I'm getting ready to get my 98 Camaro tuned but I've heard I would have to get a computer out of a 99 and newer Fbody. Is this true because I really don't want to have to do this. What are the big diffrences in these two computers. ??

 

While they are different, tuning the 98 pcm is not a problem. If your tuner is telling you he cant tune the 98, get a legitimate tuner.

 

Some people like to make this into a bigger deal than it needs to be. There is no reason why you can't tune a '98, unless your tuner sucks horribly. Yes, it's true that the '99+ will be easier to tune for extreme setups, but for most normal builds the '98 PCM can be tuned just fine.

 

I agree. From my understanding, the 99-02 computer is definitely a little better, it does have a better processor and a few more beneficial tuning features, some say it's worth it to swap out the '98 for a 99+, some don't. However, it seems like most good LSX tuners have no issues tuning the '98 PCM's so I wouldn't sweat it.

 

the 99 pcm is not compatible with the 98 fuel gauge with out alot of work inserting new files into the pcm that apparently neither I or my tuner knew anything about. I wish my car had its stock 98 pcm in it just so I dont have to deal with the gauge issue

 

you can swap pcm's but you must do a reflash on the so they can adapt to the vehicle and then tune the vehicle each PCM has its differences

 

Dont listen to this guy^^^. You plug a 99+ 0411 pcm in that car and you're gonna have some serious problems. If you want the 0411 pcm you're gonna have to repin the harness to accept the new computer. I have a 98 car with a 0411 pcm and I had to repin the harness to get it to work. Unless you are going extreme on your setup you dont really need it

 

Ok appreciate it. Im on a lil budget build and didnt want to have to switch PCM's if i didnt have to.

 

A "little budget build" should not need a PCM swap at all. If you're looking at a usual heads/cam/bolt-ons build, then any decent tuner will be able to get your car running just fine with the stock PCM.

 

Bringing this back from the dead. Got a 98. Just emailed slowhawk, who doesn't want to tune a 98. Wtf. And is also telling me it's no big deal to swap. Just a harness and pcm. I asked about gauge cluster, and fuel level, he said "plug and play"...........wtf

 

My suggestion is to simply contact another tuner, unless you're planning an extreme setup that will benefit significantly from the swap.

 

Just a guess but they may just not want to deal with some 98's bricking then the finger was pointed at them from people who don't know about the 98's and it turns into more hassle than it's worth.

Like RPM WS6 said, try and find another tuner.
I have had my 98 computer tuned many many many times including the setup in my sig with absolutely zero issues.

Now I have two buddies who had there 98's brick on them on the first initial tune. Guess I'm just lucky

 

I am gonna do this because i am trying to do a 4L80e swap on my 98 Z28 but i can't with the stock ecm because it's not capable to hold another file or something like that for the 4L80e transmission. Was this repinning easy or did it give you a headache? I purchased a 02 camaro ecm and i need to do the repin but after that is there anything i gotta do in order to turn my car back on as it would with the stock ecm?? Any tips and hints be great

thanks in advance

 

taws6m6 hasnt been on in years (sold his car a while back). I remember him doing the swap though, and he said he labeled each and every wire in the pcm connector, and removed and re-pinned them. He said it was a quite a pain in the butt.

And thats correct a 98 pcm cannot control a 4l80e.

 

Ok i didn't know this but thanks for letting me know he hasn't been on anymore and i guess ill try to do the same try to label them then i guess take them out and repin them i probably will be time consuming but as long as i het it correct that will be good. Also i have a question? Since i have Hptuners can i have someone flash my 98 z28 vin on it or do i have to buy 2 credits again in order to be able to move and do the segment swap for the 4L80e?

Thanks in advance

 

Hi Z28, could you report the GM part number on your PCM ?

Lance