PCMforLess

[Steve]

I've been talking with Kelly from PCMforless.com and have learned quite a bit about tuning lately. Everything I've read tells me these guys know what they're talking about.

Remember, it's PCMforless.com.

[kelly]

We are pleased to begin sponsoring this GM corner of the web :great:

We are PCMforless - Alvin, Kelly, and Bryan - located in Charlotte, NC and Indiana, PA. PCMforless has been in business since 2000, offering quality tuning for GM vehicles...and recently - some specialized products also! Our tuning has touched every corner of the United States - and also Canada, South America and Europe too! International business is not a problem for us.

Common Questions:


1. What kind of experience do you have with tuning?

As mentioned before, PCMforless has formally been in business since 2000. We have been supplying tunes for many different GM models...for daily drivers, heavy haulers, race cars, street cars - any and everything! Our customers include regular auto enthusiasts, people just seeking better gas mileage, and even big names like Mario Andretti and some from Hendrick Racing. PCMforless has been in GM High Tech many times (as recently as the current issue!), and we even receive referrals from the folks at Jegs and Summit. We offer dyno tuning locally, and sometimes travel for 'dyno days' on location in certain US cities. Besides being into the technical side of things - we all enjoy racing our personal vehicles!

2. What exactly does it mean to 'tune' a vehicle?

'Tuning' is a name that was coined to describe altering of the vehicle's 'brain' - or powertrain control module (PCM). Not to be confused with 'tune-up' (regular maintenance!). Since fuel injection, a vehicle needs a PCM to tell it what to do. How much fuel to use and when, timing, shifting specifics (some vehicles have a separate transmission control module), even things like tire size, speed limiters, etc. To tune the vehicle means to use software to change these parameters within the PCM.

3. Why does my vehicle need a tune? Why didn't it come tuned from the factory?

To simply put it - GM has no idea who is going to buy their vehicles...some are big into drag racing, some like to show, some use it to tow and haul, some simply daily drive their vehicle. GM has to set the vehicle up conservatively so that it can be driven by everyone. When you order from us, you fill out an ordersheet (or speak with us directly) that lists your vehicle, modifications, tuning needs, etc - and from there we are able to tailor the PCM specific to you. By doing this, we are able to source more power and better gas mileage!

4. What can I expect from a tune?

Generally speaking (to encompass everyone on this board!) we are able to get around 10hp+ out of the vehicle. This number can fluctuate depending on specific vehicle, modifications, octane, etc but is a good number to start with. If you check out our website at www.pcmforless.com, there is a link with proven dyno results for your vehicle. Gas mileage gains typically are 1-3 mpg. Gas mileage will depend on the kind of trip you make and how hard you drive the vehicle. While not everyone will see 3mpg increases, you will not lose any MPG with our tune.

In addition to these gains - there are other things we can help with. Most GM automatic transmissions feel a little mushy from the factory. They take a while to shift, and when they do shift it is very sloppy. We offer three levels of shift firmness - to quicken the shift and make it feel firmer for a more performance oriented customer. We can also remove speed limiters from most vehicles, adjust for tire size, and otherwise adjust the tune to tailor your needs.

5. What is the difference between this and the $10 ebay chip?

What we are doing is actually modifying the PCM itself. We are altering parameters for fuel and air, timing, shift firmness, etc. Anything that simply plugs into your vehicle is only fooling the sensors into showing certain readings. It does not make the changes where they are needed, and do not offer any tangible gains.

6. What is the difference between PCMforless and EFIlive/HPtuners, etc?

Here at PCMforless we utilize these softwares to get the best gains out of your truck. Purchasing the software outright can be costly, and also very confusing for the first time tuner. We take all the guesswork out of it. We use our years of experience on the street and the dyno to make the appropriate adjustments.

7. What if I add more modifications or change something with my truck?

Updated reflashes for your vehicle are $50 plus shipping. Please contact us before resending the PCM to make sure a reflash is necessary.

