I was just wondering if anyone here has experience with the HPTuners software

I have a 1998 monte z34 with the 3.8L NA engine, and I was wondering what exactly the benefits of tuning with this software would be?

I am planning on dumping another $2000 under the hood of this monte but have no idea where to start. Would the $500 pricetag of this software be worth the gain immediatly, or would I be better off spending the $$$ elsewhere like an intake, t/s charger, etc?

Basically what I'm looking is the most HP gain for the $2000 that I have to spend on it.
Reccomendations, links, any kind of help is greatly appreciated.

 

For $2,000 the most HPs you are going to get is with a top swap: either a Gen 3 or Gen 5 supercharger. Short of that I'd look around for some other upgrades like: 1.9 rockers (used aren't that expensive), deleting the U-bend after the cat, a cold air intake (not much on HPs but U get a few non the less), an HV3 from ZZ Performance(it's supposed to replace the intake runners and allow more air without the turbulence), a tuned pcm for the upgrades you're making from ZZP or Intense, a 180* thermostat, a front power log. The HP tuner program is, in my opinion, overkill if you aren't going turbo or dropping a few pulley sizes on your SC or going extreme on the valve train/block. At $650 a pop it's expensive and, without a wideband its pretty much useless. (Again my opinion)

 

Yeah, I wouldn't get one just yet. With your budget, a top swap is the best way to go like montyss02 said.

Just wanted to say too though, 98 and 99 Monte Z34's do not have the u-bend, so you're good there.

 

"98 and 99 Monte Z34's do not have the u-bend"

Learn something new everyday! Thanks!

 

So guys what all is involved in a topswap? Like I said, I'm a noob when it comes to engines so could you guys possibly give me a parts list or maybe link to a swap for a 98-99 z34? I get the basic principles behind the swap, but I don't want to have to buy unneccasary parts. Any helps greatly appreciated.

 

Basically, you are replacing everything from the heads on up. There are a couple other things that you have to do too like replace the balancer, and you will want to have your PCM retuned. Here's a link to all the parts that you will need: http://www.wbodystore.com/grandprix/...Kit-p-157.html

You don't have to buy the top swap from there though. If you can find an L67 in a junk yard or something, you will have almost everything that you will need.

 

General Mod Plan for 3800's

Read through that thread, it's got tons of great info on getting started modding your car.
You'll want to skip right to the L36 section.

 

Tune always comes last.

Honestly you would probably just benefit with a few simple bolt-on modifications and a canned tune for about $500-$700 total. Unless you are good with cars and want to go further.

 

As for HPTuners software - you are free to make any operating system or calibration level modifications and flash those to the VCM/PCM. ... The VCM Editor also allows for increased vehicle support for tuners, along with access to extra VCM/PCM operating system code modifications. It`s a powerful software and you decently should try it. If you have more questions, please contact them https://s-pro.io/ and of course you need to use any USB compatible laptop to tune your vehicle.

 

Not to be rude, but the OP hasn't been online in more than a decade. If he's still considering buying HPT after all this time, its probably never going to happen.