I have had a few days of driving with the Vector ECM/TCM tune. In a nutshell GM left alot of power on the board by tuning it for 87 octane. The extra power and torque are noticeable and the car is much more fun to drive. Now it seems like the power is catching up with the cars weight. As far as changes in mileage I see about +1.5 mpg in my regular 30 mile commute.

The programmed ECM went in Wednesday night and I drove it for a day while I waited for the TCM tune. I didn't notice much of change with the S or D shifting. The shifts were quicker but nothing dramatic. The changes to the M mode were more noticable. The TCM tune was applied Thursday night. This quickened the shifts over the ECM tune. The shifting isnt harsh by any means, just quick. Same thing with M mode. Now it seems like a really manumatic. WOT shifts are noticeably harder.

Great product. Great customer service.

Did you get 93 or 91 tune? Also please, how difficult was the install, particularly the TCM flash?

93. The first night everything took about 1 hour to complete. I swapped ECMs, downloaded the ECM tune, then the TCM tune and emailed them out. I probably didn't need to download the ECM tune since they shipped me the programmed ECM but I wasn't certain. The TCM upload is much quicker than the download.

what is the difference between ECM and TCM? You didn't use flashXpress?

what is the difference between ECM and TCM? You didn't use flashXpress?

ECM: Electronic control module
TCM: Transmission " "

This has been posted several times I think.

OK, I'll be doing this deal before long so want to be sure I understand the whole process. Considered getting tune locally but the new ECM thing is the right way to go I think for warranty issues:

1- Do the web site buy thing, for me it will be new ECM and flash express rental for the TCM
2- New ECM arrives. Its already programmed, right? Slap it in and do a crank relearn and its good? Question, if I need to put the stock one back in for dealer trip, no crank relearn needed, right?
3- Flash Express arrives. Install software on laptop, download current TCM and email it in (or FTP or however it goes) and they send back a new one? Is that right? Why not just send Flash Express with programmed one already in it?
4- Return Flash Express and they issue refund to credit card. I can then uninstall the software on laptop (only laptop I have belongs to work and they check for non-work software regularly.

Do I have the process basically right?

no dealer will void a warranty b/c of a tune... that "info" was all scare tactics...

no dealer will void a warranty b/c of a tune... that "info" was all scare tactics...

Agreed but they may overwrite it or, if locked, pop a new ECM in for you.

tell them not to overwrite it, they shouldn't even think of doing that without asking the owner anyways... i dealt with three different dealerships when i had my SS, and had no problems what-so-ever having them honor the warranty...

I must not have something working right in my brain, why would you change the ECM and not the TCM? You want the original ECM so the dealer doesn't know you messed with it, what about the TCM are you going to buy a spare and swap it even if it is in the tranny? Or not do it and risk a new tranny in case something happens? Maybe the cost of the new ECM is worth saving for a new engine and or tranny in case something happens? I am just asking, because I don't understand the logic of swapping one and not both? If someone can explain this to me, I would appreciate it. I have never had anything happen with my diablosport and if so I would pay for it...

You can't change the TCM, at least not without major disassembly. I expect we all would if we could.

I also expect most of us would buy a Diablosport or similar except that they haven't managed to bring one to market yet...

We are all trying to do the best we can with available options which are pretty slim right now.

I understand it just seems like a lot of work... Makes me apreciate my 95 OBD 1 formula, and t56, hahahaha. Two o2 sensors one on each side and when my cat got plugged up I hollowed it out and gained some horse power since it was clogged and went on my way with no errors and it running like a champ. You would think GM would tap into tunning vehicles for people to make the extra cash out of it, and know what they can do with out ruining a vehicle....

As I understand it, from the folks at VMS, The new (second) computer takes care of both ECM and TCM issues. Flash Express is not required.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

Update: I was right and wrong. TCM included in price but still have to use FlashExpress to actually install it. :err:

The second ECM is just insurance against a the dealer screwing up your current ECM or hassling you about warranty work. I left my original ECM alone and had Vector ship me a programmed unit. To me the $150 was money well spent for the current and future peace of mind.

The TCM can only be programmed with the FlashExpress. If I didn't want the second ECM everything could have been handled via the FlashExpress.

^ Right, the TCM can only be flashed. The choice of new ECM or not is just a sort of insurance. Eventually the hand-held units will become available then your insurance will be the ability to flash from stock to tuned and back again any time you want. On the down side, the hand-helds probably will not offer nearly as many parameters for tweaking as are available from someone using a commercial tuning package.

^ Right, the TCM can only be flashed. The choice of new ECM or not is just a sort of insurance. Eventually the hand-held units will become available then your insurance will be the ability to flash from stock to tuned and back again any time you want. On the down side, the hand-helds probably will not offer nearly as many parameters for tweaking as are available from someone using a commercial tuning package.

Correct, but on the flipside no commercial tuning package has the level of parameters we do either. The ECM is just cheap insurance for those of you who were worried about it, alot of you asked about it so we chose to make it a package deal.

So if I get a vectorsports tune on a new ECM and don't replace my TCM and use the flashport and then have a tranny problem am I SOL because I didn't replace my tranny TCM with a spare and put it back to stock? Just asking a question so I know if I want to use just a spare ECM and don't do any tranny mods or just get the flashport and save the money of the spare ECM to go towards any issue I might have tranny or engine related if that happens and the dealer denies me a warranty claim?

Believe the tranny TCM is in the tranny. Extra tranny only $2,500. plus install!!!!

Am doing the flashxpress today. Sent files on my Vector ECM and my TCM late yesterday. NOTE: You must use a laptop to do this. Both car and laptop need to be fully charged. Should take about an hour to setup, download and email files to VMS. (I'm slow - had to borrow laptop and transfer wireless to my system - took twice as long!)

RRM

So if I get a vectorsports tune on a new ECM and don't replace my TCM and use the flashport and then have a tranny problem am I SOL because I didn't replace my tranny TCM with a spare and put it back to stock? Just asking a question so I know if I want to use just a spare ECM and don't do any tranny mods or just get the flashport and save the money of the spare ECM to go towards any issue I might have tranny or engine related if that happens and the dealer denies me a warranty claim?

In the thousands of tunes we've done this has never been an issue, however if you are THAT worried abotu it we can send you a FlashXpress setup and you can put it back to stock before taking it in.

Is the ECM-TCM tune available for the V6 G8?

Can I do the flash express from my pc or do I have to have a lap top that I can take out to the car?

I am not the expert but in essence the flash express is simply the cablu you connect your computer to the car with. If yu can get your desktop close enough to the car fro the cable to reach then any computer will do.

I have had a few days of driving with the Vector ECM/TCM tune. In a nutshell GM left alot of power on the board by tuning it for 87 octane. The extra power and torque are noticeable and the car is much more fun to drive. Now it seems like the power is catching up with the cars weight. As far as changes in mileage I see about +1.5 mpg in my regular 30 mile commute.

The programmed ECM went in Wednesday night and I drove it for a day while I waited for the TCM tune. I didn't notice much of change with the S or D shifting. The shifts were quicker but nothing dramatic. The changes to the M mode were more noticable. The TCM tune was applied Thursday night. This quickened the shifts over the ECM tune. The shifting isnt harsh by any means, just quick. Same thing with M mode. Now it seems like a really manumatic. WOT shifts are noticeably harder.

Great product. Great customer service.
Roger that! The VMS ECM/TCM + HSRK + CAI + a little exhaust work makes this the BIG DOG on the street.

I am not the expert but in essence the flash express is simply the cablu you connect your computer to the car with. If yu can get your desktop close enough to the car fro the cable to reach then any computer will do.

My laptop would not work with the FlashXpress.

I had a tower in the passenger foot well, a flat screen on the passenger seat and a keyboard on the console.

Other than that, no problem.

:)

Oh man this sucks! Now I got to find a lap top and a techII. I think I can get a lap top if the flash will work with an apple. Any one get it to work with a mac?

Can I do the flash express from my pc or do I have to have a lap top that I can take out to the car?

If your PC is anywhere near where you park your G8 you can simply use a long USB cable and/or a hub if you'd like we've had a person do that already with great results.

I just got my new ECM/TCM tune and it seems to run great. It is hot and muggy right now (can't see out any windows because they are steamed up) so it is hard to tell how good it really runs. The one thing I did notice is that when I got on it, the transmission seemed to slip between, I think, 3rd and 4th gears. I was in sport mode at the time. It did shift but it felt like it took a second or so. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I need to do the crank relearn but from what everyone says, that just gets rid of the check engine light which is coming on.

Other then that, everything seems to be working well.

