Best tuner platform????

[TheKodiak]

Good day, I acquired a 1996 Lt1 Corvette Auto, that has been tuned and deleted by the PO. I would like to check, and modify the said tune, while adding a larger cam. Also, HP tuners isn't compatible with my car. What would you recommend in it's place? Thanks

[LeMarky Dissod]

Good day, I acquired a 1996 Lt1 Corvette Auto, that has been tuned and deleted by the PO.What is the PO?
I would like to check, and modify the said tune, while adding a larger cam. Also, HP tuners isn't compatible with my car. What would you recommend in it's place? ThanksIt will never be worth it to HP Tuners to ever give a schidt about the OBD2 LT1, or anything else before 1997.
If you're willing to overpay, the JET Dynamic Spectrum Tuner is the ONLY available option - presently - for tuning OBD2LT1 powertrains (16214399 or 16242921 pcms).

The far better value is to do an OBD1 conversion.
1. Get an OBD1 LT1 pcm, 16188051.
DO NOT PAY MORE for a 16181333 than the price of a 16188051.
The only functional difference between 16188051 and 16181333, is to make someone extra money at the buyer's expense.

2a. Buy and install OBD1 knock sensor / freeze plugs. It's a chance to backflush the buildup at the bottom of the block due to reverse cooling. (Most commonly done.)

2b. the OBD1 pcm can be altered to accept OBD2 knock sensor signals internally (less commonly done)

2c. very few people have fabbed up an external switching circuit so that they can use EITHER pcm at will (incredibly rarely done)

3. buy an OBD1 LT1 cable from TunerCAT, or build one yourself - <$100

4. download the following software for FREE!
FlashHack (read / write utility)
TunerPro RT (.bin file editing utility)
$EEhack (tuning and diagnostic aid, plus several other cool features)

TunerPro RT requires a definition file (basically a decoder ring / rosetta stone) to arrange and present the data more conveniently for tuning adjustments.
steveo, dzidaV8, kur4o, and jthompson have each written detailed $EE definition files that can edit stuff even TunerCAT OBD1 cannot yet see.

Even if you paid TunerCAT for their entire OBD1 LT1 tuning suite and cable, the OBD1 LT1 conversion would still be a far better value than JET DST.
But since you're here, it's worth pointing out that you don't even need to pay for the software.

[steveo]

people are working on reflash tools and XDFs for your ECM but a completed tool hasn't materialized yet.

i probably have 90% of the info needed to write one however i don't have near enough time to do it

i also started a tool that would let other people write flash tools more easily

i don't have near enough time to finish that either

if you are swapping cams your "PO"'s tune is junk anyway, might as well start over.

i believe there are other considerations other than the knock sensor with a 1996 automatic transmission, with an obd-i swap, aren't there?

[LeMarky Dissod]

... there are other considerations other than the knock sensor with a 1996 automatic transmission, with an obd-i swap, aren't there?https://www.impalassforum.com/threads/stickied-lets-walk-through-the-differences-between-94-95-96-and97-4l60es.269586/#post-2620746

Read everything about 1995 & 1996. Note that cahall did not understand or appreciate the nuances of custom tuning at the time of writing.

https://www.impalassforum.com/threads/4l60e-swap-guide-b-body.232098/#post-2177273
https://www.impalassforum.com/threads/4l60e-swap-guide-b-body.232098/#post-2265708

Again, read everything about 1995 & 1996.

You'll find this more than once:
"Technically, the 3-2 downshift solenoid should be swapped also, but experience shows that it is not required."

In mid-to-late '95, the 3Down2 shift solenoid was updated, this carried over thru '96.
The latest / final GM 1995 LT1 operating systems have no problems operating the updated 3Down2 shift solenoid shared by '95 & '96 4L60Es.
Using 'earlier' operating systems and/or early '95 4L60Es that have survived 27 years un-rebuilt may cause limp mode, or 3-neutral-2 downshifts.

