PCM replacement question

[silveradofirerescu]

Hey, I know a lot of people on here get custom tunes and replace their PCMs so I know I am in good hands. I need to know where the PCM is and how to replace it. I am ordering a tuned one tomorrow and when it comes in next week I want to be ready to go with it. Also what do you recommend as far as which one to get? Nelson? Wheatly? Wait4Me? I want something that is going to get me more power and better mileage with 87-89 octane. Or can I not have my cake and eat it too? Thanks!

[777stickman]

IMHO: You need to calculate the cost of the unit you want and determine the years it would take to realize any gains you may get from an after market unit as far as MPG over a good stock system that is properly tuned.

As far as where the PCM is, it's generally located on the drivers side engine compartment, depending on the year (which you didn't say).

You've posted a lot, and I guess you expect us to remember what year and motor you have, but most of us have slept since your last post.

[Sonny01]

Originally Posted by silveradofirerescu

I am ordering a tuned one tomorrow and when it comes in next week I want to be ready to go with it. Also what do you recommend as far as which one to get?

You are ordering one and you will get it next week but you have no idea which one you are ordering? That doesn't make sense to me but then again I'm old...I would advise you not to buy one because it's not mated with your truck...just send your trucks PCM to Nelson after you call and talk to them about what you want to accomplish.

[bigbadram51]

Originally Posted by silveradofirerescu

Hey, I know a lot of people on here get custom tunes and replace their PCMs so I know I am in good hands. I need to know where the PCM is and how to replace it. I am ordering a tuned one tomorrow and when it comes in next week I want to be ready to go with it. Also what do you recommend as far as which one to get? Nelson? Wheatly? Wait4Me? I want something that is going to get me more power and better mileage with 87-89 octane. Or can I not have my cake and eat it too? Thanks!

Lot's of people will tell you many different places to get a tune... I have been very happy with my Nelson and I get all the free re-tunes I want. Along those lines, Nelson has reduced their prices... I paid 495 for my in June 05, now I think you can get it for about $300. My truck was much more driveable and got about 1.5-2 gallon MPG improvement.

The PCM should be located below the battery, behind a protective shield. You can change it out in about 10 min.

[silveradofirerescu]

OK, let me clarify, I plan on ordering a replacement tuned PCM as I cannot afford to have my truck out of service while I wait for the stock to come back tuned. It is a 2002 z-71 with the 5.3. As far as getting next week, that was more of a general statement, like it will be here sooner than later, I hope... I think most of you missed the actual question I had as you were more concerned at being critical of me... Thanks anyway though!

[Sonny01]

Originally Posted by silveradofirerescu

I think most of you missed the actual question I had as you were more concerned at being critical of me... Thanks anyway though!

Yep...sorry I didn't understand you...I bet if you called and asked at the programmers you could get a PCM sent to you based on your trucks options and then you send them yours as a core.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by silveradofirerescu

Hey, I know a lot of people on here get custom tunes and replace their PCMs so I know I am in good hands. I need to know where the PCM is and how to replace it. I am ordering a tuned one tomorrow and when it comes in next week I want to be ready to go with it. Also what do you recommend as far as which one to get? Nelson? Wheatly? Wait4Me? I want something that is going to get me more power and better mileage with 87-89 octane. Or can I not have my cake and eat it too? Thanks!

I think your wasting your money...more power more mpg ? not gonna happen....also if you do do this , do not send in your original PCM , this way when you have problems, you will have PCM for backup/test ........

[knogoodidleft]

I just got my Wait4me, so far happy. not sure more power, but it is faster, much better shifts. 1st to 2nd gear is amazing WOT, sits you back.

I plugged it in and fired it right up, not a problem. I have noticed a little knock every now and then around 2500 rpm, but I havent done the crank relearn and running on 89 octane sooo... that *should* go away.

Dont know about MPG gains yet, will prob be low the first couple of tanks... foots to the floor more now.

Thus, if your on a budget (like me) I would get the less expensive ones. From my research before going to jesse, you get what you pay for. but my tune was the best 159 bucks ive ever spent on my truck. and you can send your old pcm back for $60 rebate, and he gives you free updates or mods on your pcm.