Whipple Tune

[JohnGalt]

Installed Whipple tune today. Despite three different sets of instructions (one with the tool, one online and one included with email) it installed totally straight forward, with no drama or error codes.

The online instructions appear to be most comprehensive and up to date. Basically get the tool, plug it in to get a .req file. Send that to Whipple using the provided SD card ( SD Card reader not included). They promptly sent two files back. Plug in the tool, initiate the flash and you’re tuned. I then attempted to adjust tire size up to my 38”s, but the tune is limited to max 37” due to conflict with ABS and other module limitations.

So I set my wheel size to tool max (almost 37”). I’m guessing this is close to the K02s setting, but I don’t know the actual value. Whipple default is 35”. Note: all this is in millimeters of runout, not inches or diameter. After resetting your tire size (not sure if you have to do this or not with stock tires, instructions are silent), you have to initiate a re-learn process to complete a tire size/axle ratio change. Again easy, just not real clear.

It took about 15-20 minutes to download email files and update my truck.

Pros: the seat of the pants say it’s quicker than stock with K02s after a short test drive. The 38”s were a noticeable drag on performance after install. Easy to install. Whipple support reacted quickly. Kills Auto Start/Stop.

Cons: Didn’t address my tire size issue.

 

[TurboS]

Installed Whipple tune today. Despite three different sets of instructions (one with the tool, one online and one included with email) it installed totally straight forward, with no drama or error codes.

The online instructions appear to be most comprehensive and up to date. Basically get the tool, plug it in to get a .req file. Send that to Whipple using the provided SD card ( SD Card reader not included). They promptly sent two files back. Plug in the tool, initiate the flash and you’re tuned. I then attempted to adjust tire size up to my 38”s, but the tune is limited to max 37” due to conflict with ABS and other module limitations.

So I set my wheel size to tool max (almost 37”). I’m guessing this is close to the K02s setting, but I don’t know the actual value. Whipple default is 35”. Note: all this is in millimeters of runout, not inches or diameter. After resetting your tire size (not sure if you have to do this or not with stock tires, instructions are silent), you have to initiate a re-learn process to complete a tire size/axle ratio change. Again easy, just not real clear.

It took about 15-20 minutes to download email files and update my truck.

Pros: the seat of the pants say it’s quicker than stock with K02s after a short test drive. The 38”s were a noticeable drag on performance after install. Easy to install. Whipple support reacted quickly. Kills Auto Start/Stop.

Cons: Didn’t address my tire size issue.

Did you also install the Whipple Intercooler?

 

[JohnGalt]

Did you also install the Whipple Intercooler?

Nope. I just didn’t see a lot of performance improvement per $ in the Lethal Performance Dyno runs from calibration only to calibration + mega cooler….at this time.

 

[TurboS]

Nope. I just didn’t see a lot of performance improvement per $ in the Lethal Performance Dyno runs from calibration only to calibration + mega cooler….at this time.

Watch your Inlet air temperature vs. Charged air temperature. On mine, without the intercooler the charge temperature raised rapidly with rpm's forcing the engine to reduce power to compensate, and that was in 35-40 degree ambient temperature. With the intercooler the charge temperature remains a maximum of 5-10 degrees warmer under full throttle acceleration, similar to stock tune & intercooler. Chassis dyno's don't always tell the whole story.

 

[JohnGalt]

Agreed. That was my biggest concern as well.

 

[JohnGalt]

Watch your Inlet air temperature vs. Charged air temperature. On mine, without the intercooler the charge temperature raised rapidly with rpm's forcing the engine to reduce power to compensate, and that was in 35-40 degree ambient temperature. With the intercooler the charge temperature remains a maximum of 5-10 degrees warmer under full throttle acceleration, similar to stock tune & intercooler. Chassis dyno's don't always tell the whole story.

Now you got me thinking again, never a good thing. $900 isn’t so bad, maybe I can catch on sale in near future. I think it’s the hassle of dropping the bumper, winch plate and winch, dealing with or removing shutters, etc that’s been holding me back.

 

[JohnGalt]

So I installed the Whipple IC this week. Install wasn’t bad, but it would have been nice to have done this before putting on the winch plate and winch. Also after almost three years of considerable off-roading all those plastic push connectors are getting much more difficult to extract from the radiator cover and front trim.

Another learning if you enjoy bombing in the desert……. You might want to consider trimming your front bash plate to give the intercooler some room in the case of a “bash plate event”.

How do I know? My bash plate took a good shot in a desert wash during some spirited driving, so when I did a test fit it wouldn’t clear the IC. After three rounds of grinding I arrived at an acceptable amount of clearance in anticipation of a future “bash plate event”. If you enjoy spirited driving in the desert, you may want to consider modifying the bash plate

Finally I installed the the Whipple ACC bracket since it has some shrouding, but I removed the ACC mount in the center as I don’t have an ACC. Also I left my shutter motor unplugged. So far no check engine lights, but I do need to download the OBD II data. Easy enough to reconnect and tie up behind the headlight in the event I need to.

Honestly, I can’t really tell if I’m getting better performance or not, but it’s got to help in more extreme conditions.

Here you see how much bash plate trimming was required. It was straight across on top before alteration.

With Whipple ACC mount removed. Trim plate still covers the bash plate despite trimming

For reference the bash plate