Question: What Performance Chip or Module to use and why

[strokin383-c4]

Just have a concern because I am interested in purchasing a Performance chip for my 1986 Z-51, and was wondering what you guys recommend and why; I am looking for something within a good budget of $300, that is safe for my transmission (Built 700-r4) and delivers great results. Anything you guys have had, still have, used or tested knowledge would be wonderful. Better bang for my buck is always a plus!

Thanks,
Sean

 

[vetteoz]

I am looking for something within a good budget of $300,
Better bang for my buck is always a plus!

So don't buy a off the shelf, one size fits all , generic chip like a Hypertech that promise 1000 Hp and 100 MPG.

Get a custom tune with what you want/need for less $$$

PCMforless is one of the many online tuners with proven results
PCMforless.com

Full custom tune for stroker engine only $205
PCMforless.com

NB;
if your engine has the mods and is making the Hp as you state then you must have a custom tune already ?????

that is safe for my transmission

ECM (tune ) only controls convertor lockup in your car
TCC lockup point can also be adjusted in the custom tune

 

[Marv02]

I have a PCMforless in my stroker I been very happy with it you get other thatt will chim in and tell you do your own and other BS.

One place wanted $450.00 for there chip I was looking at them untill I was turned on the PCMforless like I said I happy with them.

 

[strokin383-c4]

So don't buy a off the shelf, one size fits all , generic chip like a Hypertech that promise 1000 Hp and 100 MPG.

Get a custom tune with what you want/need for less $$$

PCMforless is one of the many online tuners with proven results
PCMforless.com

Full custom tune for stroker engine only $205
PCMforless.com

NB;
if your engine has the mods and is making the Hp as you state then you must have a custom tune already ?????


ECM (tune ) only controls convertor lockup in your car
TCC lockup point can also be adjusted in the custom tune

Well I did have a custom tuned chip, but when my turn signal flasher and relay went out behind my information center, it caused my knock sensor to go out and burned up my ECU. So I need to replace. If PCM is delivering what you say Ill definitely go for it. much appreciated

 

[aklim]

The best thing is to have a custom chip that was made on the dyno. Think of buying a suit.

1. (Hyperjunk, JET, etc, etc) is just like saying "I want a suit for a 40 yo white male" and hoping you fit into that profile

2. Chip by mail is like giving the tailor more details

3. Dyno tune is like getting a tailor to make the suit for YOU and only YOU.

What do you think works best?

 

[Hib Halverson]

Most of the posts here so far seem to have been made by folks who don't realize that the car in question is an 86 and does not have an ECM which can be "reflashed" when changing the calibration.

Looking at the OP's sig line, if the list of parts and mods is correct, chances of finding an off-shelf chip which is calibrated properly for that engine are small, but chances are good you could come close.

You need to search for a source for early L98 cals appropriate for an engine modified to the level yours is.

TPIS might be a good place to start. Also DRM is another.

As for custom tuning...done right, that'll cost you lot more than 300 bucks.

 

[Tuna]

Check out FastChip . When I modified my LT1 a few years back, I called them, told them what I did and they made a chip for me that suited my particular mods. Worked great.

 

[aklim]

Most of the posts here so far seem to have been made by folks who don't realize that the car in question is an 86 and does not have an ECM which can be "reflashed" when changing the calibration.

TPIS might be a good place to start. Also DRM is another.

As for custom tuning...done right, that'll cost you lot more than 300 bucks.

Can't you simply take the chip out and send it off?

Hitech Motorsport in Elk River MN is a possible choice.

I think it cost me about $500 a few years back. Still, if you want it done right, it will cost. Somebody has to pay for the dyno time. You either pay for my expertise which can be evidenced by my satisfied customers or spend your own time mastering the issue. The former costs more money up front while the latter is less costly as long as you don't figure in what your time is worth and assuming you have the talent for the job. I have found a simple fact in life. For the most part, you will pay me because I know my stuff and you want it done right or at least minimize the chance of a fawk up or you can DIY assuming you have the time and talent. Either way it will cost you. IOW, as the acronym goes "NILIF". Nothing In Life Is Free

 

[strokin383-c4]

In fact almost all of my parts were from TPIS, I was just exploring other options then to have them make me another prom. my last one was around $500. Since the 86 ECM is so simple I wasnt sure if there was something out there that would detect my air/fuel ratios and increase accordingly. Ill give Chris a call there, he is the Operations Tech and see what he can do.

Thanks.
Sean

 

[aklim]

In fact almost all of my parts were from TPIS, I was just exploring other options then to have them make me another prom. my last one was around $500. Since the 86 ECM is so simple I wasnt sure if there was something out there that would detect my air/fuel ratios and increase accordingly. Ill give Chris a call there, he is the Operations Tech and see what he can do.

Thanks.
Sean

I'd give Hitech a call first. He used to work for DRM and now has his own dyno facility. Performance Shop | Dyno Tuning | Machine Shop - Minneapolis - Twin Cities - Hitech Motorsport

 

[vetteoz]

Can't you simply take the chip out and send it off?

For the removable chip style ECM's being discussed here ,most online tuners supply the chip
( a EEPROM ; Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory )
and a adapter that plugs in in place of the original memcal.
In most cases the stock memcal is piggybacked off the adapter to supply the Limp home programming

Nobody bothers to reprogram the stock memcal because that requires a UV eraser to clear the chip ( up to 15 min ) before it can be rewritten each time whereas the EEPROM can be programmed , cleared and reprogrammed instantaneously

 

[aklim]

For the removable chip style ECM's being discussed here ,most online tuners supply the chip
( a EEPROM ; Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory )
and a adapter that plugs in in place of the original memcal.
In most cases the stock memcal is piggybacked off the adapter to supply the Limp home programming

Nobody bothers to reprogram the stock memcal because that requires a UV eraser to clear the chip ( up to 15 min ) before it can be rewritten each time whereas the EEPROM can be programmed , cleared and reprogrammed instantaneously

Formato and Hitech and Lingenfelter did it with the chip and not the piggy back. At least they did it that way when John programmed my chip. Burnt a couple thousandths off my tires just to see if he could. Not that I minded.