Cortex 2950

[SWANK3T]

Any one have one a 3t/3 alpha? How is the performance and mpg gains if any? Thanks in advance for the info.

 

[Hans3T]

I have the Flashpaq (which provides an identical tune to the Cortex) and am very happy with it. Your question is sort of double edged, because the mileage gains come at the expense of power gains. I've run the milage-max setting a few times and I conistently got close to 20 on the highway. That's great and all, but this setting nueters your truck. It was terrible. Now, the performance 87 octane setting is a different story! The throttle is much peppier and the truck just feels lighter, if that makes sense. I always run this setting because the truck drives great and I still get the same mpgs I was getting before the chip. I splurged on a tank of premium once so I could run the 93 octane performance setting and the truck was a rocket. Unbelievable gains.....but I can't justify the extra cost so I'm quite content with the 87 octane setting. Hope this helps! :thumbs:

 

[Trekker]

I'm using the Cortex 2950 to tune my H2. I'm using the Mileage XS Save tune right now and like Hans stated, it's not the most peppiest tune, but I probably pick up 1.5 - 2 MPG on the highway. For Deuce with 37's, every little bit helps!

 

[SWANK3T]

Hans and Trekker thanks. Hans I guess I should have worded that a little better huh I had a cortex on my F150 and understand the different tunes but that truck (04 fx4 super crew with 33s) got just under 22 on highway with a performance tune, k&n CAI, and borla. Sounds like its worth the money for the 3s also. Thanks fellas!

 

[Hunner]

Just asking, but Hans I thought the performance tune required higher octane? Are you running 87 in performance mode or just the "tune" for 87? I ran two tanks of premium thru mine while the flashpaq was being shipped and tried the performance tune and it was quite a bit of difference.
However I decided the tow mode was better for me. After I ran out the premium I started running 87 octane using that and it seems to be happy.
I have to go back and read all that again but I'm not getting any knocking.

 

[Hans3T]

Just asking, but Hans I thought the performance tune required higher octane? Are you running 87 in performance mode or just the "tune" for 87? I ran two tanks of premium thru mine while the flashpaq was being shipped and tried the performance tune and it was quite a bit of difference.
However I decided the tow mode was better for me. After I ran out the premium I started running 87 octane using that and it seems to be happy.
I have to go back and read all that again but I'm not getting any knocking.

Good catch -- I am running the tune called "87 octane" with my regular gas. I call it performance 87 just because it is peppier. When I ran the tank of premium I ran it on the "performance 93" tune.

I was told not to run the 93 setting with regular gasoline by the Superchips guys themselves. I did try it when I first got the tuner, but they told me it could do bad things to the engine (knocking). I didn't have any, but I don't want to risk it.

Can you tell a difference running the 93 setting with regular gas versus the 87 setting with regular gas?

 

[MUTAINT]

I have the Cortex 2950 and like it a lot! I have tried every tune now and like HUNNER I am using the tow tune with 87 octane. Great mid range and super highway performance (holds the top gears longer).

 

[Hunner]

Good catch -- I am running the tune called "87 octane" with my regular gas. I call it performance 87 just because it is peppier. When I ran the tank of premium I ran it on the "performance 93" tune.

I was told not to run the 93 setting with regular gasoline by the Superchips guys themselves. I did try it when I first got the tuner, but they told me it could do bad things to the engine (knocking). I didn't have any, but I don't want to risk it.

Can you tell a difference running the 93 setting with regular gas versus the 87 setting with regular gas?

I got the same advice. I transitioned from the premium gas and performance to tow mode with premium still in there and then begin to fill up with 87 and it seems to be fine. I really could not tell much difference as it was a gradual change as the gas mixed and then all 87. When I go on long trips in higher elevations I sometimes fill up with the mid grade if I feel a need to.

 

[Tractordoll]

I don't have the cortex, but I have an older Diablo tuner for the H2 and I have it set up for maximum performance at 93 octane. I figure it's an H2 and gas mileage isn't really a problem since it's not a daily driver. Even with the 37's it goes pretty darn well down the highway but right now averages about 9mpg.

 

[Hunner]

Notice I did not mention mileage, I just wanted it to perform better by changing the shifting profiles, and a little pep was nice too under load. It has plenty of power compared to my 06 I-5. Especially since I run a lot at a gross weight of 6600 pounds and tow several different things. On road trips loaded up, not towing with 35's I average around 15. In my life that has been on the high end of the scale of mileage on most vehicles I have owned with V8's and four barrel carburetors (remember those??) no electronic tuners then. I get to drive what I want to with the capabilities if the H3.
I'm betting some of you have never had a carb'd engine, vinyl records, 8 track tapes, maybe even cassettes! after the last time we got into the age thing. ha ha
Those that have also remember 24.9 gas!
I miss the good ole days.