Pay to tune or buy a good programmer?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: SouthWest Florida
Pay to tune or buy a good programmer? I am wondering if its better to do a fe wmods, pay to have the car dyno tuned, rinse repeat
or
Buy a good programmer, and dial the car in as often as needed as mods come and go
Any thoughts on this?
or
Buy a good programmer, and dial the car in as often as needed as mods come and go
Any thoughts on this?
If you are going to keep adding MODS I would buy HPTuner. Logging software is nice to have even if you are not needing the PCM changed. A tune can cost as much or more than the software to learn to do it yourself.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: SouthWest Florida
Well, being a Application Developer for a living, i am leaning towards a programmer like the HPTuner setup. I did some searching, and Im sure I have much more to research. Last year when I looked into a programmer its was Predator / ls1 edit . How does everyone like HPTuner? I realize it can do ALOT, does this include everything the little powerprogrammer can do (shifting, gear ratio etc.)?
Opinions welcome in all the different programmers.
Cheers
Opinions welcome in all the different programmers.
Cheers
Originally Posted by ChevE
Well, being a Application Developer for a living, i am leaning towards a programmer like the HPTuner setup. I did some searching, and Im sure I have much more to research. Last year when I looked into a programmer its was Predator / ls1 edit . How does everyone like HPTuner? I realize it can do ALOT, does this include everything the little powerprogrammer can do (shifting, gear ratio etc.)?
Opinions welcome in all the different programmers.
Cheers
Opinions welcome in all the different programmers.
Cheers
Good luck on which one you choose but make sure it is not LS1Edit. I have LS1Edit. It is not bad but their web site is the pits and they do not have very good support and no supported forum (It also cost more and does less than the other two). I am thinking of upgrading to EFILive next year. I like the idea of being able to log and edit with the same cables.
Bill
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: SouthWest Florida
Thank you for the info. I realize tools like this evolve over time. LS1 Edit was likely good for its time. I had a read over the HPTuner forum, and it is impressive. I think I am going to wait until I get my wife her LS1 (Likely a 99/00 Forumla) so I can get the two LS1's I own when I order 
Anyone else have opinions regarding other tuner software?
Also has anyone written up how to make your own cable ?
Cheers
Anyone else have opinions regarding other tuner software?
Also has anyone written up how to make your own cable ?
Cheers
Originally Posted by ChevE
Thank you for the info. I realize tools like this evolve over time. LS1 Edit was likely good for its time. I had a read over the HPTuner forum, and it is impressive. I think I am going to wait until I get my wife her LS1 (Likely a 99/00 Forumla) so I can get the two LS1's I own when I order
Anyone else have opinions regarding other tuner software?
Also has anyone written up how to make your own cable ?
Cheers
Anyone else have opinions regarding other tuner software?
Also has anyone written up how to make your own cable ?
Cheers
well if she got an 00 formy you would still need to order another license since youve got an 00 fbody already
Definitly go with hptuners im very satisfied thus far and it looks like things are only getting better...but it can me a large initial investment considering you SHOULD buy the enhanced version $660+ WB o2 $350+a decent laptop if you dont already have one $500 & up but IMO its well worth it if you plan on adding more mods at any point. Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Choosing between a dyno tune and using a handheld programmer depends on your goals, budget, and how extensively you plan to modify your car. A professional dyno tune is more precise, as it's tailored specifically to your car's setup, capturing real-time data from each mod you add, which is essential for more advanced modifications (like turbochargers or upgraded cams). While it can be expensive, it typically provides the best performance gains and optimal engine safety. On the other hand, a good programmer offers more flexibility and is ideal for ongoing minor adjustments as you add or remove mods over time. Programmers are often less precise since they rely on pre-set tunes rather than your exact setup, but they’re cost-effective and give you control over tuning without repeated dyno sessions.
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