I purchased a new GM ECM thinking I would be able to give it to my tuner for a start up tune for my motor swap from and 02 to an 03. But he informed me that the new ECM doesn't have the 'base' program flashed to it and that I would have to get my local dealer to do it first. No big deal I thought until I was quoted $240.

I really want the 2nd ECM as it will eliminate the down time on my DD swap. Who besides the dealer can do a base flash (hopefully from a furnished VIN number) and what would it cost?

 

Which VCM are you talking about?

 

This one:

 

Is this PCM for the '02 Tahoe? If it is take it back they sold you the wrong one.
That is a 1mg goes in '03 up. Local pick n pulls around here get $25 for a pcm

Parts stores will sell you one for $200 or less programed although the remans are just
cleaned up and put in a new box they already have a file on them so you tuner will
be ready to go. Dealer software can wipe out the PCM serial number which can play
hell with EFI or HPT.

 

The Tahoe you see in my sig has been totaled. I replaced it with a 2003 Suburban 2500 with Quadrasteer. I want to transplant my 416 with a 2.9L Whipple from the 02 Tahoe into the 03 Suburban.

I already have invested in the new ECM so I would like to use it if I can.

PS: My tuner is Next Level Performance in Maitland, FL and they use HPT.

 

What wiring harness are you going to use? The 02 or 03?

 

Stock 03 Suburban. Drive by wire.

 

Then you are going to have to pay someone that has access to TIS and something like a Tech 2 what they charge do do that kind of programming. Maybe it is just your area of the country but $240 is pretty high for what a dealer around here would charge.

 

Educate me in what the acronym TIS means please.

 

The GM subscription service dealers and some shops pay for to load files into devices like Tech 2s do do what you need done.

 

One hour is what dealers here charge. O'reillys does them for $80

 

I can't imagine a "tuner" that doesn't have access to GM's TIS. Where do they get the latest calibration updates on which to base their work? Just use whatever is in the PCM? They should be able to take your vin and flash it with your vin and latest calibration version GM is using. They come out with software updates to correct drivability, emissions, fuel economy, shifting, etc, issues all the time.