PCM reflash question

[LeesTruk]

I've had the pcm for my 5.3 reflashed with the usual "get it up and running" tune. Since that time, I've changed my cam and would like to take my truck to a tuner for some fine tuning. Can my pcm still be used or do I need to get another pcm from the boneyard and start from scratch? Thanks

Later...

Lee

[Tilt]

You can use the same one.

[BR3W CITY]

Yep you can still use it. There are only a couple potential issues; if the ECM was tuned and locked, it will have be re-licensed via an additional credit.

If it was "hard-locked" (a little tougher to explain, but there is essentially a way to lock an ECM in a manner that it can't be reflashed because the original GM data is corrupted). This is suuuuper uncommon, and takes more than just an HPt box.

[LeesTruk]

Thanks gentlemen

Lee

[homemade87]

Just a recommendation . Find you a tuner that does dyno tuning . There is no way to get one fine tuned with out it . A street tune will get it running fair but no way of getting it where it needs to be with out a dyno . It will cost a few more dollars but worth it in the end . I could not believe the difference when I finally did mine .

[LeesTruk]

That's the intent, once the truck is running (very soon). Just wasn't sure if the basic mail order tune would prevent the dyno tune from happening

Lee

[GMC-YA68]

What are the cam specs? Stock convertor still? What do you have it in? Just curious is all...

[LeesTruk]

The cam is a BTR stage 1 cam (.527"/.535", 206*/212* @ .050, 114 lsa), torque converter is a Trailblazer unit w/2200 stall, 3:42 rear

This is what it's in;





The nose should be going back on this weekend, and I think it'll be ready for start up in the next couple of weeks

Later...

Lee

[homemade87]

Originally Posted by LeesTruk

That's the intent, once the truck is running (very soon). Just wasn't sure if the basic mail order tune would prevent the dyno tune from happening

Lee

It is a rare case to see a pcm locked . If it is locked you need to oust who ever it is . There is no good reason to lock a pcm that you own and can no longer make adjustments . Tuners can take a hard hit to there reputation if they do this .

As for the exsiting tune in the pcm , it will not hender the new tuner at the dyno . Good choise to take it to the dyno . I waisted a lot of time and money before I took mine trying to get it dialed in .

By the way , Things are looking good .

[Rich84]

I see you are in Ct. too. Where do you plan on bringing it for the tune?
What manifolds are those?
Love the truck..

[LeesTruk]

The exhaust manifolds are from a 5.3L Trailblazer/Buick Rainier (I'm guessing they're the same as the Trailblazer SS manifolds). They fit perfectly within the frame, with no mod's needed anywhere.

For the tune, I'm planning on going to Total Induction Tuning Solutions, in S. Windsor.

Yeah, I'm from CT. Not too far from you actually, maybe 25-30 minutes across I-84

Lee

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by homemade87

It is a rare case to see a pcm locked . If it is locked you need to oust who ever it is . There is no good reason to lock a pcm that you own and can no longer make adjustments . .

Rare? Not at all, and especially not with "big brand" tunes. The reason to lock a tune isn't for the benefit of the customer, its protection for intellectual property of the tuner. While IP itself sparks debate, it is the reason the HPT included that feature.

This is to prevent people from copy-n-pasting professional tunes, or from posting their tunes to a place like the HPT forum. You own the PCM, but as defined by the HPT credit system, you are licensing that software. You do NOT own the right to decompile or make code changes to the software itself. Just the same, you are paying for the service of a tuner. Essentially, this ends up being much like the "can I share a game I bought with my friends" debate that exists in modern media.

If you were to buy a vehicle like a Nicky Camaro, they would use a stock GM PCM, but it will be locked. IIRC, places like AMS or Speed Inc do the same. There are exceptions with certain vehicles that use an open-source tuning system (EVO's for example). For late model Fords or Subaru's, the Cobb tuning device is very popular, but if you "flash" their tune onto your ECM, its locked until you return it to stock.