 9/05 with an update, but nothing since then.

The 7r99 tune also states it needs the "latest" GM updates, but it appears that the 7r99 "latest" is not the same as the 8r01 "latest". It would seem like a great feature to have the predator scan the other "updates" in the system and inform you if something does not comply with a minimum revision before letting you install their tune.

Sometimes, getting the service department to install a GM update is difficult if "nothing is wrong" with the vehicle. Especially if you state you want the latest updates so you can install a third party tune.

Is there a TSB number that outlines what changes are in the latest "GM updates" so one might be able to use that info to ask for the updates?

[shintajay]

Tried to update from v99 to v01. I got the dreaded check motor light. I'll put back the original and I'll try to reinstall the v99 later.

[dfriz]

Originally Posted by shintajay

Tried to update from v99 to v01. I got the dreaded check motor light. I'll put back the original and I'll try to reinstall the v99 later.

Just was wondering the new update states (support for new corvette) does this mean that it won't work in our is this why the check engine light is coming on ???????????

[shintajay]

Originally Posted by dfriz

Just was wondering the new update states (support for new corvette) does this mean that it won't work in our is this why the check engine light is coming on ???????????

I just called the customer support for Diablo. They said that the v01 is okay for the SSR. He said the only change done for the v01 from v99 was to add the new vets. According to him, if its a engine light problem and the preditor display does not show errors in diagnostic then its probably a problem that was before the tune was installed and should be looked at by GM.

I'll try to see if this is so when I upload the original backup later on.

[poppa]

Originally Posted by shintajay

I just called the customer support for Diablo. They said that the v01 is okay for the SSR. He said the only change done for the v01 from v99 was to add the new vets. According to him, if its a engine light problem and the preditor display does not show errors in diagnostic then its probably a problem that was before the tune was installed and should be looked at by GM.

I'll try to see if this is so when I upload the original backup later on.

Hi Jay
In preparation for installing the 01 tune I brought mine to the dealer last week and asked them to flash the computer to make sure I had the newest. The 99 had been loaded before and ran well. I loaded the 01 in and it runs well seems to spin the tires a little more on the starts so far no codes I have run about 125 miles.
Dan

[shiftz33]

Originally Posted by shintajay

I just called the customer support for Diablo. They said that the v01 is okay for the SSR. He said the only change done for the v01 from v99 was to add the new vets. According to him, if its a engine light problem and the preditor display does not show errors in diagnostic then its probably a problem that was before the tune was installed and should be looked at by GM.

I'll try to see if this is so when I upload the original backup later on.

That seems like an odd statement from Diablo since the v97 and v99 code did not display a check engine light, based on their statement, their v97/v99 code is NOT reporting an error condition.

If it were just my SSR showing this behavior then I could almost believe that but since at least one other has observed this behavior, I'm not inclined to believe the Diablo statement, just yet.

[JimGnitecki]

This is one of the hazards inherent in using the microtuner approach. The pre-existing factory tune has to be the correct one to match what the microtuner expects.

Naturally, it is hard to know what version you are getting in the microtuner you buy (depends on how long it was on the shelf at the mcirtuner company or dealer), and it's also hard to know when GM has done a flash "upgrade" since GM prefers not to tell you.

The tuning software approach elimninates this specific hassle, but is more costly, since it requires both costlier software AND a professional to use it.

One of the hassles of modern vehicle tuning . . .

Jim G

[poppa]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

This is one of the hazards inherent in using the microtuner approach. The pre-existing factory tune has to be the correct one to match what the microtuner expects.

Naturally, it is hard to know what version you are getting in the microtuner you buy (depends on how long it was on the shelf at the mcirtuner company or dealer), and it's also hard to know when GM has done a flash "upgrade" since GM prefers not to tell you.

The tuning software approach elimninates this specific hassle, but is more costly, since it requires both costlier software AND a professional to use it.

One of the hassles of modern vehicle tuning . . .

Jim G

Jim
When the Preditor boots up it tells you what version is loaded into it. The big unknown variable is what flash is in the computer from GM. Do the dealers automatically get upgrades from GM or do they have to search them out. Do they automatically hook up to the computer every time you come in to the dealership. I have a pretty good relationship with my dealer (I buy lots of trucks for my employer) so every time Preditor comes out with a new tune I go to the dealer first and ask him to hook my SSR to the computer. It would be nice if the diagnostic program in the Preditor would tell you what flash is in the computer from GM.

[JimGnitecki]

Poppa: As I have said before, you don't WANT every software "upgrade" that GM puts out there.

There have apaprently been cases where the sole purpose of the upgrade is to reduce peak engine torque transmitted to the driveline, to reduce warranty costs.

I make a point to always say "no reflashing without my specific approval IN ADVANCE", and if they ever opffer me a re^flash, I'll ask what to see the documentation on what it does.

They cannot MAKE you take the reflash. The vehicle is your property, not theirs.

Jim G

[Double-L]

You can always go with a laptop and then you don't have to guess at anything

[shiftz33]

I just spoke with Mike @ Diablo Sport and he took my information regarding my 05 SSR Automatic using the 8r01 "91 Octane Tune" producing a "check engine light".

