Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5
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From: Irwin PA
Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5
I have read alot of the positive comments on the Bilstein Sports and was wondering if anyone has installed the HD's? I travel in PA alot where the roads aren't very good and am concerned with the Sports being too harsh. I am looking for better ride control, but not a too firm/harsh ride.
Secondly, I was about to buy the Predator and have read some of the not so good comments on them here. Does anyone have any comments on the Hypertech Power Programmer? How easy to install/remove? How many HP can you achieve with basically a stock set up?
This site is awesome and I do have the bug. Starting slow but it seems you can do just about anything :chevy
Secondly, I was about to buy the Predator and have read some of the not so good comments on them here. Does anyone have any comments on the Hypertech Power Programmer? How easy to install/remove? How many HP can you achieve with basically a stock set up?
This site is awesome and I do have the bug. Starting slow but it seems you can do just about anything :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
If you have a MN6, I would suggest you go with Predator or better yet LS1 Edit. True, you can get in less trouble with a handheld programmer but you cannot beat the versatility of LS1 Edit. If you have an A4, go for the hypertech, especially since you can get a used on on the Forum for $150-200.00. Changing shiftpoints and fan settings make it worth it, until you can afford to go with more serious programming capabilities, which become more important as your mods become more serious (ie heads and cam, headers, gear changes, etc).
As for the Bilsteins, go for the Sports, I have them now and upgraded from Z06 shocks. They offer a firm ride, although not harsh, and awesome handling. BTW, I also have a hypertech on my 98 and am happy with it for what it cost me $185.00 on the Forum. If it does not flash in my 3.42 upgrade, then I will go with LS1 Edit.
Good luck :cheers:
As for the Bilsteins, go for the Sports, I have them now and upgraded from Z06 shocks. They offer a firm ride, although not harsh, and awesome handling. BTW, I also have a hypertech on my 98 and am happy with it for what it cost me $185.00 on the Forum. If it does not flash in my 3.42 upgrade, then I will go with LS1 Edit.
Good luck :cheers:
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From: Irwin PA
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (batsallover)
Thanks. I have heard alot of good things about the Sports. I have not heard from anyone who has installed the HD's. I'm curious about the difference.
Concerning the Predator, I was ready to buy then read some not good things. Can you tell me more about LS1 Edit? I'm a novice when it comes to programming cars so I'd want some standard programs.
Finally, should I upgrade my sway bars too? Can I do this myself or is this more complicated than unbolting old ones and bolting on new ones? Do I need any special tools?
Thanks again. This site is awesome.
Concerning the Predator, I was ready to buy then read some not good things. Can you tell me more about LS1 Edit? I'm a novice when it comes to programming cars so I'd want some standard programs.
Finally, should I upgrade my sway bars too? Can I do this myself or is this more complicated than unbolting old ones and bolting on new ones? Do I need any special tools?
Thanks again. This site is awesome.
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From: Irwin PA
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
Also, does anyone know about the Jet Power Programmer or other similar Power Control Module Programmers? It seems that everyone here recommends the Predator for simple mods, and LS1 Edit for the more serious mods.
My mods currently include a LS6 Airbox, K&N filter, SLP MAF, Powerduct and TB bypass. I'm planning an intake manifold (LS6 or FAST), cat-back exhaust, a 172 or 175 or 180 degree T-stat, and possible a ported TB. I'd want the programmer to optimize these upgrades.
THanks.
My mods currently include a LS6 Airbox, K&N filter, SLP MAF, Powerduct and TB bypass. I'm planning an intake manifold (LS6 or FAST), cat-back exhaust, a 172 or 175 or 180 degree T-stat, and possible a ported TB. I'd want the programmer to optimize these upgrades.
THanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
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From: Swansea IL
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
The Bilstein's are great but mated to the GY's your car will ride like a truck. With a softer sidewall tire the Bilstein's are fantastic. That's my next mod.
Good luck
Tom
Good luck
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
Can you tell me more about LS1 Edit? I'm a novice when it comes to programming cars so I'd want some standard programs.
Finally, should I upgrade my sway bars too? Can I do this myself or is this more complicated than unbolting old ones and bolting on new ones? Do I need any special tools?
Finally, should I upgrade my sway bars too? Can I do this myself or is this more complicated than unbolting old ones and bolting on new ones? Do I need any special tools?
www.carputing.com
They have tons of information there and links to different sites where LS1Edit users get together. :thumbs:
Now as for upgrading sways, definitely do it because the cost of upgrading to Z51 or Z06 bars are minimal (less than $300.00) and installation can be done in your garage with regular handtools. If you really want to complete the package, look into upgrading to Z51 or Z06 springs as well. :yesnod:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,090
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From: Indianapolis Indiana
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
I bought a 2000 that already had a Hypertech programmer. I just changed it back to stock yesterday and then reprogrammed it as I didn't like some of the settings the previous owner had. It was easy to do.
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From: Irwin PA
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (batsallover)
Thanks. I take it that I should forget about Jet and the other Power Control Modules and just go with either Predator/LS1 Edit. At least i'm down to these two. I'll have to look at LS1 Edit more. Thanks for the link.
Also, my garage would be floor jacks and jack stands. Just to make sure that the sways can really be done in my garage???
Thanks for the great feedback.
Anyone know anything about the Bilstein HD's?
Ed
Also, my garage would be floor jacks and jack stands. Just to make sure that the sways can really be done in my garage???
Thanks for the great feedback.
Anyone know anything about the Bilstein HD's?
Ed
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
Also, my garage would be floor jacks and jack stands. Just to make sure that the sways can really be done in my garage???
Ed
Ed
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From: Irwin PA
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (batsallover)
Thanks. Any recommendation on where to get the Z51/Z06 sway bars? I see Hotchkis offered alot but don't know if I need to go to that extreme since I don't have any plans to replace the springs.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 164
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From: Washington DC
Re: Bilstein HD's and Hypertech Power Programmer - 99C5 (EMILLE3)
Call Fichtner Chevrolet. They are a CF sponsor and give you awesome service and prices on GM stuff. I bought mine from them a couple weeks ago for well under $300. Tell them you are a member.
:cheers:
:cheers: