I thought long and hard before ordering the VMS tune because I felt that a local tuner could do a better job. What I found though was that no local tuner had ever done a G8. At that point I decided that Vector's G8 experience outweighed any benefit gained by having an actual hands-on dyno tune by someone without G8 experience so I ordered up.

I chose to buy the new ECM and rent the Flash Express to do my TCM. I feel that's the safest way to avoid possible warranty issues although I also believe those issues are unlikely. I look at it as insurance.

I received a call from a very nice lady at Vector about a week after I ordered. She wanted to make sure I was in town and ready to roll. Apparently several folks in line ahead of me had been on vacation. My good luck, their loss. 2 days later I received my new ECM and the Flash Express unit in one box (by UPS 2 Day Air).

OK, grab my **** and head for the car. Here's where I have a minor complaint...

The instructions for removing the ECM left a lot to be desired. Never having dealt with an ECM before it took me a little while to figure out how to get the connectors off. I think the instructions should be enhanced with a couple pictures showing how the connector works. With the ECM under the fuse box you can't get as close a look at it as you might want to and the connectors are unlike any I've encountered.

Once I got the connectors open the ECM came out easily and the new one went in easily. Had to wiggle it around a bit but certainly not a big deal. Once you know how the connectors come off it's clear how to properly put them on.

Once it was in I fired it up and did a case relearn using my DashHawk. I then cleared the codes and it was good to go, almost...

I had an odd issue with my DIC; it was stuck in metric and would not reset to English. Oh ****! First thing I though was that I got a Canadian ECM (really).

I called Vector and they said the guy who could help was gone but they would see what they could do. 5 minutes later Chris from Vector calls and we start troubleshooting the issue. Turns out it had nothing to do with the tune but he stuck with me until it was fixed anyway. Excellent customer service, really grade A.

As for the tune, it was recommended to me (thanks Charlie!) that I drive it around a bit after ECM but prior to TCM. I did that and noticed throttle response was much better. The hesitation from a stop was virtually gone and the car just felt stronger in general. Shifts seemed a bit better but still not what I thought it should shift like.

Installed the VMS software on my laptop (note that the driver will not actually install til the cable is plugged into your laptop. If you start the program before you install the cable you will get a dll error) and did the TCM read. Emailed the file to Vector. The next day I received the modified TCM file by email and flashed it into the TCM. All quick and easy. Instructions for this part are good.

While the read and flash programs are running you will see weird messages, mostly abs errors, on your DIC and hear various beeps. Not to worry, just let it work and touch nothing until it tells you to.

OK, test drive number 2. Big difference here. The shifts are a bit better in drive but MUCH better in Sport and manual modes. Its not unduly harsh but its much better than what Pontiac provided us with. On the highway the downsift hesitation is pretty much gone; I punch it and she flat hauls ass. It's faster now, A LOT faster. That's what I paid for.

All in all I'm very pleased with the product and with Vector's service. I completely recommend this system.

Glad to hear it. I know you waited and I told you it would be woth it. I should have hooked you up on the quickie ecm removal. My bad. I forget sometimes that everyone isnt me, being this is what I do. I hope you enjoy! If you have not done my mods, get going! You think its fast now...........

Glad to hear it. I know you waited and I told you it would be woth it. I should have hooked you up on the quickie ecm removal. My bad. I forget sometimes that everyone isnt me, being this is what I do. I hope you enjoy! If you have not done my mods, get going! You think its fast now...........

Thanks Charlie. I haven't done your mods yet. Been kinda hoping Roto-Fab or someone would offer a pre-made version of your engine compartment block off plate so I don't have to fab it myself. I have a ****ty job, 3 kids and a wife and a house/yard to deal with so time to do the work is hard to come by. I will get to it though, it's definitely in my plans.

wreckwriter,

I did Charlies bottom mod including cutting out part of the bottom plate and making a scoop out of it. As for putting in the blocking panel Charlie recommends, I cut one out of a plastic storage lid and screwed it in place. Was easy to fit to size. I didn't even take my front tire off, just turned it all the way out, jacked up the car, and pulled out the front of the fender liner by removing 3 plug screws. Spent less than an hour total.

Come on... it's the rainy season in SFLA!!!! You should have plenty of time to toy with toy.

I too had problems getting ECM out. Didn't even know exactly where it was!!!! Once the stock air cleaner was gone, I now can remove and replace in about 2 minutes.

Did the Charlie removal of the foam manifold insulator this weekend. Charlie is fast!!! It took us (son and I) about 40 min. Also, had to convert inch lbs. to foot lbs. shown on torque wrench. Simple - divide by 12....(not a squared number or ounces etc.)

RRM

Thanks Rob! The rainy season is actually part of the problem rather than the solution. I converted my garage into a third bedroom. I'm in the driveway.... I'll get it all done; I'm just slow lately.

Thank you VERY much for the review, we are going to be redoing the ECM removal instructions per your recommendation as well as adding a note about the various instrument cluster warnings during programming; I had completely forgotten to add that in! If you have any other questions or concerns please let us know!

