Thread: are Reprogrammed PCM safe?

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  1. #1 are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    SE Level Member Charlie's Avatar
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    I bougth this Grand Prix GTP and it came with a reprogrammed PCM installed and it also came with the original PCM with i've done put back on the car,
    I did feel the difference in the performance but is it worth it?
    is this reprogrammed PCM harm the engine or transmission?
    I don't know much about it but here's a link to what i think it is

    http://www.3800performance.com/Merch...roduct_Count=1
    Last edited by Charlie; 10-29-2009 at 09:05 PM.
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  2. #2 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
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    the firmed up tranny can shorten the life of some parts in the tranny. Do you know where the programmed PCM is from? They are not all the same. For example the DHP tune is known as very safe, while the ZZP PCM for the GTP's are known to have caused a blown motor or five around here. If it is from 3800 performance, how recently was it installed. They currently use the DHP program and that is what I run. But personally I don't run my GTP in the performance shift mode very often so it isnt affecting the longevity too much. What other mods do you have? pulley size? downpipe/ u bend delete/ plog? Headers? spark plugs? air intake? Also, if you have not done so, please read the safely modifying your 3800 thread that is directly above this thread in the general tech section. It will tell you what mods you are supposed to have to run the tune/smaller pulley safely.
    98 GTP Coupe- 180* T-stat, GMPP Front Sway Bar, Dual Aeroforce Interceptor's, TDC FWI, TDC Taylor 10.4's, ZZP SS Plog, ZZP 3" SS catted DP, ZZP MPS W/3.4, AL104's gapped @.055, 3800Perf. PCM
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  3. #3 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    SE Level Member Charlie's Avatar
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    the PCM was already installed in the car when i bought it and the only thing i know about it is that it has been reprogrammed and the label says "REMANUFACTURED BY GM CORP. SERVICE NO.16236757"
    As in other mods i believe its got a 180F thermostat, a cold air intake and a 3.4" SC Pulley.
    I'll be getting rid of the cold air intake and will be putting on a intercooler to help the SC stay cold as on the PCM i'm not sure yet but i think i'm getting rid of it too.
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  4. #4 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    Yeah...how about staying out of the throttle too...since you have no flow mods that thing is about to pop a few pistons
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
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  5. #5 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
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    you need exhaust mods first....see the thread mentioned above...as it seems now, it is unsafe to run it with a smaller pulley/modified pcm. An intercooler is great, it kills knock, but you need a way to get more air out first, not put air in. Get some headers put on the intercooler and tune along with the other proper supporting mods
    98 GTP Coupe- 180* T-stat, GMPP Front Sway Bar, Dual Aeroforce Interceptor's, TDC FWI, TDC Taylor 10.4's, ZZP SS Plog, ZZP 3" SS catted DP, ZZP MPS W/3.4, AL104's gapped @.055, 3800Perf. PCM
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  6. #6 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    Donating Users blowfishRus6's Avatar
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    deff going the right route by getting an intercooler.

    the real way to know how a tune is running is to scan it.
    white 04 comg G gtp. wizair, pacesetters, slp 1.8 rr
    its slow.
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  7. #7 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    Resident HOMOsapien ZR1Vette09's Avatar
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    way too many people have not read the safely modding thread. Why is it that non-users just slap on a 3.4 and call it good?
    '00 Blazer- Good riddance '06 Grand Prix GT- Dead and Cool '05 Silverado- Sold '96 Jeep Cherokee-DD '97 BMW 328i-Project
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  8. #8 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    BECAUSE YOU GET MORE BOOST.

    And boost = speed in the eyes of a noob. Supporting mods are just things you can get later.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
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  9. #9 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    The mod from over yonder TheOtherNick's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluegtp91 View Post
    BECAUSE YOU GET MORE BOOST.

    And boost = speed in the eyes of a noob. Supporting mods are just things you can get later.
    Whatss a supporting mod? Are those those expensive thingys?
    01 gtp-big cam e85 dd 78dodge- guzzling fuel 05 cummins- rollin coal
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  10. #10 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    That Loud Guy 1LoudGrandPrix's Avatar
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    yup nos stickers are expensive
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  11. #11 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    SE Level Member Charlie's Avatar
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    hey guys one more thing i noticed today is the car has a throttle body spacer,
    what is that spacer supose to do?
    should i get rid of it?
    Legends Never Die

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  12. #12 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
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    it is supposed to keep the throttle body incoming air cooler. It is not hurting anything if they installed it correctly and did the coolant flow changes to compensate
    98 GTP Coupe- 180* T-stat, GMPP Front Sway Bar, Dual Aeroforce Interceptor's, TDC FWI, TDC Taylor 10.4's, ZZP SS Plog, ZZP 3" SS catted DP, ZZP MPS W/3.4, AL104's gapped @.055, 3800Perf. PCM
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  13. #13 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    They really do nothing...but it won't HURT anything either.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
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  14. #14 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
    DUI BABY Bio248's Avatar
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    rear head runs hotter with it in and the coolant flow on the drivers side of the LIM not opened up more.
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  15. #15 Re: are Reprogrammed PCM safe? 
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    Quote Originally Posted by Charlie View Post
    the label says "REMANUFACTURED BY GM CORP. SERVICE NO.16236757"
    This is a remanufactured PCM, not reprogramed.

    This does not seem like an aftermarket tuner company to me. This could explain why you did not feel any difference in swapping the two PCM's.

    The label explains it, it states remanufactured, and not reprogrammed.

    Just my take on it...

    You have two PCM's for the car, one could be faulty.
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