holding off on programmer. many complaints, except superchip. [Archive] - Diesel Place : Chevrolet and GMC Diesel Truck Forums

: holding off on programmer. many complaints, except superchip.


SLG
04-17-2007, 08:20 PM
i guess im just skeeered! going to hold off on my lbz programmer search. after reading threads and post going back 4 months until now, all i read is edge stalling, diablo too high egt's, bully dog giving false reading, banks hard shifting, ect, ect, ect. not much complaints about the superchip{ i guess because its more "tamer" programmer}. i did find out bullydog is coming out with a "pmt" and predator is coming out with a "trinity" . only having 6000 miles on my 06 dmax, ill hold off and keep reading your posts, or just grab a superchip if i cannot be patient enough for new items. im not putting down the products, just writing what ive read. ////////maybe you guys have issues because you are drag racing !!! ha ha

bluetick523
04-17-2007, 09:28 PM
I am sort of in the same boat as you. I am really wanting an Edge Juice w/ Attitude monitor......but I am a little reluctant. I want to see how it progresses. Hopefully they will get the bugs worked out of them soon. In the mean time I think I will delete my cat and get an intake system. I am going to follow this thread closely.....hopefully it will shed some light on some of the tuner boxes that are out there.

SLG
04-17-2007, 09:33 PM
hey bluetick, im with you. came so close to buying a edge juice/attitude, but started reading those posts of all the trucks stalling, made me change my mind quickly. superchips seems to be good, but will do some more searching and listening.

CRASHNBURN
04-17-2007, 10:20 PM
You guys need to remember that you are mostly hearing the bad. Most people do not post the postives. You are only hearing from a fraction of the program/tuner buyers out there. I have a feeling that some of the shutdowns are people that have high egt or need lift pumps. I would like to know how many guys that a just daily drivers, if they are having problems too.

penguin7009
04-17-2007, 10:39 PM
Hi everybody. Just got my Preditor today for my 2007 cc lbz. It works exactly as advertised.

I actually purchased it to remove the speed limiter and put in the tow tune (40hp). It added a tame amount of power and torque all the way across the board with good shifts from the Allison 6 speed. The increase in power is noticable down low in the rpm band and you can feel the throttle response at all rpm settings.

The install was simple and worked very good and was easy to use. I was kinda nervous about using it because its my only work truck. But it works great:D

paul

SLG
04-17-2007, 10:52 PM
did you run the 85 hp level? if so, how was it on the truck?

CRASHNBURN
04-17-2007, 10:56 PM
If you are worried about your truck, like you stated before, you should say in the 60 hp & below range. 85 hp is really pushing close to the limit unless you are carefully. I just reccommend a safe 40 hp towing or mileage tune for you.

Erkius
04-17-2007, 11:06 PM
I've done alot of reading on this forum about the problems with tuners. Unlike you-all i'm a tinkerer. I got the Predator after resurch and have had no problems with it for over 15K miles. I have tried the quadzilla stuff and had nothing but truble. Hypertech is a good program but I do not like the lack of features and no improvement on MPG. Bully Dog did not work of my truck and their customer service su@ks. Predator is not too aggresive (120 tune is fast) and I do not have high EGT's unless towing. 40 hp setting tows with EGT's at perdymuch stock levels. I added the PPE Boost Controler and tow with the 85 tune below stock EGT's and shifts fine. The problem is when people get the extream tuners and try to go too high with just the programer and do nothing ealse, like exhaust, intake and trany work. Keep to the mild programers and don't weary about it. Most of the bugs have been worked out on the ones that have been out for a while like the Predator, Superchips and Hypertech.
PS: I have ran all of the tunes on the Predator and once the trany learns the power it shifts great, no mods.

penguin7009
04-17-2007, 11:11 PM
Hi SLG, no I didn't even try the higher tunes. I don't have any other mods to the truck and don't expect to and so I stuck to removing the speed limiter ( which almost got me killed) and added the 40hp tow tune, which works really well for what I do with the truck;)

With just the 40hp tune I can tell that the upper tunes must really add the hp and torque;) But I can also see that other mods may be needed to keep the egts in check if going any higher.

It might be possible to go with the 65hp tune if you can keep your foot out of it:p:

paul

Unit453
04-17-2007, 11:25 PM
I was 100% prepared to buy Superchips for my 07 after I traded in...

If it wasnt for their $450 price tag, I would've done it.

I've ran Hypertech, Edge, and Predator.

The predator for the 07 will chit and get for sure on the 85 tune. I love it and have zero complaints.

