Programmer Brand Reviews
10-26-2011, 11:42 AM
#21
rmp213: Here is how you need to look at it, you want the best economy and power only custom tunes will do that. But since you only want canned tunes you need to be aware of a few things. Canned tunes for "economy" are hit or miss. There's no guarantee for gains and usually it comes at the expense of power and response, which was also in your criteria. Then look what features you like. Most every programmer has the same basic functions for tire size change, etc. The biggest difference between canned programmers are the tunes. This is not only whether they have "performance" or "towing" tunes, but the actual tables and strategies used to make those tunes. I'm going to pick on Hypercrap because they're a good example. Their strategy as far as fuel trims is one of the worst canned tunes out there. They will claim there is nothing wrong with their tunes, but there's nothing really right with them either when you data log. The "best" canned tuned strategies are Gryphon, Edge, Diablo, and SCT (the SF3 comes with canned tunes). These all use multiple parameter strategies, show the best a/f ratios and fuel trims, and give the best potential for what you are asking from it.
Last edited by otto457; 10-26-2011 at 04:20 PM.
10-26-2011, 12:30 PM
#22
Ryan
Thread Starter
Thanks otto, I was originally looking at the Edge Evo, I just figured I'd research all the other brands before I just bought the first one that got good reviews. I totally understand custom tunes are the way to go, but I'm not using my truck as a race car or anything, I just want a little more power to help turn the bigger tires. I also understand that mpg gains are hit or miss..I just want one that I can easily put in 'economy' mode for those long trips to PA..I noticed superchips has a 87 performance setting and an economy mode, i know they're both canned, but what are your thoughts on superchips?
10-26-2011, 01:26 PM
#23
I think you're putting too much stock in an economy tune. No matter who writes the economy tune, it's usually not going to gain much over a performance tune. Bill at PHP (who wrote the canned tunes for Edge) explains it a little better than I can.
Nothing wrong with the Superchips canned tunes, they have a decent strategy, but still several compromises in the tune.
For maximum fuel economy, you should choose a performance calibration, and most people will use a performance tune as their daily driver. Our performance tunes provide aggressive fuel curve and timing curve changes to help maximize efficiency and performance -- not just at full-throttle, but throughout the entire throttle and RPM range. Fuel economy gains rely greatly on driving style.
10-26-2011, 02:03 PM
#24
Ryan
Thread Starter
I appreciate the help! Like I said I originally was looking at an edge evo but wanted to get feedback on other brands before I ruled them out. I've heard people say good things about superchips (those who run them at least) I just don't notice a lot of people running them and was curious why
10-26-2011, 03:33 PM
#25
Senior Member
I think you're putting too much stock in an economy tune. No matter who writes the economy tune, it's usually not going to gain much over a performance tune. Bill at PHP (who wrote the canned tunes for Edge) explains it a little better than I can.
Nothing wrong with the Superchips canned tunes, they have a decent strategy, but still several compromises in the tune.
Nothing wrong with the Superchips canned tunes, they have a decent strategy, but still several compromises in the tune.
10-26-2011, 04:20 PM
#26
That being said if I didn't want to have custom tunes for what ever reason, it can be narrowed down pretty quickly to a Gryphon, Diablo Sport Predator, or SCT sf3. The Gryphon tunes are canned Edge tunes that are tweaked to be a little better and gives a display. This is just for the monochrome Gryphon as the CS and CTS share the same canned tunes as a Gryphon CS/CTS. The Diablo gives "canned specific" tunes for intakes and is a flash programmer. The SCT allows for data logging and is a flash programmer also. These three have the best canned tunes out there and offer the ability to upload custom tunes later if one so chooses.
10-26-2011, 04:30 PM
#27
EDGE Evolution Programmer; not even a year old. I use the economy/tow tune.
Pros: MPG increase, power increase, shifts WAY better.
Cons: None, unless I wanted it to give my truck wings
Pros: MPG increase, power increase, shifts WAY better.
Cons: None, unless I wanted it to give my truck wings
10-26-2011, 09:11 PM
#28
10-27-2011, 08:26 AM
#30
Senior Member
IMO, this is the best way to go:
1. Buy SCT X3 from Troyer with 3 custom tunes.(87perf,87tow,93perf)
2. Call Mike at 5 Star and have him write you 1 custom tune.(87perf)
3. Load 5 Star tune on SCT-program truck
4. Wait for Troyer tunes- this will take a few months
5. When you get your Troyer tunes load them and ditch the 5 Star tune
6. Program truck