Great results from PCM for Less tuning . . .

[JWSchmidt3]

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with PCM for Less, I'm just sharing my results. This is their website:
http://www.pcmforless.com/

Some of you may have seen me post some of my issues due to my 2006 H3 I bought with a dealer installed package (Pro X-treme), which included an air intake, exhaust, 4" lift and 35's. I have to give props to the dealer for stepping up and making this right. I had seen many people on this site get good results from PCM for Less, and I was able to convince the dealer this was the solution and they paid for it and provided me with a loaner. The issues: very erratic shifting and very sluggish performance, especially compared to my previous stock 2006 H3.

The shifts make a huge difference now, and I can actually feel the truck "pull" a little, not quite like my Vette, but it's a noticeable difference. I'm sure some of that is the air intake and exhaust combined with the tuning. I had a 2007 H3 loaner a few weeks ago, and I can easily say my truck pulls and shifts better than the '07. My programming removed the limiter, adjusted for 93 octane fuel, 35" tires and level 2 shifting (3 is the highest/hardest).

As I stated, the dealer took care of it, but I did have a couple brief conversations with Kelly at PCM for Less and she was great to deal with. And while I didn't pay for it, their current special of $99 for the H3 PCM tuning is a no-brainer. If you've been on the fence, get off and do this. I'm sure we've all (more often than we want to admit) have spent $99 on worse things.

Feel free to ask me any questions, though I've summed up all I can think of. Also, as a reference, I've modified most of my vehicles for some time now very heavily, and my SOTP judgment is pretty good. You usually won't see me give kudo's unless I'm very impressed, not easy to do.

[Urban Ops]

Can you or "I" still run 89 octane gas?

What about warranty, does this affect it?

I know I should ask Kelly at PCMforless but I figured if you knew, you wouldn't be bias.

[H3.007]

X2

Also, do you believe the PCM tune would be worth it alone or would the exhaust mods also have to be added? I already have an aftermarket intake system installed.

[JWSchmidt3]

Originally Posted by Urban Ops

Can you or "I" still run 89 octane gas?

Yes, but I run 93 anyway. You would run 89 and just not have that section tuned.

What about warranty, does this affect it?

Not that I'm aware of. Mine was done thru the dealership, so I know mine is covered.

[JWSchmidt3]

Originally Posted by H3.007

X2

Also, do you believe the PCM tune would be worth it alone or would the exhaust mods also have to be added? I already have an aftermarket intake system installed.

I doubt the exhaust does much. The intake is probably 75% of the intake/exhaust combo gains. The shifts and air fuel table adjustments are the magic here.

[CCMDoc]

Originally Posted by JWSchmidt3

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with PCM for Less, I'm just sharing my results. This is their website:
http://www.pcmforless.com/

Some of you may have seen me post some of my issues due to my 2006 H3 I bought with a dealer installed package (Pro X-treme), which included an air intake, exhaust, 4" lift and 35's. I have to give props to the dealer for stepping up and making this right. I had seen many people on this site get good results from PCM for Less, and I was able to convince the dealer this was the solution and they paid for it and provided me with a loaner. The issues: very erratic shifting and very sluggish performance, especially compared to my previous stock 2006 H3.

The shifts make a huge difference now, and I can actually feel the truck "pull" a little, not quite like my Vette, but it's a noticeable difference. I'm sure some of that is the air intake and exhaust combined with the tuning. I had a 2007 H3 loaner a few weeks ago, and I can easily say my truck pulls and shifts better than the '07. My programming removed the limiter, adjusted for 93 octane fuel, 35" tires and level 2 shifting (3 is the highest/hardest).

As I stated, the dealer took care of it, but I did have a couple brief conversations with Kelly at PCM for Less and she was great to deal with. And while I didn't pay for it, their current special of $99 for the H3 PCM tuning is a no-brainer. If you've been on the fence, get off and do this. I'm sure we've all (more often than we want to admit) have spent $99 on worse things.

Feel free to ask me any questions, though I've summed up all I can think of. Also, as a reference, I've modified most of my vehicles for some time now very heavily, and my SOTP judgment is pretty good. You usually won't see me give kudo's unless I'm very impressed, not easy to do.

I agree 100%. I too had mine tuned for 93 octane gas, but the gang at PCMforless stated that i would have been very happy with the improvements even if I had it tuned for 87 octane.

[Xotik H3]

I am a big fan of aftermarket tunes.

My concern with PCM for less, is if you take it into the dealer for something they will amost always flash it back to stock. Then you would have to send it back to PCM for the tune again...