Nice writeup - ordered mine last week, still waiting to hear back from them.. guess we're waiting for the cables to come back from 'someone', so that's ok :)

Going with the just the reflash since that's all I have $$ for at the moment. If the dealerships gives me any hassle then 'oh well'..

Nice writeup - ordered mine last week, still waiting to hear back from them.. guess we're waiting for the cables to come back from 'someone', so that's ok :)

Going with the just the reflash since that's all I have $$ for at the moment. If the dealerships gives me any hassle then 'oh well'..

Heh, I sent them Friday by 2 Day so they probably got them today, tomorrow latest.

I don't think you'll get hassled, I just went with the insurance since I had the dollars at the moment.

Thank you VERY much for the review, we are going to be redoing the ECM removal instructions per your recommendation as well as adding a note about the various instrument cluster warnings during programming; I had completely forgotten to add that in! If you have any other questions or concerns please let us know!

Not a thanks thing, its an honest review. Had I been unhappy all would know it :) Thanks again for all your help Chris; twas a pleasure dealing with you!

No sweat, just glad you didnt have a "canadian" ECM :D (even though they are the same LOL) Like I said if you need anything else please let me know, you know how to find me!

No sweat, just glad you didnt have a "canadian" ECM :D (even though they are the same LOL) Like I said if you need anything else please let me know, you know how to find me!

Heh, yep, I do :)

I really did think that at first, eh !

btw- if anyone else has the DIC stuck in metric issue, go into DIC options and "reset to defaults". That will allow you to reset it to English.

wreckwriter,

I did Charlies bottom mod including cutting out part of the bottom plate and making a scoop out of it. As for putting in the blocking panel Charlie recommends, I cut one out of a plastic storage lid and screwed it in place. Was easy to fit to size. I didn't even take my front tire off, just turned it all the way out, jacked up the car, and pulled out the front of the fender liner by removing 3 plug screws. Spent less than an hour total.

Come on... it's the rainy season in SFLA!!!! You should have plenty of time to toy with toy.

I too had problems getting ECM out. Didn't even know exactly where it was!!!! Once the stock air cleaner was gone, I now can remove and replace in about 2 minutes.

Did the Charlie removal of the foam manifold insulator this weekend. Charlie is fast!!! It took us (son and I) about 40 min. Also, had to convert inch lbs. to foot lbs. shown on torque wrench. Simple - divide by 12....(not a squared number or ounces etc.)

RRM

Uncle Rob, I have had at least 100 ls intakes off, I beeter be that fast! It looks like everyone has caught up to a point. The heater hoses are figured out just waiting on the seperators from Billet speciaties and the heat shied from Thermo-tec. Yes they will be Hi-tec. I am also woking on air director/deflector panels for nose piece. I also am working on a panel that will go where the cut out is made, and make it a functional ram-air, with no effect on slow speed efficiency. You just thought you all had caught up! LOL

Uncle Rob, I have had at least 100 ls intakes off, I beeter be that fast! It looks like everyone has caught up to a point. The heater hoses are figured out just waiting on the seperators from Billet speciaties and the heat shied from Thermo-tec. Yes they will be Hi-tec. I am also woking on air director/deflector panels for nose piece. I also am working on a panel that will go where the cut out is made, and make it a functional ram-air, with no effect on slow speed efficiency. You just thought you all had caught up! LOL

You need to start producing and selling this stuff Charlie.

I keep being told this. I am considering it now more then ever!

I keep being told this. I am considering it now more then ever!

I'll buy.

I think I am going to get the name this week and start it as all mail order business. That way I have my job too. Then once its busy enough open a facility so I can do it all. I already have a backer and employees waiting on me. It is a big step, but it is all thats left for me in this profession. Ive done it all except ownership. Its the people like yourself on here that has made me see the light. Thanks!

I think I am going to get the name this week and start it as all mail order business. That way I have my job too. Then once its busy enough open a facility so I can do it all. I already have a backer and employees waiting on me. It is a big step, but it is all thats left for me in this profession. Ive done it all except ownership. Its the people like yourself on here that has made me see the light. Thanks!

If you do it I will come down and "let" you do my cam... once they come out with a cam that is.

If you do it I will come down and "let" you do my cam... once they come out with a cam that is.

Thank You.

Man I'm dying to get the roto CAI and vector tune. I'm just trying to decide if I should add to my credit card debt:banghead:

I'll buy.

Ditto :D

I agree with wreckwriter. The VMS tunes are worth the money.

It's a night and day difference.

:gears:

If you do it I will come down and "let" you do my cam... once they come out with a cam that is.

There are two tuners out there experimenting with cams that keep the DoD.

It should be an interesting summer...

It will be a real interesting fall!

I talked to a pontiac service advisor next to my house and he said that headers, cai, and tune are cool in his book. That should be good for an extra 40hp, and suspension mods are cool too.