I don't even remember the last time I installed a '94 LT1 bin file into an LT1 pcm.
Every time, I use a '95 .bin file to operate a '94 or even '96 LT1 / 4L60E, and I've had no issues or complaints of any kind

[TheKodiak]

Thank you fellas! PO is Previous Owner. Honestly, it sounds intimidating at first. But with some time, and a lot of reading. I'm sure I'll be able to pick it up... Well I hope lol.

When swapping the '96 to the '95 pcm. Is it basically just replacing one with the other, or do I have to swap harnesses/plugs too?

[Fast355]

The other option is 0411 swap it with an Express van 5.7L tune. The Express van PCM will run the LT1 perfectly well without using a cam sensor.

[TheKodiak]

I've read that Jets CS is non-existent, and over priced, while also reading about TunerCat. Which is more flexible? Which one shows more data? Can I build my own PC-to-ECM adapter, or where can I purchase one? Also, does the PC and softwares do the calibrations and calculations for you, or must you do everything? Thanks again!

[LeMarky Dissod]

Thank you fellas! PO is Previous Owner. Honestly, it sounds intimidating at first. But with some time, and a lot of reading. I'm sure I'll be able to pick it up... Well I hope lol.The learning curve is shaped more like a staircase.
Really easy stuff gets learned very quickly. Basic switches and constants, stuff like that.

Approach air fuel and spark carefully. If you always save before you make changes, and the changes you make are small, you won't blow up the engine.
If you learn enough about air fuel and spark, low-to-mid 30MpG on the highway is possible.
When swapping the '96 to the '95 pcm, is it basically just replacing one with the other, or do I have to swap harnesses/plugs too?Simply remove '96 pcm and install '95 pcm in its place.
Unless you intend to install a '95 'vette 4L60E .bin file into the pcm then and there, best to have a '95 'vette 4L60 .bin file already installed in the pcm.

[LeMarky Dissod]

I've read that Jets CS is non-existent, and over priced, while also reading about TunerCat. Which is more flexible? Which one shows more data? Can I build my own PC-to-ECM adapter, or where can I purchase one? Unless an OBD1 swap is literally out of the question, forget about JET Dynamic Spectrum Tuner.

I've had TunerCAT's OBD1 LT1 tuner suite for many years. I prefer its layout and display, but that's likely because I'm just too accustomed to it. That said ...
Starting naked from scratch today, I'd buy the OBD1 LT1 cable from TunerCAT, if only out of respect and deference.
I'd then download
FlashHack
TunerPro RT (even though you will NOT use the 'RT' part, TunerPro RT works better than TunerPro)
steveo's $EEx definition file (the other ones I mentioned have more defined / adjustable parameters, but they're not terribly important for newbs)
$EEhack so you can temporarily try changes on for size, before permanently writing the changes to the pcm

Today, even though I'm sure TunerCAT would update his definition files if asked - he is a VERY capable bithacker - steveo's, dzidaV8's, kur4o's, and jthompson's $EE definition files are ahead of TunerCAT's $EE (version DO?).
Also, does the PC and software do the calibrations and calculations for you, or must you do everything? Thanks again!Sie müssen alles selbst machen!

[TheKodiak]

So in a nut shell... If I stay with my Obd2, then go with jet. Otherwise '95 and below are better off with TunerCat? Like a gentleman stated, and a topic I recently came across. What about the 411 swap? Now I know the pin layout is different, and re-pinning is a long and tedious process. But is it worth it? As for tuning, I do know not to allow the engine run lean. Unless you have very deep pockets, then send some my way... lmao. Also, using a van PCM works, because you're going to change the settings (reprogram it) anyways??? Not sure if I understand that part. I'm about to review the reading material. Thanks again.

Will this work with my obd2, if I already have preexisting software?

https://www.newegg.com/p/2S7-07JP-22TV0?item=9SIB33YJ9K0619&nm_mc=knc-googleadwords&cm_mmc=knc-googleadwords-_-gadgets-_-graviton-_-9SIB33YJ9K0619&source=region

Is the ALDL-12USB good for obd1?

