Predator Diablo Vs. Blackbear Tune

[ricci151]

Buying a tuner and narrowed down to 2. Predator diablo and blackbear. Anyone have any inputs. Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance

[Sir Dan]

I hear Blackbear is better as far as performance due to being able to tune the TCM (tranny) and get rid of the torque mgmt., but you need to buy a spare set of stock programmed computer boxes to be installed when going to the dealer for service which seems like a huge pain to me. I'm fairly happy with Diablo because it does what I need it to do, which is mainly turn off the AFM and give a little better throttle response. And I can return the computer to stock program with the push of a button.

[Matt_]

I loved my predator on my 2005... the biggest improvement I saw was from changing the shift points/firmness.

 

With that said... diablosport has been telling its customers that they're "working" on TCM support for GMT900s for over 2 years now. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame Mike or any of the other diablo tuners/tech support guys... they probably would've got in trouble if they told us that they "werent" working on it. The way I see it, tuning the trans is just as important as tuning the engine; so why pay full price for a product that only does half the job? (*JMO)

 

When its time to tune my truck, i'll more than likely be going with BB... even if diablo does start to offer TCM support. Justin has 2+ years of added experience tuning these trucks specifically and the 6spds. I'm not sure if the autocal is ever going to have TCM tuning ability, but if it does, you'll get the best of both worlds.

 

.. as you will see in a very short period of time... thoughts VARY by a large margin on this topic. good luck!

[dlewis1111]

Buying a tuner and narrowed down to 2. Predator diablo and blackbear. Anyone have any inputs. Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance

 

Bottom line: Don't waste money on a Predatorr

 

 

 

 

I have had both in my 08. Hands down the Blackbear tune is better. The predator does nothing for the shifting firmness and the torque management system. You do feel some with the Predator, but the Blackbear tune is so dramatic and obvious. Justin gives free retunes as long as you own the vehicle too. Have him come in person to do a custom tune, since each vehicle is a little bit different.

[dlewis1111]

I hear Blackbear is better as far as performance due to being able to tune the TCM (tranny) and get rid of the torque mgmt., but you need to buy a spare set of stock programmed computer boxes to be installed when going to the dealer for service which seems like a huge pain to me. I'm fairly happy with Diablo because it does what I need it to do, which is mainly turn off the AFM and give a little better throttle response. And I can return the computer to stock program with the push of a button.

 

 

You do not have to swap modules just to take your truck to the dealer. They will not look (and am convinced most don't know how) for a custom tune when they are changing your oil and rotating the tires. That said, if you have a CEL on, yes I would swap back for that one. BTW, in the 09+ 6 speed, the tranny computer is internal and cannot be swapped.

[matt3]

I hear Blackbear is better as far as performance due to being able to tune the TCM (tranny) and get rid of the torque mgmt., but you need to buy a spare set of stock programmed computer boxes to be installed when going to the dealer for service which seems like a huge pain to me. I'm fairly happy with Diablo because it does what I need it to do, which is mainly turn off the AFM and give a little better throttle response. And I can return the computer to stock program with the push of a button.

 

 

You do not have to swap modules just to take your truck to the dealer. They will not look (and am convinced most don't know how) for a custom tune when they are changing your oil and rotating the tires. That said, if you have a CEL on, yes I would swap back for that one. BTW, in the 09+ 6 speed, the tranny computer is internal and cannot be swapped.

 

 

I used to leave my modules in when I when to the dealer for things like a oil change or anything that might not get my tune re-flashed.

[bosro]

Having had both the Predator and a custom tune(tho from Westers not Blackbear) I can say that if you want your truck to be more drivable and more powerful then the tune wins hands down.Better shifting,tuned exactly how you want it......

If you want the convenience of the pug and play tuner with slight improvements in performance then get a Predator.

BTW when I was getting my truck tuned at Westers Garage he stated that the dealerships can tell if a handheld tuner has been used also so if it really does come down to to a warranty issue then you may be in trouble anyway with the handheld.

Lyndon at Westers Garage has been tuning for 20+ years so if he says it I believe him.

