DVUSz06

I'm planning on going forward with a cam swap. I'll need a tune afterwards, so my question is, after I spend the money for the dyno tune, and changes are made to the PCM by the tuner, who owns the tune.
Reason I ask is, lets say after a year from the time of the tune my PCM goes bad and needs replaced, how do I get the new PCM updated to my new run files. Do I get a copy of the modified files or do I go back to the tuner and pay another fee, or will they update new PCM for free. Or is a complete new tune the only way to get new PCM to match my mods.

Sorry if this should be in the tech section, but in all the posts and threads I've read, I have never seen this conversation and thought this section would have a lot of people that my be able to contribute.


thanks
larry

Smoken1

Alot of tuners will lock the PCM from what I have read. You can also use Chuck Cow for remote tuning unless you want the Dyno Sheet

73Corvette

I HIGHLY recommend Chuck CoW for the tune... he is AWESOME!

0Chuck CoW

Hey Larry... There is no ownership of anything.... IF (which rarely happens) you had to replace a pcm, the tuner would be a real tool if he charged you to re-install the tune.

Give me a call any time if you would like to discuss your options.

914-332-0049
Thanks
Chuck CoW

Vetteman Jack

Best advice I can give is to check with the tuner or tuners you are considering and see what they say should something like you describe happen.

neutron82

personally I would not deal with a tuner who locked the pcm, it can make things very difficult if you have issues later on down the line and you are at their mercy if you need help which isn't cool... not to mention sometimes they are trying to cover up shoddy work so no one else can see it... however, if you have a good experience with a tuner out of respect you should keep the info private unless they don't mind that anyone else knows or sees it

Silverbullet00

Get with Chuck! He knows what he is talking about! He tuned my LS1 after it was "dyno tuned" after a cam swap. The car leaped forward after Chuck's tune.

0Chuck CoW

Thank you Mr. Bullet!

Chuck CoW

DVUSz06

So I think I decided on going with a BTR ls1/ls2 stage 2 cam kit, is anyone running this cam and what do you like or dislike about it? Planning on keeping my ls6 stock except for this and my ARH longtubes and hf catted x pipe.

Jake the Snake

I have the COW mail in tune and am very happy with it. Chuck did not lock it (sometimes done to prevent a dealer or service tech from overwriting it). That said it has never been on a dyno for proof, but if Chuck ever gets near me it can be done. He also said that if there are other mods done he will redo the tune for free.

zdeckich

I would personally do a dyno tune. I wouldn't not do a mail order. To much guess work. I would rather my car be dyno tuned and street tuned for my car specifically.

0Chuck CoW

Not the way I do it..... We use our AutoCal device to record live data and transmit it back to me.

This way I an see what's going on and make the right adjustments.

It's not a "quickie" mail order tune.

Chuck CoW

neutron82

on average how many times do you have to go back and forth sending logs and files?... I would guess at least 3-4 to get the driveability and wot stuff worked out and quite possibly more... I guess if most of the cars you work on are near stock with only air intakes and ported throttle bodies that wouldn't be a big deal but for a cammed or boosted car it could take quite a bit to get it right... when you factor in all the variables like the customer finding time to do a log, having to get a hold of you, you having to find the time to make adjustments, send the file back, and so on, it could really stretch out the time span

Forcedvert

Well my car was tuned this way by a reputable tuner, it could not be tweaked too much, I believe because you can't get the wideband info from stock computer and sensors for a cam/supercharger, 383 etc. (I think I was told)it was never right until it hit the dyno by same tuner and I got a wideband, it was always meant to be temporary until he could make it to town. It had a strange sputter at a certain rpm range but it was intermittent? the pcm also crapped out on dyno and had to be replaced so I'm not sure what fixed sputter, but it has not done it since and never acted up on dyno? I would pick out a local tuner if I do it again. No offense to any remote tuners it was my experience and there were lots of other factors that drug this process out.

zdeckich

This is why I go to a local tuner. Less headaches and can be done so much faster.

jjc508520

Taking mine in soon to ECS for an LS6 intake and headers - getting a dyno tune this time so I can get some before and after numbers (my previous tune was a "street tune")....

95rtturbo

Agreed. No way in hell I would go to a tuner that locks the tune. What are you supposed to do if the tuner moves, or goes out of business unexpectedly? Also, if it's on my car, I should have access to it, IMO. All of the rputable tuners I have dealt with do not lock their tunes.

Bill Curlee

[QUOTE=DVUSz06;1591962293]I'm planning on going forward with a cam swap. I'll need a tune afterwards, so my question is, after I spend the money for the dyno tune, and changes are made to the PCM by the tuner, who owns the tune.

Well,,, Its your car and its in your PCM. That part is yours. HOWEVER, if something happens to your PCM what you have is LOST.

So, you must go back to that tuner and have those files downloaded to your new PCM. If the tuner SAVED you data, it easy. If he didn't, your screwed.

SO,, if the tuner sent you your tuning file, how do you think you are going to up-load it into your PCM? You need tuning software like HP Tuners or EFI LIVE and the requires license for the VIN.

You need to discuss all this with WHOEVER you decide to tune your PCM.

If its Chuck, I would be very CONFIDENT that he would be able to find your specific tuning file and make your PCM as it was before the problem. That could be done by simply mailing the PCM to him.

SO,,,,,,,,,,, You have decided to install a CAM. Can you please list ALL the OTHER stuff that you are going to do/change/up-grade along with the cam install??

That list should be LONG!

Bill

DVUSz06

Thanks for the information Bill on the tuning and pcm questions I had.

SO,,,,,,,,,,, You have decided to install a CAM. Can you please list ALL the OTHER stuff that you are going to do/change/up-grade along with the cam install??

That list should be LONG!

Bill[/QUOTE]

I ordered a BTR ls1/ls2 stage 2 cam, platium 660 with titanium retainers, 5/16 hardened push rods 7.400, gm heavy duty timing chain, and new gm hb bolt. My z06 already has ARH 1 3/4 longtubes (ceramic coated) with high flow catted x-pipe. Car has 40k on it now and will inspect oil pump and rockers at disassembly and will replace anything showing abnormal wear.
No future mods are planned for this engine. Will upgrade clutch when this on fails but not planning to replace at this time.
I don't track it, or drag it, just looking to enhance the performance that may have been left on the table by gm engineers to comply with regs.

Thank
Larry

neutron82

I would recommend replacing the oil pump regardless since you are there (melling 10295 is a good one), new balancer with an arp bolt (powerbond is a good stock replacement), do a rocker arm trunion upgrade (comp or tooley), and a good beefy single roller chain (c5r)