Wouldn't a handheld be better? Anyone have any experience with handheld turners?

[lotus4s]

Mine was done by pcmforless and runs fine on 87 octane. Nice improvement for the money....

[D-Lux]

x2
I have the same question as Urban Ops, "is it true the dealer will reflash my PCM back to factory when it is serviced?"
I take my H3 to the dealer, for service and check-ups frequently and if they are going to reflash the PCM, then I'm wasting my money?
and for Keliente the web page shows the cost for Hummer H3 as 199.00 with a refundable core charge of 99.00 minus shipping the cost is 99.00 not 149.00?

http://www.pcmforless.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=40

[Gottmud]

I spoke with Kelly yesterday, and ordered a PCM for my H3 with 35" Toyo's, and replacement k&N air filter. I am excited to install this to try and bring some more pep back to the truck, and fuel economy.
I do agree though the thought of the dealer flashing the truck back to stock is daunting every time you go in for service.
Maybe if PCM (Kelly) is monitoring this site she could do some kind of 'Deal' to re-flash the PCM when the dealer skrews it up.
I truly hope this PCM change is as good as people say.

I will comment back to the board once installed

Nigel Buchan (Gottmud)

Monaco
H3, Adventure Package etc
Z71 tahoe

Originally Posted by D-Lux

[font=Arial][size=2]x2
I have the same question as Urban Ops, "is it true the dealer will reflash my PCM back to factory when it is serviced?"
I take my H3 to the dealer, for service and check-ups frequently and if they are going to reflash the PCM, then I'm wasting my money?
and for Keliente the web page shows the cost for Hummer H3 as 199.00 with a refundable core charge of 99.00 minus shipping the cost is 99.00 not 149.00?

There is a specials page to access that price, I haven't posted it yet because I'm not sure I should be posting anything as a non-sponsor just yet.

The dealer is not going to flash your PCM every time you go there. Typically if you are having a problem with the vehicle, they flash the vehicle as a last resort, and only if there is a newer calibration. You could decline the flash. Or if they overwrite it, just send it back in, cover shipping, and we will reflash it for free.

[yat74]

So does this tuning result in better all around performance of the engine through changes in the shifting, octane and adjusting for 35" tire? Does this adjust the speedometer/odometer as well? Do your mpg improve because of these adjusments? Seriously thinking about doing this as I do a bit of highwway driving and have 35"tires and have observed a shifting hangup since I went to 35's.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Originally Posted by JWSchmidt3

I doubt the exhaust does much. The intake is probably 75% of the intake/exhaust combo gains. The shifts and air fuel table adjustments are the magic here.

I think a lot of people will disagree with you on this one. Air iintake on a H-3 is already COLD AIR. Theres lots of posts about particle size and oil that gets by on the aftermarket set ups...

RYD

[Huck BB62]

So is this "kick in the pants" from harsher or higher rpm shiftpoints? Punching the tow haul button on other GMs make the vehicle respond this way (H3s should have this also in my opinion) Is there any dyno testing done? If the dyno proves it, I'm a believer. I'd love to see some testing. I'd like to see different intakes tested. I'd like to see exhausts tested. I'd like to see before and after charts of the PCM tune on a stock vehicle using 87 octane most of all. You can't even GET 93 octane most places and even 91 octane is forty cents more a gallon!


I don't care for the rev limiter myself BUT has anyone ever considered that if there's a blowout on someone's low rated all terrains after the limiter's been lifted that lawyers are going to tee it high and hit it long?

[Hunner]

Originally Posted by Huck BB62

So is this "kick in the pants" from harsher or higher rpm shiftpoints? Punching the tow haul button on other GMs make the vehicle respond this way (H3s should have this also in my opinion) Is there any dyno testing done? If the dyno proves it, I'm a believer. I'd love to see some testing. I'd like to see different intakes tested. I'd like to see exhausts tested. I'd like to see before and after charts of the PCM tune on a stock vehicle using 87 octane most of all. You can't even GET 93 octane most places and even 91 octane is forty cents more a gallon!



I don't care for the rev limiter myself BUT has anyone ever considered that if there's a blowout on someone's low rated all terrains after the limiter's been lifted that lawyers are going to tee it high and hit it long?

I think you should leave your Hummer like it is and only go to Wally World and read Four Wheeler Magazines on the isle next to electronics and chill out. Oh and try Google for those answers!