I do want to try the Superchips though. If anyone wants to trade for a month or so.....Let me know.

carterkraft
04-18-2007, 01:54 AM
I've done alot of reading on this forum about the problems with tuners. Unlike you-all i'm a tinkerer. I got the Predator after resurch and have had no problems with it for over 15K miles. I have tried the quadzilla stuff and had nothing but truble. Hypertech is a good program but I do not like the lack of features and no improvement on MPG. Bully Dog did not work of my truck and their customer service su@ks. Predator is not too aggresive (120 tune is fast) and I do not have high EGT's unless towing. 40 hp setting tows with EGT's at perdymuch stock levels. I added the PPE Boost Controler and tow with the 85 tune below stock EGT's and shifts fine. The problem is when people get the extream tuners and try to go too high with just the programer and do nothing ealse, like exhaust, intake and trany work. Keep to the mild programers and don't weary about it. Most of the bugs have been worked out on the ones that have been out for a while like the Predator, Superchips and Hypertech.
PS: I have ran all of the tunes on the Predator and once the trany learns the power it shifts great, no mods.


Did you try the Stealth 2 or the little module? I heard they took the module off the market as it was originally intended for stacking and as a stand alone it was putting a lot of trucks in limp mode.

From what I understand the Stealth 2 programmer is flat awesome and has a lot of features.

Check it on the website.

yankeeland
04-18-2007, 02:18 AM
I got a SC Flashpaq for sale. PM if interested.

SLG
04-18-2007, 05:03 PM
well, i guess i have no patient's, i ordered the edge evolution today for my lbz. was going to go with superchip, but with the gauges and gauge mount i wanted, it would have been 800.00 for everything. so the evo has everything programmer w/gauges.

CRASHNBURN
04-18-2007, 05:38 PM
You will like the edge. You are just going to miss the juice shift on the fly.

Wrecker
05-29-2007, 11:47 AM
I have the Superchips Flashpaq and it works well. I also am not in a position for a trans upgrade so I feel comfortable running a milder tune. I just don't want to know what a Hot+2 feels like. I think it's kinda like rifle scopes, Weaver is fine, but don't look through a Zeiss or you'll be ruined.

8100 Power
05-29-2007, 12:35 PM
You will like the edge. You are just going to miss the juice shift on the fly.

I agree. The next programing i will have will be Shift on the Fly.

Back on Topic;

My Bullydog has gave me ZERO problems. Great Tuner IMO.

Unit453
05-29-2007, 02:45 PM
The only performance module I've had trouble with is Edge. This was on my LLY and it was a nightmare for several months. I had the infamous surging, stalling, crazy displays on the monitor, endless check engine lights...Pretty much the whole nine. The 3rd box I got from edge, wouldnt even let my truck start. It would crank but no start. Edge is not a bad system and I understand there were some bugs in there somewhere. I was NOT using a BETA unit and for $750 I guess I expected better results...I'm not saying Edge is a bad system. I'm saying that it just didnt work for me. Apparently my LLY just didnt like underhood control modules...At all...I ran Hypertech for about 50,000 miles after that and had zero issues. I switched to Predator and ran that for another 10k or so before I traded in. Hypertech was run on level 3, Predator on 85 and Edge on 3 most of the time. I dont drag race or sled pull so I could care less about quarter mile times or any of that. When I traded in, I bought another Predator. The only problems with it I had were during the released updates for it. I downloaded the latest updates off their site and I lost the ability to adjust the tire sizes in the computer. After an email to Diablo, they released another update 2 days later that fixed that problem. I was happy that they actually listened to me, a single customer, to quickly get the issues banged out. Now, I run it on 85 and pretty much take it relatively easy. I dont drive it really hard and I realize that the 85 tune is about as much as any stock tranny can handle. I personally love the throttle response I get now from it.

etkeeny
05-29-2007, 03:27 PM
You guys need to remember that you are mostly hearing the bad. Most people do not post the postives. You are only hearing from a fraction of the program/tuner buyers out there. I have a feeling that some of the shutdowns are people that have high egt or need lift pumps. I would like to know how many guys that a just daily drivers, if they are having problems too.

I have an Edge Evolution in my 07 LBZ, and it is my Daily Driver. I have not had any problems with it while running it, I did however have a few problems loading the initial program, kept getting "Checksum Error" But disconected, let it sit for a minute, then reconnected it and all has been fine ever since, I now have about 2500 miles on level 1, and have seen a 1-2mpg increase, not as much as I was hoping for but what do you expect from an 8000 truck. I love the fact that it has 24 different PID's to choose from. All in all I'm very happy with my choice. Next on the list is new exhaust, and I think I'll be okay for a while. :D

66chevy
05-29-2007, 03:58 PM
I was 100% prepared to buy Superchips for my 07 after I traded in...

