Does anyone tow? I know, a stupid question, but allow me to qualify this. I was wondering whether anyone has multiple tuned PCM's? I'd like to get a performance PCM but also when i tow a trailer/toybox, i'd like a tune for that too. Does anyone have multiple PCM's or is this not a good idea? Is it a better idea to get a blend of the two types of tunes? i know that you have to send in your factory pcm to westers, but why is that? can you just purchase a tuned pcm from them, or is it a warranty issue or something that is linked to the vehicle?

Any insight would be helpful.

Very convenient and easy to do the core option. You will have about 45min down time, that's all. It literally takes 10 to 15 mins to swap the PCM and the security re-learn procedure takes 30 mins to accomplish.

Here's the procedure, if your not familiar. The dealer takes a pcm core, the same as the one you have in your SD. Then hooks it up to their equipment and connects with the GM database, the same one that GM dealers use, and downloads the file for your VIN. Then flashing this core with all your VIN date, and adds every GM update available. Next, downloads the pcm with the requirements you've filled out on the order form detailing exactly what is required in the tune. This modifies the programming per Westers spec and flashes the modified file into the PCM core, test it, then pack and ship to you. You swap it with the stock one in your truck and send it back to the dealer to avoid a core charge(I think this is still $150). If the dealer has a good supply of that particular core it can be purchased. Honestly, you don't need it. These tunes are undetectable by the dealer and run cleaner emissions than the stock tune does.

They do hot tunes for all gas grades. As quoted, "They set the parameters of the tune based on what you want, what you do with the truck, and the octane you prefer to run all the time. Most everyone that gets a lower octane tune eventually comes back for a 91 or 93 tune. The hot tunes have less of a spread between the two tuning tables (octane grades). The work truck tunes have a bit more spread and are quite a bit milder. They're designed more for working trucks that haul equipment or tow heavy loads all the time. For sport trucks/daily drivers that tow little or just occasionally the hot tunes are the way to go and I will most always recommend them."

I have the dual hot tune and haul the occasional 3000-5000#, with no problems. Yes, I'm at a lower elevation, but that is also what you write into the order form also.

There is no warranty issues and the tune cannot be detected from the dealer. There are two schools of thought here with the tune and dealers, you can choose your path.

You can put a piece of tape over the OB11 connector, and tell them they can update the PCM but do not flash the tune. The other route is to pay for shipping to & from on a retune rather than let the dealer know (and they will log it) that you have a tune.

If I am understanding what you are asking you can have 2 different tunes on your vehicle with one PCM. The way this is done is with your tow/haul button. I have my tune in the regular position, now when I hit the tow/haul button it goes back to factory settings. I have heard of some people getting a tune set up under the tow/haul for racing purposes in addition to whatever tune they have with the button off.

Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you.

When I got my Westers tune they sent me a PCM programmed up and then I sent back my stock PCM after doing the swap. So ultimately no down time except as mentioned the time to swap the boxes and do the security relearn.

Have a nice day.

Bill

Is any of this programming available for the duramax diesel?

so i have my answer from both 05Quadrasteer and Quadrant. My concern is the talk of flashing the PCM. Has anyone experienced this (wiping out the tune) and what happens after that?

I picked up that the tune is "virtually" undetectable. So if there are trouble codes shown when taken in for service, will they be able to accurately diagnose problems still?

Thanks for the responses and I look forward to more info. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Westers tune!!