GMHTP: Considering the recent evolution of factory PCMs, how has that impacted the need for aftermarket controllers?
John: From a racing standpoint, there is still no comparison. Factory PCMs are choked-up with too many distracting systems, namely OBDII. The interrupt service of the aftermarket controller is far superior, especially at high rpm.
GMHTP: Tell us about the most exciting engines you've created a control system for.
John: Troy Trepanier's (of Rad Rides by Troy) Blowfish runs on ethanol * Bo Butner's NHRA World Champion AA/SM Comp Eliminator car * Troy Coughlin (of JEGS racing), and Sonny Leonard IHRA ProStock EFI system on his NMCA car * Mike Moran and Bart Lemieux's Pro Mod TT alcohol Monte Carlo * the late John Lingenfelter's 6-second, 4-cylinder Cavalier on gasoline
GMHTP: Do you have a favorite type of vehicle or engine to tune?
John: Turbocharged (first choice), supercharged, naturally aspirated, then nitrous-in that order.
GMHTP: Do you prefer street/track tuning or dyno/lab tuning?
John: I do both. I guess I find power faster on a dyno, but all tunes require dynamic vehicle work too.
GMHTP: Are there any people in America or abroad who impress you as tuners? Who are they and why?
John: A few come quickly to mind: Harry Hruska from PTE, Dale Cherry from Berrel Auto, Larry Stauner of ASSC, and Steve Petty of the Lynch Mob-because of their years of experience and ability to troubleshoot problems. We also have a network of qualified dealers listed on our Web site.
GMHTP: With 'self-tuning' becoming more and more viable, where does that leave the future for 'tuners'?
John: Most problems with EFI systems are with the setup or hardware, not the tune. We'll always need 'tuners' to get things working right.
GMHTP: What advice can you give people who want to learn how to tune an aftermarket system, but are intimated by the technology?
John: Learn how a carburetor works first ... seriously. In my estimation, half the tuners out there don't understand the basics of carburetion. Learn and understand the similarities: Base map-jet, transient fuel-accelerator pump, warm-up enrichment-choke ... and so forth.
GMHTP: What information source do you recommend for anyone wishing to improve their aftermarket EFI knowledge?
John: Gain first-hand experience. Install, tune, and work with a system. Learn through experience. In my opinion, nothing beats experience.
Two of Meaney's rides, a 2007 Z06 and a 1991 GMC with 300k on the clock. Which would you rather race? Think again pal ... the seemingly docile looking pickup is packing a huffed LS1. The list of 'beaten' (and embarrassed) rides includes all the latest supercars, and the LS7 Z06. | 
The GM Performance Part's truck engine was built by Wheel to Wheel Powertrain and breathes under 12-15 psi through a PT67 turbo. Engine control is handled by a prototype BS3 LS7 engine controller. The only things that might give it away are the Mack Truck PTE intercooler visible through the grille, or the custom RacePak dashboard. |