Diablosport
To the average enthusiast of late-model performance, Diablosport probably seems like the Johnny-come-lately of the electronic tuning arena, but its roots run much deeper. Though the Diablosport line has only been available for the past three years, the parent company--ProgRama Tools--has been in the business of designing and manufacturing automotive electronic diagnostic equipment for decades. Other divisions of the Rama Group are dedicated to remanufacturing OE automotive electronics, including engine- and drivetrain-management control units. This background enabled Diablosport to move rapidly from its launch to its current position as a noted source of performance tuning equipment in a relatively short time.
What it is: Diablosport Predator
What it does: Provides a more aggressive basic program to the vehicle's PCM, which can then be adjusted on multiple parameters
How to install/use it: The Predator is also of the handheld variety, plugging into the vehicle's diagnostic port using the supplied patch cord. Once the basic Predator program has been installed, the user has the option of selecting from other, more aggressive programs. In addition, the user can also adjust certain parameters individually. The automatic transmission shift points and firmness are among the parameters that can be altered independently.
Additional features: The Predator also allows the user to fine-tune the fuel and ignition curves of the Diablosport base program, as well as provide the ability to raise the engine rpm limit, the vehicle top speed limit, and allowing for changes in rearend gear ratio and overall tire height. The Predator can also function as a diagnostic tool, reading trouble codes and monitoring engine functions in real time.
Applications:
•'99-'02 LS1 Camaro/Firebird
•'99-'03 LS1 Corvette
•'99-'03 GM light truck and SUV
Motorsports Technologies Inc.
Perhaps better known by its MTI abbreviation, Motorsport Technologies is currently celebrating its tenth year of operation, offering a broad spectrum of performance parts and services for late-model GM high-performance vehicles. In addition to serving as a distributor for various manufacturer's wares, MTI also produces some of its own performance parts, as well as offering a complete engine-building service. Cylinder-head and camshaft packages for GM's Gen III small-block are a specialty, with dyno-tuned programming available to make it all function properly. In fact, an MTI-prepped Corvette Z06 recently took top honors at the 2003 Car & Driver One Lap of America event.
What it is: MTI custom-programmed late-model GM PCM drivetrain management unit
What it does: Resets the calibration for whatever parameters are specified by the customer, including automatic transmission shift points and firmness.
How to install/use it: This is more of a service than an actual hard part, since in most cases, MTI is taking in an original PCM, reprogramming it (termed "reflash" in the industry), and then returning it to the customer. The customer removes the PCM, ships it to MTI in Houston, Texas, and then receives it back in several business days (overnight service is available for an extra cost). The unit is reinstalled and the new programming immediately takes effect. If for any reason the customer is dissatisfied with any of the changes, the unit can be returned and re-tuned to remedy the situation at no extra cost during the first 15 days.
Additional features: Since the PCM is being reflashed, any of the typical performance parameters can be altered during the process, including rpm limits, top speed limits, fuel and spark curves, calibrations to accommodate aftermarket airflow meters, larger injectors, aggressive camshafts, and so on. Entire performance programs are also available for particular combinations.
Applications: Any vehicle with a PCM