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NN9S: The increased power claims from the various microtuner companies vary. I could believe 11 hp from a low octane tune, if the microtuner optimizes both timing and air / fuel ratio more aggressively than the factory.
Would you feel it? Possilby. It depends on how sensitive you are to vehicle feel and speed. It's not huge enough to grab your attention.
The more aggressive tune for 91 or better octane can deliver notably more, some companies claiming up to 20 or 30 hp. I think 30 would be hard to believe based on what I know about the SSR LM4 engine. I think that "30" claim might be being used as an "as much as" claim rather than one specifically accurate for the SSR, or maybe for an SSR that has already had other physical work done (e.g. exhaust) and needs the altered timing and air/fuel ratio to realize the potential gains of that physical mod. I personally believe more like maybe 15 hp, 20 tops from any pure microtuner (no other PHYSICAL mods).
The more important question is whether this is the only mod you are planning. If so, it can make sense provided that 11 hp for $350 sounds good to you. If you are planning other PHYSICAL mods, be sure to research microtuners versus tuning software using one of two approaches:
1. Use the search button on this forum and key words "microtuner" and "tuning software", or
2. Get my book "The SSR Experience" which addresses this in Chapter 17, and answers many other questions that SSR owners typically ask.
One other thing: If you modify your powertrain control module using EITHER a microtuner or tuning software:
1. Expect a discussion with your Chevy service manager if there is a warranty issue whose cause COULD be the altered programming. Most folks restore factory programming before taking the vehicle in for service
2. If the microtuner program is in place while at the delaershoip, and the dealer re-flashes the PCM because of a rotuine upgrade from Chevy, your program will be overwirtten. If that happens, the microtuner MIGHT not allow re-installation of its altered programming, because of anti-software-theft provisions built into the tuner (see my book for full explanation).
Jim G
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