[Fast355]

So in a nut shell... If I stay with my Obd2, then go with jet. Otherwise '95 and below are better off with TunerCat? Like a gentleman stated, and a topic I recently came across. What about the 411 swap? Now I know the pin layout is different, and re-pinning is a long and tedious process. But is it worth it? As for tuning, I do know not to allow the engine run lean. Unless you have very deep pockets, then send some my way... lmao. Also, using a van PCM works, because you're going to change the settings (reprogram it) anyways??? Not sure if I understand that part. I'm about to review the reading material. Thanks again.

Will this work with my obd2, if I already have preexisting software?

https://www.newegg.com/p/2S7-07JP-22TV0?item=9SIB33YJ9K0619&nm_mc=knc-googleadwords&cm_mmc=knc-googleadwords-_-gadgets-_-graviton-_-9SIB33YJ9K0619&source=region

Is the ALDL-12USB good for obd1?

01-02 350 van PCM is the same hardware as a LS1 just setup to run with a 4x crank sensor and single coil. You will be tuning the fuel and spark anyway. The van PCM will fire a LT1 right up once the VATS is disabled.

https://youtu.be/mxQ4Xh-JDAg

[steveo]

So in a nut shell... If I stay with my Obd2, then go with jet. Otherwise '95 and below are better off with TunerCat?

if you use tunerpro instead of tunercat, the only expenses beyond the ecm/knock sensor/aldl cable (should be way under $200) would be the $5 of beer money you're going to send my way when you realize how easy flashhack, EEX, and eehack make it to tune for $0


Also, does the PC and software do the calibrations and calculations for you, or must you do everything? Thanks again!

it's definitely not automatic but i've done everything necessary to ensure that it's really fast to come up with a solid calibration

for fuel calculations eehack will do both the logging and analysis necessary to tell what corrections need to be made. this can be done with several clicks of the mouse, but inputting the corrections in tunerpro should be done manually.

for spark mapping eehack will draw you a map of knock events on a grid to tell you where you have gone too far with timing advance

you can dick around with idle speed and spark in realtime to get hints on how to fix up your idle parameters right

i wont spend much more time trying to sell you something that's free but you should know that due to the software i've written there's no ECM in the GM world that's cheaper and easier to tune than the 1994-1995 LT1 one, so it's definitely worth considering that swap

the CCM is something you also must consider, it talks to the ECM and runs your dashboard and stuff, and gets some ECM data over the aldl bus. it might screw up with that van ecm swap, might want to research it a bit....

flashhack actually hacks the CCM if you need to re-flash it too...although i don't think we have tried it with the 1996-1997 era CCM yet?

[LeMarky Dissod]

... If I stay with OBD2, then go with JET DST.If you stay with OBD2, then you will have no other choices EXCEPT JET DST, or as 12200411 swap, or to wait for another OBD2 LT1 tuning option that is presently in development.

Otherwise '95 and below are better off with TunerCat?No, no - FlashHack, TunerPro RT (NOT TunerPro, TunerPro RT), and $EEhack.
But I suggest buying TunerCAT's OBD1 LT1 cable.

[TheKodiak]

Will the ALDL-12USB cord work with TunerCat? I went to the TunerCat website, and the obd cords are out of stock. Which is why I ask.


Thank you everyone!

[TheKodiak]

Well, I ended up pulling the trigger for the Jet Dst. I wanted to make the conversion to obd1 and go with tuner cat. But I will admit, I am a bit intimidated about making a lot of adjustments to accommodate the new ECM. I will on the other hand, slowly work my way toward the obd1 and TunerCat. Since Jet was TunerCat, is the software compatible? Wish me luck fellas

[LeMarky Dissod]

Well, I ended up pulling the trigger for the JET DST. I wanted to make the conversion to obd1 and go with tuner cat.
But I will admit, I am a bit intimidated about making a lot of adjustments to accommodate the new ECM.
I will on the other hand, slowly work my way toward the obd1 and TunerCat. Since Jet was TunerCat, is the software compatible? Wish me luck fellas.The sooner you convert to OBD1, the sooner you'll be glad you did, especially once you get the hang of $EEhack.
So far, not one person has regretted an OBD1LT1 conversion, and nearly all of those were before steveo got FlashHack & $EEhack fully sorted.

