I've searched the forum and can't seem to nail this one down...

I realize there are "pre-programed" devices available to fine tune your car. You tell the device manufacture your mods, they write a special program and store it into a box that gets shipped to the car owner. One simply transfers the data into the C5's ECM. And then when the next mod happens (say a axle ratio change a few months later) the "device" needs sent back so it can be updated with your newest mod and shipped back to you; they you would download it again into your car.

Is there a device that allows the cars owner to make the actual changes themselves, in the garage?

I know a few people that will be making axle ratio changes soon on their A4 C5's; and this would be the only change (no TC upgrade either). Can one "device" be purchased that could make these changes for each axle ratio upgrade... a programer that does not need be sent back in for each specific car/axle ratio combination?


[Modified by Mike Mercury, 9:04 PM 10/28/2001]

 

Anyone?

I called Hypertech; they said their boxes will allow the car owner to make the changes, but are car/year specific. He said they have just barely finished the Hypertech for 2001 C5's; and won't be getting to the 2002 models for quite some time. I mentioned that my understanding was the 2001/2002 were almost identical; but the chap said he would feel uncomfortable selling one not "optimized" for the 2002.

The only reason I want a device that allows a DIY change is because the ONLY mod I will be doing is axle ratio. I don't need anything else changed or enhanced.

Because of this; its hard to justify $500 for this one specific change. I know 4 people wanting to do the same lone upgrade, and all are dragging their feet due to the expensive reprograming.

Gee, if someone would give a greatly reduced price for reprograming axle ratio changes... and axle ratio changes only; there would probably be a long line forming with customers.

*2002 LS1 COupe
*A4
*factory 3.15 (G92) to be changed to 3.42

 

Buckmaster,

Thank-YOU for responding.

Dealer; I called the dealer I purchased the car from. The service manager said he has done this to '00 and earlier C5's, but said GM has tightened up on dealers doing this to cars still under warranty and he cannot do this on a 2001 or 2002. But if he could, they would charge me $60. Darn :(

Powerloader; I have considered this many times.
Problems I have are (and I would appreciate anyones comments)
1. Waiting... waiting... waiting; that has been reported on this forum for the PL.
2. Unable to resort back to factory settings.
If I was ONLY to have the axle ratio changed; this "lack of capability" would not be a big deal. But since the price is the same no matter how little or how extensive the program is changed, I would have the full-Monty done. Then I would want the ability to resort back to factory settings if problems occured (allowing the car to be error-free driven until the PL program bugs were to be worked-out).
3. Plus I have read posts about problems after Powerloading. This I could not tollerate... its just the way I am. If I was to Powerload, it would have to work right the first time, with no DIC errors; no error codes, no surging, no sagging, no unexpected limp mode.

I would eagerly pay someone $100 to $125 to make all the necessary changes required for an axle-ratio-only program mod.


[Modified by Mike Mercury, 6:31 PM 10/30/2001]

 

After researching this subject to death over the last several months and after trying the Superchips Microtuner and the Powerloader II I believe your options are: PowerloaderII,www.ttspowersystems.com about a 4-5 week wait,Ed Wright www.fastchips.comabout 2-4 day turnaround if you send them your PCM-Fedex,and Hypertech III. FORGET SUPERCHIPS...been there ,done that!

The programming will also turn on your fans alittle earlier to cool the car too. :yesnod:

 

IMHO,
if your under warranty, you have to decide if you want to take the chance of G.M ripping up the warranty due to someone messing with EPA mandated PCM software.

If you decide on wanting to take that chance, I suggest the only one I would trust to recommend to C5 owners is Ron Zimmer of http://www.Z-industries.com

You will notice on his website, he does not stick it to you like the others.
Minor changes are $100 and then $200 for middle ground changes and $300 for flat out custom. Far cheaper then those others that as far as I have seen on doing PCM traces on those tuner brands they do not give you 300-500 buck changes. Ron has been doing Corvettes even longer then when I first used him back in 1994 and he is not guessing or backward engineering.

Else if you wait to maybe the end of this year, two vendors are in BETA testing their products that will allow you to make your own changes, in realtime and do your own PCM flashing.

At this way you'll be able to first download your stock code, save it and later be able to install it back if need be and total cost will be about the same as just one time with those tuners who then charge you time and time again.

Plus you would not have to yank out and ship PCM to a vendor and play with your a s s, while holding your breath waiting to get the car back on the road.

 

Buckmaster
I appreciate the good words about the Powerloader. I just wish a axle ratio ONLY reprog was a lot less expensive.

I contacted Dennis @ Z Industries. Although his web page shows a $100 "basic reprog", he quoted me a $450 price just to change the axle ratio programing (with nothing else modified except that).

There's got to be another way.