Huck brings up some good points. GM engineers balance power/mpg/durability/driveability/emissions carefully. Many of the PCM changes mentioned compromise durability, gas mileage and probably emissions in order to possibly eek out more power (which still needs to be proven). But we can always hope.

[ChevyHighPerformance]

I am not financially connected with PCMforLess, but they shared their unprotected tuning with me. They've done a really good job. On an 06 H3 you will notice improved low end grunt and improved upper end power. Shift points are changed and believe it or not the PCM changes do NOT compromise durability, gas mileage, or emissions. Based on my experience, if you have an auto tranny the PCMforLess will INCREASE your tranny's life. Emissions do not change for closed loop (part throttle) and the net emissions decrease for wide open throttle. Most people see improvements in MPG.

The rev limiter shuts off fuel when you exceed a certain RPM. The speed limiter shuts off fuel when you exceed a certain MPH. If you don't want the speed limiter changed then don't change it.

If you put on larger diameter tires without PCM adjustments, guess what you've effectively increased the speed lmiter. The PCM will think you are going slower than you actually are.

[Huck BB62]

Originally Posted by Hunner

I think you should leave your Hummer like it is and only go to Wally World and read Four Wheeler Magazines on the isle next to electronics and chill out. Oh and try Google for those answers!

Why the attack? Wouldn't YOU like to see some dyno results or are you happy with just believing?

Here's my history on this "seat of the pants" krap: I had a turbo 400 built for a '67 Commando (yeah, I've been wheelin' a long long time) The guy swore it would pick up the performance of the rig (think this is the first time I've heard these kind of things before?) The tranny shifted at a higher rpm and shifted HARD. One would think that it was a rocket ship when in all actuality, it was simply a hard shifting unpleasant krappy rebuild that did nothing for the actual performance.

Back to the intake debate, the makers all swear about their performance gains, but I've SEEN dyno tests on a few different vehicles that show they do absolutely nothing to improve output other than make the vehicle noisier which I think has a LOT to do with how people perceive that their vehicle is faster.

So, I'm not krappin' on anyone here, I'd just like to see some dyno results.

A smooth shifting vehicle is what most people want. The tow/haul mode is on other GM products to make the transmission shift at higher rpms and hold lockup longer. The reason they simply don't make it do it all the time is because the vehicle drives harsher, and wastes fuel when driven normally. Harsher shifts are not desired for icy driving, muddy driving, or even for creature comfort.

Show me the dyno charts, I'll believe.

I'm kinda betting on another thing here too and ask any diesel guy anywhere how the dealer feels about aftermarket programing and how they affect warranty. Now, this dealer they have does it, I'd like to see how other dealers feel about it. In fact, I will call my local service manager about it and would invite others to do so before they change their program. Again, on this too, if it turns out fine, I don't see any harm in it.

I'm raising questions on this NOT because I don't want to think it works but because I'd like to be darned sure it's ok before I spend the money, the time, the effort and to ensure that I'm not a skrewed pooch with the warranty if I do.

I KNOW programmers work on diesels, but the dyno results and reasons why are clearly evident. What in this program change makes the I-5 put more power out? (besides the timing change for the 93 octane fuel) I looked at their website, and the dyno result is very impressive, IF, and that's an important IF you don't have to run premium fuel to get those results.

This service looks promising. If it's all it says it is and my questions are answered (and why wouldn't they be?) I'll be paying for it.

[JWSchmidt3]

Huck, chill out dude, no one is attacking you. You're obviously an experienced wheeler, and you obviously had a bad experience once, but you need to get off your dyno horse man.

First off, 4 wheel dyno's aren't exactly common. 2nd off, we're not adding blowers here and expecting 100+ HP, we're talking about a basic "clean-up" tune. I would imagine disconnecting part of the drivetrain just to see a few HP on a dyno would be ludacris and probably cost more than the actual mods.

The gains are minimal, but very effective, that's the point here. You can take mine and every other person's word about their results, but I'm not going to knock myself out just to make you and all the California boys happy with our results.

I also drive a nearly 700 HP Vette, I think I can decipher from a few SOTP ponies in a slow-azz H3.

[JWSchmidt3]

Originally Posted by Steve - SanJose

Huck brings up some good points. GM engineers balance power/mpg/durability/driveability/emissions carefully. Many of the PCM changes mentioned compromise durability, gas mileage and probably emissions in order to possibly eek out more power (which still needs to be proven). But we can always hope.

No they don't. GM engineers tune for worst case scenario under worst case conditions for exactly the warranty period. Damn, you Cali boys really need to get outside your borders more often.