Author Topic: HELP!! How do I tune this thing..and why? (Read 3558 times)

oHIobellboy · « **on:** December 01, 2007, 03:37:28 PM »

Ok, You've got me lost. Yes I understand that "tuning" my 5.3 a little will help with the power and maybe the mileage. It seems a little sluggish off the line. Although the truck has almost 84,000 on it I'm sure a little tweaking wouldn't hurt. Was just wondering what is reccomended, what works for horses and what works for mileage or should I just leave things well enough alone.

bluedevil · « **Reply #1 on:** December 01, 2007, 03:42:14 PM »

Did you get a hand held programmer? What brand?

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 01, 2007, 03:44:32 PM »

Havn't bought one. don't know it someone can just reprogram mine or should I buy a preprogrammed chip and just put it in. I'm in the 1st stages of thinking about this and definately wanted some feedback.

bluedevil · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2007, 04:03:12 PM »

Handhelds run 'bout $300 or less now-a-days. I bought a used HyperTech III for $200 couple years ago on eBay.

Capable to adjust settings for towing,MPG,fuel grade,Tires etc. Theyre supposed to add a maximum of extra 20-30 Hp (I would guess with the help of pipes,air filter,plugs etc.)

Lots of folks have these and they seem happy. Good investment? Sure.

I have 2 handhelds ....HPP3 and Diablo Predator. $300-$400

and HPTuners software that i still dont know how to use it. $600

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2007, 04:37:24 PM »

I just spent about an hour at the national site looking over a serious thread. I got lost but most of it is dealing with heavily modded engines. I don't wanna go that far. just a little tweaking.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2007, 06:44:03 PM »

the only one i've really looked at on ebay is the hyp III. It's the only name i could remember at the time. Why do you need all these handhelds? I believe our avy's are the same year. you wanna sell any?

MyBigToy · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2007, 09:06:33 PM »

If you're going to go the handheld route, I'd suggest the Diablosport Predator. I've previously used a Hypertech on my Av and used the Predator on my 03 Vette.

The Predator has more flexibility than the Hypertech. If you buy a current-generation one you will be able to lessen/eliminate torque management and slightly adjust fueling and timing above or below the "canned" tune. Elimination of torque management will give you a noticeable difference in performance as timing will not be pulled at off-the-line high throttle input.

You could also buy a retuned PCM from someone like Nelson Performance. It's a little more expensive than the programmers but you'll get a little more horsepower.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2007, 09:28:27 PM »

Quote from: BadAV on December 01, 2007, 09:06:33 PM

If you're going to go the handheld route, I'd suggest the Diablosport Predator. I've previously used a Hypertech on my Av and used the Predator on my 03 Vette.

The Predator has more flexibility than the Hypertech. If you buy a current-generation one you will be able to lessen/eliminate torque management and slightly adjust fueling and timing above or below the "canned" tune. Elimination of torque management will give you a noticeable difference in performance as timing will not be pulled at off-the-line high throttle input.

You could also buy a retuned PCM from someone like Nelson Performance. It's a little more expensive than the programmers but you'll get a little more horsepower.

Thanks BadAv, I'll keep that in mind. I'm just starting to think about this so I have a while til a decision is made.

bluedevil · « **Reply #8 on:** December 01, 2007, 09:36:16 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on December 01, 2007, 06:44:03 PM

the only one i've really looked at on ebay is the hyp III. It's the only name i could remember at the time. Why do you need all these handhelds? I believe our avy's are the same year. you wanna sell any?

I started with hpp3. Later i scored the hptuners software which is alot more advanced. Very difficult to learn if you ask me. Well i uploaded hptuners when hpp3 was already installed and somehow i lost the data for hpp3. Right now hpp3 is empty and junked.

When i installed the supercharger,a Predator handheld came with the kit. Thats what im using now for the moment until i learn how to use hptuners.