8. What different tuning programs do you offer?

We offer three different options for tuning.

a. Send in your PCM - Just like it sounds. If you have another vehicle and can be without your truck for a few days, you send us your PCM to be reprogrammed. You cannot drive the truck without the PCM, keep that in mind. As soon as we receive the PCM we flash it and resend it either the same day or the next day. This option is the best option because there is no waiting for a core. No CASE relearn and no security relearn is needed. The cost is just the tune + shipping.

b. Core Program - This is for people who cannot be without their trucks. We send you a tuned PCM specific to your vehicle for a core charge (will vary per vehicle), and then when you send us your stock PCM, we refund the core charge. If you want to keep both PCM’s, that is fine, you will just forgo the refund. The cost is the tune + core charge + shipping. You WILL need a CASE relearn and most likely a security relearn.

c. Loaner Program – This is for people who cannot be without their trucks, but do not want to fool around with getting a CASE relearn. We charge a little extra for this because we have to take the time to write 2 PCM’s on your behalf, but often the charge is cheaper than the dealership’s CASE relearn, and saves you the trip there. What we do is first send you a stock PCM for your vehicle, for you to use while you send in your stock PCM. Once we have your stock PCM, we tune that and send it back to you. Then you simply reinstall it and go – no CASE relearn is needed. The cost is the tune + core charge + $50 loaner fee + shipping.

If you are in a hurry, please email/call first to check availability on PCM's for options B & C.

9. What is a CASE relearn? When do I need one?

A CASE relearn is an advanced way for the truck to detect misfires, based on the relationship of the cam position sensor to crankshaft position sensor. Anytime you permanently intend to install a PCM that did not come directly out of your truck, you need a CASE relearn. I say ‘permanently’ because if you use our loaner program, you do not need to have the loaner relearned. The only way you need a CASE relearn with us is if you use the Core Program. On our core PCM’s, we disable the check engine light for the CASE relearn code (P0315) so that it is not an eyesore if you can’t get to the dealership right away. While it doesn’t affect performance, you need to have it done as soon as possible.

Our customers have been paying $0 to $70+ to get the CASE relearn performed. It doesn’t have to be at a dealership, but you do need either a Tech II scan tool or a high end Snap On scanner to complete the procedure.

10. What is a security relearn? When do I need one?

A security relearn is something that you can do yourself. You need to perform it when you use the core program or the loaner program. If you install the PCM and the truck doesn’t start, you need to do it. The instructions sent out with PCM tells you how. It is a very specific process of turning the key on/off, and takes about 35 minutes. You need to be patient and read the instructions thoroughly.

11. How do I order?

You can either order off our website, www.pcmforless.com , or call and place an order over the phone. We accept paypal, credit cards, money orders, personal checks. You need to do two things – pay, and also fill out an order sheet so that we know what you need in a tune. And YES we need your full VIN for core and loaner programs – please don’t skip that question as it delays the shipping process for us!

If you are calling, our number is 704-307-4227 for our NC office and 724-349-4227 for our PA office. Our NC office is available 10-6 eastern time M-F. Here are our email addresses:

Alvin - chips@pcmforless.com
Bryan - programmer@pcmforless.com
Kelly - kelly@pcmforless.com

12. Common ordersheet questions:

What are these questions on the order sheet about?

a) Shift firmness – just like it sounds. We ask people to describe what they want on a scale from 0-3. 0 means no changes. 1 is a slight improvement over stock. 2 is what we recommend to most people with daily drivers – it is a noticeable difference over stock, with faster, firmer shifts. 3 is for people who are looking for a harsh, race-type shift.

b) Octane choices – we can tune these trucks for different octane ratings, to get you the most out of your tune. We just ask that you stick to using what you choose on the order sheet. We see a great gain in performance on our regular tunes alone – mid grade/premium is just icing on the cake with a few more horse power, it is not at all necessary to feel a difference in our tunes.

13. What does it cost?

Since there are so many different vehicles on this site, please visit our website. Prices for tuning & core charges will vary. www.pcmforless.com and then click Prices & Ordering.

[kelly]

I also wanted to introduce our two latest products:

Electric Fan Harness for the Trailblazer SS

We are pleased to announce our E-fan harness to the public. Here are some key attributes of our E-fan kit.

