Need tuning help

[kozzmo49]

Hey guys. Im sorry but I have been trying to read as many of these threads about tuning as I can, and whether my brains not working or what, I need help. Im not auto savy, just enough to install a CAI lol. Right now I have an slp axle back and a CAI intake. Im just looking for a tune that will help out my performance and gas mileage. I have seen some options, but some of them seem that they I must know what Im doing, rather than just plug it in and get the correct tune emailed to me. Can anyone help me with what I should be looking for? I would greatly appreciate it, and im sorry if the answer is right in front of my face in these section lol

[steeleshark2]

I recommend the Predator. Although you do have to do things, there are step by step instructions on the forum and or can get a custom tune with it. I can help walk you through the tuning process of the Diablosport Predator if you like. Just be sure to get the pc usb interface kit for it if you go through with the Predator.

[axis]

Hypertech is also an option. They put out quality stuff and I happen to know the lead tuner. He's a great guy and VERY knowledgeable.

[kozzmo49]

thanks for the quick responses guys

[Damian]

I would not waste your money on a Predator or Hypertech, as they don't have even half the capabilities of EFI Live or HPtuners, and typically cost around the same.

HPtuners is a great software to use, especially if you're just starting out, and has a forum FILLED with information for newbies. Once you get versed on your own car, you will also have unlimited capabilities of tuning other cars (with the purchase of the credits of course) unlike the other hand held units which lock you to one particular car.

Friends don't let friends buy hand held tuning units!!!

[mlee]

Vector tunes are very easy for a noob http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52692

Also the Diablo Predator is easy too. EFI Live and HPtuners are a little bit more involved and more expensive.

[2SSjack]

I have used Hypertech on three different cars. Their programmers are very easy to use if you follow the directions. If you have the auto trans you can change shift points and firmness. If you have already installed a CAI, this will help and you will notice a difference. If you are not sure which one to get, talk to the tech people at each company and see how they treat you, then decide. If this is your first one I would recomend Hypertech.

[Damian]

Also the Diablo Predator is easy too. EFI Live and HPtuners are a little bit more involved and more expensive.

HPtuners and EFI also come with full blown tutorials for new tuners in their software, as well as a mountain of information on their forums. As for price, there's a reason for that. They can do 1000 things the hand helds can't do. I've retuned cars with hand helds for years and never once found one that can stack up to a real tune.

If you have the auto trans you can change shift points and firmness

Raising shift firmness blindly can cause premature transmission wear. It "feels" cool, but maxing out line pressure isn't always the best for the trans. In a real tuning software, line pressure can be adjusted for each shift, in each gear.

Hypertechs are a waste of money, plain and simple.

[kozzmo49]

thanks for all the help guys, i think that i have narrowed it down to two... vector and SCT. From those two, I have no idea what im going to choose lol

[mlee]

Originally Posted by Damian

HPtuners and EFI also come with full blown tutorials for new tuners in their software, as well as a mountain of information on their forums. As for price, there's a reason for that. They can do 1000 things the hand helds can't do. I've retuned cars with hand helds for years and never once found one that can stack up to a real tune.

You are absolutely right,

but for the OP in this thread a simple handheld is probably the best bet.

Originally Posted by kozzmo49

thanks for all the help guys, i think that i have narrowed it down to two... vector and SCT. From those two, I have no idea what im going to choose lol

Cool...

[JANNETTYRACING]

Originally Posted by kozzmo49

thanks for all the help guys, i think that i have narrowed it down to two... vector and SCT. From those two, I have no idea what im going to choose lol

I use HPtuners, Diablosport, and SCT, if I can be of any assistance shoot me a PM.

Ted.

[axis]

Originally Posted by Damian

HPtuners and EFI also come with full blown tutorials for new tuners in their software, as well as a mountain of information on their forums. As for price, there's a reason for that. They can do 1000 things the hand helds can't do. I've retuned cars with hand helds for years and never once found one that can stack up to a real tune.

Everyone knows that the ability to control more things is good for SOMEONE THAT KNOWS WHAT THEIR DOING. Without any knowledge of tuning whatsoever, do you really expect this guy to go to town on his $37k+ car? You didn't factor in the cost of dyno time or the fact that you need a laptop to go with it as well. The handhelds are perfectly fine for vast majority of people. Ted and many other shops have done enough tuning on these cars that they can write you up a tune based on your mods and get it damn close. If you're in the area, he can give you the full treatment via the dyno and plug it into your handheld.

Originally Posted by Damian

Raising shift firmness blindly can cause premature transmission wear. It "feels" cool, but maxing out line pressure isn't always the best for the trans. In a real tuning software, line pressure can be adjusted for each shift, in each gear.

Hypertechs are a waste of money, plain and simple.

And you think the guys at Hypertech are stupid? You think they blindly plug numbers into their programers then send them out? Do they tune you to the bleeding edge, absolutely not. Do they give you a SAFE tune that won't blow your engine up under any circumstances, absolutely. I happen to know the lead tuner at HT and can tell you that he's tuned more cars, trucks, turbo cars, and turbo diesels than you can imagine. They have a massive shop in Memphis with multiple dyno's with all the bells and whistles to take it the bleeding edge and back to see what's available and what's safe. Most shops with EXPERIENCED tuners can find HP behind the handhelds tunes, provided they aren't made from one of the shops. Not everyone is a track junky that needs every last HP available. The vast majority of people just want their car tuned to accept the mods they have done and clean up the stock tune. Easy install, no fuss, no CEL's, plug and go, better driving experience. For those that want to maximize everything to the edge, HPT and EFI live are better options.