Programmer for Supercharger

[AdamsDenali]

I have a 03 Denali (flowmaster 50 series, K&N FIPK, 22" wheels wrapped with 305-40-22 toyos), leveled and shaved rear emblems.

 

Question: I'm planning on have a Radix Supercharger installeded soon, but in the meantime I was thinking about installing a Diablo Predator Programmer. I know the Radix comes with it's own programmer specific to the 6.0 engine. Will the Diablo be a waste of $400+ or can I (or will i need to) use it after the SC been installed.

 

Great Forum: thanks in advance for any advice.

 

Adam

[tmf6902]

I may be wrong, but I think you can call Diablo and ask them to give you a program specific for a supercharger....Have you thought about Westers? I don't have one, but I know that everyone that does loves it. And he will make one that wiil work with a supercharger. Westers is a PCM, instead of a programmer, incase you didn't know.

 

Some one that has delt with them, can probably give you more info on it.

 

TMF

[ridnlow]

If you really want to run quick.. a custom tune is the only way to go.. Forget about the handheld and get you a custom tune whether it be Wester's or a local shop or if you have the skills get yourself ls1edit... Its been shown on the dyno and at the track that custom tunes outdo a handheld every time... If you could find someone locally with l1sedit that would be the way to go... they can tune ur truck then drive it around while monitoring the truck and adjust as is needed...

[DSZ71]

Even better, you can use the Wester's Tune with your SC, they can do so much more than any handheld programmer. Check them out HERE!!

[325]

AdamsDenali,

 

I have a Radix supercharger and it came with a Superchips programmer as part of the package. I have seen on this or other forums the statement that the Superchips tuning is milder than the tuning that can be had with other programmers, but I can't confirm or deny this claim. The Radix does come with a 3 year 36,000 warranty that might be voided if a different programmer is used. The Radix manual says "Aftermarket engine re-calibration devices that modify fuel and spark curve (i.e. programmers) are not recommended and may cause engine damage or failure. If you have any questions, call us!". Their phone # is 805-289-0044 and they are really a pleasure to deal with. Or you can e-mail them at [email protected]. Hope this helps.

[AdamsDenali]

Thanks for all the advice, I don't want to void the warranty on a $6,000 mod, but I wonder if something did go wrong and I flashed an aftermarket PCM setting back to the Superchips setting, would the dealer mechanic be able to tell? I want the Radix with a 3" pulley and a performance tune to get the most efficient and effective power out of the SC. Another Denali around town with a Radix SC has posted some amazing numbers at the track. I got to test drive it, and a SC is definitely the way to go, thats one fast truck.

 

Let me know what you think? And if you have a SC, what kind do you have and what kind of performance do you have?

 

Thanks - Adam

[325]

I paid $4,943 for my supercharger (including shipping). When I ordered the unit I had to supply them with the VIN # of the vehicle and any mods I had made. This information was used to customize the Superchip settings. So there is some level of customization being done in the original setup. I don't have any idea if some other chip/programmer can provide a "better" setup or not.

 

My plans are to stick with the Superchips programmer (atleast for now) and use the money to change the rear differential gearing from a 3.42 open to a 4.10 with limited slip. This seems to me to be money better spent.

 

At that point I'm going to catch my breath and start concentrating on some appearance mods. If I do any other performance mods after that it would probably be the exhaust system (to compliment the intake performance from the S/C). I'm reluctant to do a whole lot of additional mods on the engine (more radical programming or smaller pulleys) because I'm not too sure how much more the engine or transmission could take. Although perfomance is important to me, I still want the truck to hold together for a long time.

[tbyrne]

If you decide to have a custom program made you can order the RADIX without the programmer and save $200. The programming that comes with the kit is designed to work specifically with the RADIX but they didn't get to aggressive with it. This was done for the motor's safety. There is still room for improvement If your looking for more horsepower we have smaller pulleys available -

 

Radix325 3.25 pulley +1psi

Radix310 3.10 + 2psi

Radix300 3.0 + 3psi

 

Every 1# increase is good for about 15-20hp at the wheels.

 

Tom

[DSZ71]

Thanks for all the advice, I don't want to void the warranty on a $6,000 mod, but I wonder if something did go wrong and I flashed an aftermarket PCM setting back to the Superchips setting, would the dealer mechanic be able to tell? I want the Radix with a 3" pulley and a performance tune to get the most efficient and effective power out of the SC. Another Denali around town with a Radix SC has posted some amazing numbers at the track. I got to test drive it, and a SC is definitely the way to go, thats one fast truck.

 

Let me know what you think? And if you have a SC, what kind do you have and what kind of performance do you have?

 

Thanks - Adam

I truly believe that the tune from Wester's will be the best alternative. Lyndon can customize the tune to your SPECIFIC needs and wants. With the handhelds like SuperChips and HPP3, you get what everyone else gets, some basic air/fuel ratio changes, quicker shifting, faster timing. But its not a CUSTOM tune for you. Listen, you do not have to take my word for it, email Lyndon or call him and talk to him, he is a nice guy and is always willing to help. He can tell you exactly what he can do for you in your situation. Why get something that everyone else is getting? Also, check out this thread on the subject of Wester's Tune vs the handhelds (there are even several members running superchargers with the Wester's and have dyno and run time data to support the comparison) Just want to make sure you do all the research possible thats out there so that you make the very best decision possible!

 

Wester's VS Handhelds!

[AdamsDenali]

Can someone tell me if replacing the Radix programming with an aftermarket will void the SC warranty or gm factory warranty? tbyrne - do you have any recommended installers/mechanics in PHX. If you do, then I would be interested in ordering the sc and pulley from you. If all is cool with not voiding any warranties, then it looks like Westers is the chip to go with, unless I can find a local race shop that is better. Thanks for any help.

 

-Adam

[AdamsDenali]

DSz71 - hey were almost neighbors. I'm up in Chandler

 

Adam

[AdamsDenali]

Another question for tbyrne - if I go with the 3.0" pulley and a Westers chip, is it pretty safe to assume I would have 475hp under the hood and some unreal torque?

How do think the tranny and gears are gonna last?

 

-Adam

[tbyrne]

You should be approaching 475hp at the flywheel with these mods. It will be a totally different truck to drive. You'll every time you lay into it.

 

The tranny and gears will depend on how hard you drive. I'd leave some of the torque management in and possibly do a shift kit or servo to help the tranny live longer.

[frdfandc]

Another question for tbyrne - if I go with the 3.0" pulley and a Westers chip, is it pretty safe to assume I would have 475hp under the hood and some unreal torque?

 

-Adam

As far as the actual power the motor will put out will depend on the type of tune you go with. A PCM upgrade like a Predator, Westers or Hypertech for example will give you "X" amount of power. But if you go have the tuning done on a dyno, have a custom chip programmed for the truck you probably end up with more power than "X".