If it wasnt for their $450 price tag, I would've done it.

I've ran Hypertech, Edge, and Predator.

The predator for the 07 will chit and get for sure on the 85 tune. I love it and have zero complaints.

I do want to try the Superchips though. If anyone wants to trade for a month or so.....Let me know.
just wondering, $450 is too expensive for a programer?- how much was those 285's cost you!!

jstrese
05-29-2007, 07:59 PM
You will be very surprised at what these trucks can take. Look at my sig. The limp was my fault( Tranny was cold). Daily driver with over 900tq at the wheels. The superchip has a very good tow tune. The perf. tune has alot of fuel timming or rattle. No problems with the jucie/***. Do not try the PPE 300tune w/no fuel timming added, and the J/A on 5/5. Your truck get's very angry:D .

jamashke
05-30-2007, 01:49 PM
Did you try the Stealth 2 or the little module? I heard they took the module off the market as it was originally intended for stacking and as a stand alone it was putting a lot of trucks in limp mode.

From what I understand the Stealth 2 programmer is flat awesome and has a lot of features.

Check it on the website.

I was one of the lucky ones to purchase the XZT module. Worked great unless I put my foot in it or towing. They did a swap for me and I now have the Stealth 2. I am running on the 70HP tune. I flipped the bit to force my tranny to re-learn and wow. I had the Predator on my gas 6.0 but it is nothing like the Stealth 2 on my LBZ. Also quadzilla's customer service was excellent. Wish I could say the same for the Predator.

My LBZ is my daily driver and weekend RV tower (32' TT)

I have a 2006 CC 4x4 2500HD LBZ

8100 Power
05-30-2007, 07:39 PM
I was one of the lucky ones to purchase the XZT module. Worked great unless I put my foot in it or towing. They did a swap for me and I now have the Stealth 2. I am running on the 70HP tune. I flipped the bit to force my tranny to re-learn and wow. I had the Predator on my gas 6.0 but it is nothing like the Stealth 2 on my LBZ. Also quadzilla's customer service was excellent. Wish I could say the same for the Predator.

My LBZ is my daily driver and weekend RV tower (32' TT)

I have a 2006 CC 4x4 2500HD LBZ

A programmer on a Gas Pickup is nothing like the gains of a chip on a LBZ. When i had my 8.1, I installed a Hypertech, i couldnt even tell it was there.

theharpster
06-01-2007, 04:42 PM
I figure I'll ad my $.02 here. I am new to this forum and trucks, but I've got an '07 classic and have recently installed all the stuff in my signature. I was running the Flashpaq tuner before installing all that stuff and since then have been having problems. When I try a fairly brisk launch, she goes limp :eek:Censored (no jokes please) and I get a CEL. When I try to check for the code, the flashpaq won't read it. If I reinstall a program, it clears the code (whatever it was) and the CEL doesn't come back on for awhile.

LSS, I called Superchips and was told by tech support that their tuner is not compatible with turbo-back exhaust mod's! :duh: Luckily, I am within the 30 day return period.

Question, are the PPE tuners compatible with other mod's and, if you have there tuners, do you need the false code eliminator? :drinking:

mmcfd64
06-01-2007, 06:15 PM
I have the superchip flashpaq and I love it. I run the tow tune it makes good power and shifts like stock. Higher power levels causes it to defuel on shifts but so do must of the other tuners.

No issues what so ever.

Unit453
06-01-2007, 06:53 PM
I figure I'll ad my $.02 here. I am new to this forum and trucks, but I've got an '07 classic and have recently installed all the stuff in my signature. I was running the Flashpaq tuner before installing all that stuff and since then have been having problems. When I try a fairly brisk launch, she goes limp :eek:Censored (no jokes please) and I get a CEL. When I try to check for the code, the flashpaq won't read it. If I reinstall a program, it clears the code (whatever it was) and the CEL doesn't come back on for awhile.

LSS, I called Superchips and was told by tech support that their tuner is not compatible with turbo-back exhaust mod's! :duh: Luckily, I am within the 30 day return period.