Vector, you guys seem to really have a great package. Question: Have you ever had discussions with GM to offer your tune/CAI as a GM-approved aftermarket product? GM's blessing would mean we could have the dealers install it. Just my MBA minds thinking about a business opportunity.

I just got my new ECM/TCM tune and it seems to run great. It is hot and muggy right now (can't see out any windows because they are steamed up) so it is hard to tell how good it really runs. The one thing I did notice is that when I got on it, the transmission seemed to slip between, I think, 3rd and 4th gears. I was in sport mode at the time. It did shift but it felt like it took a second or so. Has anyone else ever had this happen? I need to do the crank relearn but from what everyone says, that just gets rid of the check engine light which is coming on.

Other then that, everything seems to be working well.

Drive it in normal mode for awhile let it learn all the new pressures it needs to complete the shifts and you should be just fine. My CTS acts a little funny for about 15 miles until it starts learning all the pressure cells. If it continues let us know we'll give you a plan of attack for it but its the first we've heard on that specific issue.

Vector, you guys seem to really have a great package. Question: Have you ever had discussions with GM to offer your tune/CAI as a GM-approved aftermarket product? GM's blessing would mean we could have the dealers install it. Just my MBA minds thinking about a business opportunity.

I think we've thought about this a few times and then realized its pretty much impossible :) While GM could endorse the package it would have to be run back through ALL of the development testing IE emissions certification/carb which that alone would eat up any profits this package makes for the rest of its existence. The other thing would be "pass by noise" the intake likely would never meet the standard.

Oh man this sucks! Now I got to find a lap top and a techII. I think I can get a lap top if the flash will work with an apple. Any one get it to work with a mac?


You mean some people don't have a computer in the shop? :)

http://simracing.home.mchsi.com/Darren_bike/shop2.jpg

You mean some people don't have a computer in the shop? :)



Some of us don't even have a shop :)

Sounds good. It makes sense about the pressure points because sometimes when it shifts, it feels like it is going to blow the back tires off ( and that is with my foot not even into it much) and sometimes it feels like it is sleeping.

I will drive it nice and calm in drive mode for the fifteen miles and see what happens.

Thanks, VMS customer service is awesome.

Drive it in normal mode for awhile let it learn all the new pressures it needs to complete the shifts and you should be just fine. My CTS acts a little funny for about 15 miles until it starts learning all the pressure cells. If it continues let us know we'll give you a plan of attack for it but its the first we've heard on that specific issue.



I think we've thought about this a few times and then realized its pretty much impossible :) While GM could endorse the package it would have to be run back through ALL of the development testing IE emissions certification/carb which that alone would eat up any profits this package makes for the rest of its existence. The other thing would be "pass by noise" the intake likely would never meet the standard.

Every now and then, my G8 will feel weird when it shifts. Almost like it's slipping into gear.

Every now and then, my G8 will feel weird when it shifts. Almost like it's slipping into gear.

Which mode does it happen in? People complain about that stock but we cured 99% of it I think, if its LIGHT throttle application it can feel like that occasionally due to the shift timing and torque management.

I feel some occasional oddness at very low speeds. I'd say 99% is about right, it's FAR better than pre-tune.

Which mode does it happen in? People complain about that stock but we cured 99% of it I think, if its LIGHT throttle application it can feel like that occasionally due to the shift timing and torque management.

Sport Mode, I hardly ever leave it in D. ;)

It normally happens when I stomp on it, it's nothing like when it was stock, just like it's "slipping" into the correct gear. It even seems like it revs a bit funny.

It's hard to describe, especially in written form.

Give us a call tuesday of next week and we'll sit down on the phone and see if we can figure something out for you. Sport mode is setup for road racing primarily so throttle stomps may "confuse" it a bit or you may be feeling a multiple gear downshift (IE a skipshift 3-1 or -41 ect. (my guess)) it's calibrated to be quite a bit softer on those as to not kick the rear end out coming out of a turn. :) Talk to you next week!

Give us a call tuesday of next week and we'll sit down on the phone and see if we can figure something out for you. Sport mode is setup for road racing primarily so throttle stomps may "confuse" it a bit or you may be feeling a multiple gear downshift (IE a skipshift 3-1 or -41 ect. (my guess)) it's calibrated to be quite a bit softer on those as to not kick the rear end out coming out of a turn. :) Talk to you next week!

