BJM

iTrader: (1)

I haven't bought a tuning tool yet but I want to have a spare PCM in case I screw something up.

Once I buy a used spare PCM, what do I need to do to it to use it in my car? Can any of the tuning tools (LS Edit, EFILive, HPTuners) handle this?

TIA

Viper

iTrader: (6)

I got a PCM that was for an auto, I have an M6. I had it reflashed back to stock for $35, then my tuner used HPTuners to modify it. Had to have it reflashed to:

1. Get rid of the A4 programming
2. Allow the tuner a fresh start

Some programmers can put your VIN on the PCM; it requires taking apart the PCM.

Bottom line is you can slap it in and use it.

wait4me

iTrader: (10)

you can program the vin number without pulling the computer apart, and you can flash the pcm to your car no problem to a stock flash, and you can change from an auto to a m6 program also with hptuners. you just cant delete out the stuff for the auto in an auto calibration, there are too many little other things that the m6 program has that are behind the scenes, the transmission controls for one, like reverse lockout and cags, and speedometer output pulses per mile, and dont forget about having to set up for vats relink for security to work correctly. jes

Viper

iTrader: (6)

"you can program the vin number without pulling the computer apart"

Cool, when I had this done it was 2003 and LS1Edit was it, I didn't know tuning had progressed.

wait4me

iTrader: (10)

i think efilive pro will even do it now..

BJM

iTrader: (1)

I was looking at either HPTuners or EFILive. Would I read my existing PCM, then flash that into the new one? Is it just the calibration that needs flashing or does the calibration and O/S need to be changed? I am assuming the latter. What purpose does changing the VIN have?

wait4me

iTrader: (10)

not sure with efilive programming software, as i dont have it yet, i will when it comes out im sure, but for hptuners, it does work great, all you need to do would be to read your current tune from your computer and then just do a complete vcm write to the pcm, it will take 2 minutes, then the computer is identical to the other one, including the vin, if it is a 99 and higher computer.. 98s store vin in a rom on pcm, but it is easily changed too with any software,
the vin really has no effect on the running of the car, but it does help some scanner programs in telling what moduals are available to read and setting up for enhanced perameters.. hope this helps, jes

BJM

iTrader: (1)

Great, Thanks. My car is a 2001 by the way.