Hypertech
One of the original tuners of electronically controlled vehicles, Hypertech has continued to crack the secrets of Detroit's mysterious black boxes in the name of improved performance. These days, instead of offering only preprogrammed performance chips, Hypertech now manufactures a line of hand-held programming devices that allow even the most technically challenged car crafters to alter the inner workings of their vehicle's PCM for enhanced performance. The Power Programmer can change the parameters of numerous functions in late-model GM PCMs, including transmission shift points and firmness.
What it is: Hypertech Power Programmer
What it does: Provides the option of altering the parameters of multiple PCM functions
How to install/use it: The Power Programmer is a hand-held unit, about the size of a typical electronic multi-tester, and includes a patch cord that plugs into the vehicle's diagnostic port, usually located inside the vehicle, under the dash. Once connected, the user simply pages through the various functions, choosing whether to leave them stock or select from one of the optional alterations. For the transmission, the Power Programmer can provide several levels of increased firmness, plus adjustment of the shift points.
Additional features: The Programmer can also make adjustments in calibration to accommodate changes in rearend gear ratio and tire height, both of which will negatively affect transmission performance if not compensated for electronically. The Power Programmer also provides adjustments for spark timing, rpm limiter, top-speed limiter, and cooling-fan activation.
Applications: (Check the Hypertech Web site for specific part numbers.)
•'94-'97 LT1 Camaro/Firebird
•'98-'02 LS1 Camaro/Firebird
•'01-'02 3.8L V-6 Camaro/Firebird
•'96 LT1 Corvette
•'96 LT4 Corvette
•'97-'03 LS1 Corvette
•'94-'96 LT1 Impala SS/Caprice
•'96-'03 V-6 and V-8 truck
Superchips
Another long-time computer tuner is Superchips, which began by tweaking the electronic controls of European performance machines for both the street and the track back in 1983. The company began U.S. operations in 1992 in Florida. Like many of the original electronic enablers, Superchips started by producing aftermarket PROM chips for '80s-era performance iron and has continued to evolve right along with the auto industry's technology. Today it offers tuning enhancements for the current crop of performance cars from Detroit, along with truck and SUV applications, and some of the hottest stuff from overseas.
What it is: Superchips Microtuner
What it does: The handheld device provides a performance-enhancing base program, which can then be switched for more aggressive programs. It also allows for adjusting certain parameters individually, including transmission shift points and firmness.
How to install/use it: The device plugs into the vehicle diagnostic link and begins with a base program, which is a mild enhancement on stock programming. This slightly raises the shift points and increases shift pressures, as well as limits the amount of timing retard imposed during shifts. The user then has the option of raising or lowering the shift points from the base program; shift points can usually be lowered back to stock, but not below. Shift firmness can also be further adjusted.
Additional features: In addition to the base program installed by the Microtuner, there are other complete programs to select from that have been mapped out by the Superchips engineers based on dyno and road test research. For trucks, there are usually several to choose from, including a low-octane performance mode, high-octane towing mode, and high-octane performance mode. Corvettes and F-cars typically have only one additional program, as these cars are intended for premium fuel by the manufacturer and are programmed fairly aggressively from the factory. There are different menus for different functions with individual features, including the ability to raise the vehicle speed limiter and engine rev limiter and the option to change the cooling fan activation temperature.
Applications: 2725: '99-'03 V-8 Camaro, Firebird, and Corvette; 2715: All GM V-8 trucks from '96-'03