ECM reflash

[TC23]

I was wandering if there were any devices like those superchips programmable tuners that you plug in that allow you to change air/fuel, ignition, etc. Or would it be better to just get the ECM reflashed at a shop? Also, what kind of gains would you expect from either for a 2002 2.4L?

[TC23]

Anyone, my firend got this done to his car and said there was a noticeable difference and that now he has to run premium fuel. His vehicle is stock so I am wandering if this is worth while with a few mods.

[Schister66]

w/o other work done you're not going to see a lot of anything.....you might go a little faster because your wallet is going to be lighter afterwards....

To do what your friend did, you would just need to get a timing light and advance your timing....then run premium....if you're going to do it more in depth you could get something like a VAFCII or run an actual tuning software.....idk what they're called for Chevy's but Honda/Acura has Hondata, Crome, Neptune, and Uberdata....

[97grandamld9]

www.jbodyperformance.com offers a reflash. And there may, one day be a device offered by HPtuners to flash the PCM.

[jakegday]

you would have to go to a performance shop to get it reflashed, i would recommend doing all your mods FIRST that way you get the most out of your tune

[97grandamld9]

Originally Posted by jakegday

you would have to go to a performance shop to get it reflashed, i would recommend doing all your mods FIRST that way you get the most out of your tune

No, you cant just walk into any old shop and say hey buddy reflash my computer. just doesnt work that way. I know of ONE company that can reflash OBDII cavalier computers and i posted the link. there have been some talk on other forums about a place in mexico that can, but idk. So that makes 1-2 places in north america (non that are located in the US)

[jakegday]

Originally Posted by 97grandamld9

No, you cant just walk into any old shop and say hey buddy reflash my computer. just doesnt work that way.

no shit, im seriously not that retarted, and in no way did i say you'd be able to take it and say that, i was simply suggesting that would be a good place to go, especially the part about doing the mods first, that way when they do go to "dyno tune" it, the tune would be that much more effective

[97grandamld9]

Originally Posted by jakegday

no shit, im seriously not that retarted, and in no way did i say you'd be able to take it and say that, i was simply suggesting that would be a good place to go, especially the part about doing the mods first, that way when they do go to "dyno tune" it, the tune would be that much more effective

What are you talking about? Dyno tuning and a reflash are two different things.

[jakegday]

lol, just nevermind

[Schister66]

there is no reason to get it reflashed w/o some serious work....cams, header, intake......

Waste of money IMO

[97grandamld9]

Originally Posted by jakegday

lol, just nevermind

Please explain.

[cipherus]

in the book Maximum Boost by Corky Bell (has now become my bible of turbo knowledge), corky says that ECM tuning is difficult and requires an incredibly specialized technician and in almost all cases is just not worth the effort or money. he says the way to go is an aftermarket engine management system (or engine control module, ECM) which is much easier to customize to different applications. they come with software and are much easier to program/manage. as far as specific models or brands, i'm at a loss.

[daveshapellSVT]

yea i've seen many ppl blow engines cause they tryed tuning on their own. it's too big a risk too try and learn it.