BlackBear PCM Tune...

[sokoloka]

I recently contacted Justin about getting a tuned PCM for my '08 Yukon and I have a couple of questions for you guys..

Is there a noticeable tune quality difference between the standard mail order pcm tune and the upgraded scan cable tune? In other words, is really worth the while to spend the time doing a scan cable setup?

Secondly, what would you guys say was the overall most noticeable gain from the tune vs. stock? Shift points? MPG? Off the line speed?

All I'm looking to do is add a little pep to my truck - both in it's step and overall driveability, and so far it sounds like the BlackBear tune is just the thing..

 

[JennaBear]

If you don't have many mods to your truck, then I don't see much of a reason to go with a scan cable tune, unless you can't find someone to do the crank relearn for you. The pluses with a scan cable tune are, you can see what is being changed if you are paying attention to the logs as you send them back and forth to Justin, you can perform your own crank relearn (50-75 bucks at a mechanic or dealer), if you have any mechanical issues (ie. leaks, loose intake) the scan cable can pick up on that and Justin can help you fix the issue. Depending on the vehicle, the scan cable "can be" more precise.

We back our traditional tunes just as much as we do the scan cable tunes, you will not be disappointed with either.

As far as the gains, it varies from truck to truck, driver to driver and depends on modifications as well as the gas (octane and quality). I would encourage you to check out this forum as well to as other tosee what people are saying about the tunes they have received. We strive for excellence in our tunes and customer service and will work to achieve the best results possible for each and every customer.

Check out www.blackbearperformance.com and the FAQs section for some more info. Anything else, please feel free to let me know!

 

[Gambler]

The most noticeable gains I saw were shift points/ shift speed. To be honest when I first got the tune I didn't notice the shift changes so much, because the way it feels is much more natural to me. When I took it back out however (for a dealer trip) I could notice the difference big time, the stock shifts are so slow it hurts to drive it like that...

 

[F360]

If you don't have many mods to your truck, then I don't see much of a reason to go with a scan cable tune, unless you can't find someone to do the crank relearn for you. The pluses with a scan cable tune are, you can see what is being changed if you are paying attention to the logs as you send them back and forth to Justin, you can perform your own crank relearn (50-75 bucks at a mechanic or dealer), if you have any mechanical issues (ie. leaks, loose intake) the scan cable can pick up on that and Justin can help you fix the issue. Depending on the vehicle, the scan cable "can be" more precise.

We back our traditional tunes just as much as we do the scan cable tunes, you will not be disappointed with either.

As far as the gains, it varies from truck to truck, driver to driver and depends on modifications as well as the gas (octane and quality). I would encourage you to check out this forum as well to as other tosee what people are saying about the tunes they have received. We strive for excellence in our tunes and customer service and will work to achieve the best results possible for each and every customer.

Check out www.blackbearperformance.com and the FAQs section for some more info. Anything else, please feel free to let me know!

Is it possible to do the tune with out changing the ECM? such as using DiabloSport Predator to upload the tune or any other software?

 

[Gambler]

You don't have to replace the control modules if that is what you are asking. You can if you want though.

 

[JennaBear]

If you have an in person tune done, then no you dont have to change the modules out. Unfortunately, EFILive has yet to release it's AutoCal which will be a handheld device which will allow you to upload tunes direct from it to your modules, thus avoiding having to take them out of the truck.

With both the scan cable tune and the traditional tune you will need to remove your stock modules (5 min process) to put your new ones in.

 

[ibobby]

I looked around and didnt see a 1,2,3 list of what's done from the time you order the TUNE until the time it's complete. I've read the FAQs on the website and it gave me a better idea of what the TUNE does. I'm still I little confused about the different options when I look under the price and payment section. If I had it done I would want the option of putting the originals back in when I had to take the truck to the dealer for service or repair. I have not done any mechanical mods to my truck.(14k miles now)

I'm interested in the TUNE because from day one I noticed that my Denali had nice power, torque, and speed. When I step on it, the shifting hesitates at times depending on my current speed. Other times its smoother. I remember when I made the switch to synth oil I notice a little drop in gas mileage and power for a short time. Don't know why thought. Today I'll look through the manual to find a maintenance list to see what should be done at or near 14k miles.