Main One · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2007, 09:23:59 PM »

Judging by your comments, I'd recommend seeing if you could get a used Predator on ebay.

justJR · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2007, 06:24:07 AM »

I prsonally did Gibson cat backs, 9MM plug wires and a Hypertech palm tuner and a cold air kit.
It's not as fast as the hand written tune on the pickup, but it cost a LOT less and does fine for waking the AV up in traffic and everyday driving conditions.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2007, 07:22:38 PM »

Hmmm...Looked at a corsa catback touring , RCHeliguy on the ohio site has one and it sounds great. HOWEVER, if I read that web site correctly we're talking almost $1200. ouch. put that mod on hold. I've got a daughter that's gonna be needing a cochlear inplant (bionic ear) in the future.

justJR · « **Reply #12 on:** December 04, 2007, 06:42:51 AM »

My Gison cat-backs were only about $375 and they sound great outside while being fairlly quiet inside compared to the Magnaflows on the pickup.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #13 on:** December 04, 2007, 09:14:37 PM »

I'll do some research on the Gibson's JR. Thanks

MyBigToy · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2007, 05:10:16 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on December 04, 2007, 09:14:37 PM

I'll do some research on the Gibson's JR. Thanks

I've had the aluminized dual extremes on my truck for about 5 years now. I like them but sometimes I think they are starting to get a little louder.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #15 on:** December 27, 2007, 09:04:50 PM »

well......alaska_lanche on the national site had a diablosport pred for sale for $200 since the end of Oct. I sent him the money today. won't get it until he gets back to civilization around Jan 10th. I'll be asking lots of questions when it gets here.

another note. still havn't looked at the gibson's yet. Waiting on that for a while.

bluedevil · « **Reply #16 on:** December 27, 2007, 09:08:24 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on December 27, 2007, 09:04:50 PM

well......alaska_lanche on the national site had a diablosport pred for sale for $200 since the end of Oct. I sent him the money today. won't get it until he gets back to civilization around Jan 10th. I'll be asking lots of questions when it gets here.

another note. still havn't looked at the gibson's yet. Waiting on that for a while.

Very cool dude! Youll get it soon.

You mean shorty headers?

justJR · « **Reply #17 on:** December 28, 2007, 06:34:07 AM »

Very cool!
When you do go into exhaust, look into mandrell bent systems. I only brought up Gibson because that is what I have on my AV and the kit came to fit my truck and it's hangers so it was an easy install.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #18 on:** December 28, 2007, 06:46:14 AM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on December 27, 2007, 09:08:24 PM

Very cool dude! Youll get it soon.

You mean shorty headers?

nah, Just JR said he's got the cat backs. that's probably the way I'll go. RCHeliguy over at the Ohio site has the corsa and man that sounds sweet but I can't justify that kind of money at this point and time. ( read Four teenagers in the house)

justJR · « **Reply #19 on:** December 28, 2007, 08:11:37 PM »

I'm fixin' to do the shorties too cause they will work with the factory front half of the exhaust. I just have to give it a bit cause of another project.
I'll post pics of it in the gallery.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2008, 11:48:51 AM »

Well, my Predator just arrived, time to do some reading and tinkering.

bluedevil · « **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2008, 11:52:16 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 19, 2008, 11:48:51 AM

Well, my Predator just arrived, time to do some reading and tinkering.

Cool. Let me know. I have one as well but i think my predator is programmed for supercharged engines only. Im not sure if i can still use it without the blower.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2008, 01:17:40 PM »

Quote from: Blue on January 19, 2008, 11:52:16 AM

Cool. Let me know. I have one as well but i think my predator is programmed for supercharged engines only. Im not sure if i can still use it without the blower.

Well BD, if it doesn't work with the blower, just take the blower off and donate it to a good cause, Cause I can't afford one..LOL

bluedevil · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2008, 01:32:07 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 19, 2008, 01:17:40 PM

Well BD, if it doesn't work with the blower, just take the blower off and donate it to a good cause, Cause I can't afford one..LOL

I meant that mine may not be the same as yours but that i dont know.

Main One · « **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:55:47 PM »

Blue, I would be very surprised if they had the same tune in them.

bluedevil · « **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:10:01 PM »

Quote from: Main One on January 19, 2008, 02:55:47 PM

Blue, I would be very surprised if they had the same tune in them.

The thing is why im not so sure....

Right after turning it ON,it shows "tune supercharger". There is another setting to tune back to stock besides all the gizmos in it.

