FAQ: Tuning a 1996 Riv SC?

AVT-841 or AVT-852 will work. Read the descriptions on them to get what you need with them, some don't come with an OBD cable, some don't have an enclosure, etc. I still say get the AVT-852-002 because it uses USB instead of serial and comes with the housing/OBD cable.

im confused i thought the tuning programs were basically a disc you install on a laptop and use a serial-obd2 connection? this box is the dhp software that just plugs into the car? also how do you order on their website  sorry for so many questions haha

Yes and no. The program is on the laptop, and the box is what's used to convert all the data. I suggest you read up and learn how to do it, because that tool literally re-writes the PCM parameters. It has the ability to change EVERYTHING, right down to the vehicle Security functions. If you don't know how to use it, you can seriously mess your car up.
I'm not trying to sound like a dick here, but this program isn't simply a few options that you change by clicking a button. Hell, I'm a Buick technician at a dealer and I don't even know everything in the program...it's that in depth. Engineering type stuff. Every single thing in it is a numerical value that has to be changed manually. You download the PCM's .bin file, make all of your changes, then upload the new file to the car. The changes you make are burned right into the PCM, and become the new settings.

So, you aren't simply going to plug in and tune in 10 minutes, and it isn't "user friendly".

Abaddon wrote:

Yes and no. The program is on the laptop, and the box is what's used to convert all the data. I suggest you read up and learn how to do it, because that tool literally re-writes the PCM parameters. It has the ability to change EVERYTHING, right down to the vehicle Security functions. If you don't know how to use it, you can seriously mess your car up.
I'm not trying to sound like a dick here, but this program isn't simply a few options that you change by clicking a button. Hell, I'm a Buick technician at a dealer and I don't even know everything in the program...it's that in depth. Engineering type stuff. Every single thing in it is a numerical value that has to be changed manually. You download the PCM's .bin file, make all of your changes, then upload the new file to the car. The changes you make are burned right into the PCM, and become the new settings.

So, you aren't simply going to plug in and tune in 10 minutes, and it isn't "user friendly".

thanks for the info you don't sound like a dick you gave an honest response and that's what I like   I knew before hand It wouldn't be a quick procedure, i don't have an ounce of tuning program knowledge, maybe something like this can be done after emissions eventually

h20man wrote:

thanks for the info you don't sound like a dick you gave an honest response and that's what I like   I knew before hand It wouldn't be a quick procedure, i don't have an ounce of tuning program knowledge, maybe something like this can be done after emissions eventually

The box is definitely a good thing to have if it's only that much $$$. It's also a good diagnostic tool. It reads all parameters in real-time, and clears codes and what-not. I actually prefer it over most scan tools (except the Tech II). I'm certainly sure we can coach you through some of the basic things to change in the tune.
One of the better things about it is that once you download the .bin file, you disconnect from the car and go in the house. Make a copy of the file (so you have the original), and then play with the copy. You can scroll through the program and play for as long as you want without actually changing anything on the car itself. I'm constantly opening mine here at work when I get bored, looking for things to tweak.

So to tune my 96 all i need to order is the avt 852, have to have a laptop, and with the software i need to download and .bin you all can help me with that , right?

The .bin file you can download from your vehicle. A .bin file is nothing more than your cars' PCM parameters. It's best to read the file from your own car. That way, the VIN and everything is correct, and you won't have any problems uploading or changing the tune.

Ok thanks. i hope I'm not the only one havin trouble figuring this out but how do i order the avt 852 002 off the website?? I can't figure it out. lol

Anyone know how to order off the AVT website?? I don't see an email address or any other ways of ordering on there page. i could of already started learnin how to tune if i knew how to order it. LMAO

crstump wrote:

Anyone know how to order off the AVT website?? I don't see an email address or any other ways of ordering on there page. i could of already started learnin how to tune if i knew how to order it. LMAO

You can't order online. You have to call them. Here is the link to the contact page: http://www.avt-hq.com/contact.htm

Let us know how it went.

One more question before i call them, will the device hook up to multiple laptops or do i have to order for a specific one? I have a macbook now but plan to buy an xp since its been reconmended

You can just run an XP VM on your Mac. It's pretty much exactly what AA did when we were messing with mine. Something with 7/8 should work just fine though.

Thanks guys i called em an they had me send an email with the order number an now I'm waitin for the invoice. I can't wait to take my riv to the next level!!! I plan to make her the cleanest an fastest buick around here.

matt270avian wrote:

You can just run an XP VM on your Mac. It's pretty much exactly what AA did when we were messing with mine. Something with 7/8 should work just fine though.

Yup. I use Parallels and it works great. There are some free VM tools now, look up VirtualBox. I haven't tried it with a tuner but I don't see any reason for it not to work.

Or y'all could have just gotten a superior PC  

So the computer has to run off of xp? I decided I'm goin to buy a small laptop to just for tuning. Anyone know of any good small laptops that will work goodd for resonable price?

I don't know what that box requires, but I run my DHP on a Windows 7 machine. I just have to launch the program in Compatibility Mode with Windows 2000. It works perfect.

crstump wrote:

So the computer has to run off of xp? I decided I'm goin to buy a small laptop to just for tuning. Anyone know of any good small laptops that will work goodd for resonable price?

depends on the program. HP Tuners will run off most anything modern. DHP PowerTunr requires .NET 1.1 and nothing newer. It's nice to have a VM of XP for that because that's not a system you want to use daily...

How do i get a vm of xp? Sorry if its already on the board somewere i can't find anyinfo on it.

crstump wrote:

How do i get a vm of xp? Sorry if its already on the board somewere i can't find anyinfo on it.

You need a virtual system emulator, like Parallels or VirtualBox, and Windows XP. You install Windows XP in the VM. Technically XP requires it's own license, however you get that.

Is the vm nothin more than a download?

So i boought a laptop today. tuner should be arriving soon. also bought a transmission shift modulator, can't wait for my day off(sunday) i also have a boost gauge to finish!

Some one help me out on links to the vm? and what about the xp software? how do i do that?

I've been trryin all mornin to get the vm thing to work. I'm like a lost puppy right now.

Just a quick YouTube search can walk you through it.



If you still can't get it with that, take it to a PC shop and ask them to install XP on a VM for you. Anyone who knows what they're doing should be able to help you. Do this as a last resort because it can be really costly. We charge $125 for an OS install where I work.