Really for a few hundred dollars more you can get a custom tune and a spare ECM.....sure glad I did!!

[bosro]

I hear Blackbear is better as far as performance due to being able to tune the TCM (tranny) and get rid of the torque mgmt., but you need to buy a spare set of stock programmed computer boxes to be installed when going to the dealer for service which seems like a huge pain to me. I'm fairly happy with Diablo because it does what I need it to do, which is mainly turn off the AFM and give a little better throttle response. And I can return the computer to stock program with the push of a button.

 

 

You do not have to swap modules just to take your truck to the dealer. They will not look (and am convinced most don't know how) for a custom tune when they are changing your oil and rotating the tires. That said, if you have a CEL on, yes I would swap back for that one. BTW, in the 09+ 6 speed, the tranny computer is internal and cannot be swapped.

 

 

I used to leave my modules in when I when to the dealer for things like a oil change or anything that might not get my tune re-flashed.

 

 

Absolutely correct about the TCM modules in newer trucks.....they are internal to tranny.

I never did get a spare TCM for my 07 as Westers Garage did not feel it was neccessary and he has a very good relationship with local dealers....hope I never have to find oout!

[07 CC Sierra]

I can't speak for the Predator, but the BB tune is worth every penny. Major difference in the Tahoe.

[hatfishr]

Blackbear all the way......

[cm5]

without reading the posts above- do not buy a predator. junk. barely feel difference- bad customer service and i'm sure everyone will tell you- you pay for options that are not available yet. TCM support is not available but they will keep telling you any second now.

 

i have a predator i ordered in 2007, every so often updates are available online, in which i update- but lately found out that my device is older and cannot update to new releases of these updates cuz the files are too large? they want to me to pay for shipping the device to them so that they can charge me $100 extra dollars to update my device. (thats after paying $400 for the predator in 2007)

 

i emailed them and they are ignoring me. so basically- i paid for a predator which should have included TCM but didnt, they say for last 3 years will be available shortly, and now even if it was available tomorrow i cannot update my device cuz its too old (unless i pay them $100+). doesn't seem fair.

[GMC_BOI]

NO TCM on the newer trucks, but I have TCM on my 2005. I have had my Diablo Predator for 3 months now. With my 5.3 2WD Sierra, I can lay 35 feet burnouts anytime I want. With a custom Predator Tune, I gained 36 hp and 41 lb/ft at the wheels. I paid $275 with overnight shipping and a 30 day money back garantee...

 

BEST $275 I HAVE EVER SPENT.... HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!

 

Honestly, I wanted a BB tune, but I refuse to take out my PCM, and then have to do a crank relearn... That was the breaking point for me. I couldnt find a delaership near me that would do a crank relearn procedure. They were total idots... So I said F--k it and got a Predator... I absolutely love it.

 

It woke up my truck. It is a total beast now. In fact, the trucks are so fast taking off, that many complain about losing traction control. EVEN WITH TRACTION CONTROL ON, my truck will break loose the tires. Its cool, but it was a death trap in the snow this winter....

 

GTO and G8 guys have the same problem.. We all complained on the Diablo forum about our cars actually laying rubber with the TC turned on. Other than that, I will now be buying a Predator for all my cars....

 

 

Honestly, even though I own a Predator and love it, I would not get one if I had a newer truck because you cannot control your transmission settings on newer trucks.. On my 2005, I have full control over my shift points and everything... This is NOT AVAILABLE on newer trucks...

[ricci151]

thanks for all the good info

 

 

Buying a tuner and narrowed down to 2. Predator diablo and blackbear. Anyone have any inputs. Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance

[ricci151]

thanks

 

thanks for all the good info

 

 

Buying a tuner and narrowed down to 2. Predator diablo and blackbear. Anyone have any inputs. Pros and cons?

Thanks in advance

 

[Jennabear]

NO TCM on the newer trucks, but I have TCM on my 2005.

You don't have a TCM, you only have a PCM, which has both the ECM and TCM controls in it. GM parsed them out in 07.