laptop programmer?

[snow1er]

ok sorry if there is a topic for this that i couldnt find...
do they make a Digital horsepower computer program for the GT? that has the connection cable and everything? if so where could i grab one of these ?
thanks

[bu01]

DHP powertunne.r DPP has it for 410 shipped

[Psi]

HP Tuners also has a tuning program.

[AaronGTR]

DHP Powrtuner. Comes with interface cable and software for your laptop. $399 at ZZP http://www.zzperformance.com/products1.php?id=328&PHPSESSID=5106062cf4e9cbda1a89d6bdfe935012


Basically once you get your interface, it has directions for registering on DHP's website. Once you do that you download the software from there. Nice thing about that is once you are registered, you can download new versions when they come out with new features, and you get access to the forums where you can get advice on how to use the tuner. Can't get that kind of support anywhere else. ;)

[O1GAGT]

DHP Powrtuner. Comes with interface cable and software for your laptop. $399 at ZZP http://www.zzperformance.com/products1.php?id=328&PHPSESSID=5106062cf4e9cbda1a89d6bdfe935012


Basically once you get your interface, it has directions for registering on DHP's website. Once you do that you download the software from there. Nice thing about that is once you are registered, you can download new versions when they come out with new features, and you get access to the forums where you can get advice on how to use the tuner. Can't get that kind of support anywhere else. ;)
I agree, another good thing about DHP is that they are mainly focused on V-6 engines where HP Tuners is all about V-8's and the V-6's are the last to get any changes and updates.

[snow1er]

cool! thanks everyone, one last question, does this tuner software come with a basic upgrade to you cars computer too? or is it just personal modification?


and one more thing...what type of cable is this hooking up to your computer with i cant tell from the picture

[SpyhunteR]

DHP needs to cook up something for me. I just may go to a TEC3 if I don't find anything reasonable soon.

[xonelith]

Nice thing about that is once you are registered, you can download new versions when they come out with new features, and you get access to the forums where you can get advice on how to use the tuner. Can't get that kind of support anywhere else. ;)

Actually, you can. HPTuners has the same benefits. I wouldn't write off HPT. In fact I did a compare of the 2 programs.

HPT is missing 30 parameters that DHP has.
DHP is missing 60 parameters that HPT has.

The only part that I really want that DHP has, is line pressures. HPT is supposed to be bringing this out shortly for the V6's (they have it for the V8's).

Also, HPT has a much better scan tool!!!

www.hptuners.com

[O1GAGT]

Actually, you can. HPTuners has the same benefits. I wouldn't write off HPT. In fact I did a compare of the 2 programs.

HPT is missing 30 parameters that DHP has.
DHP is missing 60 parameters that HPT has.

The only part that I really want that DHP has, is line pressures. HPT is supposed to be bringing this out shortly for the V6's (they have it for the V8's).

Also, HPT has a much better scan tool!!!

www.hptuners.com

Interesting, care to share the missing parameters that each have?

Also how is the HPT scantool better than the DHP?

[FORTEEN3GT]

I wish DHP worked on my LS1.... should of gone with HP Tuners!!! :(

[xonelith]

Interesting, care to share the missing parameters that each have?

Also how is the HPT scantool better than the DHP?

Give me an email address and I'll send you the diffs.

See the websites for screenshots and stuff for the scanner. For me, the scanner is key. Easier to read and extremely customizable, especially with V2.0 just released.

Another bonus with HPT, they just merged with superchips, so we can now scan & modify dodge and ford!! No 4's though (yet)

[AaronGTR]

cool! thanks everyone, one last question, does this tuner software come with a basic upgrade to you cars computer too? or is it just personal modification?


and one more thing...what type of cable is this hooking up to your computer with i cant tell from the picture


If you request it, you can get a DHP 1.5 file for your car as a starting point. Basically the same as their 1.0 pcm program, but not locked so that you can read and edit it with your programmer. I don't know if this is included in the package or extra. I didn't bother with myself since their grand am 1.0 is for NA engines and would be a terrible tune for me, so I'm just starting from scratch. :)



xenolith- I'd also like to know what these parameters are the dhp is supposedly missing that hptuners has. Doesn't seem probable to me. dhp has everything you need to tune, so anything they don't have, you probably don't need. Actually I'm more inclined to think they might just call them different things so it seems like they have a lot of differences when they're really quite similar. There are only so many things in the program to change after all (at least for performance tuning purposes). As for scan tools, most of my experience is with autotap. lol I haven't had a chance to use my dhp scanner a lot yet, and I've never used hptuner, so I reserve comment on that issue. Again though, dhp gets the job done. You can configure the gauges to read most anything, and you can use an optional input to log wideband O2 readings which is really useful. Does hp have that option? There are some other features coming out soon that I know hp doesn't offer.

I guess I'm just biased to like dhp since they specialize in v6's like was said. Doesn't really matter though. Just having any ability to program these cars is a god send since we couldn't before, no matter where it's from. :)

[O1GAGT]

Exactly, HPT tuners is obviously working great for him. I only wish I was in the 13's.

