Using separate ECU/PCM for tunes

[Volstang]

My cousin has an Challenger R/T and they have to unlock their computer to get it tuned. Some of those Challenger folks get a separate computer to tune and then can put the original back in for any service work to keep warranty in place. Anyone ever heard of someone doing that with a Mustang? Not saying I would do that, just curious if anyone has seen someone do that? Seems like it would be a real pain if you had extensive mods to take off. Wouldn't be worth it. Challenger folks don't have as big of a selection of mods as we do but still, who would want to replace headers and crap like that? They also do an upgraded cam since they are pushrod engine it isn't that hard and they get a good gain in power. Anyway, just curious about second computer.

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[markmurfie]

You can but a new ecu is expensive. 800$ or more my guess. Add on the flash tool and custom tune. shipping for all this, ECUs usually come from over seas. Do you wanna spend 2000$ on a tune? Is that worth saving your warranty if you even need to use it?

 

[ZanarkO]

Eh your forgetting about the immobilizers and the fact you would have to change keys and all that other shit

 

[ZanarkO]

You can but a new ecu is expensive. 800$ or more my guess. Add on the flash tool and custom tune. shipping for all this, ECUs usually come from over seas. Do you wanna spend 2000$ on a tune? Is that worth saving your warranty if you even need to use it?

used ecu is only 150 bucks

 

[2015 Silver GT]

You can buy a separate PCM but you would still need to have your BCM and Pats programmed to it. The dealer would have to do that and what would your explanation be?

 

[Volstang]

Wow, that would really make things difficult. I didn't think it would be very feasible and it appears it certainly isn't.

 

[2015 Silver GT]

Also regarding the 2015 Challengers yes you have to buy a separate computer that's unlocked in order to tune it but you still won't be able to hide it from Dodge even if you swap in the old/factory computer. The factory gauge cluster won't match up.

 

[Volstang]

"Also regarding the 2015 Challengers yes you have to buy a separate computer that's unlocked in order to tune it but you still won't be able to hide it from Dodge even if you swap in the old/factory computer. The factory gauge cluster won't match up." 2015 Silver GT.
Do you care to elaborate a bit more? Why won't the factory gauge cluster match and how would Dodge know? Not calling you out, just curious about this. My cousin is considering doing this and believes it would help maintain his warranty. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[347CobraII]

Mileage in ECM and dash won't match up. Its fraud too a point. Don't blame OEM for tighter controls on ECM'S blame people who buck the system. Most OEM's every time you plug into ECU, ECM, TCU it automatically download and uploads info to manufacture.

 

[Volstang]

Thanks for the info.

 

[2015 Silver GT]

On the 2015 up Challengers when you buy another PCM and install it you will throw a P1400 code which is in the BCM. That code means a different PCM has been detected and can't be cleared by a dealer. It's Dodge's way of protecting themselves.

 

[347CobraII]

I know from my field of work changing Engine ECM requires Passwords. Except for Cummins they don't care after warranty is up. We need downloads to get paid on everything. They did have test ECM's that you could put any software and no passwords required. That stopped because people where selling them to their buddy's. We get busted for wrong engine tag after engine power change if we don't put new tag on.

Then there is hacked engine Software which is issue. But with Paccar engine Davie 4 program they went few steps more. Open program it goes through internet to back office to verify then it goes to sign on window. Then sign in it verify you and finally program opens up. With Paccar engine program it does automatically download and uploads.

All OE's are getting very touchy with engine ECM's IT's most expensive part of the vehicle.

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