I just ordered a Hypertech Power Programmer III from a forum member and a 160 stat from a forum vendor (COH). They should be here anyday.

Last night, I was thumbing through the latest "Corvette Central" catalog and saw their listing for the Power Programmer. (at almost twice what I paid for mine :D) But what concerned me was at the bottom of the add it said "For use with stock MAF".

My '98 A4 has a GMS MAF sensor. Is this going to be a problem with the PPIII?? Why?

Thanks,
Dave

 

I have this set up and have no problems but some have reported detonation. Youll just have to install it and see. If you get problems you can set the hypertech to not have its power tuning installed and it should run fine or you could have the power tuning installed and send the gms back all the while of stiill being able to adjust your shift points, firmness and rev limiter. Good luck.

 

Call Hypertech, I believe they told me last year that it WASN'T compatible

 

From the Hypertech website...

Crap!!! Now I've got that to worry about!!! :mad

 

And this!!!

 

The problem is not with the HPP, but with the accuracy of the airflow reported by the MAF and the IAT sensors to the PCM... Things like ported MAF's and MAF ends upset the calibration of the MAF, meaning that more air is passing through the MAF than is measured and reported. This causes a lean condition which the HPP cannot accomodate... Also, some GMS MAF's are intentionally calibrated 5% rich and may upset the A/F ratio expected by the HPP... My recommendation is to use the stock MAF or one that is very accurately calibrated. I am using the 85mm Pace MAF in conjunction with the HPP-III power programming... I picked up 3 mph with this combination...
:D :D :D I also use a MAFT and Autotap to nail the A/F ratio...
Shirl

 

I'm more concerned about this. I mean, I see used Power Programmers for sale ALL THE TIME here and on Ebay. Can they or can they not be reused on a different car???

 

The HPPIII marries itself to the first vehicle only until you return that first vehicle to stock with the programmer. At that time, it may then be used on another similar vehicle of the same model and year. If one is bought used, it must be ensured that the last vehicle it was used on was returned to stock with THAT programmer. It will then work on the next vehicle.
When you program a PCM with the HPP III, it downloads and save your stock settings. This way, when you wish to return to stock, the original settings are reloaded right back into your car.
I also have read on several forums that the power programming will not work with an aftermarket MAF. What you have said confirms that.
I have a Hypertech and plan on fully exploring it, including power programming in the spring. I have fooled arounds with several other adjustments such as shift points, firmness, fan turn-on temps, etc., and it works great! The part I love about it is by dialing in a couple of mph (do the calcs of rpm vs mph first!) I was able to eliminate that 30-35 mph and 70-75 mph habit of the transmission not always downshifting as far as at other times when going to WOT. Just stay around or slightly under the 6000 rpm redline (although the rev limiter is adjustable, also).
If you want to share some data and settings info, drop me an e-mail. I'd like to hear about your experiences and will fill you in on mine (when my car comes out of storage in about a month, or so). It could be beneficial to both of us. I've also contacted Hypertech several times with questions. They're good people and readily give you answers.
There's a far amount of misinformation on the forums about Hypertech...things like "shift firmness settings don't affect WOT shifting". When I saw that, it made no sense. Why would it adjust part-throttle shifting firmness only? It sure seemed to affect WOT shifting on my car, so I called Hypertech and confirmed that it indeed does. What people don't seem to realize is that when they are told that the C5 firmness is at 100% at WOT, that is STOCK 100% firmness. The HPP III boosts firmness above that by a nominal amount in four increments.
Anyway, the HPP III is a good unit. I think you're going to really like and enjoy it! :cheers:
Ed

 

C5XTASY,

Thanks for that info. I just emailed the guy I bought it from and asked him if he returned his to stock programming. I'm waiting for the answer.

He told me he sold his '98 and got a '00 which is why he was selling the PP. Which means he no longer has his '98, which means I'M SCREWED if he didn't restore the programming!! (It's my own fault for not finding all this out first!)

Could the unit be sent back to Hypertech for reprogramming if necessary? Man, I'm going to be seriously bummed if this thing won't work!!!

Dave

 

Got an email from the seller. Stated he can't remember if he reprogrammed or not. I suspect this means he probably didn't. Looks like I'm screwed. Got my 160 stat today too!! :(

Anybody know if Hypertech can reprogram the PP??

Dave :cry

 

Dave, I believe you're right. He probably didn't reprogram back to stock. I believe Hypertech will reprogram your unit, but I believe I read somewhere where they get about $200. I don't know if that is true or not. Here's their number: 901-382-8888. Give them a call, they're decent people to talk to.
Other options would be:
1) Tell him you tried the unit, it wouldn't work and you contacted Hypertech to find out why and they explained the problem. Then, see if he knows where the '98 is, ask him to return it to stock and then return the unit to you. If he cannot do this, ask for your money back.
2) Just ask for your money back and send him the Hyoertech.
Who knows? He may be an honest man. It'll be an integrity check for him.
You may as well try, because without returning the original car to stock, the Hypertech will not work on the next car. Good luck!
Ed

 

Ed, thanks for the info. I called Hypertech and they confirmed everything that's been said here...

1. The original vehicle must be restored to stock programming before the PP will work with a different vehicle.

2. They can reprogram the PP for a cost of $200

3. The PP is NOT compatible with an aftermarket MAF, HOWEVER, some people have used them in conjunction with GMS MAFS with no problems. Its just luck of the draw.

My PP should be arriving here Monday. I suppose I'll do the following..

1. Try it first to confirm whether it will or will not work.

2. If it doesn't work, I will contact the seller and ask for either
A) A full refund in exchange for the PP or
B) A 50% refund and have the PP reprogrammed by Hypertech.

3. If the seller refuses a refund, I guess I'll be stuck with it and have no choice but to send to Hypertech for reprogramming. If that happens, I'll have ended up paying about $60-$75 MORE than a new one would have cost!

I don't really blame the seller because its as much my fault as his. I should have found this out BEFORE buying. However, now that we both know, I believe that the right thing to do would be a refund. Does anyone agree or disagree?

Thanks,
Dave