PCM tuning
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 4
From: N.E. GA
PCM tuning
I was quoted a price on a PCM tune and then he said I would also have to buy the handheld tuner. Is this the norm? Other places (like Chuck at CoW) charge a set price for the tune but I don't see where you have to buy the tuner for yourself.
Just wondering. I just can't get away long enough to get to Chuck's tuning event in KY and I am not comfortable removing/reinstalling the PCM myself for a mail-order tune.
Just wondering. I just can't get away long enough to get to Chuck's tuning event in KY and I am not comfortable removing/reinstalling the PCM myself for a mail-order tune.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Lake Worth Florida
I was quoted a price on a PCM tune and then he said I would also have to buy the handheld tuner. Is this the norm? Other places (like Chuck at CoW) charge a set price for the tune but I don't see where you have to buy the tuner for yourself.
Just wondering. I just can't get away long enough to get to Chuck's tuning event in KY and I am not comfortable removing/reinstalling the PCM myself for a mail-order tune.
Just wondering. I just can't get away long enough to get to Chuck's tuning event in KY and I am not comfortable removing/reinstalling the PCM myself for a mail-order tune.
The only advise I can give is make sure your tuner knows what they are doing. There are hundreds of parameters that can be set and if it is too aggressive a tune, or not all the right parameters are set, you can break something.
The only reason you would need to have your own tuner is if you wanted to download the OEM tune first. Then you can keep a copy if you wanted to restore the OEM tune at some later date. Otherwise, once your tuner is finished, you can no longer go back to the oem tune.
Some people do this so they can put the OEM tune back if there is some warranty work they want done and they do not want the dealer to know they had a tune.
Not all tuners have this ability.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 4
From: N.E. GA
Sort of what I was thinking...thanks to all of you.
Maybe Chuck will head down my way before the summer is over and I can get the entire tune/A6 package. I'll just hold off on it for now.
Maybe Chuck will head down my way before the summer is over and I can get the entire tune/A6 package. I'll just hold off on it for now.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,508
Likes: 1,463
From: Pittsburgh PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My tune was actually sub-contracted through my Chevy dealer. The tuner (Bryan Herter of PCM for Less) came to the dealership with a lap top and downloaded a program copied from a dyno tune he performed on an identically set up '06 Z51 6 speed. Don't understand why an established tuner would need to purchase a "hand held tuner" 
Best $$ spent on any mod so far. Timing, A/F ratio, redline/rev limiter, cooling fan set point and CAGS disable were all altered from stock. Resuslt is overall better drivability with stronger pull throughout the RPM range, no flat spots off idle and better throttle response. Should have come like this from the factory.
Best $$ spent on any mod so far. Timing, A/F ratio, redline/rev limiter, cooling fan set point and CAGS disable were all altered from stock. Resuslt is overall better drivability with stronger pull throughout the RPM range, no flat spots off idle and better throttle response. Should have come like this from the factory.
