A lot less black soot in the tailpipe with w4m tune

[Hawkeye2]

Here is my question from another board:

Is it possible to tune a new GM engine, with an aftermarket tune,
then replace it to stock, and leave no trace that it was ever
changed?

I don't want opinions, just fact if you know.

Thanks.

Here is the answer

This has been a very very hot topic in the C6 sections on Corvette Forum for awhile. The supposed straight scoop is GM can tell the last 9 flashes or re-flashes done to the the computer. There are also copies of the instructions that have been sent to the dealers posted. Basically what it tells the dealer to do is that if there is a hard driveline failure and something shows up that is not a GM item in the history of the car's ECM they are to take a picture of the diagnostic screen and forward it to a specific site. I guess it all depends on how deeply the dealer wants to dig.

Here is a GM Bulletin I thought some of you may be interested in reading;

Subject: Identifying Aftermarket Engine and Transmission Calibrations 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 3.0L, 3.1L, 3.2L, 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.6L, 3.8L, 3.9L, 4.2L, 4.3L, 4.4L, 4.6L, 4.8L, 5.0L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L, 7.4L, 8.1L Gas Powered Engines Only and 6T40/45 (MH8), 6T70/75 (MH2, MH4, MH6, MY9), 6L50 (MYB) 6L80 (MYC) or 6L90 (MYD) Automatic Transmission


Models: 2006-2009 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2006-2009 HUMMER H2, H3

2006-2009 Saturn Models

2006-2009 Opel GT

2007-2008 Daewoo G2X

EXCLUDING Chevrolet Aveo, Pontiac Vibe, Wave, G3, Saab Models, Saturn ASTRA




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This bulletin is being revised to remove Saturn (except Astra) from the list of excluded vehicles. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-033B (Section 06 -- Engine/Propulsion System).


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Important: This bulletin applies to Gas Powered Engines ONLY. For Diesel Powered Engines, refer to Service Bulletin #08-06-04-006C.

If a suspicious hard part failure is observed in the engine, transmission, transfer case or driveline, perform the calibration verification described to determine if a non-GM issued engine calibration is installed. Non-GM issued engine calibrations subject driveline components to stresses different from the calibrations that these components were validated to. Repairs to engine, transmission, transfer case and/or other driveline components where a non-GM engine calibration has been verified are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

Instructions for Confirming Calibration Verification Number (CVN):
Go to TIS2WEB
Select "Calibration Information (SPS Info)"
Enter VIN
Select "Get Cal ID"
Select "ECM Engine Control Module" or "TCM Transmission Control Module"
Select "Next"
Select "Complete History"
Print
Take the printout to the vehicle along with the Tech 2®
Plug in the Tech 2®
Go to diagnostics and build the vehicle
Select "Powertrain"
Select "Engine"
*Select "Engine Control Module" or "PCM" or "TCM"
*Select "Module ID Information" or "I/M Information System" if module ID information selection is not available.
*If "I/M information System" was selected in step 15, it may be necessary to select "Vehicle Information" in order to display the calibration information.
Compare the calibration ID and Calibration Verification Numbers (CVN) to the Calibration Verification Numbers (CVN) on the printout.
* Steps may vary by controller.

Although the part numbers will be the same for each, it's the CVN that will determine if the calibration is GM issued. If ALL of the CVN's are EXACTLY the same, the calibration is GM issued.

If the part numbers match and ANY CVN's DO NOT match the printout, it is likely that a non-GM certified calibration has been installed.

If the CVN information is displayed as "N/A", it will be necessary to contact the TCSC to obtain the CVN information.

If a non-GM calibration is found to be in the ECM or TCM (CVN's on the Tech 2® do not match TIS printout) - In order to document the case -- a CLEAR digital picture should be taken of the Tech 2® screen showing the VIN and the CVNs that do not match the TIS2WEB printout. The picture, VIN and reason the vehicle is currently in for service should be emailed to JAY.DANKOVICH@GM.COM and STEVEN.R.BRIDSON@GM.COM for verification. Please copy your GM District Service Manager (DVM) on the e-mail. In Canada, please copy your GM Warranty Manager. GM will verify if the CVNs are not GM issued and respond via e-mail within 72 hours.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© 2009 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.
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and,

GM has a way to tell if you have modified the program on your computer. The bulletin mentioned above is valid... this would only come into play if you had some kind of engine failure etc. If the calibration numbers do not match (and we have a way to verify) then you risk losing your powertrain warranty.

As mentioned this came about mostly from Diesel guys cranking the power WAY up on the Duramax and destroying engines, we have also seen it in the 6.2 in full size trucks (damage from programmers).

One thing to keep in mind... GM (and all other mfr's) spend millions of dollars and hours to maximize emissions, durability etc. These "other" chip manufactures do not have to meet durability or emission requirements.... I wonder why the government hasn't gotten involved yet... there are some serious fines for "tampering" with the emission system (engine programming included), I personally wouldn't want to run the risk.

Also I find it deceptive that a person would modify your vehicle break it and then bring in and expect someone to pay for your non factory modification.

I am a field rep and if we have a vehicle in question I go out and inspect and make a decision. I can tell you that GM has engineered this in for a reason as we were paying for failures that weren't "manufacture" defects. Hope that helps clear it up.
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Don't know if that helps anyone decide to tune or not. However, I do know
the factories change tunes as the model year goes on. The dealership did
2 upgrades on the ECM on my Suburban, while it was in for service. I think
there are gains from tuning, but that is my personal opinion. I have had it
done in the past, and will probably have some minor tweaking done when
my V arrives.

Still waiting and waiting .......

[Razorecko]

There are just some people that expect their motors to be invincible and throw on some really crazy tunes on their vehicles and than later get upset if it blows. I have always paid for any failure due to an aftermarket part of mine. If i put ss brake lines and one splits I dont expect the dealer to cover it. I'll pay out of pocket.

[anonfrank]

But are Jesse's tunes that crazy? They don't seem so to me. He's not trying to unleash mega-horsepower, he's more trying to optimize shift points and such.

Then again, I'm not a powertrain engineer, so my words mean nothing.