Some good info on ECM Tune please...

Howster · 07-08-2009, 12:06 PM

Hi to all. I have been on and off the forum for a little while now, and have read about many tunes available for our vehicles. I have done a fair amount of work to my '07 GXP, but have had issues with the first tune I had, which consequently, had nothing at all to do with the tune. The problems stemmed from a very poorly made CAI produced by one of the vendors on this site. I had returned the tune after many attempts to correct the issues, then found out when I removed the CAI in question, things came back to life.

Anyway, I purchased a brand new ECM so that I could have a tune while still keeping my original computer in case something came up where I needed to reinstall the original ECM. I sent that new ECM to one of our more established tuners close to three months ago, but have not received it back yet. I am now trying to make the decision on whether to hold out a little longer, or maybe try the GM tune. I don't know who else is doing good work in the area of tunes here, but maybe someone could pass on some good info on who is doing what and how those tunes are working out. I know the GM tune might not have the custom tweeks others may offer, but wondering how that tune is performing for those who have it. I can install the parts myself, and I have a great dealership who will do the flash for me. I don't drive the car a lot lately due to my work schedule, but I still enjoy a car that can bring a smile to my face when I am driving. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Happy motoring and thanks for your input.

Cheers,

Howster

dixie · 07-08-2009, 03:53 PM

I have the BSR tune and couldn't be happier,car runs fast,no knock detection,air fuel seems perfect and no lag between shifting gears,not a cheap tune but certainly a good one....

madmods · 07-08-2009, 04:42 PM

The two most knowledable persons in the world on the gxps are Dave Gilbert at werks(fastest gxp) and Lyndon Wester.

folkxrock · 07-08-2009, 09:50 PM

I have the PCMforLess tune and I am very happy with it. I have a 2nd ECM and Bryan at PCM got my ECM setup quick and had it back in my hands within a couple days. They have top notch service and you won't beat the price. Performance it among the best. I highly recommend them.
PS - I have to say I was a bit hesitant to order from them because of the name "PCMforLESS worried me a bit - but it was the best upgrade I have made.

07-GXP · 07-09-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by folkxrock

I have the PCMforLess tune and I am very happy with it. I have a 2nd ECM and Bryan at PCM got my ECM setup quick and had it back in my hands within a couple days. They have top notch service and you won't beat the price. Performance it among the best. I highly recommend them.
PS - I have to say I was a bit hesitant to order from them because of the name "PCMforLESS worried me a bit - but it was the best upgrade I have made.

Agreed, this is the second car I've had PCM tune and I couldn't be happier.
I actually switched from a different tune on the GXP over to the PCM. Bryan is very knowledge and easy to get ahold of to speak with etc...great customer service.

rlhammon · 07-09-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmods

The two most knowledable persons in the world on the gxps are Dave Gilbert at werks(fastest gxp) and Lyndon Wester.

While I don't doubt their expertise and knowledge at all.. I knew a few folks at GM and a certain person who is an ex employee of BOSH that I might toss out ahead of these two folks.

However... seeing as the folks on my list aren't exactly in positions to share their information widely at this point... Dave and Lyndon are excellent choices!

kwtoxman · 07-09-2009, 04:16 PM

The GM tune is working out great, it keeps the warranty, it has a good boost for a GXP and according to Flash (here) removes the learn down feature so it is additional mod friendly. GM Stage II Kit review You can't go wrong with that. The specialized tuners will offer more, but may be less friendly with additional mods (although most will further update for free with downtime as you send the ECM out).

The GM tune threads are large but have lots of good info.

XplosivePlushToy · 07-09-2009, 10:50 PM

While I am very happy with the GM tune (especially the removal of learn down and the no-lift shift), I'm getting it custom tuned at a shop in the immediate future because more is always better.

If you have the money, a tweaked GM tune is, IMO, the best route to go. Not because of the actual tune itself, but because of the hardware and the features that accompanies it. Of course, they arent cheap.

ken_in_il · 07-09-2009, 11:56 PM

I have a PCMforLess tune and I am very happy with it as well. Made a major difference for my car. I never had it dynoed, but I use an accelerometer made by G-Tech to test my mods. It went from a 0-60 time of 5.5 stock, to a 4.7 with the tune. I have an auto trans as well! I think it is the best bang for the buck! But that is just me. Hope this helps!

Howster · 07-14-2009, 02:45 AM

Thanks to everyone who offered their support and assistance in my quest for a new tuner. I have spoken with Bryan at PCMforless.com and I think I will give him a shot at it. I will update when I have the new tune and am anxious to finally get something positive accomplished here. Crossing my fingers.

Cheers to everyone

Howster

sky888 · 07-14-2009, 08:36 PM

three months of wait? WTF? why sooooo long? what's the tuner's excuse of not sending you the ecm any time sooner?

pj-33 · 07-14-2009, 09:13 PM

The Werks tune turns a stock GXP into a little monster. I bought a second ECM in case I had any code or other issues but haven't had any. The only thing about the Werks tune is you need to let the car warm up a bit as it is a bit twitchy when cold.

j.e.jones jr. · 07-14-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixie

I have the BSR tune and couldn't be happier,car runs fast,no knock detection,air fuel seems perfect and no lag between shifting gears,not a cheap tune but certainly a good one....

I have a BSR and many many problems. Right now I have the head off and the valves are looking like 150g instead of 13. I think I have a bent valve as there is only 35 PSI in the 4th cylinder. The head is going to the shop tomorrow and also the pistons have all kinds of crud on them. I sent the BSR tuner back once to get checked for problems and they said it was fine. I believe them because when the car is running good it is a screamer. I'm going to try a new intercooler and also air intake. Any suggestions from anyone would be good . jonesy

sky888 · 07-14-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j.e.jones jr.

I have a BSR and many many problems. Right now I have the head off and the valves are looking like 150g instead of 13. I think I have a bent valve as there is only 35 PSI in the 4th cylinder. The head is going to the shop tomorrow and also the pistons have all kinds of crud on them. I sent the BSR tuner back once to get checked for problems and they said it was fine. I believe them because when the car is running good it is a screamer. I'm going to try a new intercooler and also air intake. Any suggestions from anyone would be good . jonesy

there are a couple of sky/solstice owners who had the same bent valve problem. They don't even have any tunes or mods installed.

I used to have the BSR tune. BSR is a good tune for a fairly stock LNF engine. Mods such as an upgraded IC and exhaust....will be fine with BSR. I was able to get about 290 whp with that set up.

Upgraded pipes and CAI.....will mess up the the BSR tune.

good luck.....

cooler2442 · 07-15-2009, 12:24 AM

Yup I am one of the cars with the bent valve and low compression in cylinder #1. All my car had was the GM Performance Parts Tune and CAI. My car has been at the dealer for 35+ days right now.

So far I have seen about 3 GXP's, 1 Cobalt SS, and 1 Sky Redline post about a bent valve and low compression in a cylinder.

Lets hope this isn't a common issue that's starting to pop up with our engine.