A few years ago, after adding long tube headers and an exhaust, I had my injectors replaced and a few other odds and ends done to the car (91 L98) as well as a performance chip burned by a reputable Vette guy. The car ran great... Now, two years later, I've added a few more go fast goodies to the motor ( TPiS Base, SLP runners, Ported Plenum, Comp Cam CC502, Lunati valve springs and a PCMforless chip)
The car barely runs with the new chip, it barely idles and bogs down as if it's being flooded with gas (JMHO). We took it out and put the old chip back in and it runs much better, but the old chip wasn't created with the intake and cam in mind. Can a chip regulate fuel distribution? PCMforless says that their records show that it was done correctly. Naturally! They want me to go out and buy some kind of $70 cable, download some kind of software program and turn into a computer programmer and start downloading info onto a datalog for them to look at. WTF? Here I am again, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Why do I need to spend more money on programs and cables, step wayyyy out of my comfort zone and try to do something that I have no idea about, just to tell them what they might or might not have done wrong? It might not even be the chip, but taking theirs out, putting the old one back in and having the engine run significantly better, tells me it's got something to do with the chip. Any thoughts on this before I start spending even more money?

 

Seeing as I know almost nothing about computers, other than turning on and off and basic navigating, is it as difficult as it looks?

 

No "mail order tune" will be exact on the first attempt. PCM4< gets pretty darn "close" as long as the application info you give them is correct. The extra cable they are telling you to buy will allow you capture/log live data from your car - the software is freeware (free)- together the cable, software and a laptop computer will be the "tool" for the tuner to "fine" tune your chip for your application.

 

Not difficult. Worth doing. Not that expensive. You can use Datamaster 20 times before you have to pay. Best $$ I ever spent. Car does something starnge, first thing I do is run a datalog.

 

Well, I may have to read up on it and give it a shot. The car's not a daily driver anyway, so I have lots of time to work it out. Thanks guys...

 

Starnge spelling here.

 

It would be great if you know someone locally that can help you do the intial setup of the software, cable's resistor positioning and port enabling of the computer (if needed). Once that stuff is taken care of logging will be super easy.

 

As your car gets farther away from stock, it becomes harder to tune without a dyno or wideband. PCM 4 less has been around for a long time and has a good reputation. I am running their chip in my tow vehicle. They know what they are doing. I agree with others that you will need to datalog to give them an idea of what your car is doing. In the meantime, double check your install and make sure all lines and connectors are hooked up and that there are no leaks of any kind.

 

Because yours is a 91 sd stradegy (map car), any mods will change the effects of the tune. Yes the "chip" has all the parameters to control, fuel timing etc.

I am sure that pcm for less specify data logging and sending them the logs so that changes can be made. There is not a tune, from anyone that when first installed on a modded car will be perfect the first time out, it will probably take a few times. Using real data is the only way to tune period...you need to buy a cable.

 

Sorry guys, I was away from my computer for a while...
You know, it would be nice if they told you this up front. I would have given more thought to just bringing it to a tuner. Oh well, you live and you learn.

 

I would'nt be put off by that. At first it may be a little bit of a curve to get the software going but in the end those guys will get it right for you.

 

There are other advantages to having the cable. Diagnosing future electrical problems will be easier. And, if the past is an accurate predicter of the future, you'll be modding it again.

 

I started with no knowledge of data logging and now I are one.

Seriously, You need three key pieces.
1. A laptop running WinXP with a USB port
2. A cable with the OBD/ALDL port connector and USB "A" connector
3. Data logging software like TTS DataMaster.

A good place for finding the cable is www.moates.net
TTS is at www.ttspowersystems.com

I learned how to connect my computer to the ECM and watch the engine perimeters. Then to record a data stream. Finally to alter and upload a bin file into my ECM. It takes some time and patience. Once you have got the hang of things you can easily email your recorded datastream (aka data log) and then upload their altered bin file into your ECM/PCM.

It really is that simple, just takes some time to get comfortable.
My first try was on a stock engine. Alvin at PCMforless was great to work with and chopped another 2-3 tenths off my 1/4 mile. Later the cam was changed and another round of logs and bins were xfered between Alvin and myself. Once again the engine sang the high notes easily.

After researching weeks for info to do my own tuning I quickly settled on having another source to program. Nice part is most all of the tuners can tweek your bin file over the internet.

You can always PM me for info.

 

Thanks Jr... I may be doing that. The more I think about it, the more I'd like to learn a little more about it. They say knowledge is power...maybe knowledge can be horsepower too!

 

Or www.ALDLCable.com to save a few bucks.

 

Greg,
That is a great site. Perfect for rounding up all the tuner tip sites.
Wish it was around 5 years ago.

 

ok Jr... I just ordered my cable from ALDLcable.com. When I get it, I'll download that software from TTS and you can probably expect a pm or two from me, ok?

 

Chell Specker Broken

 

Its my brain thats broken.