Update: 01/20/2015 In regards to the availability of RTT for some users of HPTuners, but non-availability to others using the same software. A gentleman (CHEVY406) noticed our conversation related to RTT and took the time (thank you sir!) to offer this observation...
I might be able to help clarify a little about the availability of RTT.
I have a '99 Corvette ECM in my '99 Corvette and another '99 Corvette ECM in my '69 Nova. There are 2 versions of the '99 ECM - and one allows RTT with the enhanced operating system (the one in my Nova) but the other '99 ECM does not allow RTT (the one in my Corvette). Bill at HPT explained that the early '99 ECMs don't have enough RAM to handle RTT. So just be aware that not all ECMs will have RTT.

Update: 01/18/2015
Although I'd stated and hoped I could congregate all the screen shots on this first post, there is a limit (30 some odd?) images you can have on a single post. Once the setup is defined, I may create a new thread that will at least have them as post 1, 2, 3, etc so they will at least be in close proximity.

In has become apparent that in earlier versions of the software, items like the 2 bar and 3 bar OS and the RTT(Real Time Tuning feature) cost extra credits. In my research on HPTuners site, that is no longer true with the latest version of the software (I downloaded the latest version (2.24.1000) from their website http://www.hptuners.com/). You can download the latest version(for free if you haven't already purchased it) so you can have a look around, play with the settings. You won't be able to save any thing but you can get an idea of the features and functions of the software.

Once you've downloaded the software, and start running the VM editor, you can place your mouse cursor over most(all?) buttons and a text will appear to tell you what the feature maintains and, many times, what the range of values that can be specified. At any time, you can press the F1 function key to get to the "HELP" feature that further describes what you're examining.

Be aware, like all software that has on-going development cycles, HPtuners own website examples may not be concurrent with what the latest software versions screen/abilities. I purchased Dan Maslic's book on "Master EFI TUNER - GM EFI" and it has 3 case studies(Stock, Cam/Heads/Nitrous, Turbo) on dyno tuning GM cars with HPTuners. Some of the screen shots and inputs Dan portrays have been superseded by the current software. This is always the dilemma for the developers. I am a programmer too in my day job(though, in business applications) and we have a sad joke amongst ourselves, "as soon as you publish documentation, it's obsolete..".

I just found this primer on the scanner use Looks like this could be something we could bring up on the net while simultaneously using the VM scanner in a separate session so we can get used to how to set this in motion. It appears he is using the non-pro version but still, in could intimate how to set things up for we novices...
http://files.hptuners.com/support/De...nerstartup.swf


I've been getting my forged 5.3 ready for a 3 bar boost setup and ordered/paid for the HPTuners Pro on 12/4/2014.
I'll put this on the first post. In summation, to get the quickest delivery of the HPTuners, most people that posted responses indicated it is best to order from a distributor(Summit, local speed shops, etc) and ASK if they have it on the shelf, in stock before buying. They will send you a confirmation/tracking number and will communicate with you after the sale. HPTuners.com will not. They will not respond to your emails. It took 14 days, point to point, from Paypal transaction till it arrived at my door. I received a UPS tracking number on day 12 and the software on day 14. It is great software and I look forward to using it but I think HPTuners is not really setup for the retail sales. One gent replying said he ordered the software from Summit and had it two days later. Another said he bought it in a speed shop and walked out with it.

(2014/12/19) Now that I have the software, I plan to detail what it takes to tune a 5.3 with a 3 bar speed Turbo setup for my 96 Z28, TH350 w/4,000 stall. This is a street strip car. I will keep the concrete conclusions, settings on this first page so you won't have to wade through a lot of pages to get to the meaningful stuff.

(2015/01/02)I want to say a couple of things here to clarify/state a few things before you read further

• All screen shots I'm taking are from my own HPTuner Pro software, version 2.24.1000. If you have an earlier version, some of the screens may have a different appearance. You can download the latest version for free from the HPTuners site.
• All references/values/proceedures I'm making at this initial effort are straight from Dan Maslic's book "MASTER EFI TUNER - GM EFI - Second Edition"
• If you see something that you feel is incorrect or needs explanation, feel free to say so in a post. If it needs to be explained, let me know.
• One gentleman has already pointed out something that he felt was in error but it is straight from the book and it concerned Open Loop Equalizer settings. This was related to removing/altering the *adaptive fuel controls*. Dan has the tuner do this for a temporary basis as the tune is being evolved so that the PCM won't try to correct fueling automatically while the tuner is trying to dial in the settings in the VE table. I believe Dan is doing this as an 'extra ounce of precaution', preferring to let the tune be somewhat rich while we search for the optimal settings. Once the tune is satisfactory, the tuner is to reapply the OE settings to all the adaptive fuel control tables. I thank the gent for mentioning his concern.
• Once I have all the documentation in place and people have had a chance to review/vet the content, I will place the entire documentation here in this first page.