Depending on what components you pick it could be 50-60

Hey guys, I am sure this has been asked before, but I figured I would ask it. I am probably going to order the G8 ECM/TCM Tune and CAI Package from Vector. The question I have it that I am waiting for the Borla cat back to come out, and I just wanted to know if it would cost more to get a re-tune after I would get the exhaust? Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hey guys, I am sure this has been asked before, but I figured I would ask it. I am probably going to order the G8 ECM/TCM Tune and CAI Package from Vector. The question I have it that I am waiting for the Borla cat back to come out, and I just wanted to know if it would cost more to get a re-tune after I would get the exhaust? Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks!

No xtra cost, but have them tune it for the exhaust. It took me a month to get my MF after I had the tune and it ran great. Then when I did the exhaust it came alive. :driving:

There are two tuners out there experimenting with cams that keep the DoD.

It should be an interesting summer...

Interesting next summer for me...

The VMS ECM/TCM Tune & the Roto Fab CAI is almost like a must have for the G8 GT. The car is a lot more fun to drive over stock. 100% happy.....



You need to start producing and selling this stuff Charlie.

:iagree: I would totally be buyin'! +1 for Charlie Mods!



...

Thanks Mike I appreciate it the kind words.

Geeze, I just hope by the time I get my G8 i'll be able to catch up to you guys.

Geeze, I just hope by the time I get my G8 i'll be able to catch up to you guys.

Better hurry :)

Once you do all the basic mods, then the addiction will take hold of you! :driving:

Border patrol might hassle you with those employees.

best review yet... first one that Ive read on setting it up and some initial problems. You should take some pics for us.

I too am hesitant, i also do not have a laptop yet.. So i dont know what to do.

best review yet... first one that Ive read on setting it up and some initial problems. You should take some pics for us.

I too am hesitant, i also do not have a laptop yet.. So i dont know what to do.

Thanks. I always try to give an honest review of any product. The difficulties I had were all due to my own inexperience. Every car I've ever wrenched on has been pre-computer so a lot of this was totally new to me. I tried to give a review for a person with similar experience.

Don't be hesitant, its really quite simple. In another thread there is a real good explanation on how to get the connectors off (a search on "odd problem" should get there). As for no laptop, you CAN use a desktop if you can get it close to the car. Either in a garage or with good weather should be no problem. The cable on the Flasher is fairly long (help me out someone on how long). You will need a means of doing the relearn so unless you have a Dashhawk you'll need to find someone who can help you with that.

All in all this is the single most cost effective bang for the buck mod you can do in my opinion.

Once you do all the basic mods, then the addiction will take hold of you! :driving:

I'm sure you are right, it'll just take me a little longer than you guys to get caught up. I'm not as good with cars as you guys, but i'm definatley willing to learn. Wish i had a friend near me that could help with some of the mods i will do. I'll be ok with basic stuff, but some of this seems a little beyond my means. We'll see....

Hey Geetee

Stay away from Charlie - he's like an infection.. I was totally fine
driving my car stock, now i'm already doing TONS of stuff to it (just check my signature) and it's NEVER enough.. it's a sickness!

stay away... RUN while you still can!!!


HAHAHAHA j/k :) but yeah seriously once you start it's hard to stop - you'll always want just a LITTLE more ;) I'm in the same boat - not really any car background so a lot of it was chinese when I started but there's some nice people on the boards that 'll explain even your most embarrassing questions (been there done that haha) and get you up to speed.

So what happened to Charlie ?? What did he get banned for ?

I just tuned my car..and I noticed the same as you did.

a slight hesitation at launch..low end, it feels like the car hesitates and lost some of that punchy torquy feeling..but at high end, it defeinitely feels much more power

I just tuned my car..and I noticed the same as you did.

a slight hesitation at launch..low end, it feels like the car hesitates and lost some of that punchy torquy feeling..but at high end, it defeinitely feels much more power

Ditto for mine. Do you have a RotoFab or NewEra CAI?

With the VMS Roto-Fab 93 ECM/TCM tune, R-F CAI and VMS HSRK I get repeatable 0-60 runs of 4.80 to 4.82 seconds as measured with my DashHawk. Not bad as these are my only mods.

With the VMS Roto-Fab 93 ECM/TCM tune, R-F CAI and VMS HSRK I get repeatable 0-60 runs of 4.80 to 4.82 seconds as measured with my DashHawk. Not bad as these are my only mods.
Thats Damn good

Brought my car up to Kirk at VMS this weekend for a little one-on-one tweaking. Re-flashed my tune last week and asked for "The Dr. Miler TCM tune". World of difference! Kirk did his magic on the dyno, and in spite of some less than stellar gas got her up to 328hp. This car runs great when it is tuned by someone who knows the car. Need to get the DashHawk working and get some times to post.

I ordered the VMS ECM/TCM tune and CAI. After installing the ECM in the car I had the same hesitation. The CAI had not arrived yet. I called and Chris explained that they are made to work together and the engine was a little rich. Several days later I got the CAI and every thing seems O.K. now.