Digital Horsepower PCM

[billytheman1188]

Ok so i have $100 to spend and im thinkin about getting the digital horsepower pcm, butttttttt is it really necessary to fill it with premium fuel all the time, or can it go without it???? and if it can, will i notice any power gains without the premium fuel??? I probably do need to fill with good gas, but i just wanted to check with people and see what they have to say.

Thank you.

[bigd6983]

well with the timing advancements and all the tweeks they do im pretty sure the premium is necessary because you may start pinging and knocking.....im not dead sure about this because i dont have the pcm and have never tried but im pretty sure i remember it being required....

[alerored04]

it is a worthwhile mod. One of the better bang for the buck mods out there. I have ran 89 in mine without a problem, but that was only once when i was in the middle of nowhere and they didnt have anything better. IMO if you are too cheap to pay the extra 10c/gal you have the wrong hobby. everything has implicit costs so if you arent willing to pay dont do it. When i did put 89 in it i pretty much drove with the radio off since i was so paranoid about it causing problems i wanted to listen to it the whole time. Its not worth the couple bucks per fill to be scared for your motor the whole time. Look at it this way, 12 gal tank, the price of premium is always 10-20c more per gal than 87/89 so no matter what fuel prices are you are only paying $2.50 more per fill up if premium is 20c more. Its not that much more expensive and worth the peace of mind. Plus the DHP pcm rocks. Get it, put 91 in it, you will love it.

Just realized it was you posting about the leaking coolant and this, save your cash until you figure out where the leak is from. limg leak wouldnt enjoy a dhp on it i dont think.

[mrmike]

I also remember reading that the pcm requires a 180^ thermostat. If your leak is in the lower intake manifold, you can get the new thermostat put it while they have it all apart.

[jabartram]

I also remember reading that the pcm requires a 180^ thermostat. If your leak is in the lower intake manifold, you can get the new thermostat put it while they have it all apart.


its not required, but your fans will work overtime till you get the 180, and yes premium is highly recommended, under normal driving you won't notice much but under WOT load you will get preignition, until the pcm pulls the timing back do to KR=knock retard, when that happens you lose power.

[joealmighty13]

so under normal driving you dont notice as much of a difference with the DHP, but under WOT you feel it. also whats this about KR?

[jabartram]

so under normal driving you dont notice as much of a difference with the DHP, but under WOT you feel it. also whats this about KR?


no, under normal driving you wont have problems preignition(knock)or(ping) but under WOT you will. KR is knock retard, when the knock sensor senses knock or ping it retards the timing to help prevent engine damage.

[alerored04]

why "have" someone install a tstat? its easy, do it yourself. its a $20 part why pay $100 for it. He doesnt know for sure yet if it is the limg, but yes itd work to do while its apart for that.

[billytheman1188]

it is a worthwhile mod. One of the better bang for the buck mods out there. I have ran 89 in mine without a problem, but that was only once when i was in the middle of nowhere and they didnt have anything better. IMO if you are too cheap to pay the extra 10c/gal you have the wrong hobby. everything has implicit costs so if you arent willing to pay dont do it. When i did put 89 in it i pretty much drove with the radio off since i was so paranoid about it causing problems i wanted to listen to it the whole time. Its not worth the couple bucks per fill to be scared for your motor the whole time. Look at it this way, 12 gal tank, the price of premium is always 10-20c more per gal than 87/89 so no matter what fuel prices are you are only paying $2.50 more per fill up if premium is 20c more. Its not that much more expensive and worth the peace of mind. Plus the DHP pcm rocks. Get it, put 91 in it, you will love it.

Just realized it was you posting about the leaking coolant and this, save your cash until you figure out where the leak is from. limg leak wouldnt enjoy a dhp on it i dont think.

Thanks for the info man, and maybe i will get it and fill with premium if its only $2.50 more a fill up, i never thought of it that way;) But im gonna be checking the coolant every day and see if its going down. Now if it does how am i going to be able to find out what the problem is? should i take it to the dealer? (i know they charge up the ass, but if this is a serious problem i wanna take the car to someone i can trust) and around albany there isnt many garages that i trust to work on my car. But my main question is how am i going to find out what the problem is?