[xonelith]

I'd also like to know what these parameters are the dhp is supposedly missing that hptuners has. Doesn't seem probable to me. dhp has everything you need to tune, so anything they don't have, you probably don't need. Actually I'm more inclined to think they might just call them different things so it seems like they have a lot of differences when they're really quite similar.
.....
and you can use an optional input to log wideband O2 readings which is really useful. Does hp have that option? There are some other features coming out soon that I know hp doesn't offer.


What i did with 2 different files is change every setting to the max/min, then opened in the other file and compared with the stock file. Anything that changed, was deemed to be in both programs.

As I mentioned before, the only thing that HP doesn't have that I want is Line pressures (which is going to be released shortly in HPT).

The other parameters, that one has and the other doesn't I don't need. I use the ones in HPT, but if it wasn't there I probably wouldn't care.

Yes, HPT can use a wideband, in fact, it can receive up to 4 optional inputs.

I agree with you, whichever one you choose, it is better than nothing at all...lol.

DHP does specialize in GM V6's, but it is cool that you can tune your V8's (including UK and Australian !!), and now ford and dodge, plus the 4's are supposed to be coming out for HPT!

[xonelith]

I'd just like to make it clear, that I am not implying either program is better than the other. Both programs, from a GA perspective are comparable and will give the same result in the end.

I'm just stating what I have found through my research. Here is a few facts:


HPT is more expensive by 100 bucks.
Both HPT and DHP have questionable support for the GA community, which is understandable, as we are the cheapest bunch around...lol. The other platforms make these companies WAY more money, so from a business perspective, supporting a rarely modified platform doesn't make sense.
The scanner in HPT is much better than in DHP (from my observations). As mentioned earlier, scanning my GA has become extremely important and I have found that the customization that I can do in HPT far outreaches what can be done in DHP.
DHP is more geared towards the GM V6, as this is the only platform supported. This would imply to me, that any questions you have regarding the GA, would be accurately represented by the company.
HPT represents more platforms (GM, Holden and recently Dodge and Ford, V8's and V6's; soon to have some 4's). This may not mean much from a GA perspective, but many of us have more than one vehicle. Having the ability to modify the computer on these cars, or at least read the DTC's is a benefit to many. Also, do you plan to keep the GA forever? If you decide to buy another car (ie a GTO or something), then it is much cheaper to add a vehicle to HPT, than to purchase HPT. Then again, by then, maybe DHP will have software for other vehicles as well.
Both programs have bugs, from what I understand. This is typical with any software... geez, look at Windows XP!!
Each program is missing some parameters. As mentioned above, I would really like line pressures in HPT. Apparently they are working on getting this added. DHP is missing some Acceleration enrichment, Power enrichment and abuse mode parameters, which I use. I expect they are working on this adding these too.
Both programs allow for auxilary inputs (such as a Wideband).
Both programs have downloadable updates
Both programs allow for 2 vehicles in the original price (ie 2000 Ga and a 2001 GA are 2 different vehicles)
Both programs allow you to add other vehicles (at a cost of course)
Both have a forum which deals with questions about tuning and about using the software

and most importantly, both programs make your GA faster and more efficient (depending on how aggressive you get)


There's probably other things. I'll add to the list as I figure s**t out:)

[eric99gt]

The three things you say the Powertuner is missing. They have all 3.

[xonelith]

The three things you say the Powertuner is missing. They have all 3.

They have parts of them (hence the word 'some' above). Note I only checked 1.7 of HPT and 1.1.8 of DHP. Also note, that I could be wrong:)

Below is a few

ie:

Power Enrich fuel adder vs. TPS%
AE - WOT disables AE
AE - Disable TPS closing delta
AE - TPS filter coefficient
AE - Disable ref count limit
AE - Startup modifier vs tps
AE - Startup modifier vs startup afr correction
AE Modifier v ECT v ERT – p/n
AE Modifier v ECT v ERT – gear
AE Modifier V ref counts
AE Modifier V speed
AE Modifier V baro
Abuse – INJ disable min RPM
Abuse Mode enabled
Abuse Mode RPM
Abuse Mode TPS
Abuse Mode speed
Min trans input rpm
Abuse torque reduction v rpm
Abuse mode duration v trans temp

[Sprucegagt]

They have parts of them (hence the word 'some' above). Note I only checked 1.7 of HPT and 1.1.8 of DHP. Also note, that I could be wrong:)

Below is a few

ie:

Abuse – INJ disable min RPM
Abuse Mode enabled
Abuse Mode RPM
Abuse Mode TPS
Abuse Mode speed
Abuse torque reduction v rpm


I believe DHP does have these parameters accessible.

[O1GAGT]

I always wondered what the 1.5 section was on the DHP forum, anyone have the 1.5 here? Anyone know what it costs to get it?

Also what is an A/D upgrade that is $99 more?