For clarity, these are from the HPTuners documentation for initial setup...
Application Procedure (GenIII V8)

To apply the enhancement to your PCM please use the following procedure. NOTE: the procedure involves the use of the "Write Entire" process. This process is not guaranteed to be safe. Please do not attempt to write the entire VCM if you have had any trouble reading or writing the VCM in the past. If an error occurs during writing of critical operating system components and the VCM is powered down, the VCM will become unrecoverable via software methods.
1.Start with a stock or existing tune from the PCM.
2.Open the file in VCM Editor
3.Select Operating System, a window will appear with choices available.
4.Apply the relevant modification by clicking the button.
5.When prompted, save the file under a new name something like "XYZ_2bar.bin". This is now your new "Base" file that must be used for all future tuning.
6.The editor will automatically close the file after saving.
7.Open the newly saved file in the editor. You should see that the operating system ID has changed from your original file.
8.(This step for 2bar and 3bar enhancement only) The VE table will be full of invalid data. You *must* create a valid VE table before writing the file to the PCM. It is a good idea to copy your previous VE table into the non-boost region and then copy and increase the last row of the VE table to the new boost area. It is important to start tuning on the rich side (higher numbers) and then work back to your desired AFR.
9.Save the file in the editor, you are now ready to write to the PCM.
10.IMPORTANT: The next step involves using the "Write Entire" option. Remember this option is not 100% recoverable on failure in some circumstances. Do NOT disconnect the battery if you have problems during this next step. Once this step is completed you can use the regular "Write VCM" function for all tuning changes.
11.Connect to the vehicle and turn on ignition, wait 10secs.
12.Still in VCM Editor with your file open, select Flash -> Write Entire. The process takes approximately 2-4 minutes depending on vehicle type.
13.When the write is completed, turn off ignition and wait 30secs.
14.Turn on ignition, wait 10secs.
15.The PCM should display the new operating system ID. (Not available on GM 98 V8 vehicles)
16.At this point the VCM should be now running the new operating system and you can now use the regular and safe "Write VCM" for all future tuning changes.
17.Do not perform steps 17 and 18 if you are running 2bar on a GM 98 V8 vehicle. The SAE MAP PID has been reconfigured in the OS for your vehicle to read properly.
18.(This step for 2bar and 3bar enhancement only) Open VCM Scanner and connect to the vehicle. Open the Table display (Scan -> Table Display). Right-click the "Manifold Air Pressure (SAE)" PID and select "Delete". This removes the existing 1 bar PID from the table, if you don't do this the histogram will not function correctly.
19.(This step for 1/2/3 bar Speed Density enhancements only) Right-click the "Mass Air Flow(SAE)" PID and select "Delete". This removes the existing MAF PID, if you don't do this the histogram will not function correctly.
20.(This step for 2bar and 3bar enhancement only) Right-click again on the table display cell and select "Insert", go to the Engine -> Airflow section and choose either the "Manifold Air Pressure - 2 bar" or "Manifold Air Pressure - 3 bar" PID, double-click to insert it into the table.
21.(This step for 2bar and 3bar enhancement only) Save the new scanner configuration using File -> Save Config.
22.You are now ready to tune using your new enhanced PCM.

 

Uhhhhh, email uhhhhhhhh, support@hptuners.com,,,,,,uhhhhhhhhh. We can't do nothing here chief

 

HP Tuners guys were at the PRI show at Indianapolis this weekend. Give them a minute to get back to the office... It's not like they are some fly-by-night company that will take your money and run to the border.

 

Ordered mine from PCM of NC and got it a couple of days later. DK about ordering directly from them, although, youd think their service would be just as fast.

 

Please let us know what the end result was on this and turn around time. thx

 

I bought mine at a local speed shop. Gave the guy cash and walked out with it in my hand.

 

Got here a day early with some other goodies...




HPTuners Pro, GM. Aeromotive Fuel pressure gauge and -6, -8 ORG to AN fittings for my Aeromotive A1000 Fuel Pressure Regulator.

 

What else is needed to use HPT tuners? Like a WB o2 sensor setup or anything else?

 

To be sure, that would be the best tuning addition. That way you can evaluate how far off you are from the desired fueling at any given point in RPM/MAP.

The 'Pro' version allows you to interface the Wide band and add it as PID(fancy name for an additional sensor input. 'P'arameter 'I'dentification 'D'ata). Specifying the WB as part of your data collection when logging the engines sensors means its reading will be commensurate with the RPM's, MAP, Spark. Setting up the HPTuners to record using Lambda instead of the typical AFR will more concisely contrast your ideal Fuel delivery against actual so you'll know what discrete amount of fuel to add/subtract at each RPM/MAP level when in speed density mode.