* Absolutely no modification needed to vehicle. No cutting, splicing, drilling on the vehicle at all.
* Retains factory hardware and hardware supplied is a factory black finish.
* Quality harness including weather pack seals and OEM connectors. I doubt you would ever find such a nice harness.
* Uses commonly available either used or new LS1 F-body (98-02 V8) electric fans (not included). We have used these same fans in stroker/blower F-bodys to make over 600rwhp.
* 4 electrical hookups for 2 speed operation (power, gnd, fan hi, fan low). No splicing involved or 3 electrical hookups for single speed operation (power, gnd, Fan on).
* Brackets are powder coated flat black for stock appearance
* Single speed kits have built in delay so to be easy on the electrical system, A lot of other kits do not include this and cause undesireable spikes in voltage. Two speed kits have no delay but rather have 2 seperate inputs from the PCM to turn the fans on as a function of coolant temperature.
* Gains of 12-15rwhp and 1mpg are typical!!

Our fan harness & brackets are $159.

A special tune is required to operate our fans on both 06 and now 07 TBSS's. The factory tune will not operate these fans!!!

The tuning is a no-cost option to those who are customers of Pcmforless.com. If you are a past customer all we ask is that you cover shipping.

If you are a DIY-tuner, OR a customer of someone else please contact Alvin on a one by one basis. As a company with one of the best reputations across the internet for being fair and always at a reasonable price you can be sure that our deal will not break the bank.

Photos:

http://www.pcmforless.com/images/TBSS%20Fans/PCM4less%20fans%20012.jpg

http://www.pcmforless.com/images/TBSS%20Fans/PCM4less%20fans%20018.jpg

http://www.pcmforless.com/images/TBSS%20Fans/PCM4less%20fans%20031.jpg

Dyno sheet, only change was our fan kit (click for large version):

http://www.pcmforless.com/images/dynosheets/TBSSefansmall.jpg
(http://www.pcmforless.com/images/dynosheets/TBSSefan.jpg)
We also now have a transmission cooler kit for the TBSS and I6 trailblazer.

Features

* Stainless steel braided lines
* Plug and play, no cutting on factory lines. Trimming and drilling to factory headlight support required. Nothing major, very simple instructions are included.
* >24000 GVW, that's right more than 24000 GVW cooler. This is way over designed but this way it covers the I6 who occasionally tows a bass boat to a 6.0L SS turbocharged SS beating up Mustangs at the track.
* High efficiency stacked plate heat exchanger. Much better than tube-fin designs.
* Race AN fittings
* 6061 Aluminum support bracket, powder coated black texture
* 1.5 Hr. install time.
* Grade 8 hardware. Black Oxide for factory look
* Knocks up to 20 degrees (when in series with factory cooler, more if not) off transmission oil temperature which can drastically improve transmission life and performance.
* Increases transmission fluid capacity by 1.2 quarts.
* Does not fit magnacharged TBSS's.

Priced at $279 + shipping.

Photos:

http://pcmforless.com/images/TBcooler/tbss%20021.jpg
http://pcmforless.com/images/TBcooler/tbss%20024.jpg
http://pcmforless.com/images/TBcooler/tbss%20031.jpg

[Steve]

Welcome to the site. This is great opportunity for me to learn more about PCMs and computers. Most of my history has been with carbed vehicles so it's been a bit of a learning curve for me on how these work. Glad to have pros on the board now to help out.

[ChevyLover]

How do they work when they're modified? I understand that Chevy can't figure out if the vehicle is going to be purchased by a construction company for daily work, someone to tow a boat or a little old lady.

What options do we get for tuning the PCM?

[kelly]

How do they work when they're modified? I understand that Chevy can't figure out if the vehicle is going to be purchased by a construction company for daily work, someone to tow a boat or a little old lady.

What options do we get for tuning the PCM?

To see the different options we offer for tuning, you can preview the ordersheet here! (http://www.pcmforless.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=43)

We take your needs & modifications into account, and squeeze out more power with appropriate timing/air/fuel/etc modifications.

