Tuner for do it yourselfer

batesyellow01 · 07-02-2006, 04:03 PM

Ok,
What would be a good option for a do it yourself tuner. I am now installing Dynatech exhaust , Have CAI, 160 thermo, will be installing cam, possibly heads, fast intake 90mm TB, maybe 75 shot nitrous(maybe on this one). I have a Hypertech tuner now (not what I need)does the predator let me adjust what will be needed for these mods?
would like something I can learn and use as I do mods, and not have to go and tune each time. I am new to the tuning aspect so straight forward is better , but am willing to study up on LS1 edit types..

Mike Mercury · 07-02-2006, 07:16 PM

with that list of mods... the only way to DIY tune - would to have your own dyno, WB O2 sensor setup, and LS1 Edit software, and the knowledge and experience it takes to be successful.

IMO, when going to that extent of modding, you might as well take it to a shop and have a pro tune it.

batesyellow01 · 07-02-2006, 09:46 PM

So as far as the ,lets say (autotap software and edit tools)
not adviseable to a newbee in tuning? I just hate the idea of having to pay for tune after tune as I do mods. I would really like to learn how to do self tuning and with the help of everyone on CF for questions on settings to keep from damaging something. Would be nice also to disable some of the codes , cags, tps since I'm not using them with new tire wheel setup. Timing advance, Fuel Air mix etc... Just really not familiar enough to know the best editing software to use.

Wt99C5 · 07-02-2006, 10:27 PM

Check out EFILive's Auto Tune.
http://forum.efilive.com/showthread.php?t=746

BLOWNZO6 · 07-02-2006, 10:42 PM

You can get the software.. I use HP Tuners and a Wideband and do you all of your own tuning. You do not need a dyno to tune the car properly from a power perspective. The only issue with street tuning is one of safety.

I always tune on the street and there are others that do the same.

batesyellow01 · 07-02-2006, 11:22 PM

Now the decision between EFI Live and HP..

BLOWNZO6 · 07-02-2006, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batesyellow01

Now the decision between EFI Live and HP..

I am on the HP Tuners site a lot.. there is a lot of knowledge there and there is a lot of help here too. It is good to have something that is the same as some other people so you can learn together and ask questions.

I would assume the EFI Live site is the same, I have not been there but I know a few people who have it and they love it as well.

batesyellow01 · 07-03-2006, 12:54 AM

Trying to figure out the total cost of both brands..Looks about 500?

BLOWNZO6 · 07-03-2006, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batesyellow01

Trying to figure out the total cost of both brands..Looks about 500?

If you want the enhanced version of HP Tuners I think it is still $650

Billf6531 · 07-03-2006, 01:11 AM

... and just to make things more complicated, HPTuners released their latest software, and now have black-box logging (no PC required in the car) and Real Time Tuning. As far as I can see, pricing is about equal for EFILive and HPT.

batesyellow01 · 07-03-2006, 01:12 AM

Blownz, I appriciate all the info. I need to just make the decision and purchase one or the other. Seems the licensing is a little more involved on the HP setup ,ofcourse I will only be using it on my c5, shouldn't cause a problem. Have 1500 now to blow on my next mod so it's time to make the decision.

DragMan · 07-03-2006, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLOWNZO6

You can get the software.. I use HP Tuners and a Wideband and do you all of your own tuning. You do not need a dyno to tune the car properly from a power perspective. The only issue with street tuning is one of safety.

I always tune on the street and there are others that do the same.

Billf6531 · 07-03-2006, 01:53 AM

Here's a comparison between HPTuners and EFILive.

http://mysite.verizon.net/whenn1/HPTUNERSvsEFILIVE.pdf

batesyellow01 · 07-03-2006, 02:57 AM

Thanks Bill, that helps alot.. Looks like the HP is the way to go.

Wt99C5 · 07-03-2006, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batesyellow01

Thanks Bill, that helps alot.. Looks like the HP is the way to go.

I’d like to suggest you download EFILive and take it for a test drive.
http://www.efilive.com/download.aspx

The download comes with several sample BIN files to get a feel for how the product works. I’m not sure what feature swayed you to select HPT, but consider there’s more than one way to accomplish a particular task. Download the user’s manual for both products and spend lots of time reading on both forums.

I’ve had LS1Edit, have access to HPTurners and use EFILive, I’m sure there are other products on the market although these 2 seem to be the most popular.

Billf6531 · 07-03-2006, 01:36 PM

Good idea! While I use HPTuners, I'm not saying it's better than EFILive, since I haven't tried it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wt99C5

I’d like to suggest you download EFILive and take it for a test drive.
http://www.efilive.com/download.aspx

The download comes with several sample BIN files to get a feel for how the product works. I’m not sure what feature swayed you to select HPT, but consider there’s more than one way to accomplish a particular task. Download the user’s manual for both products and spend lots of time reading on both forums.

I’ve had LS1Edit, have access to HPTurners and use EFILive, I’m sure there are other products on the market although these 2 seem to be the most popular.

batesyellow01 · 07-03-2006, 03:12 PM

I downlaoded the EFI Live and am checking it out , I will also see what info I can find on HP, thanks for the link, The bin files are pretty informative on how and what to set certain tables at, makes me alot more comfortable since I'm new to the self tuning. I know there will be alot of learning involved on either setup but that will be the fun part. Just want to make sure I purchase the best product for the long run as far as any updates etc. I'm still a little confused on the liscensing part.Lets say you have the 14 units or credits, is that for multiple vehicles? Since I'm only using on one car I would only be using one credit and can tune as many times as needed? Or, is that referring to the amount of saved tunings?

DragMan · 07-03-2006, 03:26 PM

HP Tuners

BLOWNZO6 · 07-03-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batesyellow01

I downlaoded the EFI Live and am checking it out , I will also see what info I can find on HP, thanks for the link, The bin files are pretty informative on how and what to set certain tables at, makes me alot more comfortable since I'm new to the self tuning. I know there will be alot of learning involved on either setup but that will be the fun part. Just want to make sure I purchase the best product for the long run as far as any updates etc. I'm still a little confused on the liscensing part.Lets say you have the 14 units or credits, is that for multiple vehicles? Since I'm only using on one car I would only be using one credit and can tune as many times as needed? Or, is that referring to the amount of saved tunings?

You can look on the HP tuners credit page for the information, but in a nut shell 1 car is 2 credits. There is unlimited tuning for any vehicle you have licensed.

If you buy the cable it comes with 8 credits. This way you can use it on your car or some others. You can also use the credits to buy an entire model year of vehicles. If you knew 10 people with 2002 Vettes, you could use your credits and buy the ability to tune all of them.

I know there are a lot of people on here that us HP Tuners. Whatever you decide to buy factor in the support you are going to need and what is readily available.

batesyellow01 · 07-03-2006, 04:34 PM

The credit issue was concerning me, thanks for clearing that up.
Last question.....Does the HP allow you to return to stock settings automatically or do you just keep a record of the stock settings and or changes you have made.