The HP Tuners FAQ - Tuning Forum

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The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 1:33 PM
Here you go guys, because I and other members are SICK AND TIRED of answering the SAME DAMN THING over and over again...

What is HP Tuners?
HP Tuners is an ECU tuning device. It allows you to connect to the ECU through the OBD diagnostic port underneath your steering wheel and edit the values and tables inside your ECU (also more commonly called a VCM by the HPT crew), and basically tune your car to the mods that you have. There is NO WIRING INVOLVED, unless you get an EIO (explained later), and even that isn't much of anything.

What do I need to run HP Tuners?
Well, you need a Windows based computer, at least Windows 98 Second Edition (first edition will not work). Here are the specific requirements:

Minimum
* 350 MHz CPU
* 64 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 98 SE
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)

Recommended
* 650 MHz CPU
* 128 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)

What does HP Tuners cost?
$499 for standard version
$650 for enhanced I/O (EIO) version

What is the difference between Standard and EIO?

- Standard Features
Plugs directly into the OBD diagnostics port under the steering wheel, allows you to completely tune the editable parameters within your ECU. You can even upgrade your OS to a new version (for example, from a 2000 Standard to 2000+ GM S/C). This is done by getting a copy of the OS from somebody else and flashing it by using "Write Entire" to your ECU.

- EIO Features
With our Pro interface, you can use 0-5v signals from various sensors such as EGT, Wide Band, fuel pressure and others for sensor input in our scanner. You will have real time data from those sensors right next to your standard scan tool data such as TPS, RPM, MPH, etc.

Our MPVI Pro interface also has black box data logging built in. What this means is you will be able to scan your vehicle without the use of a laptop using the interfaces record button. You can then take the interface into your home to transfer the log contents from the interface to the computer. This will be available in a software update shortly. If you have an MPVI Pro it will require no hardware modification. Also note that VCM Scanner comes with both interfaces regardless as it is part of our VCM Suite package.

What are the credits thing all about?
Here is an entire FAQ on the credit system. Read this before asking questions.

What J-Bodies do they support?
97-05 Chevy Cavalier LN2, LD9, L61 (2.2/2200/2.4/Eco)
97-05 Pontiac Sunfire LN2, LD9, L61 (2.2/2200/2.4/Eco)

Do I have to decide how to use my credits when I order?
No, you decide when you use them. You can also buy additional credits later on down the line if you need them. When you connect to a new vehicle, it will ask you if you want to license the vehicle, and give you options on how to license it.

How easy is it to use?
Well, lets get one thing clear first. If you screw up by typing in the wrong values, you can blow up your engine, and that IS NOT HPT's fault, its yours. If you don't know ANYTHING about tuning, then you will have to start reading. There will be some FAQ's as soon as I get into it a little deeper, and I'll even be starting a website to help out, but I need some time to work with it myself before giving out tuning advice.

That said, they have a wonderful feature that lets you select the "level" of things you want to see. They have 3 levels, basic, standard, and advanced. These allow you to see more and more values that get deeper into the details of the ECU.

What can I edit with HP Tuners?
Hold on to your hats, this is a long list (from a 2000 LD9 Auto)

Click here for a .JPG list of all editable parameters

Can I buy standard edition now, and upgrade to EIO later?
Sure, but it'll cost you. The upgrade cost is $199 (instead of just $150 more than standard when you buy new). The reason for this is to discourage people buying standard, then later buying the EIO. HPT won't resell used equipment, and even if they did, they would still have to put time and effort into refurbishing it. They will also need to recieve your cable and transfer the licenses over before sending it back to you, this is time and effort on thier part.

What happens if I reformat my computer, do I lose all my licenses?
No, the licenses are stored on the cable, not on your computer. Many tuners install the software on multiple computers (laptop for datalogging/scanning/and downloading, then a desktop for editing). This also means that you cannot borrow a cable from a friend and use it. The cable is locked to YOUR copy of the software.

Can I open/edit/and view other people's HPT files without licensing thier cars?
YES! Somebody can send you thier .hpt file, and you can edit it, view it, but not save it unless you are licensed for that vehicle. You can also get .HPT files from other people and copy the tables of interest out of them, or flash the entire thing if you wanted to (provided your ECU hardware supports it).

