Hi all, I have an 01 coupe with intake and exhaust mods. I want to get a programmer for it, but is it worth it?

I have used a hypertech programmer on a 99 Silverado p/u with little effect and a Duramax diesel with dramatic improvements in HP.

Any thoughts about the Hypertech or the Predator???

 

I've got the Predator tune on my '99 coupe, and like it. Couple of things - first, the cooling fans kick in earlier, so the temp hasn't gone about 200 or so since installed, vs. 220-230 previously.

My car is the A4, which seems to get the most benefit. Shifts are firmer, and torque management is reduce (the engine is allowed to do more of what it was designed to do).

SOTP was noticeable. I've got Flowmaster catback system and Vararam induction, MSD ignition upgrades, and the Predator.

Add the Tech II interrogation capability, and the price was a bargain. The performance benefits won't be as noticeable as a custom tune, but it's a good intermediate step, and suits this old guy pretty well.

The car will light up the tires on 1-2 every time, and 2-3 on pavement that doesn't have a lot of aggregate showing, which is the best anecdotal measure I can give you. I try to stay out of it, as the trans probably will last longer without me playing boy racer all the time. But it feels more solid than my 428CJ GT500, and that was a serious kick.

Oh, and the mileage seems to have improved at cruise. Under hard acceleration is another story, but at 55-75 MPH on cruise control, I'm seeing up to a 3 MPG gain (though about 1.2 is more typical). Some of that is bound to be the better breathing, but running cooler can't hurt.

And you're in my part of the world - it gets hot there in Lake County in the summer

 

No, but a good tuner does

 

A Dyno tune will aleays be the best! But you will feel a difference in the response and you can change a few settings to improve the performance.

If you can get one used that would be the best way to go! I like mine in my '98 did a world of a difference much crisper and better response all around!

Thanks,Matt

 

Personally - I have no experience with them - they don't work on 98's. But most of my friends have used them, and the one thing that makes the most difference is to have someone experieced dyno-tune the car and store that tune in your Predator. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable, and have a way of measuring air/fuel ratios, etc - you can only turn on the high speed fans sooner, change the shift points and pressures on an A4, raise the limit on torque management, etc. To get the most for your dollar - have someone who is an expert tune it on a dyno. IMHO - of course.

 

CONTRAIR MOONFRAIR! They do work on '98's and 97's it is that they are limited to using the Hypertech tuner!

Still Dyno tune will be the best way to go! But on my '98 I have really enjoyed the Hypertech tuner I got and it made a big difference at that!

Thanks,Matt

 

I know most people say they are a waste of money, but I have a hypertech and you can CLEARLLLLY feel the difference from just the stock A4. I was VERRRRY suprised by the increase in performance!!

 

Here! Here! Let's drink!

Thanks,Matt

 

Thank you all for your comments. I'll keep watching the for sale forum.

 

I have one on my 98 and I could not tell any difference after about a month, so I set it back to normal and the first time i drove the car at WOT, it feel weak. I put back in and felt a nice difference. So, they do work, it's just hard to tell until you get used to it and remove it. stange, but true...

 

 

I had my pcm tunned which is supposed to be better than a hand held and felt no difference. My air intake was a better mod. I learned a lesson. If you want to mod, dont waste your money on the little(10hp) mods. You are better off spending a little more $$ on gears or headers and you will be much happier.

 

Uh huh......surprised by the 1-2 shift as I was trying to steer it straight down the road!!