C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 12:08 PM
  #1  
SteveL2's Avatar
SteveL2
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,344
Likes: 222
From: Frisco, TX
Default PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s?

I've seen this topic discussed above, and the consensus seemed to be that for the MN6 that is switched to 3.73s, no PCM reprogram is required. Well, my new 3.73s just got delivered :cool: :cool:, and I'd like to know if there's a clear answer. I'd be particularly interested in hearing from those with MN6 cars that have switched to the 3.73. Did you do a re-program, and if not, does your PCM give any odd code as a result of the swap?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 12:23 PM
  #2  
flipm's Avatar
flipm
Racer
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
From: Greenbelt Maryland
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (SteveL2)

I'd like to know the answer to this as well... please let me know how this turns out for you!
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 12:34 PM
  #3  
Mike Mercury's Avatar
Mike Mercury
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (flipm)

From everything I've heard and read, it has always pointed to the fact that the MN6 does not require reprograming.

The A4 does, though.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 12:51 PM
  #4  
gsxguy's Avatar
gsxguy
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (Mike Mercury)

The speed sensor is on the carrier at rotates a the same RPM per MPH regardless of the gear ratio. Thus you do not need programming for the speedometer since it is not effected.
You do need programming to change the shift points for an A4.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:01 PM
  #5  
Godspeed's Avatar
Godspeed
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
Senior Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (gsxguy)

The speed sensor is on the carrier at rotates a the same RPM per MPH regardless of the gear ratio. Thus you do not need programming for the speedometer since it is not effected.
You do need programming to change the shift points for an A4.
Right the carrier may be rotating at the same RPM/MPH, but the final drive ratio of the gear is different. Thus the speed sensor will be inaccurate since the MPH the tires are spinning at will be less. A HPP3 can correct the PCM for changes in gear ratio and tire size. Without a reprogram in 5th gear at 1900RPM your speed will read ~60MPH but you will actually only be going 55MPH. This could certainly help from getting a speeding ticket!

-Jeremy



[Modified by Godspeed, 11:17 AM 1/9/2002]
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:13 PM
  #6  
C54FUN's Avatar
C54FUN
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,204
Likes: 5
From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'08-'10
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (Godspeed)

Steve/guys, I am an MN6'er that went with 3.73s and did nothing with the programming and/or speedometer AND no codes... the car just runs great! While I do have the Powerloader II programming, it was installed prior to the rear change. The bottom three gears are awesome with the 3.73s...wouldn't hesitate recommending the change.

Joe


[Modified by C54FUN, 11:14 AM 1/9/2002]
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:16 PM
  #7  
SteveL2's Avatar
SteveL2
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,344
Likes: 222
From: Frisco, TX
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (C54FUN)

Thanks to all for your responses. :cheers:

Joe -- since the swap, have you ever tried to confirm that your speedometer is accurate? Thanks again. :)
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:35 PM
  #8  
C54FUN's Avatar
C54FUN
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,204
Likes: 5
From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'08-'10
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (SteveL2)

Steve, yes I have and it's right on. I would say the R's are up about 150 on average, at speed, when compared to the 3.42s. Good luck with your mod. When the gears are in you'll have to let me know what you think. Hope your rear rubber is good, cause I now spin the Pilot Sports at will and if I stomp on the gas, in first, I induce wheel hop. Pressing on the gas smoothly just brings the power forth uninterrupted. You jaws are going to ache from all the smiles...I know mine did! BTW still haven't been to track since the change, but will let you know of the results when I do.

Joe


[Modified by C54FUN, 11:37 AM 1/9/2002]
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 02:09 PM
  #9  
Ed Ut's Avatar
Ed Ut
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 964
Likes: 0
From: Cedar Park Texas
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (C54FUN)

[QUOTE]Steve/guys, I am an MN6'er that went with 3.73s and did nothing with the programming and/or speedometer AND no codes... the car just runs great! While I do have the Powerloader II programming, it was installed prior to the rear change. The bottom three gears are awesome with the 3.73s...wouldn't hesitate recommending the change."

True your car runs good, BUT------ your true speed is INACCURATE since you did not reprogram.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 03:11 PM
  #10  
The One's Avatar
The One
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 0
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (Ed Ut)

Steve/guys, I am an MN6'er that went with 3.73s and did nothing with the programming and/or speedometer AND no codes... the car just runs great! While I do have the Powerloader II programming, it was installed prior to the rear change. The bottom three gears are awesome with the 3.73s...wouldn't hesitate recommending the change."

