Hypertech Tuning a Hoax

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Hypertech Tuning a Hoax

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Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:17:09 PM

strongboy2005

Posts: 170
Joined: 1/28/2006
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Ok I know I might get flamed for this, but I have officially proven (at least to myself), that the Hypertech tuning does not add horsepower, but, rather, takes away power...

I just finished my testing of the Hypertech with my G-Tech to see if the G-tech could feel a power difference. To begin, I know these numbers are going to look really low, but it's not the numbers but instead their relativity to each other that I'm concerned with... On to the tests...

I began by running three practice runs to get my engine heated up. After all, I was going to do 10 runs, so by the 10th run it was going to be pretty hot. I wanted the results to be as accurate as possible.

My first 5 numbers were as follows:
125HP
127HP
122HP
118HP
116HP

Average with stdev: 122HP +-5HP

I then proceeded to run with the Hypertech tuning installed. Again, I know these numbers are unrealistic, but the relation of the numbers to one another is what is important. I took all of these tests in a constant environment, using the same procedures each time... The only difference is the power tuning...

Numbers with Hypertech tuning installed:
112HP
110HP
111HP
111HP
117HP

Average with stdev: 112HP +-3HP

I was genuinely astonished at the numbers. I had lost 10 HP! I didn't believe it so I began rationalizing it in my head... I thought, "Well, maybe the engine was cooler during the first run, now it's really hot and that's messing up my numbers..." There was only one way to find out... Run the stock tuning again, 5 more times...

Second stock run:
125HP
117HP
117HP
124HP
111HP

Average with stdev: 119HP +-6HP

This still indicated a 7HP drop with the "Power" tuning...

Please let me know if you see a flaw in my procedures...
http://www.geocities.com/strongboy2005/hypertech.xls

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

Post #: 1

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:20:38 PM

ivannj

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Joined: 11/2/2005
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DId you install it with a 160 stat if not did you tell it no. Did you have 92 octane gas in fuel tank already? I gotten more hp with it and did not need a dyno test to realize. Its funny cuase I took it off the other day for car inspection and my wife said that my blazer seemed to be slower than before without her knowing that it was off.

< Message edited by ivannj -- 2/10/2006 3:24:00 PM >

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97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

(in reply to strongboy2005)

Post #: 2

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:25:01 PM

strongboy2005

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Joined: 1/28/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

DId you install it with a 160 stat if not did you tell it no. Did you have 92 octane gas in fuel tank already?

No, I didn't change to a 160 stat... It never asked what thermostat I was running...

The programmer asked what octane I was running, I told it 87... Both tests used the improved shift points and firmness (So I could hit my full RPM range, even though the peak should be around 4800)

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

(in reply to ivannj)

Post #: 3

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:27:35 PM

ivannj

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It should have asked you cuase mine does. I am going to check that out. What was your temp? I know when my blazer get around 200 it acts different then I hit the efans and gets to 165 and runs better.

_____________________________

97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

(in reply to strongboy2005)

Post #: 4

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:34:56 PM

strongboy2005

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Joined: 1/28/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

It should have asked you cuase mine does. I am going to check that out. What was your temp? I know when my blazer get around 200 it acts different then I hit the efans and gets to 165 and runs better.

My stock guage indicated about 210... Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lower temp thermostat should just open up earlier and not allow the engine to heat up as fast, but the engine will always eventually get to it's normal operating temperature, no matter the thermostat...

Edit: I didn't do ANY runs until my guage reached 210. Then I ran three, WOT, runs... Then I did the first 5 stock, second 5 with hypertech, and lastly the final 5 stock...

< Message edited by strongboy2005 -- 2/10/2006 3:36:02 PM >

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

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Post #: 5

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:41:04 PM

ivannj

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Yes your right But the stock stat opens at 195 so your engine will be 200 deg. THe 160 deg opens and gets cooled so it will stay cooler than a 195. When a 195 opens and then gets cooled it will close @ 195 not letting the coolant to be cooler than 195.

_____________________________

97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

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Post #: 6

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:45:22 PM

strongboy2005

Posts: 170
Joined: 1/28/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

Yes your right But the stock stat opens at 195 so your engine will be 200 deg. THe 160 deg opens and gets cooled so it will stay cooler than a 195. When a 195 opens and then gets cooled it will close @ 195 not letting the coolant to be cooler than 195.

