Programmer Ideas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Refineryville Texas
Programmer Ideas
I have a 98 C5 Vert Auto , stock with a K&N filter. I want a programmer that with boost performance and I would like to install it myself. Maybe 
My local Vette tuner shop uses a company out of Louisiana that I have not heard of before that writes a program based on the VIN#.
They promise an increase of 45 RWHP with this package for $400 bucks.
My question is what are my other options?
Any ideas are welcome. Your thoughts?
My local Vette tuner shop uses a company out of Louisiana that I have not heard of before that writes a program based on the VIN#.
They promise an increase of 45 RWHP with this package for $400 bucks.
My question is what are my other options?
Any ideas are welcome. Your thoughts?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
If it's Thunder they're using, you're in good hands. I doubt you'll see 45 rwhp. Thunder will want more info than your VIN though. A VIN is not very indicative of any physical modifications you've made.
OTOH, If you want to do your own tuning you should look at EFILive (my preference) and HPTuners. Either are overkill for your immediate needs but have about as much grow room as you need (unless you're thinking FI.)
Thunder will want more info than your VIN though. A VIN is not very indicative of any physical modifications you've made.OTOH, If you want to do your own tuning you should look at EFILive (my preference) and HPTuners. Either are overkill for your immediate needs but have about as much grow room as you need (unless you're thinking FI.)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Refineryville Texas
The tuner the local shop uses is out of Louisiana and is SFC Super Tuner. Has anyone ever heard of that? They do not have a Dyno but say they can deliver 45 to 100 rwhp to what I have now. On a bone stock 98 C5 Vet Auto. Yes, I know that sounds too good to be true,but your thoughts are welcomed.
They want $490 to do the job.
Also Topless Texan, that photo on your avatar needs to be larger, it did catch my attention
, is there a car in that photo?
Dan in TEXAS
Texas, where half the people can't speak english and un-insured motorist insurance is a must have.
They want $490 to do the job.
Also Topless Texan, that photo on your avatar needs to be larger, it did catch my attention
, is there a car in that photo?Dan in TEXAS
Texas, where half the people can't speak english and un-insured motorist insurance is a must have.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
I guess my thinking is that anybody making such a claim isn't worth the hassle of messing with. Who in their right mind would claim up to 100 rwhp from a tune on a stock LS1?
Avatars are supposed to be very small.
Avatars are supposed to be very small.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Tampa fl
Originally Posted by ToplessTexan
I guess my thinking is that anybody making such a claim isn't worth the hassle of messing with. Who in their right mind would claim up to 100 rwhp from a tune on a stock LS1?
Avatars are supposed to be very small.
Avatars are supposed to be very small.
And....a bigger pic of that avatar is a great idea!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fl
I wouldn't pay someone $400 for a tune. They are promising WAY too much gain and don't have a dyno to prove anything. If you want a tuner, a predator is around $300-$350. Its base tune may get you 10 or 15 hp if you are lucky. It will help shifting if it is an auto though. If you want to get deeper into it, there is hptuner, ls1edit and others. This just sounds like somewhat of a scam.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Originally Posted by MassaRusty
I wouldn't pay someone $400 for a tune. They are promising WAY too much gain and don't have a dyno to prove anything. If you want a tuner, a predator is around $300-$350. Its base tune may get you 10 or 15 hp if you are lucky. It will help shifting if it is an auto though. If you want to get deeper into it, there is hptuner, ls1edit and others. This just sounds like somewhat of a scam.
He has a 98 C5. Diablo doesn't make a Predator for the 97 to 98 cars.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 356
From: Northville, MI
The best way to answer you questions are to look at what mods (if any) you have or plan on doing.
Mostly stock--scan/log tune is the only way to go....you probably will never run 4th gear to red line.
Mid mods---headers/Cold air, etc...same as above...unless it is a drag race/bracket car, then do a dyno tune as well.
NOS/Turbo/SC---dyno tune then log/scan for mid range
Since most of us just want increased performance, the scan tune will develop the mid range torque and HP you are really looking for.
Forced Inductions---dyno necessary to get good/safe air-fuel ratio's but if you are running more than 5 lbs of boost then you better be forged or expect #7 to self destruct.
Beware of High HP tuners...they make you a dyno queen, but 6 months down the road, the engine grenades...happens to often.
Mostly stock--scan/log tune is the only way to go....you probably will never run 4th gear to red line.
Mid mods---headers/Cold air, etc...same as above...unless it is a drag race/bracket car, then do a dyno tune as well.
NOS/Turbo/SC---dyno tune then log/scan for mid range
Since most of us just want increased performance, the scan tune will develop the mid range torque and HP you are really looking for.
Forced Inductions---dyno necessary to get good/safe air-fuel ratio's but if you are running more than 5 lbs of boost then you better be forged or expect #7 to self destruct.
Beware of High HP tuners...they make you a dyno queen, but 6 months down the road, the engine grenades...happens to often.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 15,194
Likes: 1,004
From: BOOMER SOONER
Originally Posted by MassaRusty
I wouldn't pay someone $400 for a tune. They are promising WAY too much gain and don't have a dyno to prove anything. If you want a tuner, a predator is around $300-$350. Its base tune may get you 10 or 15 hp if you are lucky. It will help shifting if it is an auto though. If you want to get deeper into it, there is hptuner, ls1edit and others. This just sounds like somewhat of a scam.
