There are three basic items necessary to tuning your own LT1 (or other GM) PCM: Software Cable Computer TunerCat is your first step, the program I recommend to read your current PCM image, change its contents, and then reupload it to your PCM.
Full Answer
Are handheld tuners good for LS1s?
Most owners of bone-stock, or near-stock, LS1 vehicles have heard of handheld tuners. These wondrous little devices are best known for the ability to flash in a performance tune into the ECM-removing the conservative (and usually pig-rich) factory tuning and replacing it with more aggressive tuning more suitable for high-performance lovers.
How can I increase the tuning potential of my LS engine?
If you want to increase the tuning potential for your LS engine, there are quite a few options. The current entry-level controller for LS-series engines shares one key feature that greatly simplifies any LS swap: self-learning tuning.
What can be done to improve the LS1?
The factory air flow metering and fuelling maps are probably one of the first places a tuner will look to improve the LS1. We see 4 bar air sensors coping with quite large power gains, whereas the OEM air sensor was restricting performance at a much lower level.
How to tell if LS1 engine is good?
Some LS1 engines respond better to mild cam durations check your engine on a rolling road. The engine timing and fuel pump and injectors also will say much on the power gains you'll get.
Can you tune a stock Chevy ECU?
The answer is still yes. You still need a wire harness and OBD2 port to connect to the computer, once you have that and power to the PCM you can plug the HPT cable into the OBD2 port and read and write the computer. 2016 Silverado CCSB 5.3/6L80e, not as slow but still heavy.
Can you tune a stock engine?
1:314:44Putting a tune on a stock car. Is it worth it? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhere you can see a jump though is in the throttle. Control most of the cars nowadays are drive-by-MoreWhere you can see a jump though is in the throttle. Control most of the cars nowadays are drive-by-wire. And that that tuning parameter can make a big difference just in the complexion.
Can you tune a stock ECU with a laptop?
A new wave of laptop tuning tools have been coming to market that allow users to directly modify the fuel and timing maps of stock ECUs. These usually use the OBD-II port (On Board Diagnostics).
What do I need to tune a LS?
3:084:54LS Engine Swap Programmer Tuning - Summit Racing Quick FlicksYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipParts you're going to want to step up to an HP tuning kit. Now what this software kit includes isMoreParts you're going to want to step up to an HP tuning kit. Now what this software kit includes is some basic software as well as a cable to hook your computer of your EFI system up to your laptop.
How much HP will a tune add?
For a general stock car (i.e. no additional performance parts), a tune will boost your hp by 10 to 15 percent. What's more is that if you've added performance parts to your vehicle such as cold air intake, exhaust, or turbo, the hp boost you gain from tuning may be as high as 50 percent more!
Do you need an aftermarket ECU to tune?
If you are just wanting to implement some slight modifications like exhaust and air intake, then you will most likely be able to tune and program your existing stock ECM to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you are trying to convert your vehicle into a race car, then you will most likely want an aftermarket unit.
What is needed to tune a stock ECU?
0:475:19Tuning an OEM/Factory ECU? This Is Your FIRST Step! | Stock ROM File ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore we can download the calibration or wrong file out of our ECU. We need to start by installingMoreBefore we can download the calibration or wrong file out of our ECU. We need to start by installing the VCM suite software on our laptop.
Can you remap a stock ECU?
This process of uploading a new map on the stock ECU is called remapping or reflashing. Not to mention, the car manufacturer also deliberately detune to engines in the lower variant and models. This creates a power difference between different variants and car model that are using the same engine.
Is there any free ECU tuning software?
Why use TunerPro software? It is a completely free ecu tuning software. Its developer is Mark Mansur, Microsoft engineer. No annual subscription required.
How do I get more power from my LS1?
On a stock LS1 engine, the following upgrades can improve performance and fuel economy:A cold air intake kit.Headers.An aftermarket exhaust system.A computer programmer.
Can I tune my car myself?
Even though tuning your own vehicle is more difficult than following the tips for driving a lowered car, it can be a very worthwhile endeavor for many car owners. Before you begin, make sure you have an appropriate ECU reflashing tool and corresponding software, laptop, gauges, and access to a dynamometer.
What do I need to use HP Tuners?
0:558:03Getting Started With HP Tuners MPVI2+ Pt. 1 - Connect - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip2 plus now if you've never tuned before or never used hp tuners before you'll need to go ahead andMore2 plus now if you've never tuned before or never used hp tuners before you'll need to go ahead and install this software by plugging it into your usb port.
Why do most tuners make larger power gains on the LS1 than they do on the LS2 or
Most tuners make larger power gains on the LS1 than they do on the LS2 or LS3 primarily because it was built and designed for solidity and reliability rather than performance .
What is a GM LS1?
GM LS1 make awesome project cars and with the right modified upgrades like a remap, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will noticeably increase your driving opportunities. The LS1 or Generation III as it's known was very solidly built and with the right mods can make a significant amount of power. It is a big lazy V8 and if you tighten up ...
Why do you need to remap oil on LS1?
Remaps helps to establish the full potential of all the tuning parts you've fitted to your LS1.
