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NA vs SC PCM



Performance Shift
01 and later cars didn't have performance shift in them. Lots of people will find a shifter knob out of an earlier car and wire it back to the PCM. You have to change settings in the PCM so that the trans settings change when you turn the switch on. HPT doesn't support the function to add this and DHP does.
Someone will just say to adjust the normal settings to a performance style and be done with it. I don't like doing that in my car, there's a big difference between a "normal" shift pattern for city/every day use, and the "performance" setting where the shifts are higher, tighter, and tire chirping.
 
That wouldn't be an issue for me and my '00 Grand Prix, would it?

I'm really looking forward to getting into tuning. I love all this technical stuff.
 
One more quick question:
Here's my scenario. I have a 2000 GTP and my BIL has a 2002 Regal GS.
Is there a specific pcm year that I should seek out, or that he should seek out? Are there any advantage to having a spare pcm match the model year of the vehicle? I have no problem ditching/selling the '99 pcm I have on the shelf for something that works better for me/us. My OCD loves it when I make things match or create a "perfect" condition.

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. I appreciate both sides of any discussion.
 
I guess "Technically" it might make it easier or cheaper if you found a same year/engine car. aka another 2000 SC pcm. But really just stick with the 99 IMO, my car has had like 3 different pcms in it. it doesn't matter. pretty sure my pcm is outta a grand prix or regal or something. I don't remember. Or if it was SC or not. No idea.
 


Honestly? I would save your tune file on yours, and keep your stock pcm in the car. Back before tuners were common it was normal to keep a spare in the trunk, but when I got my tuners I sold the modded pcm's and put my stock one back in. Unless you royally screw up during the writing of the programming, or you lose power, you won't have anything to worry about.
The PCM is basically the same across most years of the cars, but the OSID (programming) is going to vary widely across the models...some years even have 3 different part numbers for the programs themselves.
 
One more quick question:
Here's my scenario. I have a 2000 GTP and my BIL has a 2002 Regal GS.
Is there a specific pcm year that I should seek out, or that he should seek out? Are there any advantage to having a spare pcm match the model year of the vehicle? I have no problem ditching/selling the '99 pcm I have on the shelf for something that works better for me/us. My OCD loves it when I make things match or create a "perfect" condition.

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in. I appreciate both sides of any discussion.

When I read this, I believed you were speaking of the part number of the pcm and it if mattered by vehicle/year. Yes ... Please see the info in the link below
http://www.grandprixforums.net/threads/51356-DHP-Toolbox-General-tuning-tools?highlight=osid
 
I'll trade ya my DHP for your HPT!

Haha! I don't actually own anything yet. Still doing research, and getting opinions.

Leaning toward HPT. I like the idea of corporate support and software updates. Not a huge fan of paying for credits per pcm, but I suppose those costs go towards support and product development.
 
Well, keep in mind that this platform is virtually dead, so even with HPT you won't get much support from them. There are still people on those forums that can help, fortunately. The histograms and the comparison charts make the buy worth it though.
 




I guess the most important question would be, which tuner will get the the most HP out of the wife's '98 Transport mini van? LOL.
 
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