HYPERTECH PROGRAMMER INSTALL
Hypertech Programmer Install
1. Power is rarely an easy bolt-on project. In fact, in most cases, it's a lot of time and money. But, thanks to the marvels of modern motors, a simple palm-held computer can make a huge difference. Hypertech is known for plug-'n'-play Power Programmers. Optimizing your fuel-injection program for your combination is the best bang for the buck. It will open up the engine and tighten up the transmission, as well as allow you to compensate for oversized wheels and rearend gear swaps. Best of all, the only tool you need to install it is your finger. | 
2. First thing to do is completely read all the instructions before starting. With the ignition off, we plugged the data link cable into the Data Link Connector (DLC) port under the driver side of the dash. | 
3. We turned the ignition key to the run position and followed the on-screen instructions. We chose to add the 87 octane tune, instead of the 93 octane tune, because in California, we only have access to 91, and we would rather be down in power by a bit rather that having the motor ping. We also firmed up the shift points and recalibrated the speedometer for our larger-than-stock tires. When we were finished answering the questions, the programming began. |
4. It only took about 10 minutes for the programmer to do its job. | 
5. After it was done, it gave us a scrolling message to turn off ignition and remove the plug. After that, we fired up the truck and checked for any loose parts and to see if the Check Engine light might pop on. Everything checked out and no lights came on, so we closed the hood and went for our test run. | |
G-Tech Results
Once we input the weight of the Ford and set the rpm calibration, the G-Tech was ready to give us some before and after numbers. The G-Tech is pretty reliant on having the proper weight of the vehicle you are testing, so either weight it with you in the seat or do a bunch of math. We didn't have access to a scale the day of the shoot, so we filled up the 26-gallon tank, which equals 156 pounds, and added that to the weight of the truck and our fat butts. That got it close enough to perform a before and after test, but if we want it dead-on we'd have to find a scale. So, will your truck run a 16.81? Nope, but it will run this amount faster than it did before the parts.
Tools Used
This job was pretty simple and required very little tools, with only one that might be considered special, the Torx socket, for the screws in the side of the heat shield.
The Final Word
With the Fram Boost intake in place and the Hypertech Program installed, the truck has the sound and grunt we would expect from a V-8. When we hit the go pedal, the tires went up in smoke, instead of just a chirp, and when the revs got to 5,500, the tranny snapped into second instead of melting into it. With a total cost of about 640 bucks, we think these mods are well worth the coin for the right pedal excitement they gave us.