Im looking into buying the ZZP 1.0 PCM for my 03 monte carlo ss. My car is stock and was wondering if i should do some modifications before buying the new PCM if so what. Also what performance enhancements will i see wit the new PCM?

 

It is worth is performance wise. There are a bunch of things you will see/feel from getting the new PCM. I would check out ZZP or Intense for the PCM and some of the advantages of it because you can customize the PCM to what you wanna do. I would get a CAI and a downpipe to compliment the PCM.

 

I would do the CAI, and DP before you do the PCM.

 

wasn't this just a tread like a few days ago?

 

Honestly if you are stock the PCM isn't worth it.

It will make it fun, but worth it? No.

The PCM needs reprogramming after modifications because you are altering crucial things (like air-flow and fuel) when you mod your car. If you cant get someone to tune these things in for your car, then you should get the ZZP PCM.

Mod -> Tune

Tunes:
Custom = Greatest
Canned = Not so great, but okay if you can't find a custom. They tend to be on the safe side, and not specific for your car and therefore you are missing a lot of potential
Performance chips = not as good at all.

 

Ya i plan on getting a PCM later down the road. Im going to get a downpipe then a CAI then probably a PCM so this is probably over a couple months span.

 

I completely disagree. It's worth it for the skip shift, elimination of torque management, and shift point improvement alone.

You'll pick up a few horsepower too since it provides a more aggressive timing table.

Sure, a custom tune is better- but for an N/A 3800 with bolt-ons?...eh, I can't see doing it.

I'm a big fan of the ZZP 1.0 PCM- ran 14.0 in my Regal GSE last year with just the ZZP 1.0, a drop in K&N panel filter, 180* thermostat, and a press-on 3.5 pulley as "power mods". Ran 13.81 earlier this year on the ZZP 1.0 with the same stuff, plus a Wizaired intake and 3" downpipe.

Now, the "SS M90 1.0" PCM was a totally different story for me, but I digress.

 

If you do a down pipe, be prepared to get a PCM because your car will throw a code - P0420. You will need to get that code programed out by a tune or swapping PCMs or your check engine light will always be on and fail emissions.

 

Eh...not necessarily true. Some cars throw the catalyst code after getting a high-flow cat, others don't. My Regal never threw the code after dropping a ZZP downpipe with high-flow Magnaflow cat on it. Seems like it's about 50/50- and if your car does throw the code, you don't need a PCM to fix it. A electrical 02 emulator will fix it, a mechanical 02 simulator (sometimes referred to as "spark plug anti fouler") will fix it, or you could always pay someone with a DHP/HP Tuners to delete the code.

Not trying to be a jerk- just offering other options and information.

 

It seems that most of us who own Monte Carlos do throw a code cause the Monte PCM is so touchy. The emulator won't work on the 05 and I think the 04, but since he as an 03 I guess that will not be a problem.