[Steve]

I want to get more MPG, I wouldn't mind more power, but the wife drives the boy around most of the time in the Trailblazer. I'm going to get mine tuned with improved MPG over extra power.

I did the math, it looks like PCM programming makes sense, JUST FOR THE FUEL COST SAVINGS if nothing else.

- Right now a 2002 Trailblazer gets about 16.5 MPG combined
- An extra 3% will give roughly an extra .5 MPG, so about 17 PMG
- Gas costs $3.00 / gallon.
- If I drive 1500 miles per month (18,000/year), that's 91 gallons of gas at 16.5 MPG.
- If I get 3% better efficiency, that's going to save about 3 galons/month.
- Roughly $9/month in savings. That's about $108/year in fuel savings.
- Over a three year period, that's a savings of $324 in fuel costs alone from a $139 investment (with varied cost of fuel, I know, but something like that). I keep my vehicles about 5 years on average, so this would help me out about $540 over 5 years.

Now, if I can get this extra gas mileage and better performance, better shifting and more power ... can someone again tell me the downside?

[Steve]

Holy Flagpole Batman! I just re-read the FAQ. They're not suggesting 1-3% gain in MPG, it's a 1-3 MPG increase.

At 1 MPG, cut all of my numbers in half for how long it will take to get your money back in pure fuel cost. At 3 MPG, cut all of my numbers down to 1/6 of the time it will take. So, instead of 3 years, try 6 months!!!

[Steve]

ok, here are the new numbers I just ran.

- Right now a 2002 Trailblazer gets about 16.5 MPG combined

- If I drive 1500 miles per month (18,000/year), that's 91 gallons of gas at 16.5 MPG.

- An extra 1MPG will give roughly 17.5 MPG or 85.5 gallons/month
- An extra 2MPG will give roughly 18.5 MPG or 81.0 gallons/month
- An extra 3MPG will give roughly 19.5 MPG or 76.9 gallons/month

- Gas costs $3.00 / gallon.

- An extra 1 MPG will save roughly $18/month or $216/year
- An extra 2 MPG will save roughly $30/month or $360/year
- An extra 3 MPG will save roughly $43/month or $516/year

[kelly]

It's funny that you posted this - Alvin just made a calculator the other week! Check it out: http://www.pcmforless.com/mpg.htm

The good thing about tuning is that we don't have to sacrifice performance for MPG, or vice versa.

[Steve]

Hey guys, how did the move to your new office go?

[kelly]

Still in progress. We are excited though, it looks like the brand spanking new Dynojet will be here in a couple weeks :party:

[Aeropagus]

Do you offer overnight shipping options? If so, how much does that cost and how early in the day would I have to order to get same-day shipping out west?

[Steve]

If I don't get around to it this month, I'll get 'r done next month. When you do the math, it's a simple no-brainer. :great:

[Cableguy]

That'll be interesting. I wouldn't mind hearing about the end result.

[kelly]

Yes we offer overnight shipping. Whether we can ship it the same day or not depends on what time the order comes in, if we have that PCM in stock, and what our schedule is like. We also have a heavy dyno-tuning schedule, so sometimes our mail orders wait a day or two to ship. The best thing to do if you need an order in a hurry is to just give us a call!

[kelly]

We'll be waiting :rules: :-)

[RockHead]

Not sue what kind of truck you have or what you are looking for PCMforless are a good tune .

[RockHead]

That'll be interesting. I wouldn't mind hearing about the end result.

You will love your tune , I have a HPT tuner and it is great . What are you trying to do ? performance or better MPG ?

[Steve]

bumping this thread from fan questions recently.

[Steve]

if I ever get my Trailblazer back I'll send it in to have it programmed. I was on the verge of doing so before the wreck.

[Megasaurus]

That's great, can you do a 2008 Silverado 2500 HD and a 1998 Suburban 4WD? What kind of advantage can I get from it? I want mileage more than anything.

[Megasaurus]

What's the difference between getting a tune and getting a programmer? I assume you know what you're doing and can get me more mileage?

[Megasaurus]

huh, that's pretty impressive actually. I'll give a call in the next week or so.