Hands-On with Hypertech
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Hands-On with Hypertech
Finally got my new Hypertech Power Programmer from my local speed shop and installed it in my '03 QC Hemi last night. I wanted to describe the process of installing it, the programming itself, and the results I found.
First of all, the thing is pretty expensive. I talked the manager down to $379, but it's sometimes listed as high as $399 or more.
It comes packaged in a box with the programmer itself, the data cable, a user manual, and a couple of stickers. The directions are very easy to follow, but you almost don't even need them because the programmer walks you through the process on-screen.
You start off by plugging in the programmer and turning on your ignition. The programmer comes up, it reads your truck's info, then you start selecting your options. This is nice, because here is where you can choose which octane setting to use and whether you want firmer shifts. I chose the 93 octane setting (the only other option is 87 octane) with firmer shifts. After a few cycles of turning the ognition back off then back on again (all guided on-screen) the thing will erase the current code, then program in the new with the settings you chose. The whole deal takes about 15-20 minutes. The Hemi gets programmed in two stages, actually.
Next you just disconnect the thing and start 'er up. You won't notice any changes with "regular" driving, no matter what settings you chose. But, when you get on a nice, lonely street, onramp, or otherwise cop-free straightaway, and romp on it, you will feel the difference. The firmer shifting is a subtle, yet noticeable change. It doesn't cause the trans to lurch or anything, but the "slushiness" of the shifting is eliminated, so it feels like the shifting takes place quicker (though not at different RPM's -- that's unaffected). Power is improved, I'm happy to say. You should NOT expect to feel like you've gone on the bottle now or anything. The power added is relatively minor, since the Hemi already is a healthy powerplant, but now the thing feels like it's been woken up a little bit. I would guess you might see a half-second less on 1/4 mile times, possibly even less depending on if you also have better than stock intake, exhaust, etc. I run with Airraid cold air intake and Magnaflow cat-back duals.
I'm happy with it so far, and I believe my performance will continue to get a little better as I get more and more of the 89 octane gas outta there. New plugs are going in in less than 10K miles, also, and I may be looking to improve on the Airraid's tubing, so there's more potential there. Overall a good investment especially if you have realistic expectations.
One final note: the Hypertech does NOT include the option to reprogram the speedo, odometer, etc for larger than stock tire diameters on the '03 Hemi, but exactly why I'm not sure.
So that's it, hope this helps anyone else considering one. Any questions just let me know.
First of all, the thing is pretty expensive. I talked the manager down to $379, but it's sometimes listed as high as $399 or more.
It comes packaged in a box with the programmer itself, the data cable, a user manual, and a couple of stickers. The directions are very easy to follow, but you almost don't even need them because the programmer walks you through the process on-screen.
You start off by plugging in the programmer and turning on your ignition. The programmer comes up, it reads your truck's info, then you start selecting your options. This is nice, because here is where you can choose which octane setting to use and whether you want firmer shifts. I chose the 93 octane setting (the only other option is 87 octane) with firmer shifts. After a few cycles of turning the ognition back off then back on again (all guided on-screen) the thing will erase the current code, then program in the new with the settings you chose. The whole deal takes about 15-20 minutes. The Hemi gets programmed in two stages, actually.
Next you just disconnect the thing and start 'er up. You won't notice any changes with "regular" driving, no matter what settings you chose. But, when you get on a nice, lonely street, onramp, or otherwise cop-free straightaway, and romp on it, you will feel the difference. The firmer shifting is a subtle, yet noticeable change. It doesn't cause the trans to lurch or anything, but the "slushiness" of the shifting is eliminated, so it feels like the shifting takes place quicker (though not at different RPM's -- that's unaffected). Power is improved, I'm happy to say. You should NOT expect to feel like you've gone on the bottle now or anything. The power added is relatively minor, since the Hemi already is a healthy powerplant, but now the thing feels like it's been woken up a little bit. I would guess you might see a half-second less on 1/4 mile times, possibly even less depending on if you also have better than stock intake, exhaust, etc. I run with Airraid cold air intake and Magnaflow cat-back duals.
I'm happy with it so far, and I believe my performance will continue to get a little better as I get more and more of the 89 octane gas outta there. New plugs are going in in less than 10K miles, also, and I may be looking to improve on the Airraid's tubing, so there's more potential there. Overall a good investment especially if you have realistic expectations.
One final note: the Hypertech does NOT include the option to reprogram the speedo, odometer, etc for larger than stock tire diameters on the '03 Hemi, but exactly why I'm not sure.
So that's it, hope this helps anyone else considering one. Any questions just let me know.
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RE: Hands-On with Hypertech
Chris...thanks for the info...I'm not sold yet but my truck is just over 3000 miles...my mods so far is just a MOPAR CAI dont feel much in the extra power but the thing improved my miledge almost 1mpg no joke honest to God.
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RE: Hands-On with Hypertech
SP the lack of spedo reprogramming ... is that just on an 03?
Anyone have experience with the "Hyperpac"?
http://demonauto.com/shop/customer/p...at=1896&page=1
Supposedly you can mess with the:
• The RPM rev limiter.
• The transmission's shift points and shift firmness.
• The electric cooling fan on/off temperatures (for cooler thermostats.
• The speedometer and odometer to correct (as required by Federal Law) for non-stock tire sizes and/or gear ratios.
• The vehicle's top speed limiter to match the speed rating of high performance tires
Just wondering if anyone can confirm all that.
Anyone have experience with the "Hyperpac"?
http://demonauto.com/shop/customer/p...at=1896&page=1
Supposedly you can mess with the:
• The RPM rev limiter.
• The transmission's shift points and shift firmness.
• The electric cooling fan on/off temperatures (for cooler thermostats.
• The speedometer and odometer to correct (as required by Federal Law) for non-stock tire sizes and/or gear ratios.
• The vehicle's top speed limiter to match the speed rating of high performance tires
Just wondering if anyone can confirm all that.
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RE: Hands-On with Hypertech
The manual doesn't say whether it will support reprogramming for larger diameter tires on an '04 (the '03 and '04 use the same Hypertech programmer), so I don't know.
It does have the ability to raise the top speed and RPM limiter, though. I felt no need to mess with that.
It does have the ability to raise the top speed and RPM limiter, though. I felt no need to mess with that.
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RE: Hands-On with Hypertech
No, sorry guys, I don't have access to a dyno machine in my area, but look at the following link where you can download Hypertech's own dyno charts. Based on my results, I'd say they're pretty accurate, and not just marketing hype.
http://www.hypertech.com/dynocharts.html
http://www.hypertech.com/dynocharts.html