Can this tune 2 bar for turbo and s/c applications?
Yes and no. They don't have the support yet, but they will shortly. The support WILL ONLY EXIST FOR THOSE VEHICLES THAT CAN GET THE 2 BAR FLASH FROM THE DEALER. THIS MEANS ONLY THE 2000+ LD9 AND 2003+ ECOTEC WILL BE SUPPORTED. There is no plans, now or in the future, to make a custom OS for the 2.2/2200/pre 2k LD9's. That doesn't mean all is lost. You could fake a 2 bar tune with a 2 bar sensor, and just double the value in each KPA cell in each of the MAP driven tables (for example, 50kpa would now be 100kpa on the axis, you would just need to keep it straight in your head).

Can this tune 3 bar for turbo and s/c applications?
There is no inheriant support planned for 3 bar OS's for any J-Body application. You can fake a 3 bar tune however, just as explained above, only the values would be increased by .3 for each axis for those with the 2 bar tune (100kpa would now be 133 kpa), or times 3 for those who are using a 1 bar tune (100kpa would be 300kpa).

MY DISCLAIMER ABOUT THIS FAQ
If you are too lazy to go to the hp tuners site or you are too lazy to read through the hp tuners forums then don't bother posting your questions in this FAQ. Take some initiative and at least try to look things up for yourself.

I will be adding to this as INTELLIGENT questions come along.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!


Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 1:39 PM
Nice, thanks man... Sticky icky icky!!!











~2014 New Z under the knife, same heart different body~
______________________
WHITECAVY no more
2012 numbers - 4SPD AUTOMATIC!!
328 HP
306 TQ
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 1:41 PM
thank you



Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 2:49 PM
personally, I think Dave should start a whole new forum for this. with all of the editable features in this software, plus people wanting to share their HPT files, a million people are going to ask a million questions. this is going to FLOOD the boost and performance forums as it is.
create a new "tuning" forum, and make this a sticky at the top.


Desert Tuners

“When you come across a big kettle of crazy, it’s best not to stir it.”


Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 2:52 PM
Just a couple of clarifications:

You can view other peoples files using any copy of our software regardless if you are licensed for that vehicle. However, you cannot save the files unless you have a valid license for that vehicle or vehicle type.

A lot of these cars use TPS based tuning for the high speed VE table (fueling). In this regard it doesn't matter how much boost you have or what MAP sensor you have the PCM uses TPS as the "load" indicator not the MAP sensor.

Chris (HPT)
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 3:01 PM
I know my opinion doesn't F'ing matter, but this needs to be a sticky. If anything just because there's too much bullsh*t to sort through the HP Tuners thread to find all the useable information.

Shifted, thank you.



Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 3:06 PM
very nice thanks alot

i know ive bugged you a bit on AIM myself and appreciate the help and answers much



The one, the only, ME.
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 3:37 PM
Chris P wrote:Just a couple of clarifications:

You can view other peoples files using any copy of our software regardless if you are licensed for that vehicle. However, you cannot save the files unless you have a valid license for that vehicle or vehicle type.

A lot of these cars use TPS based tuning for the high speed VE table (fueling). In this regard it doesn't matter how much boost you have or what MAP sensor you have the PCM uses TPS as the "load" indicator not the MAP sensor.

Chris (HPT)


Thanks Chris, I updated the text to reflect the first point.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 4:41 PM
Shifted wrote: Can this tune 3 bar for turbo and s/c applications?
There is no inheriant support planned for 3 bar OS's for any J-Body application. You can fake a 3 bar tune however, just as explained above, only the values would be increased by .3 for each axis (100kpa would now be 133 kpa).




100kpa will =300kpa


sig not found
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 4:47 PM
Yes, I need to clarify that... I was talking about for the 2 bar guys





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 5:21 PM
YES! YES! thank you shifted!!!!



Sven you totally quarterloafed your computer..

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 5:38 PM
Z24 FReQ (Jarett) wrote:personally, I think Dave should start a whole new forum for this. with all of the editable features in this software, plus people wanting to share their HPT files, a million people are going to ask a million questions. this is going to FLOOD the boost and performance forums as it is.
create a new "tuning" forum, and make this a sticky at the top.


that's actually a very good idea... send that to the "contact us" link and maybe if Dave agrees he'll work it in when he gets around to the upgrades that are planned soon.




