Not all programmers are created equally. That's why Hypertech calls its Hyperpac "the world's first Performance Automotive Computer." You probably won't hear us dropping the term "PAC" in conversation, but we will be doing a lot of talking about this amazing piece of equipment in future issues of Diesel Power. That's because we'll be using it on a Duramax truck in our test fleet and exploring the many standard features, such as performance tuning, simulated dragstrip and dynamometer, engine monitor, and diagnostic information displayed in plain English (or any of the eight other languages available). For now, we'll show you how the Hyperpac will install itself in your truck. Just kidding! It won't do everything for you, but installation is easy thanks to the built-in instructions displayed on the high-resolution touch screen.
Is that it? The system looks simple, but it's packing gobs of features. The Hyperpac comes with a high-resolution 3x4-inch touch screen computer, a data cable, and a suction cup for mounting the unit to your windshield. That's all you need to get started. | 
Now that your Hyperpac is connected, you can turn your key to the "on" position and fire up the computer. A start-up screen with the Hypertech logo will show up for about 10 seconds before the computer begins to lead you through the setup process. The setup will only happen the first time you turn on the Hyperpac. After the initial setup, it will go straight to the main menu when you start the truck. You can change the settings if you ever get a different truck or make alterations to your current rig. | 
First, find the place you want to mount the Hyperpac so you can start laying out the cable. Make sure your key is in the "off" position; then connect the data cable to the jack on the side of the computer and route the cable down to the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the driver-side dash panel. Make sure the cable does not interfere with the parking brake mechanism, the gas/brake/clutch pedals, or anything else that it could come into contact with. When you have found a safe path for the cable, connect it to the DLC. |
Mounting the computer is easy. You just stick the suction cup to the windshield and then snap the computer into the mounting bracket. | 
Don't like the position of your Hyperpac? Then use the multiple adjustments to get it just right. Keep in mind, since it uses a touch screen interface, you will need to be able to safely reach the screen while driving and be able to read the information display from the driver's seat. | 
After a few initial steps (such as setting the time and adjusting the brightness of the screen), you will be prompted to enter the "Original Equipment Tire Size" so the computer has a baseline for its calculations. |
Next you need to let the computer know if you've changed the axle gears or tire size. After entering the original gear ratio you'll be asked to plug in the new ratio. The computer will then need to know how tall your current tires are. We couldn't get the speedometer to read correctly by just typing in the number on the sidewall (37x12.50R17) so we resorted to measuring the tires roll out and dividing it by 3.14 to get the effective tire height. That hasn't worked yet either, so we're still trying to massage the numbers till we can get speedometer to read correctly. | 
Now you're ready to start exploring the features available, from the main menu. The "Engine Monitor" section gives you an accurate tachometer, along with information such as the level of boost being produced, fuel pressure, oil pressure, system voltage, and more. | 
The "Performance Tuning" section allows you to select output specifications for the engine and transmission. It includes the stock settings along with three different levels of performance. The "Stage 3" position is rated to deliver at least 85 added hp and more than 170 lb-ft of extra torque to our test truck. |
The "Dynamometer" function will obtain readings for horsepower and torque output at the wheels that are corrected for temperature, atmospheric pressure, and altitude. You can also view a graph of the results with one touch of the screen and save your results for future reference. | 
The "Drag Strip" selection is one of the most addictive features of the Hyperpac. It allows you to make quarter-mile runs (or 1/8-mile passes) that are kicked off with an on-screen racetrack "Christmas tree." You'll have plenty of information to study after each simulated trip down the track, including your reaction time, 60-foot time, and graphs of your truck's performance. You can store notes about each drag session and keep track of your progress as you and your truck get dialed-in. | |