Which Handheld Programmer Do You Recommend?

omegafiler · May 31, 2007

I know there have been many coversations regarding custom PCM tunes, but I'm sure many folks are just looking for a descent hand-held tuner for their gas powered vehicle. Such as in my case, where I just need something that I can easily return to stock for dealer service. What are your thoughts? Any good/bad experiences, etc?

facn8me · May 31, 2007

happy as can be with the predator.

omegafiler · May 31, 2007

I actually would give the predator a try, but they don't support my vehicle and don't have any plans to. But still curious to see what everybody is using, regardless.

cambo · May 31, 2007

I don't have one yet, but I would like a Hypertech programmer. But I would also like to see what others opinions are.

mmdavidw · May 31, 2007

I've been wanting to get a basic programmer like one of these. I'm able to get a deal on a Hypertech so I'll probably go that route, otherwise with all things being equal I'd probably go with the DiabloSport.

David

2500HD 8.1 · May 31, 2007

I have an 05 Denali, and I dont think I'm going to get a programmer. I used the old Superchips programmer on my 01 2500 8.1L, and it kept blowing the 4x4 switch. Luckily the dealer replaced 2 of them under warranty. I then went to the Hypertech and no problems. The Hypertech is too conservative though.

I used the Predator on my 03 2500 8.1L, and I kept getting error codes. Diablosport blamed it on the Granatelli mass airflow sensor. They said the 2 are not compatible. Summit took my Predator back and I just ran the Granatelli sensor with no codes or problems. The Predator was not as user friendly as the Hypertech.

So, I'm just using the Granatelli sensor on my 05 Denali and no programmer for now. I was thinking of the Flashpaq, but with not much luck in the past, I'm gonna hold of on any programmer.

omegafiler · June 1, 2007

I have an 05 Denali, and I dont think I'm going to get a programmer. I used the old Superchips programmer on my 01 2500 8.1L, and it kept blowing the 4x4 switch. Luckily the dealer replaced 2 of them under warranty. I then went to the Hypertech and no problems. The Hypertech is too conservative though.

Since you're running a stock PCM, do you have any other mods, such as exhaust? Or is the entire vehicle stock?

I had to remove the superchips that I currently have and put it back to stock due to a shifting issue with their programmer (which they refuse to fix). But with the free flowing exhaust, it almost NEEDS a tuner to pickup the low-end torque it lost. The programmer really evened out the power band and it ran great.

I also had a Hypertech on my OBS '00 Tahoe, worked well, just took forever to program. Right now, I'm considering either the Jet or Hypertech.

2500HD 8.1 · June 1, 2007

I have a K&N filter with the stock airbox, Granatelli Sensor, and Airaid MIT. No exhaust. Its my family car, and an aftermarket exhaust will be too loud. I upgraded my spark plug wires to Taylor Thundervolt 50s also.

dietz4ibanez · June 4, 2007

I voted flashpaq and I wish that I had one! Lets just say I wish I had known about them I just have a superchips prgrammer and I think that the newer flashpaq gets a little more out of your truck!

I wonder if superchips would trade?

overlord1 · June 4, 2007

Very happy with my Predator tuner. I'm using the 93 octane performance tune. It made a noticeable difference in acceleration and the tranny shifts quicker and firmer. I noticed a slight increase in fuel economy too!

breecher_7 · June 5, 2007

There all garbage as your truck has different needs with everything you add such as exhaust or CAI, LS1 Edit software is the best!!!!

omegafiler · June 7, 2007

There all garbage as your truck has different needs with everything you add such as exhaust or CAI, LS1 Edit software is the best!!!!

Yes, but I would have to say they are slightly easier to use than a custom tune application.

And being a handheld unit, they are extremely easy to use when programing your vehicle; and equally important, even easier to return to stock when needed (ie. regular visits to the dealer.)

Don't get me wrong, a custom tune IS typically better, when done correctly (especially as you start adding mods.) But the handheld units are still going to provide a safe and effective improvement over stock for your average user, hence why we still buy them.

2500HD 8.1 · June 8, 2007

Omegafiler,

Keep us informed as to which programmer you go with and the results. I may be interested in picking one up in the future. Just curious what results you get with your Denali.

omegafiler · June 8, 2007

Omegafiler,

Keep us informed as to which programmer you go with and the results. I may be interested in picking one up in the future. Just curious what results you get with your Denali.

Well, I can give you a partial update/review since I currently have a Hypertech AND Flashpaq right now. And, I've driven the vehicle with both back to back.

First, I avoided the Jet because it offered the least amount of HP. And the Diablo doesn't support my vehicle. So it was down to Hypertech and Flashpaq. Overall, the Flashpaq has been the best so far vs. the Hypertech. But here is a more detailed break down as provided by the manufacture.

Performance Gains:

Premium Fuel, '06 Yukon Denali, 6.0l V8, "U" Engine Code.

Hypertech: +24 HP / +41 TQ *

Flashpaq: +37 HP / +36 TQ **

Jet: +18 HP / +23 TQ **

* Hypertech has a peak of 41 ft-lbs TQ @ 1500 RPM. But drops to +28 @ 2000 RPM, and goes down from there. Basically, not very usable peak TQ at such a low RPM.

** Dyno graphs were not provided by Flashpaq or Jet.

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Flashpaq Pros:

* Better interface, more info on the screen that can be read at once.

* Backlit LCD

* Internet Updatable

* More advanced options for tuning

* Supports Data Acquisition (Visit their site for more info)

* Programs in about 1-2 min after selecting options.

This is about twice as fast as the Hypertech. Which is actually very usefull when you have to sit in a hot vehicle in 90+ degree weather and no AC.

* Noticibly feels more powerful vs. the Hypertech.

* Open forum to discuss issues.

* Supports a far wider range of vehicles than Hypertech.

Flashpaq Cons:

* Based on personal experience and other issues on the Forum, the internet update interface is somewhat "buggy" and has caused some "issues" for many users. (ie. May not work on notebooks, have to disable firewall, AV software, etc).

* Shift Delay/Lag on upshift. **

* Forum not always helpful.

** It's unknown exactly how many users are having this issue, but I know I'm not the only one. This is not a shift "firmness" issue. There is simply about a 1-2 second delay at WOT before it grabs the next gear. This does not exist while stock or with the Hypertech. At this time, I am in communication with Flashpaq and they are working on the issue.

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Hypertech Pros:

* Does not have shift delay/lag issue

* Very easy to program and understand.

* Cheaper than Flashpaq

* Trust in a well known company who has been doing this for a very long time.

Hypertech Cons:

* Older non-backlit LCD has to scroll through text.

* Tune does not deliver enough performance or power as Flashpaq.

* Doesn't have all the other cool "pros" of the Flashpaq.

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Overall, I do like the Flashpaq better. However, because of the current shift issue, the Hypertech is in use, and the FP is not. But this doesn't mean the FP is bad - as long as they working on the issue, I won't write them off yet. Hopefully the issue is resolved ASAP!

2500HD 8.1 · June 10, 2007

Thats what I saw with Hypertech vs. Superchips and Predator in my 03 Suburban. Hypertech was better just cuz it was easier to use and didnt cause any problems. Superchips blew out my 4x4 switch and the Predator had shift issues too. Way to firm and I couldnt get the shift points right. The others have a better performance tune, but sometimes a little more conservative is better. Good Luck!