True your car runs good, BUT------ your true speed is INACCURATE since you did not reprogram.
No flames intended, but - :confused: didn't C54FUN just say he confirmed the speedo was accurate? Which is it people? :rolleyes: I'm also doing a rear swap on my MN6. :crazy:

JC
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 04:59 PM
  #11  
Mike Mercury's Avatar
Mike Mercury
Team Owner
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (The One)

True your car runs good, BUT------ your true speed is INACCURATE since you did not reprogram.
I will try to search find the original post that this was definately confirmed. MN6 Vettes do not need a reprog, even for the speedo.

But, A4's do.

Unless my memory is failing......

I will try to confirm this. We neet C5 Tech to chime in on this one.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 05:06 PM
  #12  
Godspeed's Avatar
Godspeed
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1
From: DFW TX
Senior Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (Mike Mercury)

I still believe (although I am not always 100% correct) that if you change the gears the car will run just fine, not throw any codes, but the speedo will be slightly off. The reprogram will correct this inaccuracy. It's similiar to if you changed the size of your tires, you would need to correct the PCM or the speedo would be slightly off. If you can live with the inaccuracy the difference between 3.42 and 3.73 isn't that great.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 05:44 PM
  #13  
C54FUN's Avatar
C54FUN
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,204
Likes: 5
From: Bethlehem PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'08-'10
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (C54FUN)

Guys, I recognize my assessment of speedometer error was not totally scientific, but acceptable. What I did was run my car alongside my wife's for speed correlation and used the measured mile on our parkway for further collaboration. Bottomline IMHO, either the difference is so small or it is right on. For me, I am comfortable with the observed result. The folks at CARTEK that did the install claimed the "no effect on speedometer aaccuracy" as a result of how the C5 senses it...honestly, I don't remember all these facts. Best I can do....
Joe
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 05:52 PM
  #14  
nevrenuf's Avatar
nevrenuf
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee WI
LS1Edit Guru
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s?

The MN6 does NOT require a reprogram.

On the 3.42 gear, you have 12 teeth on the pinion and 41 on the ring.

On the 3.73 gear, you have 11 teeth on the pinion and 41 on the ring.

The speed sensor reads the rotation of the ring gear. Thus, since the ring is the same for both, no programming is required on the manual trans..

HOWEVER, for the automatics, the relationship between engine rpm and mph does change, and thus has an impact on the shift points. You DO need to program for this...

I've put 3.73's in my last two MN6 coupes.. never had to change program, speedo is dead on, I've had it laser confirmed..

Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 06:16 PM
  #15  
vetterdstr's Avatar
vetterdstr
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 28,753
Likes: 9
From: San Jose/Bear Valley CA
CA Events Coordinator
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (SteveL2)

I installed the 3.73's in my car with no Computer tuning. I checked it against a GPS unit and another totally stock C5 HUD. Turns out that the speedo is off by exactly "1 MPH" at speeds from 30 mph to 105 mph.

I can live with that. :yesnod: I Hope you can too. ;)

vetterdstr :cheers:
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 07:24 PM
  #16  
vetteshop's Avatar
0vetteshop
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (SteveL2)

Nevrenuf hit the nail on the head...The speed sensor takes generated pulses from the ring gear tooth reluctor...Because the ring gears are the same size there is no change in the speedo...It is the pinion gear that rotates at a different speed on the two different ratios,which accounts for the change in RPM...
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 10:14 PM
  #17  
SteveL2's Avatar
SteveL2
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Supporting Member
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Community Builder
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,344
Likes: 222
From: Frisco, TX
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (C-5 TECH)

Just wanted to say thanks to all who gave their thoughts on this post, and of course for relieving my concern because now I know I can proceed with the install. Now it's just too bad I'm not closer to C5-Tech so I could be sure to have it installed by someone who knows their stuff. :D

Cheers. :cheers:
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s?

Old Jan 9, 2002 | 10:43 PM
  #18  
nevrenuf's Avatar
nevrenuf
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 2
From: Milwaukee WI
LS1Edit Guru
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (SteveL2)

Steve.. just run over to MTI and have them drop it in.. It doesnt take very long.. 3 hours or so.. really a very simple installation!

Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 10:54 PM
  #19  
jschindler's Avatar
jschindler
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (nevrenuf)

Before we put this thread to bed, it is worth stating that different diameter tires will change the speedometer reading because it's "downstream" of the sensor.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2002 | 10:26 AM
  #20  
6Speeder's Avatar
6Speeder
Safety Car
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,827
Likes: 352
From: Albuquerque NM
Default Re: PCM re-program required for MN6 switch to 3.73s? (jschindler)

jschindler: YOU SIR, are correct. I used the the poorman's gear change, went to a 285/35-18 rear tire, changing the effective gear from a 3.42 to a 3.53, and with a wider tire to boot. Better acceleration, but the speedo is off by 3%. :cheers:
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:26 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE