How do I "backup" a tune from the previous owner?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
How do I "backup" a tune from the previous owner?
Hello,
Recently purchased a 2014 Z51 Yellow Convertible M7 that somewhere in its former life had a Magnuson Heartbeat Supercharger, long tube headers and Borla full exhaust. (Yes, she scares me).
She runs great with the installed tune (has a plaque on the engine that says "Professionally Tuned by Lashway Motorsports") but I am worried about what to do if I need a software update, etc from GM.
I have zero tuning experience. Do I just buy HP Tuners software and it'll be self explanatory?
Thanks in advance!!!
Recently purchased a 2014 Z51 Yellow Convertible M7 that somewhere in its former life had a Magnuson Heartbeat Supercharger, long tube headers and Borla full exhaust. (Yes, she scares me).
She runs great with the installed tune (has a plaque on the engine that says "Professionally Tuned by Lashway Motorsports") but I am worried about what to do if I need a software update, etc from GM.
I have zero tuning experience. Do I just buy HP Tuners software and it'll be self explanatory?
Thanks in advance!!!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I did. The Lashway Tuning is still open, Lashway Motorsports portion closed several years ago. And I'm still not sure if there is a relation between the two businesses.
I tried to give them my VIN and describe the car to them to hopefully shake some memories loose. Ultimately, they tried, but they couldn't help. No fault of theirs.
I tried to give them my VIN and describe the car to them to hopefully shake some memories loose. Ultimately, they tried, but they couldn't help. No fault of theirs.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 372
Likes: 5
From: North West, Georgia
Someone with more experience than me can answer.
however as long as the tune isnt locked you should be able to read and store your tune.
You will need to unlock the module (ECU, trans, body) with credits but for me ... I was able to read my stock tune and make mods ..
I can also compare various tunes or changes to any of the saved versions. (before any change, I have a habit of reading and saving a tune. Even when I think i have the last one already stored).
however as long as the tune isnt locked you should be able to read and store your tune.
You will need to unlock the module (ECU, trans, body) with credits but for me ... I was able to read my stock tune and make mods ..
I can also compare various tunes or changes to any of the saved versions. (before any change, I have a habit of reading and saving a tune. Even when I think i have the last one already stored).
Last edited by seering; May 18, 2026 at 02:57 PM. Reason: correction
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: Fort Worth
Using HP tuners and assuming you have the software and mpvi you would plug the MPVI device into the obd connector and connect to your laptop. Put your car into “run mode”. Open the VCM editor and select Read Vehicle. You may get a couple options such as read entire or calibration only. Choose read entire if you are able to. It will “open” the file in the editor. Just like any other file type you would select file and save as on the top corner.
The above was from memory as I am not at my computer currently but it should give you the general ideas for what you need. It is a good idea to keep a copy of the tune in case it gets erased or loaded over by accident. As was mentioned a tune can be “locked” not allowing you to edit it but you should at least have the file. TBH I would call Magnuson and explain the situation before you buy hp tuners just to download the tune.
The above was from memory as I am not at my computer currently but it should give you the general ideas for what you need. It is a good idea to keep a copy of the tune in case it gets erased or loaded over by accident. As was mentioned a tune can be “locked” not allowing you to edit it but you should at least have the file. TBH I would call Magnuson and explain the situation before you buy hp tuners just to download the tune.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 169
From: Central Florida
Your supercharged C7 has no business at a dealership at this point in its life, IMO.
Nobody should be updating modules or flashing the PCM.
If it runs properly, best advice is to leave it alone.
Nobody should be updating modules or flashing the PCM.
If it runs properly, best advice is to leave it alone.
