I want to get a tuner but I don't think I'm ready or knowlegeable enough for the HP tuner or LS1 edit yet. I llike the hand held like the HPP+ for my 94 Imp. My question is what brand. I know Hypertech doesn't go all out, Superchips, I heard is OK, but seems most are using the predator. But as I searched in forums, alot of people are having programming problems, such as rev limiters and shift points, then having to get updates or custom tuning. So, which is the best hand-held investment? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

well depends on what you want...

HPP3 is garbage IMO unless you can get it used
I've heard some good things about the Vinci handheld tuner
http://www.vincihighperformance.com/...herparent.html

Alot of people also run a predator

If you have access to a laptop and are willing to take a little more time to learn then HP Tuners is the way to go IMHO, steeper learning curve but you can do alot more (especially with the wideband integration coming out soon)

 

the Vinci looks good, but for $40 more I can get the LS1 edit or HPtuners and then, hopefully don't blow my motor...lol. I was trying to stay budget, like picking one up on ebay.

 

Im using TunerCAT
Its just like LT1 edit but different layout

Software cost 120.
AKM Cable is 90.

 

Tunercat's not out for LS1s though (i'm guessing you want it for the z? since you already have an HPP for the impy?)

Be very careful buying a tuner off ebay... also I believe (someone correct me if i'm wrong?) the Predator needs to be sent back in order for it to work on cars other than the one it was first used on? I'm not sure how the Vinci one works/how it locks

HPP3s id be especially leary about on ebay... heard of too many cases where someone gets one and it wasn't unlocked properly (person removed the HPP3 power tuning but left their gear changes, tire changes, etc... in ... until it's all removed the HPP3 is locked to that PCM... also if the OS in your PCM is newer than the one the handheld unit was designed to handle then it will need to be sent back in)

 

so, if that was the case, I guess we have to pay Diablo to do it, Eh?

 

Just buy HPTuners. Its really easy to learn and fun at the same time. If you have a laptop, just bite the bullet and get HPTuners.

 

here's a tutorial i made for vinci http://www.stealthram.com/vhptuner.html i picked up .2 and 1.4 mph in the 1/4 using it.

all stock + cutout open
60ft - 2.073
1/8 - 8.833 @ 82.55
1/4 - 13.636 @ 101.58

above + performance/stock cam program,+10% timing, shift firmness, shift enhancement
60ft - 2.041
1/8 - 8.697 @ 83.51
1/4 - 13.431 @ 102.90

i tried others like the stock cam/supercharged and the CAM #1 just for giggles. i gained a .1et/.5mph over stock from the CAM #1. for the supercharged one .05et/.3mph. remember the only thing i have added are the SLP airlid and cutout.

 

Well, I'm selling my house monday and will be making some dinero off it but buying another tuesday, So, I think I will just get the HPtuners and just take mytime with it. But I sold my laptop a year ago and will have to find another for cheap somewhere. I'll have to get on HP's site to see what the min OS has to be.
Thanks Guys.
Oh, and mrr,
Isn't funny that the wife gets the cool cars. My wifes is a 94 Impala SS, LT1, P&P'd heads, Hotcam kit, full b/o's, 4" cowl hood, purple ghost flames on front, lowered 2", and a awesome set of Eagle alloys 203 wheels. I get stuck with the bone stock 02 Z. But she's got the kids and the duty of grocery-getting...lol

 

she got her's in feb 04. so, VHP asked to use it for a testbed for some products. so we got started. then i got mine. she just lucked out is all. i was in the middle of building a 383 for my 86 TA. then i sold it. link to my car is under her banner. i just haven't taken a good shot of mine to make a banner for it yet.

 

check ebay, theres plenty of good and CHEAP laptops for sale there