Ic, so you think the hypertech would post better numbers with a lower thermostat?

If I test it again, I will do 5 stock runs with the lower therm and 5 with the lower therm and the hypertech. If the stock numbers are lower, I will end my testing, if the stock numbers are still better I'd do 5 more runs...

With this procedure, do you really think the Hypertech will gain over stock? Right now stock is boasting 7-10 HP better than the Hypertech...

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

(in reply to ivannj)

Post #: 7

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:49:35 PM

ivannj

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Make sure when you test it that the temp is 160 to 170

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97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

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Post #: 8

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:51:55 PM

strongboy2005

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Joined: 1/28/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

Make sure when you test it that the temp is 160 to 170

See, I don't understand what that has to do with the tuning... I did all the tests at the same temp...

My hypertech doesn't ask what thermostat I'm running (PN 30019)

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

(in reply to ivannj)

Post #: 9

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:54:58 PM

gravix

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Joined: 2/10/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: strongboy2005
Ok I know I might get flamed for this, but I have officially proven (at least to myself), that the Hypertech tuning does not add horsepower, but, rather, takes away power...

Interesting test. I tried the HPP3 on a s10 pickup (with the 4.3L) a few years ago and was less than impressed... Even with the 93 Octane mode there didn't seem to be any improvement whatever. Amazing that it actually REDUCES the performance... what a deal!

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2001 Blazer LS 2dr 4wd (no auto) 4.3L 5spd manual
"He who dies with the most toys wins!"

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Post #: 10

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 3:59:05 PM

ivannj

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Joined: 11/2/2005
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Look at the instructions of the Hypertech it will explain. I do not have a scanner here but basically it says "Optimized engine spark and fuel tuning based on a 160 deg. Power Stat and 92 octane or better fuel". "You will achieve best performance if you repalce your stock thermostat with a Hypertech 160 Powerstat. The power programmer plus will work with a stock thermostat, but our best performance was specifically developed for a cooler running engine." This was taken off the instructions.

_____________________________

97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

(in reply to strongboy2005)

Post #: 11

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:00:49 PM

swartlkk

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From: Waterloo, NY
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Well, too much heat is a bad thing. It can cause detonation which would result in the PCM pulling timing. Too little heat can cause the PCM to set a code and run in fuel enrichment mode A LOT. If the programmer asked you what stat you had in, it mostlikely lowered the 'warmed-up' temp to correspond with the lower temp stat. I believe the stock warm-up temp is around 160-165.

If it doesn't ask you, I wouldn't go with anything under a 180*F stat.

Now onto the octane. I have heard various different reviews of the Hypertechs 87 octane programming and most have been that it really doesn't work. You shouldn't make that determination until you get some heat out of that thing. The stock fan will cool the radiator enough to fully support a 180*F stat. The only time that it will get up to 200*F is when you are WOT for extended periods of time, but as soon as you let off, it'll drop.

My truck runs at right around 185-195*F all day long as read on my Autotap diagnostic interface. It can't have a stock stat in it, but it's working so I haven't had a reason to pull it. I will be doing a flush/fill this summer and will put in a verified 180*F stat.

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Post #: 12

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:07:45 PM

strongboy2005

Posts: 170
Joined: 1/28/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

Look at the instructions of the Hypertech it will explain. I do not have a scanner here but basically it says "Optimized engine spark and fuel tuning based on a 160 deg. Power Stat and 92 octane or better fuel". "You will achieve best performance if you repalce your stock thermostat with a Hypertech 160 Powerstat. The power programmer plus will work with a stock thermostat, but our best performance was specifically developed for a cooler running engine." This was taken off the instructions.

My Hypertech (for 2003 Blazer, PN 30019) has "Dual Fuel Tuning" http://www.hypertech.com/dualfuel_tuning.html I had the tuning set to 87 octane, the gas I was runnning...

Also, the 160 degree thermostat is not recommended by Hypertech for the 4.3L engine. "For 4.3 & 8.1L vehicles, Hypertech recommends using the stock thermostat."

This quote was taken from page 7 of the Hypertech instructions: http://www.hypertech.com/get_installinstruction.php?iid=52

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

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Post #: 13

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:11:24 PM

strongboy2005

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quote:

ORIGINAL: swartlkk

Well, too much heat is a bad thing. It can cause detonation which would result in the PCM pulling timing. Too little heat can cause the PCM to set a code and run in fuel enrichment mode A LOT. If the programmer asked you what stat you had in, it mostlikely lowered the 'warmed-up' temp to correspond with the lower temp stat. I believe the stock warm-up temp is around 160-165.

