Here you go guys, because I and other members are SICK AND TIRED of answering the SAME DAMN THING over and over again...
What is HP Tuners?
HP Tuners is an ECU tuning device. It allows you to connect to the ECU through the OBD diagnostic port underneath your steering wheel and edit the values and tables inside your ECU (also more commonly called a VCM by the HPT crew), and basically tune your car to the mods that you have. There is NO WIRING INVOLVED, unless you get an EIO (explained later), and even that isn't much of anything.
What do I need to run HP Tuners?
Well, you need a Windows based computer, at least Windows 98 Second Edition (first edition will not work). Here are the specific requirements:
Minimum
* 350 MHz CPU
* 64 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 98 SE
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)
Recommended
* 650 MHz CPU
* 128 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)
What does HP Tuners cost?
$499 for standard version
$650 for enhanced I/O (EIO) version
What is the difference between Standard and EIO?
- Standard Features
Plugs directly into the OBD diagnostics port under the steering wheel, allows you to completely tune the editable parameters within your ECU. You can even upgrade your OS to a new version (for example, from a 2000 Standard to 2000+ GM S/C). This is done by getting a copy of the OS from somebody else and flashing it by using "Write Entire" to your ECU.
- EIO Features
With our Pro interface, you can use 0-5v signals from various sensors such as EGT, Wide Band, fuel pressure and others for sensor input in our scanner. You will have real time data from those sensors right next to your standard scan tool data such as TPS, RPM, MPH, etc.
Our MPVI Pro interface also has black box data logging built in. What this means is you will be able to scan your vehicle without the use of a laptop using the interfaces record button. You can then take the interface into your home to transfer the log contents from the interface to the computer. This will be available in a software update shortly. If you have an MPVI Pro it will require no hardware modification. Also note that VCM Scanner comes with both interfaces regardless as it is part of our VCM Suite package.
What are the credits thing all about?
Here is an entire FAQ on the credit system. Read this before asking questions.
What J-Bodies do they support?
97-05 Chevy Cavalier LN2, LD9, L61 (2.2/2200/2.4/Eco)
97-05 Pontiac Sunfire LN2, LD9, L61 (2.2/2200/2.4/Eco)
Do I have to decide how to use my credits when I order?
No, you decide when you use them. You can also buy additional credits later on down the line if you need them. When you connect to a new vehicle, it will ask you if you want to license the vehicle, and give you options on how to license it.
How easy is it to use?
Well, lets get one thing clear first. If you screw up by typing in the wrong values, you can blow up your engine, and that IS NOT HPT's fault, its yours. If you don't know ANYTHING about tuning, then you will have to start reading. There will be some FAQ's as soon as I get into it a little deeper, and I'll even be starting a website to help out, but I need some time to work with it myself before giving out tuning advice.
That said, they have a wonderful feature that lets you select the "level" of things you want to see. They have 3 levels, basic, standard, and advanced. These allow you to see more and more values that get deeper into the details of the ECU.
What can I edit with HP Tuners?
Hold on to your hats, this is a long list (from a 2000 LD9 Auto)
Click here for a .JPG list of all editable parameters
Can I buy standard edition now, and upgrade to EIO later?
Sure, but it'll cost you. The upgrade cost is $199 (instead of just $150 more than standard when you buy new). The reason for this is to discourage people buying standard, then later buying the EIO. HPT won't resell used equipment, and even if they did, they would still have to put time and effort into refurbishing it. They will also need to recieve your cable and transfer the licenses over before sending it back to you, this is time and effort on thier part.
What happens if I reformat my computer, do I lose all my licenses?
No, the licenses are stored on the cable, not on your computer. Many tuners install the software on multiple computers (laptop for datalogging/scanning/and downloading, then a desktop for editing). This also means that you cannot borrow a cable from a friend and use it. The cable is locked to YOUR copy of the software.
Can I open/edit/and view other people's HPT files without licensing thier cars?
YES! Somebody can send you thier .hpt file, and you can edit it, view it, but not save it unless you are licensed for that vehicle. You can also get .HPT files from other people and copy the tables of interest out of them, or flash the entire thing if you wanted to (provided your ECU hardware supports it).
Can this tune 2 bar for turbo and s/c applications?
Yes and no. They don't have the support yet, but they will shortly. The support WILL ONLY EXIST FOR THOSE VEHICLES THAT CAN GET THE 2 BAR FLASH FROM THE DEALER. THIS MEANS ONLY THE 2000+ LD9 AND 2003+ ECOTEC WILL BE SUPPORTED. There is no plans, now or in the future, to make a custom OS for the 2.2/2200/pre 2k LD9's. That doesn't mean all is lost. You could fake a 2 bar tune with a 2 bar sensor, and just double the value in each KPA cell in each of the MAP driven tables (for example, 50kpa would now be 100kpa on the axis, you would just need to keep it straight in your head).
Can this tune 3 bar for turbo and s/c applications?
There is no inheriant support planned for 3 bar OS's for any J-Body application. You can fake a 3 bar tune however, just as explained above, only the values would be increased by .3 for each axis for those with the 2 bar tune (100kpa would now be 133 kpa), or times 3 for those who are using a 1 bar tune (100kpa would be 300kpa).
MY DISCLAIMER ABOUT THIS FAQ
If you are too lazy to
go to the hp tuners site or you are too lazy to
read through the hp tuners forums then don't bother posting your questions in this FAQ. Take some initiative and at least try to look things up for yourself.
I will be adding to this as INTELLIGENT questions come along.
4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!
)