Question, are the PPE tuners compatible with other mod's and, if you have there tuners, do you need the false code eliminator? :drinking:
I've never heard of a tuner that isnt compatable with an exhaust system....What a crock I think......And for $450, I would expect more out of a programmer...Predator is $300 and does 100 times what most handheld tuners do for real time data.

yankeeland
06-01-2007, 07:29 PM
I figure I'll ad my $.02 here. I am new to this forum and trucks, but I've got an '07 classic and have recently installed all the stuff in my signature. I was running the Flashpaq tuner before installing all that stuff and since then have been having problems. When I try a fairly brisk launch, she goes limp :eek:Censored (no jokes please) and I get a CEL. When I try to check for the code, the flashpaq won't read it. If I reinstall a program, it clears the code (whatever it was) and the CEL doesn't come back on for awhile.

LSS, I called Superchips and was told by tech support that their tuner is not compatible with turbo-back exhaust mod's! :duh: Luckily, I am within the 30 day return period.

Question, are the PPE tuners compatible with other mod's and, if you have there tuners, do you need the false code eliminator? :drinking:

SC was my first programmer I didn't have any issues with a turbo-back exhaust.

8100 Power
06-01-2007, 07:59 PM
I figure I'll ad my $.02 here. I am new to this forum and trucks, but I've got an '07 classic and have recently installed all the stuff in my signature. I was running the Flashpaq tuner before installing all that stuff and since then have been having problems. When I try a fairly brisk launch, she goes limp :eek:Censored (no jokes please) and I get a CEL. When I try to check for the code, the flashpaq won't read it. If I reinstall a program, it clears the code (whatever it was) and the CEL doesn't come back on for awhile.

LSS, I called Superchips and was told by tech support that their tuner is not compatible with turbo-back exhaust mod's! :duh: Luckily, I am within the 30 day return period.

Question, are the PPE tuners compatible with other mod's and, if you have there tuners, do you need the false code eliminator? :drinking:
I agree with Nick. Ive never heard of a programmer not compatible with a Exhaust mod. That tech fed you a bunch of BS!

dmaxfireman
06-01-2007, 08:05 PM
That sounds wierd, how does the programmer figure out that there is a modified exhaust???
:iamlost:

I'm also looking to sell my predator to get EFI Live, if you change your mind and want to get a programmer send me a PM!

feetfats
06-02-2007, 05:30 AM
I'm happy with the Predator

theharpster
06-02-2007, 07:25 AM
I agree with Nick. Ive never heard of a programmer not compatible with a Exhaust mod. That tech fed you a bunch of BS!


Well, he sounded convincing. He explained that the variable vane turbo's require a certain amount of back pressure for the computer to adjust the pitch of the vanes. I gathered that it wasn't an issue with cat-back systems. He said that it is a known issue with the LBZ engines and that I could return the unit to the dealer for a full refund. :)

Unit453
06-02-2007, 07:36 AM
He wasnt lying. Technically, back pressure does have an effect on the vanes of the turbo. Exactly how much, I have no idea.

If he's offering you a full refund, I'd personally accept it and get yourself a PPE or Predator.

RaceHemi
06-02-2007, 10:48 AM
The VVT vanes create backpressure when closed

8100 Power
06-02-2007, 12:39 PM
I would get my money back if i was you, Get a Diffrent Programmer..:)

carterkraft
06-02-2007, 04:19 PM
I was one of the lucky ones to purchase the XZT module. Worked great unless I put my foot in it or towing. They did a swap for me and I now have the Stealth 2. I am running on the 70HP tune. I flipped the bit to force my tranny to re-learn and wow. I had the Predator on my gas 6.0 but it is nothing like the Stealth 2 on my LBZ. Also quadzilla's customer service was excellent. Wish I could say the same for the Predator.

My LBZ is my daily driver and weekend RV tower (32' TT)

I have a 2006 CC 4x4 2500HD LBZ

I have never driven one of the LBZ's but, I know 3 people that have the Stealth2 and they love it. I know on the higher levels it rips and throws huge clouds of smoke!

T2CH
06-03-2007, 09:45 AM
I have the Flashpaq with downpipe back exhaust, no issues at all on my LBZ. Try updating it on the web.

theharpster
06-03-2007, 11:07 AM
I have the Flashpaq with downpipe back exhaust, no issues at all on my LBZ. Try updating it on the web.

