Late model ECM modding is like a black art

[John Larkin]

I am really wanting to buy a V6 Dodge Challenger for a daily driver. I hear the 2011 and up is the better engine for a v6 ( pentastar 3.6) but supposedly the ECM is encrypted and they are not tunable yet. Then I read that the 2008 - 2010 with the 3.5 v6 is tunable but there are only a couple of tuners like Diablo and some other thing.

The worst part is that trying to search some Dodge forums for information is a mess of coulda/shoulda/maybe answers. I really am only interested in modding it for MPG but apparently the rest of the world is happy to spend almost a grand for 42HP and are happy about it.

Thank God for Turbo Buicks and their enthusiasts and yes I realize we have a 25 year headstart. But if anyone knows anything about tuning the Chrysler 3.5 v6 above for MPG please share with me.

 

[TurboBob]

I think Diablosport can tune the 2011's

 

[we4Mateo]

I'm a dodge dealer and we've had customers state they tuned their 3.6 using diablosport tuners.

 

[novaderrik]

if warranties and emissions legality aren't a big deal, then something like Megasquirt or FAST is the proper answer..

 

[CGASTON]

I am really wanting to buy a V6 Dodge Challenger for a daily driver. I hear the 2011 and up is the better engine for a v6 ( pentastar 3.6) but supposedly the ECM is encrypted and they are not tunable yet. Then I read that the 2008 - 2010 with the 3.5 v6 is tunable but there are only a couple of tuners like Diablo and some other thing.

The worst part is that trying to search some Dodge forums for information is a mess of coulda/shoulda/maybe answers. I really am only interested in modding it for MPG but apparently the rest of the world is happy to spend almost a grand for 42HP and are happy about it.

Thank God for Turbo Buicks and their enthusiasts and yes I realize we have a 25 year headstart. But if anyone knows anything about tuning the Chrysler 3.5 v6 above for MPG please share with me.

John,

In the newer OBD II,the multiple ECUs talk and when are update/ programmed (especially newer GMs) they burn a code in the firmware. Which read by a GM tech, will see the modded code/ tune. Then fight to deny warranty.

Sent from my iPhone using Turbo Buick

 

[TurboTnZ06]

Took me and a friend all day to tune my 2010 GMC Sierra with HP Tuners. It is quite the ordeal. Even my 2001 C5 Z06 is easy to tune in HP Tuners compared my truck.

 

[we4Mateo]

Took me and a friend all day to tune my 2010 GMC Sierra with HP Tuners. It is quite the ordeal. Even my 2001 C5 Z06 is easy to tune in HP Tuners compared my truck.

We used hp tuners on an 05 supercharged grand prix then on an 06 turbocharged grand prix gxp with a Cartuning kit and the 06 with the 5.3 was way harder to tune; a lot more interconnectivety between modules like was mentioned.

 

[TurboBob]

John,

In the newer OBD II,the multiple ECUs talk and when are update/ programmed (especially newer GMs) they burn a code in the firmware. Which read by a GM tech, will see the modded code/ tune. Then fight to deny warranty.

Sent from my iPhone using Turbo Buick

I believe the programmers all take care of this.

B

 

[CGASTON]

I believe the programmers all take care of this.

B

Bob,

Are we talking the tuners like diablo or EFI LIVE? Only reason that I made that statement is that I just recently got my ASE cert as a Engine Tech and when I asked the question about aftermarket tuning on stock ECM..... The instructor stated that GM can read the tune and see that the codes do not match factory coding. After some many warranty claims and firmware upgrades, then they have an issue. Well the developers of HP Tuner and EFI Live may have found a way that will mask the firmware upgrade..... And the information can be outdated.

 

[JimP]

Still waiting for something for a Toyota Tundra with a 5.7L too, there is still nothing.

 

[TurboBob]

my understanding is that there will probably never be anything for the Toy.

On the programmers, I believe every source (hpt,sct,efi live, bullydog,diablo,H&S,hypertech,....) has figured out how to leave the calibration fingerprints alone.

Bob

 

[CGASTON]

I have been looking for the Tundra as well. I have seen something like a PCM for the Tundra. Leave factory ECU in place, but this unit connect like the banks or edge. You know that you can order an ECM from SPARKS Toyota for the supercharger kit.

Now, knowing that the Tundra is OBD II....... How hard would it be to decipher toyota's code like we do Ford and GM? HP and EFI Live would probably be a good start.