Mike seemed to agree that if 8r01 truly detected a real problem, that 7r97 and 7r99 should be reporting the same problem via a "check engine light". The fact that 7r99 is NOT showing a "check engine light" seems to suggest something "might" be up with the 8r01 that is not known at this time.

Mike stated that the 8r01 tune should only add support for a couple of new vehicles.

They're going to look into this issue and let me know what they find and/or post on this website.

[dfriz]

Thanks

[shintajay]

Originally Posted by shiftz33

I just spoke with Mike @ Diablo Sport and he took my information regarding my 05 SSR Automatic using the 8r01 "91 Octane Tune" producing a "check engine light".

Mike seemed to agree that if 8r01 truly detected a real problem, that 7r97 and 7r99 should be reporting the same problem via a "check engine light". The fact that 7r99 is NOT showing a "check engine light" seems to suggest something "might" be up with the 8r01 that is not known at this time.

Mike stated that the 8r01 tune should only add support for a couple of new vehicles.

They're going to look into this issue and let me know what they find and/or post on this website.

You got more info then I did when I called Diablo. My engine light did not go away when I re-installed the original tune. I had to take her in anyway for a warranty item so I'm having them to check the engine light.

I guess when she comes home I'll be installing the v99 instead. Or I might just try to install the v01 to see if the tune okay with GM's update.

[poppa]

I guess when she comes home I'll be installing the v99 instead. Or I might just try to install the v01 to see if the tune okay with GM's update.

Jay
Let me know if you're OK after the new flash and the v01 tune . Mine is still OK

[OC]

This is what I rec. by email from my contact at D/S :

The U7191 8r01 update is specifically for support of a new GM calibration ID for the 2005 Corvette. The Predator won’t program a vehicle that has this GM calibration (ECM Software 12613186). It will say “Unsupported Vehicle” or “Part Number Not Found”.

Don't know if the earlier 05 SSR's had a different computer or not. I am still running a custon tune from D/S THAT IS WORKING FINE.

OC

[shintajay]

Poppa,

I took her in and they updated the pcm.
I did not tell them, I screwed it up because of the preditor upgrade. But this is what my invoice saids:

Cust. STS SES Lite on. Unable to verifiy and SES light on Dash at this time. Perform driveability test procedures with tech 2 and found fault in system : (u2105) loss of communication with engine control system. Check for any related tsbs none. Check ECU system if need to be updated with lastest update and found that ecu & Radio needed to updated with current updated, possible cause of ses that is not communicating with other modules. Recommended to update ecu and radio then retest system & road.
Perform updated on ecu & radio with latest update software. (code 11056 for ecu) (coade 80A5 for radio). Then road tested vehicle with monitoring sytem and sensor with tech 2 and operation is normal

When I got her home I debated installing the 8v01. But thought "might as well". It installed without a problem and my engine light is off.

So you need the absolute latest update prior to installing the 8v01.

Thanks for the updates, If you didn't have success with the update, I would have dropped down to 7v99. Am very happy with 8v01, seems to spin my tires more on first and second then the previous update.

[shiftz33]

According to Mike @ Diablo Sport, the 7r99 and 8r01 have the exact same tunes included. The only difference was the crom image recognizing as valid some additional cars. The GM updates required for 7r99 and 8r01 are the same as well, again according to Mike @ Diablo Sport.

I'm still waiting for a call back from Diablo Sport based on my problem report a couple of days ago.

[shintajay]

If there is really no change from 7v99 to 8v01 then I guess its all in my mind. Oh well it was nice while it lasted. At least I know what caused the problem. Hopefully the next tune upgrade, I will not need to send her back to GM.

[poppa]

Originally Posted by shintajay

Poppa,

I took her in and they updated the pcm.
I did not tell them, I screwed it up because of the preditor upgrade. But this is what my invoice saids:

Cust. STS SES Lite on. Unable to verifiy and SES light on Dash at this time. Perform driveability test procedures with tech 2 and found fault in system : (u2105) loss of communication with engine control system. Check for any related tsbs none. Check ECU system if need to be updated with lastest update and found that ecu & Radio needed to updated with current updated, possible cause of ses that is not communicating with other modules. Recommended to update ecu and radio then retest system & road.
Perform updated on ecu & radio with latest update software. (code 11056 for ecu) (coade 80A5 for radio). Then road tested vehicle with monitoring sytem and sensor with tech 2 and operation is normal

When I got her home I debated installing the 8v01. But thought "might as well". It installed without a problem and my engine light is off.

So you need the absolute latest update prior to installing the 8v01.

Thanks for the updates, If you didn't have success with the update, I would have dropped down to 7v99. Am very happy with 8v01, seems to spin my tires more on first and second then the previous update.

Jay
Glad that the update worked for you. As I said not sure its any faster but like you I think it spins the tires more at the take off. I'm glad I did it. Tomorrow I'm gonna look at torque management with the Preditor. Reading their manual it looks like I can have some input. If I'm sucessful I'll post my observations and the procedure I used to do it.
Wish me luck