Confused about Hypertech III's

bandera · December 28, 2003

Been looking in E-Bay at Hypertech's and have a question---Does the Hypertech III that covers one particular type vehicle (say a 2000 Siverado 1500 5.3), will it also cover others like 2001 Silverado 1500 HD 6.0 gas or 2003 2500 HD 6.0 gas? What iI mean is, can yoou get one that you can make adjustments on a range of trucks like 2000 - 2003 ?

Butch 02 Denali · December 28, 2003

A Hypertech for a 2000 GM will cover all 2000 year gas truck's and nothing else. That's the only way they make them, they don't make a universal one that covers more than 1 year.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

TarheelZ · December 28, 2003

My understanding is that the HPIII is year-specific. It will work on different engines from the same year only. Also, you can only program one vehicle at a time. When the HPIII is used on one vehicle, you must return that vehicle to stock tune before the HPIII will work on another vehicle. Hope this helps.

DSZ71 · December 28, 2003

That is correct, the HPP3 will work on the same year trucks, different engine sizes. That just goes to show you how "generic" the programming on the handhelds are. Even the Superchips, SPE Proflash, Motorvation, and Diablo all do the same thing. My suggestion would be to look into getting a Westers PCM tune, that way the programming IS CUSTOM TUNED SPECIFICALLY for you and your truck's engine. When knowing the performance is different for all three types of engine sizes, why choose a program that is going to make the same exact changes to all three? Completely a waste of your hard earned money!

ctoliver · December 29, 2003

dont wast your money! i had one it as some good features but not really worth the money as far as the power tuning. if you do get it go ahead and get the thermostat 180 degree you will need it because of the pinging you will encounter!

ct

December 29, 2003

Gotta disagree with DSZ71 and ctoliver.

But first, yes, the Hypertech is only good on one vehicle at a time. To use it on a second vehicle you must first return the "programmed" vehicle to stock, then move on to the other vehicle.

And second, yes, the Hypertech is good for engines of the same year (check the Hypertech website for details).

and... Being capable of programming more than one engine type does not mean that it makes the same exact changes to every engine. It only means that it knows what changes each engine needs to improve performance.

Why more than one engine? Because it can. The amount of memory needed to store options for these engines is insignificant and the programming language is compatible. It is cheaper and easier for them to make one programmer for multiple engines and it doesn't cost you any more.

Why not ALL engines? Because its not practical. Programming options, languages, memory locations, etc across manufacturers and engines vary to much. It can be done but not for the same money.

Want it all? Buy the same hardware/software combination that Westers uses to program PCMs and you have it. Assuming you have several thousand dollars for the equipment AND the knowledge of what can be changed, in what combinations, without causing serious damage to your engine or computer.

Bottom Line. Are you serious about getting the most horsepower possible or just wanting a "little extra"? If you are the serious type you'd probably be better off with the Westers Custom Program. Get to know your truck first because in order to get the most out of it you'll need to be intimate with the current setup. You'll also need to send it back for reprogramming if you change anything, including tire size (if you want to keep the max performance).

I went for the "little extra" option. The Hypertech gives me enough extra HP and Torque to make my 4.8L drive like a 5.3L - without having to use upgraded fuel. Of course, if I'd like, I can change the programming to the highest performance level, fill up with 90+ octane and play away. But I have the option of going back to "little extra" and using regular gas for every day.

As for the 180 thermostat, I didn't have any pinging issues without it but I recommend it anyway because its cheap, easy, and makes a difference. Don't buy the Hypertech thermostat, its way more money and does nothing more than one off the shelf.

JMHO

Chris97K1500 · December 29, 2003

At least with the HPIII, you only get the power increase at WOT, not throughout the power band. That's another reason why a custom tune unit, like Wester's, is better IMO. Not sure if the other handhelds only give the increase at WOT. There are better handhelds on the market than HP, just do a search on here, you'll find tons of info comparing programmers. Chris

Plus, it does nothing with the torque management cr@p on the trucks, won't allow you to get best performance.

DSZ71 · December 29, 2003

I went for the "little extra" option. The Hypertech gives me enough extra HP and Torque to make my 4.8L drive like a 5.3L - without having to use upgraded fuel. Of course, if I'd like, I can change the programming to the highest performance level, fill up with 90+ octane and play away. But I have the option of going back to "little extra" and using regular gas for every day.

But for practically the same price, the consumer can get a program that offers WAY more performance options, even at 87 octane fuel. So for that "little extra" you refer to, you are wasting your money, when you can easily get the "all out" setup. For what you get out of it, HP/$ comparison, the HPP3 (and other handhelds) cant touch a custom tuned PCM from Westers. Just my $0.02!

December 29, 2003

Sure, the Westers gives you more. For about a hundred bucks more. That's why I said if he's serious to go with Westers. But with Westers you are "locked in" to your program. With the handhelds you can change your program as often as you like, no charge.

Chris, I'm not sure about the WOT statement. I beleive there are some programming changes that are WOT only and some that are not. Such as, the trans shift points are WOT only I believe. The timing adjustments are throughout the range, I believe. I know I could see a considerable difference after programming even when not at WOT. Some places its obvious that there was little or no gain, such as 30-35mph, if you roll into throttle slowly it feels like I'm towing a trailer. Then again, I'm driving a tank, so what do I expect?

Correct me if I'm way off on the WOT stuff. I don't want to mislead anyone but I really do feel like the money was well spent. Biggest Bang - NO. Most versatile - Yes

Chris97K1500 · December 29, 2003

I'm not 100% sure most of HPIII's performance gains are at WOT, but there are tons of info of other people and programmers stating that HPIII only has "performance" gains (hp and torque) at WOT. Raising shift points allows for more hp and torque at a certain rpm, but only after you are past the stock settings. Every GM Truck website I visit, this one, Pickuptruck and Fullsizechevy all have comparisons, the biggest complaint with HPIII, performance at WOT only, and no way to take out the torque management system, which IMO, is the easiest way to gain performance. There's no doubt, you will get improved performance with the HPIII, it's just that for some applications/people, other choices may be better. Just for comparison, Wester's can raise hp and torque from the begining of the rpm range all the way past the stock shifting points. Plus, Wester's will give you credit towards a new custom PCM if you ever get a new vehicle. I will look some more for the WOT thing, I too don't want to mislead others. Chris