Extension and partial parameter optimization are applied to a modified Smith predictor and controller, designed by de Paor( 1985) for a class of unstable processes having transfer functions of the form k1A exp(—sT)/B, where A is a monic, Hurwitz polynomial of degree (n — l) and the nth degree monic polynomial B has a single right half-plane root at s=λ It is found that for l = 1,2,3 asymptotic stability can be achieved for λ T> 1, which more than doubles the best result obtained earlier. For a specific process, responses are compared with those obtained using the optimum stability PI controller of de Paor and O'Malley (1989). The advantages of the optimized, modified predictor in terms of tightness of control and faster settling time are highlighted