I am getting ready to pull the lt1 out of my 96 z. I plan on doing a mild rebuild ie; timing chain set, bearings, freeze plugs, valve job and want to install a hot cam kit. My question is do I need to have the computer reprogrammed? I have heard that it is not needed. I would really like to know for sure and where I might get it reprogrammed and about how much it will cost.

 

The car will run with the hotcam kit w/o programming but it will not idle very well or run close to what it should. You need to have your PCM tuned by either a dyno tune, e-mail tune or ship your PCM to get flashed depending on OBD1 or 2. There are several vendors here who do reprogramming. Check with Bryan Herter, PCMforless.com.

 

In order to maximize the improvement of your cam, I suggest getting a mail order tune. There are guys on here that can do that for you. Don't know what the going rate is now, but it is worth it. Ive had mine tuned a couple of times. PCMFORLESS, has a good rep. Maybe there are others too.

Of course, the ideal way would to be to have it tuned while on a chassis dyno, but they are not that easy to find, and they cost more than the mail order. You might as well have your PCM turned while you are messing with the cam. Whoever will do your tune will ask you some questions regarding your cam specs, gear ratio, thermostat (stock or 160), rev limits, etc. In addition to getting close to the proper A/F, the other adjustments make it worth the money. JMHO

 

Get it tuned. I can't imagine tossing a cam in and not getting it tuned. Hell, even a stock cam can benefit from a performance tune.

 

Maximize the effort you put into installing a cam and get the thing tuned.

 

I have a hypertech programmer, but it doesnt give the option for cam. I will send it off to be reprogrammed when i tear into it.

 

Put your stock tune back into your PCM and sell the HPP. Let one of the vendors who does tuning tweak your unmolested PCM. Good Luck!

 

I also have the Hot Cam kit, and had it programmed and it cost me $400. I live in Tucson and had to send it out of state to get it reprogrammed

 

Yeah that Hypertech is junk for modded cars so put it back to stock and ebay the programmer. You may have enough cash to get an e-mail tune then ask around if there is someone in your area that may have Tunercat and a laptop to download the tune to your car. Goodluck.

 

I agree that he should get a tune. OTOH, even though I am involved in tuning, a stock LT1 with a stock tune is pretty hard to beat. It is a little rich at WOT and there are a few hp to be gained from leaning it out just a tad. But the gain is small. You sure aren't going to get it to drive any better.

Rich