I saw the AutoCAL thing. http://www.efilive.com/

I bought something like this a while back for another truck to help find/fix problems. (its gave errors code fixes. It was software disc, cable, and module that was about $150. I dont remember what company it was but I'll look for it. anyway....

If one had the Eflilive software/module, would it be easier to have the tune done by Blackbear? easier to retune if needed? Maybe even allow a reset when you need to have the vehicle serviced by the dealer? Then once the repairs are complete the TUNE software can be re-loaded? I would also think that getting the latest software updates from the dealer, along, with all general maintenance before have the TUNE done would work out better?

thanks

 

[JennaBear]

With the traditional tune, you provide your VIN, answer a set of questions and we will mail out a tuned PCM to you.

With the scan cable tune, you pay a security deposit and we ship out a cable that you use to collect data from your vehicle as you drive. That data is then emailed in to us to be analyzed. In some cases, the data will show a mechanical condition that needs to be corrected before the tuning process can proceed. If this is the case, we'll do our best to help you determine the cause of the problem so that your tune will perform as well as it possibly can. Once all problems are squared away, we'll then build a tune for you based on that data and ship a tuned PCM out to you. You'll then use the scan cable to perform a crank relearn procedure and create a final log with the new PCM in place. The scan cable is then returned for a refund of your security deposit.

All of our tunes have the latest software updates from GM.

For dealer situations, what most people do, is purchase spare modules. This way you just swap your tuned computer out for your stock ones when you go into the dealer.
The AutoCal should be coming out soon, and will be a good option to have tunes emailed and loaded up on your vehicle.

You can also purchase the EFILive software if you are wanting to tune/monitor your vehicle on your own. We are a reseller for EFILive, and offer packages for those wanting to get started on tuning themselves.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

 

[ibobby]

cool. I don't think it would be good for me to TUNE my own truck. I'll I'd do is stop it from running completely. The package I had was pretty simple for what I understood. It gave you the info about the error codes to pretty much saved you money vs going to a repair shop to have your vehicle computer diagnosed.

I guess the AutoCal system would be a real plus to a TUNE customer. Great. Have they released any pricing yet?
Would the dealer be able to track the TUNE uploads?

 

[JennaBear]

No idea on the pricing, but I would assume that it would be more than the $250 that the V1 scan only cables cost.

 

[73shark]

So if one has a separate ECM that you have tuned so they can put the stock one back in for trips to service, how do you get any GM upgrades in the tuned ECM? Send it back to you?

 

[JennaBear]

We offer free re-tunes if you feel it is needed.

 

[ibobby]

cool. I was just reading this
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=85206

pretty good info and discussion(well it started of good..LOL). Maybe the extra modules are really worth it. I'm sure no one wants to void their warranty in case something went wrong. Maybe the AutoCAL will help avoid detection.

 

[ibobby]

Crazy..

A few days ago I looked for the module/software I bought a few years ago and didnt find it. I was kinda mad...LOL Today I started pulling out the Xmas decorations and guess what?

found the Module. Ho Ho Hoooo.

Its the DriveRight CarChip by Davis

http://www.davisnet.com/drive/products/drive_product.asp?pnum=08210
http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/60A3246A0A0.aspx

not sure how good this is compared to other products out there. At the time I just wanted something simple for my other truck and this one was on clearance at one of the auto shops. I'll download the lastest software and pick up a serial to usb adapter.

WARNING:

This product has been discontinued.

*Our original models of CarChip, which were downloaded using a serial-port cable, have been replaced by models that use a USB cable. The new CarChip models also support the CAN protocol, which is being phased in newer vehicles. We leave the original product posted here so that information about it can still be accessed.

*(original) CarChip has been carefully designed and tested to comply with the OBDII protocols used on most cars and light trucks sold in the USA, model-year 1996 or later.