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Frequently Asked Questions
Scan Cable Tune Questions
- How does the scan cable tune work?
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.
- Is there a wait list for the scan cables?
We have had a bit of a back log on some of our equipment but have been adding inventory steadily to help alleviate this wait time.
- Which tune is best for me? The scan cable or traditional tune?
It really depends on your vehicle. There are some cases where the traditional tune and scan cable tune would end up being very similar, there are others where the tune differences are significant.
We've encountered countless (hundreds) of vehicles that have had mechanical problems that were previously unknown to the customer. In most cases, the problem was minor and well within the computer's ability to adjust, however without correcting those problems, a performance tune may have caused the problem to become more prominent and would leave the customer with a less than optimal vehicle. In many cases, the cause of poor gas mileage can be revealed and corrected. There have even been cases where engine damage would have been possible had these issues not been corrected.
- Is a laptop required for your Scan Cable tune?
The scan cable is an EFILive scan cable and as such, has the ability to record data without a laptop present, although one is strongly recommended. In order to receive the full benefit of this option (aka, free crank relearn), a laptop is necessary.
- How long will I need to drive with the scan cable?
The amount of time you spend logging isn't as important as the type of driving you do while logging. Hours of highway cruising will be worth much less in terms of data than 30-45 minutes of varied driving. If at all possible, please include as many different driving conditions as you can while logging.
- Will anything on the truck affect the info you get from the cable? I have a few maintenance items I need to address and don't want that to skew the data. Should I take care of this before the cable arrives?
Generally, it is a good idea to have all maintenance up to date before collecting data for the tune. This will potentially fix any problems that may otherwise hold up the tuning process. It might be a better idea to get that done. Otherwise, the data we gather will possibly show it running leaner as a result of the fuel filter.
- I'm ready for a scan cable tune, how do we proceed?
Please Contact Us for instructions on sending in your deposit for the equipment. In some cases, there may be a wait list, during which you will not be asked to send any money.
General Questions
- I have a new truck with a 6 speed auto, what can you do for me?
We can certainly help improve your shifting patterns and drivability with that transmission, however can only do so in person at this time. The transmission control module is located within the transmission case and would not at all be convenient to swap out. At some point in the future, we will have a handheld programming device that will allow us to program the transmission controller by mail.
- I'm going to be purchasing a cold air intake and cat-back exhaust system soon. Should I have these installed before or after the tune?
If you're looking to go with the data-logging tune, we'd suggest installing the modifications before receiving the scan cable. If you're looking at a traditional tune, then you can install these items either before or after the tune is ordered. Just be sure to note them on your order form.
- What is the typical turnaround time?
We strive to turn around every tune as quickly as possible, with most shipping out within 1-2 days of ordering. If you mail in your PCM/ECM, priority will be given to you to ensure that you have as short of a down-time as possible.
- If I send you the PCM/ECM out of my truck and you tune it, would I still have to do the re-learn?
No, you will not need to perform any CASE or security relearn procedures in this event.
- I live in Canada. Do you ship here and if so, what is the process?
Absolutely! We have many satisfied Canadian customers and the process is not much different than to a US customer. We simply request an additional $15 in shipping for a scan cable tune, $10 for a traditional tune, to help cover the added expense.
- I've looked at the generic ODB tuners from SuperChip, Diablo, HyperTech, Edge, etc - how is your tune different?
Handheld tuners typically incorporate changes to a very specific set of tables within the PCM and in a very standardized way for every vehicle. I'm able to make a tune that is custom-tailored to your set of modifications and desired output.
Additionally, with my Scan Cable tune, I'm able to take that customization a step further. As I've seen and others can attest to, not every vehicle performs the same given the same modifications and conditions. What may work well with one may not work well at all with the next. By having a cable that we send out to physically gather data on your vehicle, we am able to better ensure that the tune will work well with your setup. I'm also able to identify and help diagnose many mechanical problems that a tune would otherwise bring out.
- If I decide to make changes to my truck that require a retune, how much will that cost?
Re-tunes are free for as long as you own the vehicle. All you'll need to do is pay for shipping. There is one exception to this policy and that pertains to an engine swap from one engine family to another (Gen-I to Gen-III, etc). Pricing in this case will be greatly discounted over a completely new tune.
- Will I need to perform a Crank Relearn procedure with your tune?
