[SOLVED] Hypertech tuner

I recently got a Hypertech tuner locally and wondered if anyone has experience with it. I’m not done building my engine so I can’t test it, but at this point even though I’ve used forged pistons/rods I will be using a mostly stock setup with upgraded hpfp internals and intake from Corksport. So it seemed like a good option, and it was relatively cheap.

I saw this:

http://www.hypertech.com/PerformanceGraphs/mazda/62003_2006_2009_Mazdaspeed3_6_2_3L_Turbo_CAI.pdf

Seems like a nice torque boost (up to 314ft lbs at 3300 rpms) and a good hp and torque boost on higher RPMs.

 

Its uh...not recommended from what I remember/know.

 

Unless it was like $20 bucks it wasn't cheap enough. You are right that the tune on it is fine for intake and hpfp but that's about it

 

I paid 20 for one. Screwed it into my wall of shame. Because it's trash.

 

Can you explain more?

Is this a case of that it’s not as capable as a Cobb or Versatune so therefore it’s bad? Or is it a case of that the tune didn’t do anything noticeable or it damaged the car?

For the foreseeable future I won’t be doing anything more than running stock (with Corksport intake snd hpfp internals). I don’t need any of the Cobb or Versatune features, so getting another 30 hp and torque (approx. average) with the Hypertech seems pretty ideal for my goals at this time.

 

I can speak from experience on this one.

The main problem with it is that you can't really do any customization of it; it's essentially no better than an OTS tune, and anything that's one size fits all won't be worth it in the long run. There were only two benefits I felt I had with mine: the improved throttle mapping made the throttle feel better when city driving (which I have painstakingly replicated in aftermarket maps) and the MPG improved a bit (easy to replicate, honestly).

That's it. Those were the only two things of benefit, and one of those is entirely subjective.

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

Is there concern over running an OTS tune? At this point I don’t mind non-optimal, especially when the alternative right now is nothing. But I don’t want to hurt my engine. I enjoy accelerating quickly and taking turns aggressively, but this will just be a fun daily driver at this point.

I saw this video. It claims an MS3 went from 231hp to 285hp on a dyno using the Hypertech.

 

Everything is probably faster on a fresh flash.

Edit:
The video doesn't show the whole story, so hard to say if it held that power continuously.

I wonder what Ganque is up to these days, been a minute since I last talked to him.

 

All you need to know about it:

 

I’m not denying this, but if it’s true I’m wanting to know why What makes it poor? And does poor translate to problematic?

The reason I’m asking is because at this point I’m just looking for a safe way to get more performance, not have a custom tune optimised for my specific vehicle. Maybe down the road. But if there’s some reason I shouldn’t use the Hypertech, in that it’ll cause problems, then obviously I don’t want to use it.

 

Hpfp internals, buy Cobb access port from freektune it comes with a free ots+ map that you'll get a revision or 2 out of so it will be customized for your car. (appropriate finding etc) There's your safe and reliable tune. That's the closest an off the shelf safe tune you'll get.

OTS tunes are notoriously poor and can cause cars to run poorly, especially speeds.

Enki has already given you your answer for the hypertech

 

buddy of mine had a hypertech back in the day. it targets close to 14.5-15* timing advance at higher rpm. which is a bit spicy for pump gas. especially if pump gas quality isn't the greatest where you live...

 

I do appreciate your input and I’m not meaning to argue since I know very little about tuning, but an accessport isn’t an option. I’ve already gone well over budget rebuilding the engine

Enki gave his valued perspective for sure but it’s unclear to me why using the Hypertech would be bad. That’s why I’m asking follow up questions.

Sho, I always use Shell V-Power, and I’ll be trying out the ruthenium NGK plugs.

 

Because OTS tunes are bad. You wouldn't buy a "standard" one size fits all shoe (it would suck), and you shouldn't do that with your tunes.
Yeah, you'll likely be fine, but if anything does go wrong, even if it isn't the fault of the tune they will point to it first. Having a custom tune for your car is the best and safest way forward, especially when considering longevity.

 

Thanks Enki.

Isn’t the standard tune essentially an ots tune? Is the difference that the standard tune is not pushing anything too much?

 

...And totally stock cars still blow up on freeway offramps.

 

Sure! I’m rebuilding my engine because 200ft from my house a rod broke and destroyed the block when I was going 7mph I’m pretty sure it was super knock. Not sure if that would have been avoided by a good tune, but if my chances of engine failure with Hypertech are roughly similar to a stock tune then I couldn’t really complain.

 

Avoiding LSPI can be aided by not running overly rich, which the stock tune does in spades.

 

Honestly I'd try and sell the hypertech and save for an accessport and then get the freektune ots+ map (for free when you buy the AP from him).

You're building your engine you may be okay with the extra timing from the hypertech, but why risk it.

 

OTS tunes essentially run more fuel, less timing as a safe starting point. The issue becomes people just drive on them and say screw tuning it. Their oil gets diluted, excess wear happens, the timing isnt optimized and knock is present. Anytime knock happens it wears the engine. Bit by bit until finally something gives way.

Something that is cheap for performance is never a good option. You pay for quality not quantity. Sure there are cheap mods or a cheap way to do something such as intercooler piping or exhaust but never ever skimp on your ECU components or sensors.