Hypertech (or other) tune for towing only

[wmwtn]

I recently purchased a '98 GMC Suburban 4x4 K1500 with Z82 tow pkg that will be used as a backup/utility vehicle about 75% of the time and as a towing vehicle the other 25% of the time. Thanks to all who responded to my previous inquiry thread on what to look for in a used Suburban for towing.

 

Since the '98 is before Tow/Haul, I'm wondering about a way to have an extra "tune" when towing, but not when not towing. In addition to extra power & torque in a tune (for towing), I want to make sure I get higher shift points and shift firmness similar to what the later Tow/Haul would do, but I'd like to keep it smoother when not towing and be able to burn 87 or 89 octane.

 

After searching this board and reading lots of threads I see that the Westers or other custom tuned chip is probably all-around the best, but in my case, I want the extra power+torque+shift points+shift firmness only 25% of the time, so I was pondering the idea of a Hypertech III and programming the 91 tune for towing and re-loading the stock tune for the other 75% of the time.

 

Anyone ever done this, or any other suggestions?

 

Many thanks to all and Happy Thanksgiving,

Marty

[asilverblazer]

The Hypertech may give a little more performance as a result of the weight it saves in your pocket, I have one.

[wmwtn]

Any ideas on this subject now that we're all back to the grind after the holidays?

Looking for a way to raise shift points and firmess about 20% of the time.

Thanks,

Marty

[asilverblazer]

I would spend the 500$ give or take and get a custom tune, better performance and mileage 100% of the time. No sense in spending 350$ on a hand held programmer that won't deliver the results of a custom tune that will only be used part of the time.

 

Being able to make changes and take install/uninstall the tune at any time may seem like a great perk, but in the 3 years I've had mine, it's never been removed or changed.

[lukeshupe]

Would the $150+ Tune from PCM4Less not be a good option?

[asilverblazer]

A lot better than the Hyperterd... tech...tech...tech...

[wmwtn]

I'm not familiar with the PCM4Less tune for $150. I believe I read that Westers was $400-$500 and I figured the custom tunes were all in the same ballpark price wise but evidently not. l'll have to read up on the PCM4Less.

 

If I get a custom tune for towing I would want it with higher shift points and more firm shifts, like Tow mode in a Tow/Haul setup, but I'd sure like more creature-friendly shifts for the other 75% of the time if possible.

[svensk]

Just tow in 3rd and you'll be fine.

[wmwtn]

We live in hill country. Without raising shift points a bit there will be excessive shifting. I've pulled these hills with several different vehicles and loads.

 

If there doesn't seem to be a way to have two different tunes, I can opt for a custom tune with somewhat higher shift points and just live with it the other 75% of the time, but I really thought that even a simple programmer like the Hypertech might be able to raise shift points, but evidently not??

 

Hypertech's website says they can raise shift points and shift firmness for the 1998-2000 5.7L engine with their #30024 programmer. Is this not true or am I missing something (entirely possible)??

 

http://www.hypertech.com/gmfeaturechart.html

[asilverblazer]

Yes, you can do that but raising those shift points will only affect Wide Open Throttle. The shift point varies based on many factors like engine load rpm's and speed. My experience with the Hypertech is everything seems pretty much factory except at WOT where it will in my case shift earlier.

 

The custom tunes should make adjustments across the board.

[wmwtn]

Ah Ha, Ok, Now I get it. Thanks! Yeah, a change only at WOT wouldn't do anything for the needs of towing up a hill where the idea is just to keep it from constantly unlocking and re-locking the converter or downshifting and upshifting. I don't believe their literature mentions that, but maybe I just missed it. Many thanks.