LS1 Flash Tool Released

[Lextech]

I've been wanting to get into OBDII PCMs, but the expensive software has kept that from happening. I also haven't been able to decide on which software is the best to get...

If your choice is between HPTuners and EFILive---I would recommend EFILive. I don't like HPTuners tune credit setup or their VIN/OS match. With HPTuners the year of the OS has to match the year of the VIN. If it doesn't you can't read or write to the ECM. So, for retrofit projects that must have the vehicles VIN---HPT is out. It also appears that you can't modify a calibration unless you license it. So, if someone wants to send you a tune to look at, you can't edit that tune unless you license it for 2 credits. I don't own HPT but, that is how I understand it.

Jeff

[RobertISaar]

EFI-Live tends to have a very small list of supported applications, though they're usually well defined. there are exceptions of course.

HPT supports almost everything, though they can be a bit light on what can be edited.

[Buzz]

... EFI-Live tends to have a very small list of supported applications...

Going to respectfully disagree with you on this point ... if you look at the supported controllers from the EFILive home page, it will become evident they support nearly every V8 engine platform from 1998 onward.

They do have limited support for 4 and 6 cylinder engines ... but again, no offense intended, most Hot Rod builds will use a V8 engine.

I have never worked with 4 or 6 cylinder engines, and have no plans to do so.

EFILive or Tunercat are more user friendly - as both allow users to define / create their own parameters based on individual need. EFILive does this via user defined CAX files, Tunercat allows users to modify the VDF files.

HPT does not allow for any such user input / customization.

As Jeff pointed out - EFILive affords the user the ability to make and save changes to a tune without having to license it - which allows for greater peer support among enthusiasts.

I own them all - HPT is my least favorite.

Just my opinion ...

[RobertISaar]

not everyone is going to be tuning a V8 though... in fact, i would almost exclusively be playing with 3100/3400/3800 powered cars. it's too bad DHP isn't still around, since that would have covered me in 90% of situations.

[Six_Shooter]

I am also interested in tuning 6 cylinder applications, both HPT and EFI-live seem to lack support here. More and more engine swaps are being done with less than 8 cylinders.

[EagleMark]

Looks like an 0411 PCM with this flash tool and a TunerPro XDF is all the V6 guys would need? So how many V6 0411 cars are out there?

As far as EFI Live and HP Tuner? The HP Tuner credit system just puts it into unobtainium for doing conversions, PCM swaps, OS swaps, engine swaps..VIN Changes... I can do what ever I want with EFI Live and one license. Don't even need the license to work on files and help someone collaborate.

[Six_Shooter]

Looks like an 0411 PCM with this flash tool and a TunerPro XDF is all the V6 guys would need?

For most custom swaps, I would agree, it's the cars that are originally V6, where tuning is needed that must stay with the original PCM, around here anyway, due to our new "E-test", that scans the PCM for the readiness of emissions monitors.