As onboard vehicle computers become more and more complex, tuning Companies are finding faster and simpler ways to bring you welcomed adjustment and tuning capabilities to better tailor your truck's driving characteristics to your preferences. And in some cases, a custom tuner like this new superchips Flashpaq unit can really save you and your 4x4 a lot of grief.
We recently built up an '02 solid-axle Chevy ("solidify Your Front End," Aug. '07), changed the gear ratio, and swapped on 37-inch MTZ tires. In so doing, we not only screwed up the speedometer, but we also consequently screwed up the shift points in the tranny and obviously lost some get-up-and-go with the addition of heavier tires.
We had good luck in the past with supercips tuners addressing our problems, so we automatically opted to try the company's unit again, and were impressed with the new improved Flashpaq unit that replaced the previous generation of tuners we were familiar with.
And like always, the superchips tuner isn't just a tuning unit; it's also a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) reader that now has built-in definitions so no manual is needed to see what's potentially wrong with your truck.
The Flashpaq tuner plugs directly into the diagnostic port of your obd-ii-equipped 4x4 to make connections a snap. The current 2815 Flashpaq unit we used is good for '96-'07 GM trucks and suvs, but is Vin-specific so it can only be used to tune one vehicle (it locks in the Vin) for obvious reasons. Even though it can only tune a single vehicle, it can read DTC codes on any GM obd-ii vehicle. And the new, larger screen gives you the DTC definitions instead of a number you have to look up on a Web site or in a manual. | 
Unlike previous tuners, the new Flashpaq can reprogram your truck with the intention of using 87 or 91 octane. There are three tuning levels, plus preset standards if you want to rely upon default superchips performance improvements. Should you want to put a more custom burn on your ECU, the unit is capable of that as well. A newly incorporated Usb port allows direct linkage to your pc so you can get Web updates and custom downloads to fit what you've done to your ride. | 
The new Flashpaq's case designers must've gone to some sort of ergonomics symposium, because the new tuner is easier to hold onto; features a bigger, easierto- read screen; and has buttons large enough to let your sausage fingers accurately hit the keys. |
Not only can you increase power and fuel economy, you can also adjust a number of actions to improve the performance of your ride. The Flashpaq allows you to raise the speed limiter and rev limiters, while adjusting the ECU to interact with changed gear ratios and larger-than-stock tires. You can also change transmission settings. Shift firmness can be increased in multiple increments individually for 1st- 2nd, 2nd-3rd, and 3rd-4th gear changes, not just the same across the board. You can also increase or decrease the engine speed at which the tranny shifts gears at wide open throttle.