How much flexiblity is built into the stock program? I was wondering if a 95 A4 LT1 would start and run without a custom tune with the stage III LT1 to LT4 kit, commonly known as CNC ported LT4 heads, hotcam, LT4 intake and LT headers.
I am in Colorado Springs and it seems that all of the Dyno tuners are an hour or so away. I would rather tune on a dyno than try to fudge my way through an LT1 edit.
Mike

 

Well since it's a MAF system I would think it should run. It might throw a few codes but it should run enough until you get the proper tune done.

 

You should be fine... the MAF will generally compensate up to like 25% before setting codes...

The ECM will adapt your long term fuel trims and such...

Mo

 

It will start and run, the idle maybe a little unstable being that the target idle speed is set too low with the stock program but it should be OK.

 

Thanks for your help. However, I have another question.
Is it worth the time driving to a dyno or will I be able to tune it using LT1 edit and some miles on the road?

Is LT1 edit the way to go or is there a better option?

Mike

 

Mike I use a program called TunerCat. The reason I use it is because one, it allows me to tune not just one car but as many as I wish. LT1 Edit is locked to your PCM alone. Another reason is that with TCs program I can tune the old prom style cars as well. The last reason is because its lots cheaper than Edit and in todays world that means a lot in itself. Go here to find TC:

www.tunercat.com

You will find all the information that you need about their software. You will need to buy TCs base tuner program, and a PCM definition so that the tuner program can edit the tables of the PCM. The base tuner program is $69.95 and the PCM defintion that you need is $19.95.

You will also need a cable in order to "talk" to the PCM. Those cables are available from Andy at:

www.akmcables.com

or:

www.wotelectronics.com

You will also need a decent scan tool in order to see whats happening within the PCM. I suggest TTS Datmaster software. You can download it here:

www.ttspowersystems.com

Just download the software for your car. You have 20 free datalogs in order to tune your car, after the 20th datalogging session you have to pay for it. But for the most part 20 sessions is enough, that is until you get around to making more changes such as a set of CNC ported heads.

Either source is good, or if you are handy with a soldering iron you can purchase a the cable in kit form from either sources. Or you can just send me your PCM and I willl reflash it for you with, a fresh GM update if one is available then I will make the changes for your hot cam setup. The you can do the final tuning on your end once you get the software and scan tools. My reflash will get you well into the ball park if not 95% or better. I have done several hotcam setups on F and Y body cars.

 

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate the help that I have recieved from this forum. I ordered a cable from AKM. Now I have to bite the bullet and put my order in to Dickey Scoggins.


Mike

 

TJWong,
This is one of the best posts I've read here in a long time.

Is TunerCat aka TunerPro/TunerPro RT???

 

Tom heped me to initially learn how to use Tunercat/Datamaster, and to eventually get a perfect tune for my car. Every question I had, Tom had an answer.

My hat's off to Tom "tjwong" Wong.

 

Thanks for this informative post. I've bookmarked all the vendors Thanks Steve Ludwig

 

So true... Tom's base hot cam tune has my engine idling much better than the mail order tune I had previously. In addition I used to have a problem during warm up and coming to a stop where the rpm liked to dip way down; that is gone. Another satisified client of Mr. Wong!

 

TunerCat allows you to do the same tuning, by and large, as TunerPro. It just has a different type of file (mask) definition specific to TunerCat.

 

[QUOTE=tjwong]Mike I use a program called TunerCat. The reason I use it is because one, it allows me to tune not just one car but as many as I wish. LT1 Edit is locked to your PCM alone. Another reason is that with TCs program I can tune the old prom style cars as well. The last reason is because its lots cheaper than Edit and in todays world that means a lot in itself.
Can a hypertech program be reprogrammed with Tunercat?

 

[QUOTE=MR.KIDD]No.

 

So other than the dealer where would I get the stock program ?

 

Tom "tjwong" can hook you up.

 

I might have misunderstood your question. If your PCM is running a Hypertech program, you can make changes with Tunercat. But, why not return your car to stock and sell the Hypertech.

 

Tuner Cat and Tuner Pro are two different progams and developers. Tuner Pro is a freebie, but don't let that be a hinderance, it is a good tuner program and works well. I just use and promote TC As I get extremely good service and support from them.

 

All I need is your VIN. I have the same GM Dealer tools at home to give you a base GM Calibration

 

When I purchased the car it already had the hypertech program installed I also had a hypertech programmer fall into my hands with the
same program so before I sell it I wanted to know if the the installed program could be reprogrammed.