Power Programmers worth the $$$??

[fishtail8]

I'm looking at getting a power programmer for my parents 2000 Chev with the 454. It's allready had exhaust mods, throttle body spacer and K&N. The truck pulls light years better than stock, however we are wondering if a programmer will help milage a bit more. It averages about 12mpg pulling the 5th wheel right now. Just trying to justify the cost and see if it's a worthwhile investment. Any comments?

[Rick Dorion]

If you use the power reprogramming, you then need to use 93 octane so any mileage improvement is wiped out (to me). I use mine to firm up the tranny shifting and adjust the speedo for tire diameter.

[fishtail8]

Too bad someone wouldn't make adjustments to still run 87...

[Rick Dorion]

You can except for the 'power setting' :) It advances the timing and leans the fuel curve.

[vintageracer]

Depends on the vehicle. A friend of mine had a 2003 Mustang Cobra. A Hypertech programer increase the rear wheel horsepower +43 HP with just a re-program of the computer with the can Hypertech program alone. The car had NO other mods. This HP increase was noted with pulls before and after the reprogram a chassis dyno so the results are real. For $300, this has to be one of the BEST investments in HP that could be made for an 03 Cobra. The program was specific to the car and written by Hypertech. They claim it is also warranty friendly.

You might look into a programer however given the fact you have already made some modifications AND the fact that the truck is a 2000 model with a more primitive computer, your results might not be that great. Look in one of the truck rags on the magazine shelf for guidance or call Hypertech and the other programmer manufactureres.

[Lowend]

They do work - and the trucks seem to respond pretty well. I generally like the setup of the Predator Sport Units better than the Hypertechs

[Rick Dorion]

My hypertech programmer claimed 15HP and 15ft-lb but I would then need 93 octane (on a 97 vortec). Glad to see the newer ones giving more for the $.

[Bow Tie 67]

For another $200 I bought HP tuners for my LS1. I originally had the hypertech and the ability to completely tune all parameters to your specific needs, datalog, delete trouble codes and run OBD II tests with HP is worth more than its weight in gold.