JET DST IS TunerCAT OBD2, but with more restrictions and less tech support.
It looks, walks, swims, and quacks like TunerCAT OBD2, but for the most part, not compatible.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself asking TunerCAT for the latest OBD2LT1 definition file - the one thing TunerCAT will provide for JET DST OBD2LT1 customers.

JET DST (OBD2) and TunerCAT OBD1LT1, despite their shockingly similar appearance, and the ability to copypaste data from either to either, are NOT compatible.

Once you do the OBD1LT1 conversion, and get the hang of $EEhack, you won't need any more luck.

[TheKodiak]

I'm not giving up on obd1. I bought a 16188051 ecm as well. I already downloaded the software. All that's left is odb1 cable. From there I plan on fooling around with it. Of course within reason. Is it worth getting the bench programming kit? Thanks



The sooner you convert to OBD1, the sooner you'll be glad you did, especially once you get the hang of $EEhack.
So far, not one person has regretted an OBD1LT1 conversion, and nearly all of those were before steveo got FlashHack & $EEhack fully sorted.

JET DST IS TunerCAT OBD2, but with more restrictions and less tech support.
It looks, walks, swims, and quacks like TunerCAT OBD2, but for the most part, not compatible.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself asking TunerCAT for the latest OBD2LT1 definition file - the one thing TunerCAT will provide for JET DST OBD2LT1 customers.

JET DST (OBD2) and TunerCAT OBD1LT1, despite their shockingly similar appearance, and the ability to copypaste data from either to either, are NOT compatible.

Once you do the OBD1LT1 conversion, and get the hang of $EEhack, you won't need any more luck.

[LeMarky Dissod]

I'm not giving up on obd1. I bought a 16188051 ecm as well. I already downloaded the software. All that's left is obd1 cable.
From there I plan on fooling around with it. Of course within reason. Is it worth getting the bench programming kit? ThanksNo one said you were giving up on OBD1.
Don't forget the OBD1 knock sensors, unless you're going to modify the OBD1 pcm to receive OBD2 knock sensor signals.

'bench programming kit'? Do you mean FlashHack, TunerProRT with $EE definition file, and $EEhack? Or TunerCAT OBD1 LT1?
Either way, yes.

[TheKodiak]

I was referring to Bench Force. I didn't know what it was called at the time. I would like to be able to tinker with the software and ECM while indoors. S. Texas weather is just too harsh lol. But, looking at the price, it might be better just to suck up the heat... lmao. On the Tuner Cat Obd cord, I need the obd2 adapter, and not the obd1?




No one said you were giving up on OBD1.
Don't forget the OBD1 knock sensors, unless you're going to modify the OBD1 pcm to receive OBD2 knock sensor signals.

'bench programming kit'? Do you mean FlashHack, TunerProRT with $EE definition file, and $EEhack? Or TunerCAT OBD1 LT1?
Either way, yes.

[LeMarky Dissod]

I was referring to Bench Force. I didn't know what it was called at the time. I would like to be able to tinker with the software and ECM while indoors.
S. Texas weather is just too harsh. But, looking at the price, it might be better just to suck up the heat.
On the Tuner Cat Obd cord, I need the obd2 adapter, and not the obd1?You are tuning your pcm or pcms in your car or cars, yes?
If you are not remotely tuning other people's pcms, read from and write to your pcms from inside the car.
Edit the file to your heart's content indoors, or anywhere you and your laptop can go. You only need to read and write on site.

To write to the OBD2 pcm requires the OBD2 adapter.
To write to the OBD1 pcm requires the OBD2 connector with OBD1 wiring.