How much horsepower do you need for LS1?
The LS1 engines are great to work on and we're pleased to see that there are plenty of mods and performance parts around. You'll typically need to hit around 600hp before you need to strengthen the pistons and rods and we've heard of 1000hp engines running the stock crank.
Do LS1 engines need cams?
Some LS1 engines respond better to mild cam durations check your engine on a rolling road. The engine timing and fuel pump and injectors also will say much on the power gains you'll get. Longer valve durations can alter the power band and on most engines the exhaust and intake durations do not need to match, although most cams ...
Does LS1 cam make a difference?
Altering your LS1 cam will make a dramatic difference to the engine torque. Choosing a higher performance cam profile raises the torque accordingly. Fast road cams normally push up the bhp across the rev band, you may sacrifice a little low down bhp but the top end will be better.
Should I upgrade my exhaust?
Exhaust. Only look to upgrade your exhaust if your current exhaust is actually causing a flow problem. On most factory exhausts you should find that the flow rate is still fine even on modest power gains, but when you start pushing up the power levels you will need to get a better flowing exhaust.
What is the LS376/515?
The LS376/515 is the most powerful LS crate engine to date, pushing 515 hp at the flywheel.
What is aftermarket engine management?
Aftermarket Engine Management. Aftermarket engine management has many benefits that go far beyond the factory computer capabilities. Some builders say the stock computer is more than enough to control their LS engine, and they’re correct: the factory computer works very well for a stock engine.
Can you tune an ECM?
But there are some things that home-based tuning software can’t do. Most software packages can’t make significant changes to the programming of an ECM, so you can tune the engine, but you cannot change the ECM from drive-by-wire to drive-by-cable or vice versa. Tuning an aftermarket ECM is easy with supplied software.
Can you convert a 1998 F body to drive by wire?
You can also convert an engine to drive-by-wire by reprogramming the original computer for drive-by-wire, but you must be able to plug the wiring harness into the particular computer. The 1998 F-Body computers and harnesses are not compatible with 1999-up harnesses or computers because the plugs are different.
Do LS engines use a computer?
Each engine uses a specific computer. The wiring harnesses are dedicated to each computer, so it’s very important to get all of the components when pulling an engine from a salvage vehicle. If you do not have the proper computer, you can find a wide range of used LS computers from various retailers.
Can a computer be swapped for a 2015 LS engine?
March 9, 2015 by LS Engine DiY. Each engine requires its own computer, and the programming must match the engine, so computers can’t be swapped even if the plugs are the same type. General Motors produces several computer types and each is built for a specific engine group. Some work with many engines, and some only work with one.
Do you need an ignition controller for a crate engine?
It’s a great option for builders who want a factory-based system and a specialized tune for a crate engine. Carbureted LS engines are distributor-less, so you need an ignition controller such as this one from FAST. The XIM is also used with the XFI system on EFI engines. (Photo Courtesy FAST)
What is a TIS2Web?
GM’s Technical Information System (TIS)—Service Programming System (SPS), (commonly referred to as TIS2Web) is an Internet utility used by service technicians to reprogram control modules with the latest GM calibration. The software is accessed through the Internet and opened as a Java applet launched on the technician’s local laptop or desktop PC.
What is the TIS2Web interface?
TIS2Web requires a J2534 programming interface such as the GM Tech2, Drew Technologies Mongoose cable, or other compatible programming interface. The programmi ng hardware interface is a link between the vehicle’s OBD- II diagnostic connector and a laptop or desktop PC.
What is an update on a PCM?
An update is used to make calibration changes only. If the operating system (OS) must be changed (for example throttle type or transmission type), a full flash is required. For Gen III PCMs, once the OS has been flashed into the PCM, only updates are required to finish the calibration work.
Can Gen 3 PCMs be tuned?
Although Gen III PCMs are powerful control modules, they are of little use without tuning software tochange engine ( and transmission) operating parameters. You may find that the best results involve a blend of tuning services at an experienced dyno facility and final do-it-yourself tweaking using a popular scan-and-tune software package.
Can you use a 2002 Express Van PCM on a 2002 Corvette?
To put it another way, you can turn a 2002 Express Van PCM into a 2002 Corvette PCM. Because the PCM service number (GM# 12200411) is the same for both vehicles, the calibration can be interchanged. As an example, someone using an LS1 Corvette engine need not source the PCM directly from a Corvette.
Can I use a laptop for tuning?
Most modern tuning and data acquisition software are compatible with Microsoft Windows operating systems. For this reason, most tuners rely on either a laptop or desktop PC. With the OBD-II diagnostic connector located inside the vehicle, it is most common for tuners to use a laptop PC. Although most hardware cables rely on a USB connection, some require a serial port connection with a PC, so it is important to review the requirements of the tuning equipment before purchasing a PC.
Can Gen 4 ECMs be overwritten?
Gen IV ECMs cannot be fully overwritten with custom tuning software. If, for example, you are working with an LS2 engine pulled from a 2005 Pontiac GTO and source an ECM from a 2005 Corvette, the ECM must first be reprogrammed with GM’s TIS2Web software using a 2005 GTO VIN.