Thats why i think there not the same.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2008, 05:13:23 PM »

Blue, what model do you have?Mine's the u7193. I think I need to find the pc cord to plug it in the pc and check for an upgrade. I see a plug on the bottom, looks like for a data cord and maybe a power adapter on the top by the feed for the truck plug.

KY_BOB · « **Reply #27 on:** January 21, 2008, 02:05:39 PM »

Quote from: Blue on January 19, 2008, 11:52:16 AM

Cool. Let me know. I have one as well but i think my predator is programmed for supercharged engines only. Im not sure if i can still use it without the blower.

The operation should be the same but yours has a custom tune in it.

bluedevil · « **Reply #28 on:** January 21, 2008, 02:15:35 PM »

Quote from: KY_BOB on January 21, 2008, 02:05:39 PM

The operation should be the same but yours has a custom tune in it.

Yep. You right.

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 19, 2008, 05:13:23 PM

Blue, what model do you have?Mine's the u7193. I think I need to find the pc cord to plug it in the pc and check for an upgrade. I see a plug on the bottom, looks like for a data cord and maybe a power adapter on the top by the feed for the truck plug.

Mine is a VR7193 Can you download custom tunes @ diablosport.com?

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #29 on:** January 21, 2008, 05:50:03 PM »

got the U7193, I got an email in response from tbyrne. I can get the data cord and power supply from him for about $45 shipped

Don't know about the custom tunes. Guess I should ask him.

boilers94 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 21, 2008, 06:24:53 PM »

So, OBB, have you done any tuning yet??

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #31 on:** January 21, 2008, 06:50:28 PM »

not yet, I was too busy sitting around the garage watching my work van leak all over the place and the mechanics (3) drink coffee. Guess I shoulda taken my tuner to work with me.

boilers94 · « **Reply #32 on:** January 21, 2008, 08:26:03 PM »

Gotta love those highly motivated maintenance guys!!!!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #33 on:** January 26, 2008, 02:51:29 PM »

Ok, tried to put the tune in. got "script error" interpteter stopped. install failed. now what? tried to restore factory and got the same thing. turned key off. unplugged unit. truck seems to function as factory.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #34 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:03:18 PM »

NEVER MIND. some rookie doesn't seem to know the diff. between the acc and on Positions on his steering column.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #35 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:04:20 PM »

anyone wanna reccomend some shift adjustments for this thing. I'd like to downshift a little sooner when I give some gas to it.

bluedevil · « **Reply #36 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:04:56 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 26, 2008, 02:51:29 PM

Ok, tried to put the tune in. got "script error" interpteter stopped. install failed. now what? tried to restore factory and got the same thing. turned key off. unplugged unit. truck seems to function as factory.

~~Hmmm.....not sure what to tell ya obb. I suggest maybe calling diablosport even tho you didnt purchased it from them or check thei FAQ at their site.~~ www.diablosport.com

oh man!....................... dont ever come to my house to fix the crackin' & poppin" on my phone

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #37 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:07:05 PM »

Quote from: BlueDevil on January 26, 2008, 03:04:56 PM

~~Hmmm.....not sure what to tell ya obb. I suggest maybe calling diablosport even tho you didnt purchased it from them or check thei FAQ at their site.~~ www.diablosport.com

oh man!....................... dont ever come to my house to fix the crackin' & poppin" on my phone

I can still get away with "return to cable"

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #38 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:07:32 PM »

back in 5. gotta drive it

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #39 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:56:04 PM »

Ok, immediate results are in. MUCH better throttle response with just the 87 tune. I did adjust the 1>2 shift point down about 3 mph and firmed up the shifts a little. also opened top speed to 108 just because I could.I figure I'm gonna watch the mileage and behavior over the next 2 tanks of gas and then try out the 91octane tune and see what happens. Gonna take about a month to go through 2 tanks of gas.

bluedevil · « **Reply #40 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:57:41 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 26, 2008, 03:56:04 PM

Ok, immediate results are in. MUCH better throttle response with just the 87 tune. I did adjust the 1>2 shift point down about 3 mph and firmed up the shifts a little. also opened top speed to 108 just because I could.I figure I'm gonna watch the mileage and behavior over the next 2 tanks of gas and then try out the 91octane tune and see what happens. Gonna take about a month to go through 2 tanks of gas.