[AaronGTR]

Also what is an A/D upgrade that is $99 more?


I believe thats if you have the older hardware model that doesn't have the optional inputs and you want to upgrade. The cost is understandable since they have to buy new hardware for you. All new PT orders though are current hardware that have the ports already. There are three optional inputs for scanning and logging.

[LukeD]

I always wondered what the 1.5 section was on the DHP forum, anyone have the 1.5 here? Anyone know what it costs to get it?

Also what is an A/D upgrade that is $99 more?

1.5 is almost the same as the 1.0 DHP you can buy from them. 1.5 is unlocked though so you can edit it. It's like a starting point if you don't want to have to start working on a stock PCM file. It's free if you have the power tuner, just e-mail them your car info and VIN # and they will send you the 1.5 file for your car.

[rickhigginshtbr]

OK, since i've never really looked into what our pcm's do and store.... it doesn't store information on how many times that 'abuse' parameter has been hit, does it? I have 10k miles left on my drivetrain warranty, just incase something happens.... i don't want to be shot down because of the pcm recording something.

[SpyhunteR]

I'd just like to make it clear, that I am not implying either program is better than the other. Both programs, from a GA perspective are comparable and will give the same result in the end.

I'm just stating what I have found through my research. Here is a few facts:


HPT is more expensive by 100 bucks.
Both HPT and DHP have questionable support for the GA community, which is understandable, as we are the cheapest bunch around...lol. The other platforms make these companies WAY more money, so from a business perspective, supporting a rarely modified platform doesn't make sense.
The scanner in HPT is much better than in DHP (from my observations). As mentioned earlier, scanning my GA has become extremely important and I have found that the customization that I can do in HPT far outreaches what can be done in DHP.
DHP is more geared towards the GM V6, as this is the only platform supported. This would imply to me, that any questions you have regarding the GA, would be accurately represented by the company.
HPT represents more platforms (GM, Holden and recently Dodge and Ford, V8's and V6's; soon to have some 4's). This may not mean much from a GA perspective, but many of us have more than one vehicle. Having the ability to modify the computer on these cars, or at least read the DTC's is a benefit to many. Also, do you plan to keep the GA forever? If you decide to buy another car (ie a GTO or something), then it is much cheaper to add a vehicle to HPT, than to purchase HPT. Then again, by then, maybe DHP will have software for other vehicles as well.
Both programs have bugs, from what I understand. This is typical with any software... geez, look at Windows XP!!
Each program is missing some parameters. As mentioned above, I would really like line pressures in HPT. Apparently they are working on getting this added. DHP is missing some Acceleration enrichment, Power enrichment and abuse mode parameters, which I use. I expect they are working on this adding these too.
Both programs allow for auxilary inputs (such as a Wideband).
Both programs have downloadable updates
Both programs allow for 2 vehicles in the original price (ie 2000 Ga and a 2001 GA are 2 different vehicles)
Both programs allow you to add other vehicles (at a cost of course)
Both have a forum which deals with questions about tuning and about using the software

and most importantly, both programs make your GA faster and more efficient (depending on how aggressive you get)


There's probably other things. I'll add to the list as I figure s**t out:)

and so far I'm still screwed by both as both are not compatable to me, which means my tuning is limited to bandaids, until I get a couple more bucks for a TEC3....

[xonelith]

and so far I'm still screwed by both as both are not compatable to me, which means my tuning is limited to bandaids, until I get a couple more bucks for a TEC3....

Check out the forums on HPTuners.com. There is a 4cyl thread. I think they were talking about a 2.4 (your OBDII right?).

[O1GAGT]

Check out the forums on HPTuners.com. There is a 4cyl thread. I think they were talking about a 2.4 (your OBDII right?).

Yes, they are currently working on the 2.2L OHV, 2.4L, and 2.2L ecotec programming.

Over on J-body.org there has been talk about HPtuners releasing it's 4 cylinder tuning software for over 2 years now, and so far it has been alot of empty promises. Hopefully they will come through and release the software

[SpyhunteR]

Check out the forums on HPTuners.com. There is a 4cyl thread. I think they were talking about a 2.4 (your OBDII right?).

there are slight programming differences between the j-body and n-body slight ones, it's going to be up to HP to decide if they want to cover the n-body crowd in that respect, if not, I'm ****ed.

[snow1er]

lol one more question...i couldnt find if there were minimum computer requirements...how powerful does the laptop need to be? and what type of port does it need?

[AaronGTR]

It's right there on the DHP website. http://65.109.52.43/PowrTunerRequirements.htm


I recommend something a little better than the minimum of course. I'm using an older HP omnibook 500 with a 700mHz pentium 3 and 512K ram, and it runs fairly well on that. I can usually do a partial write in 1-2 minutes, and a full write in 8 minutes. Some newer laptops don't come with the kind of serial port you need though and you end up having to get a usb to serial adapter for that. I'd avoid that if at all possible because some people have had issues with it. It's just easier if your laptop has the right serial port.