Arrival Blue 04 LS Sport
Eco
Turbo
Megasquirt
'Nuff said
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 5:57 PM
Scarab (Jersey Jay 1.8T) wrote:
Z24 FReQ (Jarett) wrote:personally, I think Dave should start a whole new forum for this. with all of the editable features in this software, plus people wanting to share their HPT files, a million people are going to ask a million questions. this is going to FLOOD the boost and performance forums as it is.
create a new "tuning" forum, and make this a sticky at the top.


that's actually a very good idea... send that to the "contact us" link and maybe if Dave agrees he'll work it in when he gets around to the upgrades that are planned soon.


sent....




Desert Tuners

“When you come across a big kettle of crazy, it’s best not to stir it.”


Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 7:56 PM
Are there pictures of the interface available here or on the hptuners site?? Ive been waiting for this for soem time now, and id like to see how all these editable parameters look on the computer screen. Glad to see this finally done


Dreams do come true....
<img src = "http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/96sunfireconvt/ModdedFireBlue.jpg">
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Monday, March 27, 2006 8:12 PM
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=46&i=211691&t=211691

Pictures of the interface on page 1, screen shots and a list of editable parameters on page 3.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 12:10 AM
word.... sticky is a must

alot of awsome info, and I hope people have learned to read (they shouldnt be messing with their PCM's if they havnt )




SPD RCR Z - '02 Z24 420whp
SLO GOAT - '04 GTO 305whp
W41 BOI - '78 Buick Opel Isuzu W41 Swap

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 7:12 AM
Thanks for that answered my question. I saw on teh picture of the menu fuel cut off. So that mean we can raise the fuel cut off on our cars. I see some nice parameter there.

A forum would be nice. I am new to the tunning thing and i am slowly reading up.



2004 Grand Prix GTP (Competition Group)
SOLD-->1999 Z24 5M-#30 to register on JBO
"You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all the people'
all the time


Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 12:36 PM
Holy crap I better read up before I purchase this thing geez lol.











~2014 New Z under the knife, same heart different body~
______________________
WHITECAVY no more
2012 numbers - 4SPD AUTOMATIC!!
328 HP
306 TQ
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 2:04 PM
Quote:

What do I need to run HP Tuners?
Well, you need a Windows based computer, at least Windows 98 Second Edition (first edition will not work). Here are the specific requirements:

Minimum
* 350 MHz CPU
* 64 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 98 SE
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)

Recommended
* 650 MHz CPU
* 128 Mb RAM
* Microsoft Windows 2000/XP
* USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)


from my understanding, a laptop is not necessary but ideal. You can use a regular Personal computer just as long as it meets the requirements and you can get the computer close enough to the car for the cable to reach the port and computer. right? if so..good cuz i can focus on getting the software instead or worrying about getting a laptop.



Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 2:10 PM
96 gets shafted again.



Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 3:44 PM
Is there anything at all "beta" about the hardware? Could there be bugs that get resolved later or anything? Or is the hardware done and ready and just the software issues being worked out?






Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 4:50 PM
The hardware is full production, the only reason we have announced 4cyl support as beta is that some early calibrations will need to be emailed to us once read from your PCM. We did this to mostly ensure tunershops set expectations correctly with customers "in case" they need to email us a file, and also so people are aware that there is not a 100% guarantee they will be tuning their car on the first day they get the software

It takes us a day or so to add support for an unknown calibration.

Apart from that, there are no known issues.

Chris...
Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:13 PM
first, can anyone suggest some good reading on the subject, so that I will have better idea how to tune the engine when I buy this?

Also, I just wanted to clarify, the EIO box has 2 programmable outputs, do you know what voltage range they are? Would it be a good idea to leave the EIO plugged in all the time, I am looking at using the outputs to control an alcohol injection setup, but I bet some of the nitrous boys would like this function as well.



Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:41 PM
There isn't a lot of good reading right now since the software hasn't been out long enough...

Yes, the EIO has 2 programmable outputs, the voltage range I believe is 12 volt devices, but they must be very low draw, or you'll have to create a driver circuit to drive a relay if the devices draw more than a lightbulb. You do NOT want to leave the EIO connected in the car since it WILL drain the battery, but you could figure out how to hook up a switch to the power pin on the OBD port if you really wanted to.





4cyltuner.com - Information Source For 4 Cylinder Tuners
Buy stuff from CarCustoms Ebay! Won't be disappointed!

Re: The HP Tuners FAQ
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:55 PM
can you set it up to accept a wideband o2 sensor?



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