"To address performance issues or to continue conforming to emissions standards, OEMs release new calibrations on a somewhat regular basis. If you are a Superchips customer, we supply new Superchips-specific tuning based on these latest factory calibrations, providing our customers the newest enhancements for their vehicle. This service is free to our customers.Our new Easy Update software works five times faster than the previous system and is completely automated, providing a plug-and-play, guess-free experience for the customer," according to Superchips staff.
Conclusion
In the tests observed by HPP, the Superchips Flashpaq handheld programmer added an average of 6.85 hp (max) and 8.65 lb-ft (max) (SAE corrected) to a stock G8 GT. Dyno charts only tell part of the story, however. Superchips examines many tuning parameters to achieve the best tune out of the box.
The Flashpaq offers a series...
The Flashpaq offers a series of simple menus to install tuning. From the main menu, the driver chooses Tune Vehicle.
"Our R&D team goes through a detailed process to develop tunes that will work flawlessly with your G8 GT. They start by reverse-engineering the factory engine, transmission, and gear to uncover and deliver hidden performance. When engineering tunes, we look at the engine and transmission as a system that works in harmony across the entire power band. Our R&D team understands how making changes to the transmission controls affects the engine controls or vice versa. Superchips' comprehensive approach to engineering targets five key areas: fuel injection and ignition, throttle position optimization, displacement on demand, transmission shifting, and torque converter strategies. These areas are optimized across the entire rpm band. If a tune is done correctly, the end result is increased horsepower and torque, while at the same time optimizing drivability," says Ken Baize, Superchips vice president of Research & Development.
Our testdrive of the G8 GT proved he is correct. With the Flashpaq tune, the G8 GT showed better throttle response and firmer shifts. This made driving a more exhilarating experience.
Two options are available:...
Two options are available: a quick tune or an advanced tune. For this story, we go with the quick tune. According to Superchips, "Advanced Tuning contains a wide variety of features that are user-adjusted, providing the customer even more control over their vehicle." Advanced features specific to the G8 GT are:Rev Limiter (Raised/Stock)Speed Limiter (Raised/Stock)Gear Ratio (Stock, 2.92, 3.27, 3.42, 3.70, 3.73, 4.10)Fan Temperature (Stock, Superchips)Active Fuel Management/DOD (Enable, Disable)Shift Points (Stock, Superchips, +5/+7.5/+10 mph)Shift Torque/Firmness (Stock, 25%, 50%, 75%, Superchips, 125%, 150%, Max--No Shift Torque Reduction)Fan Temperature (Stock, Superchips, 180-deg)
The Flashpaq prepares the...
The Flashpaq prepares the tuner memory and saves a copy of the G8 GT's engine and transmission programming from the ECU. This data file is stored in the memory in case the owner decides to return the engine to stock at a later date. Once the files are saved, it's time to define the parameters of the new tune.
Superchips loads the Flashpaq...
Superchips loads the Flashpaq with three octane tunes: 87, 91, and 93. The higher the octane, the more power programmed into the tune. We chose 91-octane tune for this story since the 93 wasn't ready yet, and some parts of the country don't have 93-octane fuel readily available.
Next, the user selects from...
Next, the user selects from a series of menus to tell Flashpaq the parameters of the tune, including rev limits, speed limits, shift points, gear ratio, and fan temperature settings. Two of Flashpaq's new features geared specifically to the G8 GT allow users to turn the active fuel management (AFM) on or off and set shift torque (shift points and firmness).
The Flashpaq builds a tuning...
The Flashpaq builds a tuning file based on the information just entered. This will be uploaded to the ECU and replace the factory's stock tune.
After turning off the ignition,...
After turning off the ignition, the tuning is complete. No wrenches, no timing lights, and no dirty hands are required. Remember, we asked if using the Superchips Flashpaq is safe. "We engineer our tunes to provide maximum performance, yet remain within factory maintenance and reliability standards for the powertrain. In some instances, we forego delivering more available power in the vehicle because that extra power can come at the price of durability; therefore, we tune to maximize performance while maintaining the integrity of the powertrain.After all, a damaged engine doesn't make much power," the company states.
It only takes two or three...
It only takes two or three minutes for the new files to upload to the ECU.
Subsequent testing at the...
Subsequent testing at the same location on the same day documented exactly how much more horsepower the Superchips Flashpaq programmer tuned into the G8 GT. In all, four consecutive dyno pulls were performed after the tune was installed. "The ECU can take up to a half-hour of driving to fully learn the new tune, so increases above what we documented on the dyno pulls are possible," according to the company.