I had done that prior to installing a program for the first time. Remember, I was running the flashpaq prior to the exhaust, blocker plate and false code eliminator (FCE), and it was working fine. After installation of the extras - problems. Superchips tech says their flashpaq not compatible with turbo-back exhaust. Re-did the FCE install thinking there might be a problem there. Still falling on her face and threw a P0101 code. :confuzeld Took out the K&N and put stock back in, cleaned MAF and took off the FCE. Reinstalled the tow/performance tune and she's running like she's supposed to and no CEL or codes since yesterday. Now I can do a full throttle launch without going limp! :driver:

So, it looks like the very thing that was supposed to make all these things work without throwing codes was the source of the problems. :duh: Coulda been a bad FCE but if it's not throwing codes without it, who needs it? :rippedhan

So all seems well and the flashpaq just may stay, at least for the next few days. My return deadline is the 10th.

T2CH
06-03-2007, 11:52 AM
I see you have a blocker plate, did you not get a finger stick? I assume you where using the FCE for this purpose. I would think this is the root of your problems. Without a stick you will probably throw a code eventually with just the blocker plate but someone will correct me if I am wrong. I did have a problem the first time I loaded my Flashpaq but I returned it to stock, updated it again and re-installed it. Seems the Fashpaq needs to know which motor it is programming. Then all seems fine.

theharpster
06-03-2007, 01:18 PM
Yes, I chose the FCE over the fingerstick, though I am not sure why. And, it was to 'eliminate' the 'false codes' that I was told would result from installing blocker plate and exhaust. I've still got the blocker plate and exhaust, but I am not getting any codes. So, at least in my truck, it doesn't seem that I need either the fingerstick or FCE. I wonder how many people have installed the blocker plate and/or turbo-back exhaust without either to see if it would throw a code or not... I only assume that many do, otherwise there wouldn't be a market for the products.

T2CH
06-03-2007, 06:04 PM
I do not have the blocker plate or stick, haven't gotten to it yet. I have no codes without both of them. I read somewhere on here that running the plate alone will eventually throw a code because the egr sensor can not get the reading the ecm requires wth the plate installed. I'm not sure the FCE was the correct problem solver, how does it know whether the codes are false or not? The stick changes the voltage between the MAF and the EGR so the computer thinks it is still working.

catch03
06-03-2007, 08:40 PM
i am running the preditor on the tow setting for months now with no issues .but i will go with the ppe on my new lmm because preditor does not have one yet

hontri
06-03-2007, 09:25 PM
I ran the juice attitude on my lb7 with 4" exhaust and K&N air box for 60,000 miles no problems no codes,just a smile factor:) . Sold it and bought 07 classic lbz. Put juice attitude on and no codes and ran great.Then i put blocker and finger stick on. No codes and ran great. Then i put 4" turbo back exhaust on. No codes and runs even better. Usually run it on 80 hp setting.Attitude set up to monitor boost,egt's,temp and backdown%. Shift on the fly is great!! 5000 miles and zero problems,just the old smile factor:) . I say go for it.

DmaxTuner
06-03-2007, 09:32 PM
The LBZ computer is nothing like the previous LB7 & LLY computers they were all used to making, this is one of the reasons that EFIlive took a while to release their software for the LBZ, they want to get it right the first time. everyone is too concerned about being the first out and making the most profit. EDGE does'nt put nearly enought R&D into their products as is the case with many other companies. do your research before buying, that means look at forums and ask questions, don't just read so called suckcess stories on their website.

T2CH
06-03-2007, 10:45 PM
:exactly: What he said

PC HOTROD
06-21-2007, 08:22 AM
I installed the SC programmer about 2 months ago and my LBZ in running great. My fuel mileage has increased by 2 mpg as-well.

I have found actual dyno data supporting the increase in Rear Wheel Hp & Tq. gains on a LBZ Powered Truck as delivered by the SC Programmer which are shown below......

This data was obtained on Superchips Flash Paq Forum as posted by one of their customers. http://www.flashpaq.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=219&highlight=duramax

Stock - 301 HP & 522 Tq.
Tow Mode - 321 HP & 646 Tq. (Gain of 20 HP & 124 ft/lb. Tq.)
Tow/Perf. Mode - 358 HP & 634 Tq. (Gain of 57 HP & 112 ft/lb. Tq.)
Perf. Mode - 375 HP & 686 Tq. (Gain of 74 HP & 164 ft.lb. Tq.)

Unit453
06-21-2007, 12:43 PM
just wondering, $450 is too expensive for a programer?- how much was those 285's cost you!!

I think so.

And the dealer bought me 285's and installed them for me so I didnt pay for them...:)

I think $450 is a bit steep for a handheld tuner.

66chevy
06-21-2007, 01:04 PM
must be one hell of a dealer, those crooks around here would not do that

yankeeland
06-21-2007, 06:49 PM
I got a SC Flashpaq at a good price.