My brother encouraged me to get an ECU programmer for my 2k camaro that uses the OBDII connection. I was just wondering if anyone here has used a programmer on their V6 and if they were pleased with the results. And where to get it. Thanks in advance.

 

which programmer do you have in mind?

 

I would also like to know if it is worth it please :P ... I have a 1996 RS .. stock at the moment. Also should anything come before it? or would it be a good mod to start with?

 

I actually did not know that there were multiple kinds. My brother, simply mentioned a programmer, but not a specific one (compnay, type). He mentioned that I should be able to get one at autozone, he used to work there. Dont know if that helps.

 

any type of programmer you are going to buy from a store like autozone wont help much at all, all they do is advance the timing to make more power... its not much of a gain at all. hypertech and jet are popular choices for these types of programmers, they are great for gear changes and if you have a lower temp thermostat... but they are kinda pricey for what they do in my opinion

HP tuners has tuning software that will help your car run faster (it will help more the more mods you have), but its not cheap at all for the software and you will need to know how to use the software and have acess to a wideband dyno to use it.

 

One of the features listed on the hypertech programmer is "shift firmness". Is this how clean the shift is? does it apply to auto or manual? if its manual, does it make the shifts easier and quicker?

 

Unless you are heavy modded, I would wait.

 

i honestly doubt that nething that autozone sells would modify the pcm at all
but nontheless if your near the nh/ma border i just bought a scanner $3800 its called the matco determinator im a mechanic and i needed this but i have the GM sps reprogramming module so ican do nething and everything let me know

 

I figured the cost to power ratio for a programmer (hypertech $350) was better than an intake or pipes. Are the benefits greater when the car is already modded? or does it matter?

 

it does in fact advance the timing

however i wouldnt do it, a CAI will get the same results and is hella cheaper, especially if you get one used

 

Yes, you will see better results when the car is modded.

 

I vote for HP tuners too. The wideband mentioned above is a new feature, but it is not necessary to use the software. I have been helping my friend tune his '02 3.8 5spd all summer and fall, and he's turning some heads over on camarov6.com (his username is LittleG). I think the software is great, and dollar for dollar, it's a wya better value than ther hypertech programmers.

- Justin

 

Its a shame I live down here in Augusta,GA. I may be up in D.C. in a few months, but thats still a drive to MA, and I was planning on driving my honda up there for mileage I guess my new question is, what do I get as my very first mod then? I have no mods on mt camaro right now and im looking to help it out a little. I have found the SLP intake with everything for a little less than 300. If anyone knows a good place to get it cheaper LMK.

 

littleG's **** is impressive, he's doing great things with that motor, and yes you dont need to have a wideband dyno to use it, but to get the most out of the software it would be helpful to have the dyno

as for an intake cheaper than 300 yes, look on the for sale sections on boards, most people are not going to rip you off, or if you want a new one, do a search for full throttle performance, the website's URL is something like FTPP.com i think, they have really good prices on a lot of V6 parts