New spark plugs?

[zagger]

I came upon this add for pulstar plugs.
http://www.pulstarplug.com/index.html

Has anyone here used them and are they worth the $25 each in an LSx engine.
The add sounds convincing but then again so do lots of other gimmicks. Please let me know what you think about this plug?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
ACDelco, 41-985, pregapped to .040 and make sure you have the latest upgraded PCM program.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[LLC5]

I came upon this add for pulstar plugs.
http://www.pulstarplug.com/index.html

Has anyone here used them and are they worth the $25 each in an LSx engine.
The add sounds convincing but then again so do lots of other gimmicks. Please let me know what you think about this plug?

You have it right. Gimmick.

 

[zagger]

Thanks for reconfirming my suspicion. C4C5 Specialist when you mention reprogramming the PCM what are you referring to exactly. I was not aware that there was any firmware upgrades and what is the benefit. I assume any dealer can perform the upgrade? And while I'm bombarding you with questions would you know what this procedure should cost. Thanks in advance, regards Zig.

Best wishes to all in this holiday season.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
First, simply request the latest PCM calibration updates from your dealership.
It should be a 1 hour labor charge, as the PCM has to isolated from the rest of the network of computers.
This is to assist in how the spark timing and power is produced by the PCM.
And request a printout of the calibrations uploaded before they do the procedure.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

HI there,
First, simply request the latest PCM calibration updates from your dealership.
It should be a 1 hour labor charge, as the PCM has to isolated from the rest of the network of computers.
This is to assist in how the spark timing and power is produced by the PCM.
And request a printout of the calibrations uploaded before they do the procedure.
Allthebest, c4c5

What is the reason to ask for a printout of the calibrations before the procedure is completed?

I have not had the PCM in my 1999 C5 updated for several years, although I have switched to the new Delco plugs. I will probably have the dealer perform the PCM upgrades this Spring, when I take it out of storage.

Also - how do you determine if the car needs updated calibrations? Is there a way to check, to avoid the "update" which may not provide any additional updated calibrations (and thus wasted money / time/ trip)?

Thank you.

 

[zagger]

Good questions. This is just an assumption but the read out might provide a version number or some other way of identifying which update was performed. Just received my plugs along with new red GM wires which I'll be installing tomorrow. I'll try to get into the dealer Wednesday for the update. I'll post what is on the print out.

Thanks C4C5 Specialist for great advice.

 

[mrm1149]

HI there,
ACDelco, 41-985, pregapped to .040 and make sure you have the latest upgraded PCM program.
Allthebest, c4c5

Yep, no need to search any further.......

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
You see, GM gives a screen when programming in which you see what calibrations are within the computer and what needs to be uploaded.
Now, if you ask after the fact, you will never know.
When you ask for the printout of before/after calibrations, any GM tech knowing how to do this will be able to give you that.
My theory is that GM gives you this so that we may attach the printout to the repair orders when warranty programming is needed.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[zagger]

Replaced the wires and plugs but did not make to the dealer for update, turned out my battery was almost dead??? Never had it happened since I switched to the Red Top Optima. I must have some short issue. We got some rain recently and I think some moisture got somewhere where it shouldn't and caused it to drain. Guess finding the cause will be the next project, for now I'll just recharge it. The amazing thing is that the old plugs were either burned or gapped wrong since the gaps ranged from .055 on two plugs to .07 on the rest. Two of the wires had cracked boots and one wire was cracked next to the plug. I'm hoping the old LS1 will appreciate the change and run like when it was new. Changing the plugs made me appreciate and gain new respect for all the Corvette mechanics out there who keep our beauties purring

PS. Should I be concerned about the extreme gap on the old plugs and because of it is there something else I should check?

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Just remember, from the factory, they had a .060 plug gap.
If they have never been changed, I would say what you found was normal.
The 41-985 are a revised plug AND gap, thus the enhanced PCM programming change.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

HI there,
You see, GM gives a screen when programming in which you see what calibrations are within the computer and what needs to be uploaded.
Now, if you ask after the fact, you will never know.
When you ask for the printout of before/after calibrations, any GM tech knowing how to do this will be able to give you that.
My theory is that GM gives you this so that we may attach the printout to the repair orders when warranty programming is needed.
Allthebest, c4c5

Thanks - is there any way to determine if my car needs any updates, without going through the update process (such as by VIN?).

 

[zagger]

This is great, out of all the Chevy dealers in San Diego only one new that you suppose to update the PCM and he also told me that no print out is available " it can't be done!". Herring that really boosted my confidence in the local dealer service
O well, to be continued.