If it doesn't ask you, I wouldn't go with anything under a 180*F stat.

Now onto the octane. I have heard various different reviews of the Hypertechs 87 octane programming and most have been that it really doesn't work. You shouldn't make that determination until you get some heat out of that thing. The stock fan will cool the radiator enough to fully support a 180*F stat. The only time that it will get up to 200*F is when you are WOT for extended periods of time, but as soon as you let off, it'll drop.

My truck runs at right around 185-195*F all day long as read on my Autotap diagnostic interface. It can't have a stock stat in it, but it's working so I haven't had a reason to pull it. I will be doing a flush/fill this summer and will put in a verified 180*F stat.

I don't plan on changing my thermostat, per the Hypertech instructions (after all, I assume they followed their own instructions when they did their test dynos).

However, I will try the higher octane (stock vs Hypertech of course). You really think the Hypertech will close the 7-10HP gap by simply bumping up the octane?

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

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Post #: 14

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:12:40 PM

ivannj

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Well maybe its different for a 2003 but what I quoted was directly from the instruction sheet. It even has one page for the installation of a powerstat to get you to change it.

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97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

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Post #: 15

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:15:12 PM

strongboy2005

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ivannj

Well maybe its different for a 2003 but what I quoted was directly from the instruction sheet. It even has one page for the installation of a powerstat to get you to change it.

Yeah I believe it is different for the 2003. If you look at the link to the instructions I posted, you can see for yourself what it says on page 7. It expressly says not to use the hypertech thermostat, but to stay with the stock one...

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

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Post #: 16

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:29:21 PM

swartlkk

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From: Waterloo, NY
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It is mostlikely because GM locked out the code for dropping the warm-up temp. Don't know for sure without actually getting into your PCM and that would be $$$. A 180*F or 185*F should give you better temp control without having to worry about PCM headaches.

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Post #: 17

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:29:38 PM

ivannj

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You should call them up or email them and tell them what you discovered. I was reading the truckperformance.com reviews of this programmer for your year and it gets 5 stars from everyone.

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97 Blazer LS 4wd 4.3l 2dr 71,000 miles
E-fan, Low Drag Pullies, Intake, Gibson Exhuast, B&M Deep Tranny Pan, B&M Shift Plus, Hypertech Tuner, TB Spacer

(in reply to strongboy2005)

Post #: 18

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:32:07 PM

swartlkk

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From: Waterloo, NY
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I would also like to throw this in. If you have an excessive buildup of carbon inside the combustion chambers, this can cause detonation. With the increased timing (one of the things that hypertech does to get more ponies), this could make an existing problem worse. When the PCM detects detonation, through the knock sensors, it will retard the timing until it doesn't sense detonation anymore. Wiping out any changes that the tuner had done and probably going further back than what the stock tuning would take it. To reduce harmful detonation, you really should either do a seafoam treatment or get the motor cleaned professionally at a shop. This is starting to sound like what is going on here.

< Message edited by swartlkk -- 2/10/2006 4:33:01 PM >

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Post #: 19

RE: Hypertech Tuning a Hoax - 2/10/2006 4:37:32 PM

strongboy2005

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quote:

ORIGINAL: swartlkk

I would also like to throw this in. If you have an excessive buildup of carbon inside the combustion chambers, this can cause detonation. With the increased timing (one of the things that hypertech does to get more ponies), this could make an existing problem worse. When the PCM detects detonation, through the knock sensors, it will retard the timing until it doesn't sense detonation anymore. Wiping out any changes that the tuner had done and probably going further back than what the stock tuning would take it. To reduce harmful detonation, you really should either do a seafoam treatment or get the motor cleaned professionally at a shop. This is starting to sound like what is going on here.

Interesting, I never thought of that... How do you do a seafoam treatment? I know I've read stuff about it, but I'm still unsure of all it consists of.

Trust me, I want this programmer to work lol... I was actually very upset at these numbers... No one wants to spend $200 on a programmer to find out it steals power... (Although the shift point/firmness tuning is really nice)

_____________________________

2003 LS (4-door) Chevy Blazer 4.3L 2WD GU6 G80
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2257682

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Post #: 20