I did Vince early on with my 2008 HHR SS and my Impala SS.

On the Impala the fans cut out and it overheated and Vince said "yea that's a problem we noticed". I did get a fix, but no prior warning.

On the HHR the tune was mild but the torque management (traction control) was not effective and the extra power would blast on and cut off then blast on violently.

This was hell on the transmission and I asked Vince for TM to be turned off, but Vince replied he only knew about his 2009 and couldn't do anything about it, effectively washing his hands of the whole process.

I washed my hands of his company also as it took weeks to get a response.

Later I had a transmission failure, though can't blame that on him, though the sharp cut off and on couldn't have helped.

Now I went with Hp tuners and a well regarded tuner by mail.

The first tune was way off, the second was better with quick shift and torque management disabled.

the only issue was overboost which threw codes and a flutter in second gear as if something was out of sync.

Also after a period the tune would lose power like there was a learn down feature and was told by the tuner that couldn't happen, though reloading the tune would increase the HP and torque tremendously, though a week later would fall flat.

I really believe for a good tune you need to have a local tuner that will work out all the kinks on the spot with a dyno and with road testing and I haven't found one yet in Southern California.

I am inquiring with a German tuner now, but don't know if I want to go that direction.

I would love to have 2005HHRauto's tune on 91 octane as I think he has hit the right mix.

IMO

JR

 

So you recommend dropping the gm fluid and going something aftermarket. Is there a specific reason why you switched. I'm amazed it's lasted this long everywhere I've looked it people have said that the transmission is terrible but you sir have renewed my hope to make power lol. Have you been at that power level the entire time you've had it? And are there any other tips to helping it survive as long as yours.

 

The GM fluid is semi-synthetic, which works well in most applications,
full synthetic is best for all applications, & for longer life...
Been running E47, + HPTuner tuned, for 5 years now...

 

I've tried my "tune" on gasoline, it works really really well...
The only changes to the "tune", needed for gasoline, is to return the Spark-Tables, + the Optimum-Spark-Tables, + the Fuel-Constant, to stock settings.
From this starting point, you just need to fine-tune, the spark tables, to the gasoline fuel of your choose.
If anyone needs a copy of my "tune", just email me at lindadave83@hotmail.com

 

Well, Vince definitely came through. Got the update today and

I also had the boost cranked up to 10-15psi in first. Now that is fun
The car runs hard and doesn't skip a beat. Other new additions to my car are ZZP front&rear trans mounts and Powells spherical control arm bushings (CABs) will arrive tomorrow. The tranny mounts actually made my ky stg3 clutch feel much smoother, and the tires grab the pavement much better. I'm sure the CABs will add to that. Track & dyno testing soon.

 

What…. why are you "boost-limited", in 1st...
I'm guessing that you meant to say, that you gained 10-15lbs more boost,
with the new update...

 

Definitely no need for limiting you should be fine running 23ish psi

 

All 5-speed models are limited to 5 psi in first gear even with GMTU. Vince doesn't turn it up unless requested. My 93 tune, I had it turned up to 10psi which was about perfect for the street. But 15 psi in first plus the added power of E is a whole new ball game. My first gear ratio is different that you autos Dave. Much easier for me to blow the tires off in first.

 

Huh, I didn't know that the GMTU limited 1st gear...
There's really no way to limit boost, as our ECM is totally torque based.
By that, I just mean, that you can't set, a numerical boost limit.
That being said, by limiting torque, you are limiting boost.

Stock 5sp 1st gear is torque limited, starting at 1,000rpm, by only allowing
51% of available torque, & slowly increases to 63%, by 4,000rpm.
So a rough average of only 60% of available torque, is allowed in 1st gear,
with should really work out, to more than just 5psi, on a stock "tune" ??

Most tuners give you 100% of available torque, all the time.
I can see where limiting torque, with street tires, in 1st gear, with a 5sp, could be helpful.
But, I belive that you said that you were going to use slicks at the track.
If so, ask Vince for a track "tune", that gives you 100%...
This way, you can load your track "tune" in your ECM, before heading out
to the track...

 

You have to remember trifecta software is not the same as HP tuner software. Vince can do some things that hp cannot. Selecta-a-tune for example: I can turn the power up or down as I please with the touch of a button. I'm not sure how he is able to accurately set boost in any gear but he can and he does with precision. When I had him turn up the 93 tune to 10 psi in first it was right on. It never boosted any more or less than 10 psi in first @ WOT. Same with my E tune.
I do plan on getting slicks however that will have to wait till next season as I wanted to upgrade everything possible to make launching more efficient and consistent before slicks. Control arm bushings will be done tonight. Here is a pic of the passenger side CAB. See how it is already starting to tear, and my car only has 23k miles! 20k miles of which were tuned to 330-350 ft-lbs & 300-330 whp.