Very cool

Keep us posted.

MoAv · « **Reply #41 on:** January 26, 2008, 03:59:08 PM »

Sounds like you're doing great OBB!! Keep it up!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #42 on:** January 26, 2008, 04:01:42 PM »

Once I actually turned the key into the correct position it took about 3 minutes to load just the basic 87 tune. Drove it. and changed a few things in the shifts and drove it again. I'll try to update mileage every few days. I'll be using the DIC info for this as we all now how much of a pain it is to actually top of the tank the whole way.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #43 on:** January 26, 2008, 09:43:44 PM »

Now after driving it tonight I have to figure out how to keep my foot out of it

Even on normal takeoff it wants to spin the tire of those lovely right hand turns.

boilers94 · « **Reply #44 on:** January 26, 2008, 09:45:53 PM »

Sounds like a good mod, OBB!!! I might need to get me one of things now!!

MoAv · « **Reply #45 on:** January 26, 2008, 09:46:46 PM »

So it really makes that much of a difference? Dang it I'm tempted...

(And about $400!!

)

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #46 on:** January 27, 2008, 07:09:37 AM »

Quote from: MoAv on January 26, 2008, 09:46:46 PM

So it really makes that much of a difference? Dang it I'm tempted... (And about $400!! )

I actually found mine in the 4sale section over a cafcna. Alaska_lanche had advertised it the end of Nov. and nobody had bought it. $200 I got lucky. Maybe check craigslist but I'd be cautious. With a club member it's a little easier if somethings not right to get it corrected.

BigBlockBirch · « **Reply #47 on:** January 28, 2008, 09:07:46 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on December 03, 2007, 07:22:38 PM

Hmmm...Looked at a corsa catback touring , RCHeliguy on the ohio site has one and it sounds great. HOWEVER, if I read that web site correctly we're talking almost $1200. ouch. put that mod on hold. I've got a daughter that's gonna be needing a cochlear inplant (bionic ear) in the future.

OBB
I have a connection for some stuff at discounted price. I'm running K&N FIPK and Magnaflow 3" on the Big Block. Made a world of difference when you let it breathe. My next thing is a programmer.

The Magnaflow is easy install and increased performance without the "loud" sound. At idle in rumbles, cruising in is quiet, WOT---you know I am coming...

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #48 on:** January 28, 2008, 05:50:37 PM »

Quote from: BigBlockBirch on January 28, 2008, 09:07:46 AM

OBB
I have a connection for some stuff at discounted price. I'm running K&N FIPK and Magnaflow 3" on the Big Block. Made a world of difference when you let it breathe. My next thing is a programmer.

The Magnaflow is easy install and increased performance without the "loud" sound. At idle in rumbles, cruising in is quiet, WOT---you know I am coming...

Did you change out just the muffler?
Are you gonna make it over for the Buzzards GTG ? If not, I'll hear it in April.

BigBlockBirch · « **Reply #49 on:** January 28, 2008, 07:35:01 PM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on January 28, 2008, 05:50:37 PM

Did you change out just the muffler?
Are you gonna make it over for the Buzzards GTG ? If not, I'll hear it in April.

Cat back...and it was on at Hartwood and Amish...

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #50 on:** January 28, 2008, 09:03:36 PM »

I must of had the radio up too loud.

yea that's it!
Either that or RC's Corsa had my attention

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #51 on:** August 31, 2008, 11:58:54 PM »

Well, after traveling about 600 miles this weekend to Bratfest I have a few more results.
I kept the speedometer around 70mph and got 19.8 Mpg running the 92 octane tune

I checked the fuel trims with my predator while we were traveling and the fuel trims said it was running at -3.7%
rpms at 74mph is hitting 2100 and at 70 it's hitting 1995.
I'm quite happy with that mileage considering the Window sticker says 17 highway.
Next on the agenda to help with mileage would be an exhaust but that will be another thread.

BigBlockBirch · « **Reply #52 on:** September 01, 2008, 06:08:28 AM »

Like the info.

If you are interested in a catback system...throw me a line...