How many of F.I.T. owners have used your Predator flash programmer for things other than to load the custom tune into your vehicle during the s/c installation? I've used mine several times as a data logger and to tweak on some the user-accessible parameters in the tune. I think a thread on Predator tips & tricks I long overdue because these things become pretty powerful tools once you become familiar with them.
I'll start with my top 5 tips:
#1: I'd highly recommend to a new owner getting ready for an install to first make sure the custom tune takes before tackling the mechanical portion. The custom tunes are set up specifically for the vehicle's PCM code (BDMO, MAV2, etc.) so you can verify right off the bat that there wasn't any miscommunication during the order. It doesn't hurt to step over the low hurdles first.
#2: You can double check the custom tune is in the vehicle by going to Options->Show Last Tune Written. It should say "Custom Tune", but if it says "Original Backup Restored" the vehicle has been returned to stock. You really shouldn't drive the vehicle very long with the stock tune in. The car will be drivable, but it won't idle very well and probably throw a rich code because of the mismatched MAF and fuel injector calibrations.
#3: Download and get familiar with Diablo's DSDownloader PC interface utility. This is used to update the Predator with a new custom tune. You'll need a serial cable and 12V DC power supply, both of which should be available at your local Radio Shack. Click this
link for the download and cabling specs. Make sure you get a soft copy of your custom s/c tune from F.I.T. so you have it on file.
#4: Back up your stock tune to your home computer and email a copy of it and your custom tune to yourself for safe keeping. Use the DSDownloader PC program get your vehicle's original backup (stock tune) out of your Predator through Options->Custom Tune->Export Tune->Original Backup. This will upload an .frg file named with your calibration code (i.e. mine was rza01b2.frg). God forbid you loose or damage your Predator, at least you'll have soft copies of your tunes.
#5: Get to know the data-logging capabilities of the Predator. F.I.T.'s Diablo dealer will need a couple more along with the AFR vs. RPM report that you get from a dyno test to really optimize your base custom tune. You'll also need to log a few parameters to the Predator's memory during the dyno pull to complete the picture. There's more to this discussion better left between you and the man himself, but being familiar with how to use the fast rate data-logging capabilities of the Predator before you show up to the dyno facility is a must. There's well over a 100 parameter IDs you can log and review on your home PC if you really want to get into what the tune is doing. Diablo's CMR_DAT data-log uploading, viewing and conversion utility can be also downloaded from the link in tip #2 above.
I guess I'll leave it open for discussion from here. Although I've left a bunch of detail out to keep this short, those top 5 tips should get an owner curious enough to begin using the tool and start asking the really neat questions. If anyone else has tips or tricks feel free to post them up!