Hypertech Programmer Feedback

[Turismo07]

Hi all,

Thought I'd share some feedback on the Hypertech Max Energy Power Programmer part number 52501 for our v6 KK's.

http://www.hypertech.com/products-max-energy.aspx


THE INSTALL

Purchased via eBay.

First thing I did was see if there were any updates for the programmer itself, followed the instructions to do so. The CD they provide with the drivers etc didn’t work as I have Windows 10 on my PC, so I called Hypertech and a very helpful person talked me through the process of downloading the driver and software for Windows 10 from their website and talked me through updating my programmer.

Then I plugged it into the OBD2 port on my KK and began the process, it copied the "CAL" from my KK's ECU and then said it did not recognise the CAL. The message then said to update my programmer (again).

So I did, but then the software on my PC told me that there were no updates for the CAL that my programmer had just downloaded from my KK’s ECU…

I think maybe Hypertech had not done an update for our Australian ECU’s yet.

Anyway, the very NEXT day I get an email from Hypertech saying that there is an update avail for my programmer, I was very happy .

Plugged my programmer into my PC and it updated just fine.

Plugged my programmer into my KK and it uploaded its new CAL onto my KK’s ECU just fine. I left all the adjustable parameters in stock form, apart from selecting that I run premium fuel.


AFTER THE INSTALL

Took my KK for a drive and it definitely feels more responsive, the auto trans shifts are firmer.

I am very happy with the way it drives, I would say the programmer is worth its money just for the crisp response you get.

Fuel economy has also improved approx 1-1.5 Liters per 100km now that the accelerator pedal does not need to be pressed as much to drive it the same as before. But it does feel a lot sportier and more fun to drive if you want to, and if you did then there probably wouldn’t be any improvement in fuel economy.

I hooked up my Bluetooth OBD2 transmitter and my torque app on my phone and checked that everything was ok, which it was.

I also did 0-100kmh performance tests before and after the programmer:
Before = 11.6 secs
After = 10.3 secs

I thought that was a good improvement and quantified my feelings from above.

My KK is a 2009 Limited, 100% completely stock, with 161,000kms. The above test was with the shifter in the D position and I did not stall it up on the brake, just floored the accelerator pedal on takeoff.


SOME NEGATIVES THOUGH…

Hypertech’s website states that this unit can adjust/correct the speedo for changes in tyre size or diff ratios. This was the main reason for me to purchase the programmer.

BUT they don’t offer this feature anymore. I’ve been back and forth with Hypertech over this issue and apparently they deleted this feature “due to issues that occurred”, but have yet to update their website to remove this advertised feature…

I am very disappointed as I just bought this KK with the intention to lift it and fit larger tyres for offroading and was happy to do so given that this programmer would return the speedo, odometer, trip computer, and ESP/TC/ABS back to stock.


Anyway hope this helps anyone considering buying one

[KKnut]

Awesome feedback! Thanks for giving us your insight.


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[hopwrecked]

Thanks for that. Looks like they didn't do one for the 2011.

[hopwrecked]

Hi turismo, any updates on this now you have had it awhile?
I was about to buy the adventure kings throttle controller for $80 https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/pro...trol-unit.html

Unfortunately they seem to have updated their website and it is no longer being offered for the KK. I had the chance to see its effects on a turbo diesel last week. It was similar to the sports mode wk2 petrol. So I was all geared up to see if it would have an effect on the KK.

[KKnut]

Is the JK still listed? If it is then I wouldn't expect to see it fail to operate on a similar year KK. The electronics are almost interchangeable.


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[Turismo07]

Originally Posted by hopwrecked

Hi turismo, any updates on this now you have had it awhile?
I was about to buy the adventure kings throttle controller for $80 https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/pro...trol-unit.html

Unfortunately they seem to have updated their website and it is no longer being offered for the KK. I had the chance to see its effects on a turbo diesel last week. It was similar to the sports mode wk2 petrol. So I was all geared up to see if it would have an effect on the KK.

Still going great. No negatives to report. I love the extra functions it provides for adjusting TPMS, shift points, elec fan on temp (can lower it for sumer, beach work, etc). So far I've basically kept it with default settings, but the tune is what makes the KK more fun to drive.

Unfortunately if you don't like the throttle lag (which I hate as well), the Hypertech programmer doesn't really do anything to improve this.

I have been interested in looking for a elec throttle controller as well similar to what you have posted. I have one on my JK CRD manual and despite me fitting a 3" turbo back exhaust and getting it dyno tuned (which both mods led to more power and torque), it was the elec throttle controller that improved driveability the most (and they don't increase power and torque). Just the fact that you can dial out the lag and how fast the throttle ramps up (meaning you don't have to push the accelerator pedal halfway to make it move a little bit) made driving the diesel brick enjoyable.

Is your KK diesel or petrol, cos the Hypertech programmer only works on the petrols.

If you find a elec throttle controller that fits our KK's, please let me know.

[Turismo07]

Originally Posted by KKnut

Is the JK still listed? If it is then I wouldn't expect to see it fail to operate on a similar year KK. The electronics are almost interchangeable.

JK is still listed. Key thing is to check to see if the plug on the KK elec accelerator pedal is the same as on the JK. If it is then it'll work. There's no fancy trickery in the controllers, all they do is amplify the accelerator pedal signal, so in theory will work on any vehicle as long as it plugs in.

The JK one for instance works on PX Ranger's and BT50's as they coincidentally have the same plug.