Well my new 03 GMC with the 5.3L has about 950 miles and I am trying to decide what my next mod should be. I am really interested in the HPP3 controller especially since so many people swear by its performance.
Do you guys think this should be my first performance modification, BEFORE intake and exhaust?

I have a friend that was telling me I might be concerned about transmission and engine wear if I adjust the shift points and/or redline on my truck? Do you guys think that this would be a problem if I use the HPP3? How strong are our trannies? Have any of you had any problems with them with or without the HPP3?

My friend was also saying since my truck is new that I should do a transmission fluid change and flush. He said that all the metallic debris in the fluid from the new transmission could bond to the transmission parts. I drive my trucks and cars very hard so do you guys think this is something necessary, even though I have such low mileage?

Anyway I would appreciate the info!

Thanks,

Glenn <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

 

don't listen to your friend. j/k

you don't need to worry about the programmer and the tranny. i would probably get the programmer first because you can adjust for tuning, top speed limiter, and more. if you do the other stuff first your limited at 99mph. the shift points and the shift firmness helps a lot.

however, they are not going to destroy the tranny. the tranny is really strong and the programmer isn't like adding a shift kit. there is a 100,000 mile fluid change on your transmission. i would wait until you have a problem first, but if you drive it hard then wait until 50,000 miles. don't mess with it unless something is wrong.

the only thing you need to do when you get the programmer. if you ever take it to the dealership for anything, remember to take out the programmer.

also do you have a transmission cooler? if so i wouldn't worry about the transmission crapping out for a long time.

<small>[ October 09, 2002, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: Phatchevy ]</small>

 

Thanks for the info!

I definitely agree with you and assumed that the tranny would be no problem. I do have a tranny cooler since I have the towing package so I guess I even have less to worry about.

I will be sure to get the HPP3 first since I dont think I can deal with such a low top speed. I took my truck to 90mph today for like the second time and I cant believe how smooth it is! My old POS ford ranger '93 at 80+ mph felt like it was going to fall apart!

What are the factory R rated tires speed rated to? Isnt it like 106mph?

So does the HPP3 adjust the shift firmness AND the points (at different points in the rpm range) where it shifts? I am impressed that I have seen owner dynos showing 12-14hp gains to the wheels with the HPP3.

One last question. What about the 160 degree thermostat? Does it void the trucks engine warranty? how hard is it to put in? Is it worth installing on a basically stock engine? Would it make that much of a difference? I couldnt imagine that the engine would run especially hot even when racing. Whats the stock thermostat set at? Also how does the HPP3 work in conjunction with the 160 degree thermostat?

thanks for the info!

Once again I love this board and its amazingly helpful board members!

Glenn <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

 

Yeah get a 160 thermostat. It is really easy to install, just get some more Dexcool because you will loose a good bit when you take the old one off. It is also a great compliment to the HPP3 and the dealer will never know. That reminds me, Hypertech just released the HPP3 for Dodge trucks. Hopefully no one will ever have to buy the JET POS like I had on my Dakota :puke:

 

So I still question wether the thermostat is really necessary. If I had a supercharger, nitrous, or lots of mods then I could understand a lower thermostat to alleviate some of the extra heat generated by these modifications.

If anyone could give me more info on the thermostat I would appreciate it.

 

I think our tranny's suck!!! And patchevy I was told at the dealer-ship that regular tranny srvice is at 30k (may be 100k for te 03's). O well i think our tranny's suck so much that i would schedule it every 30k or so. As far as which modd to do first... I'd do the free mods , just my 2cents though.

 

So why do the trannys suck? Have you had bad experiences? It sounds like you must have especially when considering your strong words!

The O3's cant use or already have a few of those free mods, either way I have the cash to drop into some real perf. mods.

 

well if you look in the owners manual it tells you when to change your fluids at 100K. the dealership told me to not mess with it unless you have a problem. if you start messing with stuff like that it could run into some problems. i would wait, but if you really want to change it then go right ahead. these trucks are built to last.

as for the thermostat. i would definetly get it. i think the thermostat allows the computer to advance the timing. plus there is a option with the programmer that asks you if you have a 160 thermostat. tell you the truth, i had headers, programmer, airade intake, and flowmaster and i couldn't lay a scratch on the stock tires. when i did the thermostat i layed a huge scratch and when it was cold in the houston area, which is almost non existant, the truck seemed like a completly different vehicle. hope that helps. i just think you'll get more out of your programmer with the thermostat. make sure you get the 160 and not 180.

 

Sounds good. I think I will wait on the tranny fluid change.

So now the question is where should I go to get the best deal on my power programmer and thermostat? Whats a good amount to pay?

Also I wonder if the 2002 HPP3 will work on my 2003? I have emailed hypertech to see.

 

the 2002 won't work on yur 2003. and it will probably be a while before 2003 comes out. as for the thermostat, you might be able to find one for cheap on ebay. if not one of the sponsors probably has it.