Wayne-

When you're doing your own tune, you download your own .bin pcm file from your pcm onto your laptop, and then modify it from there.
That way it is the exact file that was already on your car. Leaves the VIN, and all of the security information the same.

The problem I think comes in when you use a PCM that was originally from a different car, which is why the topswap montes have issues.
They start with a completely different .bin file.

When my car was being tuned, the dash was going crazy when the .bin file was being uploaded and downloaded each time between the laptop and the PCM.
Made me nervous at first, but I am told that is completely normal.

-Riggs.

 

reading this thread is very depressing, I can't find a good place to do my tune, and I was actually going to purchase a zzp 1.0

 

Yeah, I might just wind up getting the tables for the top swap dropped into my PCM, and returning the ZZP PCM if I can... nothin but problems right now. I'd need some good tuning software though...

 

Get ahold of Francis Via. Hes in PA, and has a tuner. Works on grand prix's, they have the same engine. Helped me with my top swap. If you want his info send me a PM. Great guy, knows his stuff. I believe hes tunin his car for a turbo install.

 

ChiChi, I sent you a PM. The guy that tuned my car should be able to tune yours as well. He's in Camden, and is in the city fairly often.
He's been tuning 3800's for three years, and he did a great job with my Monte.
If you want I'll let him know that you're interested and put you guys in touch.

-Riggs.

 

Tim at ZZPerformance tried for 1/2 an hour to program my factory PCM from inside my car. Finally gave up and pulled the PCM and swapped it for another. Took it inside and programmed the VIN into the new one. So using a PCM from another car isn't the issue, it's the security system trying and succeeding to interfere. I want to know if this is able to be turned off from the radio deck?

 

I dont think so, I just went out and looked, didnt see anything in there. If there is, let me know haha

 

i am using a zzp pcm with no luck unless he shut the security down on the one he put in...

 

i have the zzp pcm and have never had a problem with it. Overall the throttle response is better and it shifts right at 6000 rpm. I had to get it for the problem with my high flow cat but i definatly think it is worth the money

 

I believe that the ZZP 1.0 tune is a good starting point, but it is very generic. Agreed that there is nothing like a custom tune.

And there IS a setting in the radio to turn the "alarm" on or off. I'm wondering if THAT is the same security that we're talking about? My alarm has always been on.