Custom Tune On Several Trucks...

TexasAl · March 5, 2008

Hello, is it possible to use a custom tune on two trucks that are setup with the exact same engine, tranny, and axles? A coworker is interested in a tune, and I was thinking I could split the cost with her on a custom tune. I know that the custom tune is meant to be custom, but she can probably benefit from the tune as well. I am thinking of purchasing an HP tuner and a custom tune from one of the popular programmers. Let me know what you guys think.

-Al

VMax2007 · March 5, 2008

Yes, if you have HP Tuners, you can do whatever you want. You will need 2 credits (HP Tuners comes with 8) per vehicle and credits cost $50 each. So, get her to pony up $100 to license her truck with your software and you can put your tune in her truck.

gvbhunt · March 5, 2008

With HP Tuners, you can use the software and hardware on as many vehicles as you want to, but you will have to purchase licenses for them. If I remember right, you get enough credits towards licenses when you purchase the software that you can do at least two vehicles. The software licenses the VIN of the vehicle that way so you cannot cheat. Also with HP Tuners you just get the tools to do the tunes, not the tunes themselves, that is up to you, but they have LOTS of information in their forums from very knowledgable people that can point you in the right direction. And hopefully soon (read HOPEFULLY) they will have their autotune function available where you can connect the laptop to the truck, drive under specific circumstances, and it will modify the tune as needed so you can flash it back to the PCM.

As far as handheld tuners, I would almost guarentee that they are locked after the vehicle is tuned. You CAN tune another vehicle with them but you have to un-tune the first one to do so. To the best of my knowledge, handheld tuners are only setup for one vehicle, you would probably have to purchase another to do a second vehicle.

B

Dangit, VMax beat me to it.

pchrist · March 5, 2008

So anyone near me that wants to share an hp tuner??? Zip code 61025.

alaska511 · March 5, 2008

[quote With HP Tuners, you can use the software and hardware on as many vehicles as you want to, but you will have to purchase licenses for them. If I remember right, you get enough credits towards licenses when you purchase the software that you can do at least two vehicles. The software licenses the VIN of the vehicle that way so you cannot cheat. Also with HP Tuners you just get the tools to do the tunes, not the tunes themselves, that is up to you, but they have LOTS of information in their forums from very knowledgable people that can point you in the right direction. And hopefully soon (read HOPEFULLY) they will have their autotune function available where you can connect the laptop to the truck, drive under specific circumstances, and it will modify the tune as needed so you can flash it back to the PCM.

As far as handheld tuners, I would almost guarentee that they are locked after the vehicle is tuned. You CAN tune another vehicle with them but you have to un-tune the first one to do so. To the best of my knowledge, handheld tuners are only setup for one vehicle, you would probably have to purchase another to do a second vehicle.

My questions are: Can you store the OEM tune, and restore it if you want to do so...and...Is there an Audit trail in the PCM/TCM that shows that this has been done?

I program ECMs/PCMs/CPCs/TCMs on heavy duty diesel engines and allison transmissions, and there is an audit trail with specific dates and times, and even calibration/software version numbers.

I am very interested in doing this, these are just some of the things I was wondering about

LF Motorsports · March 5, 2008

Hey pchrist... You are actually in the direction of my in-laws. They are in Janesville but mother-in-law is from near Cuba City. Father-in-law is an ex-GM guy over there (retired).

I have looked into getting an HP tuner system but have to convience the better half its worth it. Maybe if I can convence the mpg will increase, she'll bite.

Just an FYI... I ran across an article on line explaining tuning some and where to basically start. I am sure the tuner forums will definately get someone headed in the right direction and "hopefully" give some no-no's to stop from going to far.

Lance

J-man67 · March 5, 2008

My questions are: Can you store the OEM tune, and restore it if you want to do so...and...Is there an Audit trail in the PCM/TCM that shows that this has been done?
I program ECMs/PCMs/CPCs/TCMs on heavy duty diesel engines and allison transmissions, and there is an audit trail with specific dates and times, and even calibration/software version numbers.

I am very interested in doing this, these are just some of the things I was wondering about

Whoever does the tune via HP Tuners will have your OEM file saved on their laptop. I think that was the first step; Back-up stock tune. I know when I had my Colorado done, the guy said if I ever need to go back to stock he can just load the stock file back to the PCM. I am not sure about the audit trail though....

pchrist · March 6, 2008

Hey pchrist... You are actually in the direction of my in-laws. They are in Janesville but mother-in-law is from near Cuba City. Father-in-law is an ex-GM guy over there (retired).

I have looked into getting an HP tuner system but have to convience the better half its worth it. Maybe if I can convence the mpg will increase, she'll bite.

Just an FYI... I ran across an article on line explaining tuning some and where to basically start. I am sure the tuner forums will definately get someone headed in the right direction and "hopefully" give some no-no's to stop from going to far.

Lance

Cool. I know my half wouldn't fly for the total cost on it!!! Would be cool to be able to play with and tune it ourselves!! what all would you need to do it? do you just have to have the program or is there more than that??

TexasAl · March 6, 2008

Yes, if you have HP Tuners, you can do whatever you want. You will need 2 credits (HP Tuners comes with 8) per vehicle and credits cost $50 each. So, get her to pony up $100 to license her truck with your software and you can put your tune in her truck.

OK, this is the info I was hoping to find. I was a bit confused on the credits from HP tuners, but from what I can gather from your info and their website, each vehicle requires ceartain amounts of credits. If I run out, I will have to buy some more. The good this is that it can be done. Heck, that's not a bad deal. I am going to see if I can find some info on how to tune an engine, and perhaps I can create my own tune! Thanks for all your help. I will post an update as soon as I get a chance. I'm getting married in a few weeks, and the feancee has me driving all over Texas to get stuff done, so I haven't had a chance to invest too much time on my truck. Again, thanks for all your help. Be sure to post any other ideas or questions you may have so we can all learn.

-Al

VMax2007 · March 6, 2008

Yes, if you have HP Tuners, you can do whatever you want. You will need 2 credits (HP Tuners comes with 8) per vehicle and credits cost $50 each. So, get her to pony up $100 to license her truck with your software and you can put your tune in her truck.

OK, this is the info I was hoping to find. I was a bit confused on the credits from HP tuners, but from what I can gather from your info and their website, each vehicle requires ceartain amounts of credits. If I run out, I will have to buy some more. The good this is that it can be done. Heck, that's not a bad deal. I am going to see if I can find some info on how to tune an engine, and perhaps I can create my own tune! Thanks for all your help. I will post an update as soon as I get a chance. I'm getting married in a few weeks, and the feancee has me driving all over Texas to get stuff done, so I haven't had a chance to invest too much time on my truck. Again, thanks for all your help. Be sure to post any other ideas or questions you may have so we can all learn.

-Al

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