Programmer/Tuner for v6

[89Firebird2.8]

Does anybody make a programmer/tuner/chip for the 2.8l MPFI?

[Morley]

Its really not worth it for that engine, sorry. 99% of the chips are junk anyway.

[Savage Messiah]

megasquirt.

[Salemetro]

I agree....Megasquirt. But I guess it all depends on how much work you feel like putting into a 2.8 vehicle. The gains would be small. But hey, it would be usefull learning for future vehicles/applications. If you're up to it, I say go for it!

[Savage Messiah]

I dunno about that, depends on how the megasquirt interface is compared to say HPTuners...

[Salemetro]

So, while we're on the subject of ecu tuning:

I'm really debating on which tuner interface/software to use. I REALLY want maintain the use of my stock ECU, so it looks like either Digital Horespower's setup or HP Tuners. Can any one here tell me the main differences (other than manufacturer) betweeen HP Tuner and DHP?? I really want to be able to spend a good deal of time tuning my car, but it looks like HP tuners might have some kind of limit on how many times you can use the interface/software. What's the deal with "credits" anyway? Maybe I'm just not understanding what they are offering? Also...any idea's or thoughts on which of the two might have the most user-friendly interface?

[Morley]

Originally Posted by Salemetro

So, while we're on the subject of ecu tuning:

I'm really debating on which tuner interface/software to use.

What year make and model of vehicle are we talking about here? Also what engine?

[Salemetro]

Sorry, I forgot to mention. 1996 3.8 bird, I have a 97 S/C Bonneville ECU sitting on the shelf to use (I read somewhere that it is a direct fit, with enhanced options). I am getting the heads back at the end of the month from being re-done (port/polish, bigger valves, springs, etc.), and am turbocharging as well. That a general overview of what I'm doing.

[Morley]

Originally Posted by Salemetro

Sorry, I forgot to mention. 1996 3.8 bird, I have a 97 S/C Bonneville ECU .

OBD II, mucho $$$$$ for programming. The software is outrageously expensive and they hit you up for more money each time you want to add a vehicle to the software.

[Salemetro]

$650 for full "editability" of this ecu does not seem too expensive to me, especially when compared to stand-alone units (other than mega-squirt). In addition, since it's the factory ecu and wiring, hookup headaches is one thing I won't have to contend with. My question is more directed towards people that have actually USED HP Tuner, or DHP....and what likes/dislikes they might have about their particular tuner interface platform. In other words, what made them choose the product that they are using?

Thanks.

[Morley]

Compared to OBD I editing programs (got one for free) that $650 os astronomically expensive.
I think you'll find that most people chose their editing software based on price and avialability (wern't too many out there to begin with) and on vehicle support. None of the editors I've seen offer a fully functional free trial, so once you paid for it you either learned to use it or kicked yourself for dumping that kind of money on something you don't/can't use.
That being said, about the best F body editors out there for OBD II would be LT! edit or LS1 edit (depending on your engine).

[Salemetro]

Originally Posted by Morley

Compared to OBD I editing programs (got one for free) that $650 os astronomically expensive. That being said, about the best F body editors out there for OBD II would be LT! edit or LS1 edit (depending on your engine).

To the best of my knowlege, neither one of those editors will work on the series II v6. Again, $650 for an OBDII editor (if it does what I want) is not all that bad. I have at least 3 vehicles currently lined up that the owners are willing to split overall costs with me I'm hoping to hear from people with the v6 vehicles that have used editors on them. I know that it's probably a small group of people, but I'm really hoping to hear what they liked or disliked about the editors they have used on thier vehicles.

Thanks.