Yes, as with all other tunes that involve swapping out the stock PCM for a tuned one that was previously in another vehicle, you will need to perform a crank relearn procedure. Any dealership or shop with a GM Tech 2 or other high end scanner should be able to perform this procedure in under 5 minutes.
Customers that utilize the Scan Cable option will be able to perform this procedure on their own, provided that they have a laptop available to use. This is a potential savings of up to $100, depending on dealership rates. This does not apply to 98-00 Classic Body style trucks and SUVs.
- How are your tunes installed?
Your tuned PCM is installed by physically removing your stock PCM and replacing it with one provided. Instructions are included to help facilitate this swap.
- Where is the PCM and how hard is it to switch out?
Depending on the vehicle, the PCM could be in a number of different locations, but in most cases is easy to get to and swap out. Exact specifics will be provided upon request.
- What if I take my truck in for service, should I remove the tune? How is this done?
In most cases, nothing at all will happen. The dealer is unable to disassemble the tune that is on the PCM and read it to determine what, if anything, has been changed by looking at it with a scan tool. Generally, the worst case scenario would be that they have an update for the software on the PCM and will flash over the tune you have. To combat that, you have the option of keeping your stock PCM when we send out a new one for just the cost of a PCM core charge. Then, when it is time to go in for service, all you would need to do would be to swap out the tuned PCM for the stock one.
- Can you clean up the factory shifting?
Absolutely. Unless instructed otherwise, on a relatively stock vehicle, we reduce the time it takes to shift by 30-40% on average. This yields a much more responsive, yet still smooth shift at part throttle, and a more aggressive, firmer shift under heavier throttle. Unless specifically requested, we do not firm the shift up to the point where it will "bang" into the next gear.
- What should I expect as far as performance/mpg difference?
Other than a pure HP gain, overall drivability will be increased. In most cases, you'll notice much less of a lag when you take off from a light or need to accelerate when getting around an obstacle. Typical mileage gains have been in the 1-2mpg range.
- Do you alter the sensitivity of the pedal on vehicles with electronically controlled throttles?
Unless specifically asked to do so, we do not modify the ETC tables. By doing this, you may think that you are getting a performance gain by having to use less pedal to achieve the same acceleration, but that is only a perceived performance gain, not an actual one.
- How does the tune affect the life of the engine/drivetrain? I plan on driving this thing for a long time...
The best indicator of how long your vehicle will last is the foot that controls the gas pedal. Assuming that the vehicle is not raced at every stop light and proper maintenance is performed, the usable life of the engine should not be affected in any way.
In cases where a Scan Cable tune is ordered, I'm able to further hone the tune in to be as safe as possible while still performing the way that you like it to.
- How noticeable is the diff in a '87 oct tune' and a '89 oct tune'?
It really depends on the vehicle. Some can run just as well on 87, whereas others need 93 to make good power. There are quite a few factors that go into this, including environmental and mechanical.
- I'm planning on keeping my old core, but what if your tune does get flashed over? Do we start from scratch, or would you have my tune saved somewhere and I can just send you one of my cores to update? How much would you charge for that?
That's not a problem. We keep every tune that is created on multiple PCs as a redundant backup system. If it gets flashed over, just send us back the previously-tuned PCM and I'll re-write it and send it to you for just the cost of shipping. Updates are free for as long as you own the vehicle.
- How much torque management do you typically remove? Is this what cleans up the shifts and increases responsiveness? How will this affect off-road driveability?
Ultimately, we leave the torque management reduction up to the customer. On a mostly stock setup, we typically recommend removing 75-80% from the transmission during everyday driving mode. All engine torque management is typically removed.
- Can you change my tow/haul button to perform better?
The tow/haul mode allows the PCM to run off of a second set of tables for most transmission functions. We do have a "performance/track" option available that remove all restrictions from the transmission programming. We can reprogram these transmission settings however you want them to be. No engine performance options are alterable from the tow/haul mode.
- Can your tunes correct my speedometer for oversize tires/aftermarket gears?
Absolutely. Aftermarket gears/tires are not a problem to accommodate on most platforms. In some instances, the ABS and parking brake lights may illuminate signifying that the speedometer calibration is outside of the allowable range that the ABS module can accommodate.
- If I send in my computer(s), can I avoid the core charge?
We attempt to turn around mailed-in computers as quickly as possible. Doing so will allow you to be tuned without any core charge payment and will mitigate the need to perform any manual relearning procedures.
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