 

I have had some really bad experiences with HpTuners customer service. On about 3 different occasions. First off, I still think it is un-excusable that they do not post a customer service phone number. They tell me it is because people will call asking how to tune. I think this is horrible customer service.

So they tell you to email them, so as impersonal as that is, you email them 3-4 times and then you will not receive a response, just like you said. They have a great product..... horrible customer service from my experience.

 

*nod*
They have a forum for HPTuner users but if you go on there and look at the posts that people make asking questions, most go unanswered. I guess the the only ones that go there are the newbies. No experienced people go in. I bought a book (Master EFI Tuner GM EFI by Dan Maslic) and have several years of LT1 tuning behind me so I'm not completely new to the idea. I've found more answers by just going to google and searching for "HPTUNER" and the topic I'm interested with than I've had by wading thru hours of searching, reading the HPTuners forum. As I get my setup going, I'm DEFINITELY going to put in here what I've done and found. I hate that this is treated as a dark art. Some guys, even if they had a book with all parameters in front of them, would still wave their hand and say "Just do it. I'll pay for it". The guys that want to understand and develop their tunes... that's whom I hope to help.

 

I feel your pain!

I got started a couple a years ago and I'd hate to count the hours I've spent researching, tuning, and datalogging. Hundreds easily. As I've told people before though, it's been both the most frustrating and most rewarding thing I've done as a hot-rodder. Helping my buddies out and seeing people satisfied with results is always great. And I'm more than willing to share what little I've learned...unfortunately it's just hard to convey over the 'net.

That being said...I bought a Holley EFI system for my turbo truck project. I've been messing with the software, it's caveman simple compared to Hpt.

 

To be fair the HP Tuners guys are software engineers, not car tuners for the most part. Some of them do it but the majority do not, they simply write interface code.

BTW, I ordered mine through Summit and had it 2 days later.

 

I bought it to tune my C5 corvette. I bought my C5 so I could have an LS1 and learn to tune. I cot it cheaper than a Camaro....

Fortunately, I found a mentor who taught me the ropes.

Now I'm very comfortable with it. FAR from an expert.

The HPT forum is hit or miss. It's really hard stuff snd a real time sink helping with some issues. Tuning is very hands on.

What irritates me the most over there are the experts who seem to feel the need to comment, but not help. What is interesting is when you are searching around and find old posts where the experts were humbly asking for help when they were noobs.....

Have fun with it. And ask here if need be.

Ron

 

Thanks Ron

 

I really like the professional way MightyquickZ28 presents himself. You obviously have spent time researching things on forums and can appreciate a quick summary on Post #1. Look forward to hearing more about your results with the new LSx build. Hope you get great results with the 3-bar HPT tune. Let us know if you have some specific questions. Both RonSSNova and I have played around with our C5s and with our turbo Novas and I'm sure there are plenty others on here that can help too.

 

Thank you sir!

 

Starting out from a stock file and going to a 2 bar Speed density. This is not complete yet!
I'm just starting out but as I go along, I'll get to all the elements of setup , then using histograms and Real Time Tuning...

Reminder before you start:
Save your stock initial flash file with a unique name and save it to two or three different locations so you have a recourse if you ever need to start over or refresh some table(s). I save mine to my laptops harddrive in a specific subfolder, then again on a thumbdrive and lastly, I email it as an attachment to myself. Use a COPY of the original file to start your tuning.




Opening up the Operating system...


Viewing to see current OS...


Select 2 bar Speed Density...


Selected...


Save changed flash file with new name...


Write the 2 bar SD to the PCM now...





Now, lets disable the MAF Sensor ...


Select the Airflow tab....


The MAF setting before...


The MAF setting after (disabled)...


Resetting/removing the speed limiter...





Torque Management...







Before beginning tuning the fuel delivery, you must first disable all of the 'adaptive fuel controls' (force open-loop operation at all times) and change all AFR EQ Ratios to the appropriate desired value (typically 12.5:1)
To start Click on "Engine"


Note, that after tuning the VE tables, you will need to restore all these values to their original settings so that adaptive fueling controls can work.




















More coming soon! As soon as all is complete, I'll move this section to the first page.

 

Awesone! I plan on buying Hpt pro here shortly to tube my 3-bar 6.0 turbo build in my '94z with a th350, lol, pretty damn identical cars! Nice to see it outlined easy so I can refrence this thread when I start my journey!

 

subscribing as getting turbo kit in about 2 weeks. going e85 also.