Hmmm, I didn't realize that. Maybe we need to setup the "normal" D as the max straight line acceleration mode.

Hmmm, I didn't realize that. Maybe we need to setup the "normal" D as the max straight line acceleration mode.

It should already be that way :) If you want it tweaked more we can do that and we'll discuss that tuesday :)

I have had the ECM for over 5K and the Flash Express for about 2K. I had one wierd tranny launch last week (Regular Mode), which was the first since before the GM bulletin dealer programming mod at 2K. When these wierd shifts have happened is when I slowed down quickly and then got a break in traffic and immediately started accelerating at stop lights or when turning thru busy traffic). Acted like tranny hadn't quite gotten to the right gear and I was already telling it to go. Think this is just part of the overall GM transmission design and that it will happen to all of us once in a a "blue moon" and is due to how smoothly we are driving. Overall, I like this transmission better than many other auto's I have owned. Don't notice much difference in shifting patterns between sport and regular mode in normal drives(ie. when wife is present!).

As for the FLash Express. YOU NEED A LAPTOP!!!!! I have a hard enough time moving my desktop box back an forth from IA to FL and back. NOT going to move it into my car, or attempt to find a 60 ft USB cable.

RRM

Correct, but on the flipside no commercial tuning package has the level of parameters we do either. The ECM is just cheap insurance for those of you who were worried about it, alot of you asked about it so we chose to make it a package deal.

I'd like the ability to be able to pull the tune and replace it with the stock parameters at my leisure. Is this possible with my laptop?

Also, what happens if GM comes out with an update to the ECM, will it possibly overwrite something that you may have programmed?

Tunes are locked so you cannot re-flash it except with parameters supplied by the same tuner. Also, a USB device is needed which is not available for purchase, only rental.

See above, tunes are locked and cannot be flashed over.

not every tuner locks tunes, but there are some that do...

It should already be that way :) If you want it tweaked more we can do that and we'll discuss that tuesday :)

I'll drive it that way for a day or two and see what it's like.

Thanks!

not every tuner locks tunes, but there are some that do...

I believe most do, no?

I'd like the ability to be able to pull the tune and replace it with the stock parameters at my leisure. Is this possible with my laptop?

Also, what happens if GM comes out with an update to the ECM, will it possibly overwrite something that you may have programmed?

No, but with our stealth tune thats no longer necessary. Our stuff is setup in a way that it cant be read or overwritten. Most people dont realize every ECM/TCM GM puts out is locked, some just have the keys and some like us change how that part operates :) If GM came out with an update we'd just update them for you, no big deal and no charge.

I believe most do, no?
all the bigs one ive dealt with in FL and up and down the east coast (CAM, VA Speed, RPM) don't lock their tunes...

all the bigs one ive dealt with in FL and up and down the east coast (CAM, VA Speed, RPM) don't lock their tunes...

Interesting. Thanks for replying.

When everyone uses commercial software there is no reason to lock tunes.

When you have access to far more tuning parameters and do things a little bit differently like we do its not only in OUR best interest but yours as well that we lock them. For instance if you DID manage to edit one of our tunes you'd see probably 1/2 of what was changed and you may make changes based on what you see that will grenade something. Another example, if you tried to change one of our stealth tunes if it was editable at all it the vehicle likely wouldnt run after you reloaded it :) There is a method to our madness, hence why we are the chosen tuner for alot of the BIG names in the GM performance world.

i agree with your tactics kirk, but there are plenty of big name tuners that don't lock their tunes... i understand why you do it, but won't a locked tune be easier to ID when a GM tech scans the ecm/tcm?? and lol at the kinda name drop...

i agree with your tactics kirk, but there are plenty of big name tuners that don't lock their tunes... i understand why you do it, but won't a locked tune be easier to ID when a GM tech scans the ecm/tcm?? and lol at the kinda name drop...

If other tuners worked this hard to develop thier own vastly superior software Id hazard a guess they would lock all of thier stuff as well. As far as a tech scanning our stuff its actually the opposite thanks to our new stealth technology we are the only company with a 100% undetectable tune at the dealer level (check the other posts in this section for details and pics.)

I understand locking the tune... I don't want to edit the setup, I want the ability to easily remove and replace it.

That way I can run 87 octane most of the time on the stock tune, then plug in the laptop and download the aftermarket tune for the weekends.

thread getting off topic