I have a Hypertech on my 5.2 (same model tuner) and it's just a can tune that really doesn't do much except override the deathflash (which is why I got it years ago, before SCT was even around.) I have it on the 87 tune and have to usually run 89 or I get some ping. I keep it very clean with Seafoam, Techron, Lucas, and frequently changing plugs. The best plugs were Champion Truckplugs but they discontinued them (boooo!) Also, if I can get away with 87, power and mileage go up. Running 89 is like towing a trailer. It burns slower thus I need more pedal to do the same amount of work. At some point with my last set of Truckplugs, it stopped pinging and ran for 4 years without it. When they were over .05 gap, I had to replace them with stock style plugs and power went down the toilet. Started pinging again and tried Autolite 3923s and mileage went down. I can't win.

 

It's a simple gear change to fix that. The gears run about 30 bucks though...... WITTrans.com has 'em. As does the PATC website.

 

I did feel a bit of a difference on my 01 5.9l 1500 Off Road edition, id say between 14-19hp gain. As i added different stuff to the truck throughout the years, like Cat delete & flowmaster, Headers, Hughes Intake, and Cold air intake. I can say i been feeling a difference in gain on every upgrade. In the next couple months, i want to add the 4 Hole injectors, Dual Electric fan, Y pipe dual exhaust, and possibly Harland 1.7 rockers. With now just hitting 140k i wont be able to really tell how much HP ive gained on upgrades.

Anyways, Im wondering if the SCT tunner would be way better, or just not much of a difference? Any suggestions on upgrades without cams, tearing down the motor or forced induction? lol

 

Biggest thing SCT does, it do away with torque management....... I have no idea what the HT does.

 

I can change octane level 87, 89, and 91
RPM limit + or -
Speedo setting for larger or smaller tires
max speed, which i dont get or notice.

 

Yeah, but, what did they do to the tune itself? Is it just remapped timing tables? Did they do anything with shift points? Or trans pressures? And what about torque management?

I seem to recall, some time ago..... another guy changed his HT for the SCT, and liked the difference.... Keep the HT for the features the SCT doesn't have. (namely, tire size correction.... don't know if the new version does that trick or not.)

 

what exactly does doing away with the torque management do? i know it tc locks up over 50 but what would changing that do

 

Torque management retards spark at lower engine rpm, to 'reduce ping', supposedly. It also has the primary effect of reducing engine power....... getting rid of it is a pretty good kick in the pants out of the hole.

Although, I am not sure just invasive it was on the older trucks. I think it was more pronounced on the 98 and up engines.

 

ya idk it just seems like my truck is most comfortable driving about 55. But i think my suspension is too blame mostly.

 

torque management also makes upshifts lighter, and smoother to save the transmission.

this other "tuner" the guy was speaking of was probably someone known as flyinryan. google him, hes seems to be the go-to guy in the dakota world...