This is really a 2 part question
How do I upload a mail order tune? I surmise that it is just a file for upload to the PCM. How do you do this, do I need a special program for my laptop, or do you need a special device?

I have a stock LS1 in my convertible. Is there much point in investing in one of these mail order tunes to give me a little more HP without adding hardware? I actually would like alot more HP and eventually will consider a new cam/exhaust/intake but that is not for now,it's going to get too cold out to work on my car.
Thanks
Doug

 

You can usually remove the PCM and send it to them. They will reflash it and send it back. You could also buy a rebuilt PCM and send that, no down time. Otherwise you would need hp tuners or ls1 edit.

 

You have to have dedicated tuning software to communicate and change tune data in the PCM. Usually that EFI Live or HP Tuners

There are hand held tuning devices like HYPERTECH that allow you to FLASH in a tune supplied by that device and it provides limited changes to tables inside the PCM.

I agree with Marty. If you want an inexpensive tune, a mail order tune is your best bet. Most tuners do it for approx $100-$150. Its easy for them. After doing 100s of tunes on the same platform, they find the best overall tune for your engine/trans and aftermarket mods that you already have. They just flash that data into your mailed in PCM and they mail it back to you.

NOTE. This is not an optimized and or a custom PCM tune. Its a generic tune that will make an improvement for an engine /trans just like yours.
The ONLY way to optimize the AFR, Power Enrichment (PE) AFR, MAF Calibration, and Volumetric Efficiency (VE) table to get the tune SPOT ON is using a wide band Oxygen Sensor and feed that data back into the tune.


On a pretty much STOCK engine, you’re NOT going to gain GOBS of HP/TQ. You will get a good seat of the pants improvement and if you have a A4 Trans, your shifting will be much improved.

You have to have a License and hardware/software interface unit to change the data in the PCM.


Bill

 

Thanks Marty, Bill. Good advice.
I like the idea of purchasing a spare and having that programmed, not just for lack of downtime but also that gives me the ability to go back to stock by switching back to the original. Doing some research the tuners are pretty expensive compared to the mail order. buying one would be an investment, I already have thousands of $ invested in tools, but I would have no inkling as to how to set all of the parameters so I will pass on that idea. I would rather invest in some go fast hardware.

I know not to expect a huge gain, I would hope that 30 or so HP would be attainable, and I do have an A4 so to change the shift characteristics, is this like putting in a shift kit?

I had thought that I could find a software utility to flash the PCM from a file that can be emailed, and try different tunes. Now to find a tuner, but first I am going on vacation

 

East coast supercharging has a good rep for Mail order tunes. Shift points can be altered, fairness and quickness improved as well. From what I have read, people with a4 cars are very happy with the results.

 

Thanks Marty, I will give them a buzz

 

Got in touch with Chris at East Coast Superchargers, quick response from him BTW, thanks Chris. With the stock setup I have, he expected only an 8-10 HP increase - but a difference in how it shifts. Same day turnaround and the price is right too. I am thinking of going ahead with a second PCM with this minor tune just to get myself started on the engine mod path. I will need a second PCM or I will be going through withdrawals if I don't drive it every day.

 

I have a mail order tune from Ted Jannetty. He's more well-known in Camaro circles, but tunes Vettes, too.

He tunes via an SCT tuner.

He's the best automatic transmission tuner I've ever dealt with.

 

10hp for $150, thanks pretty good. Maybe get a vararam cai first. With the tune you could pick up 20-25hp maybe more for $350-500 depending if you bought new or used. With the shift improvements you should be very pleased. Check it out.
http://www.vararam.com/b2.html
P.S. Do not drive thru large puddles with the vararam

 

A BROTHER SUBMARINER!!

Bill

 

I read somewhere that ls1 edit can fry your pcm if it loses power or something of that nature.w... true or untrue

 

Living in Vancouver I don't think avoiding large puddles is an option, especially for me as I drive rain, shine and even the odd snowfall as long as it isn't too deep! Is there another option? My long term plan over the next several months is to do just that, add some breathing space in the intake and exhaust, and if there is a cam that has some attitude, while maintaining street manners so I can still drive every day I will do that as well.

 

USS SEAWOLF (SSN 575)
USS PARCHE (SSN 683) - two tours
USS OHIO (SSBN 726 Blue)

 

USS Alexander Hamilton SSBN 617
USS Sam Rayburn SSBN 635 thru MTS 635 Prototype
USS Woodrow Wilson SSBN 624
USS Miami SSN-755 Before the Decom

Special Projects X2. Well Done BZ! My Office mate was a Parche Sailor.

LT1DRIVER

ANY time you flash your PCM with ANY device, If the flash is interupted, you stand the chance of corrupting your PCM.

Thats why its an unwriten rule that before you flash your PCM, you have:

A fully charged Battery fully operational battery
Turn OFF anything that can come ON or turn OFF during the charge
DO NOT change any electrial loads during the flash.

I plug the device in the OBD2 port, roll down the window, set the laptop on the roof and tune from the outside.

Bill