[billytheman1188]

Oh and about the thermostat, now if i get that off www.pfyc.com (http://www.pfyc.com). is that a good one? So if i dont get the thermostat the fans will work a lot more than they are supposed to? Sorry but i just dont understand fully why i need it with the DHP? Ive heard that getting a new thermostat can be bad for your car cause your messing with the engine temp, and it should be left at the temperature that its already at?? cause when people make the cars they have it set at temperatures where the car performs best.....sorry if this sounds messed up, lol i dont know if this is coming out right. But basically someone told me the engine performs best at the temperatures the oldsmobile makers made it(stock) and if u mess with the temp you will get a shorter engine life?

is this right or do i sound like a retardlol lol

[alerored04]

that is the correct tstat, the reason you want a colder one is that the pcm advances your timing, causing the motor to run hotter. The 180* tstat will help counter act this.

[jabartram]

Oh and about the thermostat, now if i get that off www.pfyc.com (http://www.pfyc.com). is that a good one? So if i dont get the thermostat the fans will work a lot more than they are supposed to? Sorry but i just dont understand fully why i need it with the DHP? Ive heard that getting a new thermostat can be bad for your car cause your messing with the engine temp, and it should be left at the temperature that its already at?? cause when people make the cars they have it set at temperatures where the car performs best.....sorry if this sounds messed up, lol i dont know if this is coming out right. But basically someone told me the engine performs best at the temperatures the oldsmobile makers made it(stock) and if u mess with the temp you will get a shorter engine life?

is this right or do i sound like a retardlol lol

when a motor runs cooler it creates more power, the fans are set for 180 degree t-stats at DHP, i ran a stock t-stat for 2 weeks after my DHP install my fans just ran ALOT.

[billytheman1188]

O alright, i see now. thanks for the info! I will be ordering the DHP and Tstat in a few days. Oh and where do i install the DHP????

[jackal2000]

Oh and where do i install the DHP????
OMG

in the false floor of the trunk under the spare tire.



j/k under the dash board on the driver's side. its kind of above the brake pedal.

[Redog]

Ok so i have $100 to spend and im thinkin about getting the digital horsepower pcm, butttttttt is it really necessary to fill it with premium fuel all the time, or can it go without it???? and if it can, will i notice any power gains without the premium fuel??? I probably do need to fill with good gas, but i just wanted to check with people and see what they have to say.

Thank you.

It's def worth the $$$. Yes get the 180* thermostat, and use 91 or better gas. I was using 93 for a while because I only used Shell gas. Since a use my Visa instead of a gas card now, I've been going to Sunoco since they have 91 octane at the pump. The car has been running much better on 91 than 93. Once I put 94 in it and it didn't like it at all.

What grade to use really depends on what your car is programed to run on. With the PCM upgrade, the car it programmed to run on 91 or better, so it's in your best interset to run 91 or better.

A guy in work got bad advice from another guy and was told "yeah you can run 87 in your Navigator" It says right on the fuel door to run premium fuel only. It ran fine for a while, then the MPG dropped dramaticly, and it ran rough. Then a day or 2 later he got an SES light. It was pinging like crazy!! I told him to run the 93 in it again, and the light went out after about 2 weeks (2 tanks)

[billytheman1188]

OMG

in the false floor of the trunk under the spare tire.



j/k under the dash board on the driver's side. its kind of above the brake pedal.

Lmao, yea i figured it would be around there, just wanna check;)

And redog thanks for the info on the gas, i will probably fill with 91.
I cant wait to get this, i hope its worth the money:coolio:

[billytheman1188]

wtf, i was reading the installation directions on the thermostat, it seems like its a pain in the ass to install. But the directions were weird, idk, how long is this installation gonna take!? for a little thermostat!

[jabartram]

wtf, i was reading the installation directions on the thermostat, it seems like its a pain in the ass to install. But the directions were weird, idk, how long is this installation gonna take!? for a little thermostat!

if you have any mechanical ability at all, it will only take about an hour. its only 2 bolts and the radiator hose and a small coolant bypass tube.

[Headstrong2740]

Hey....i was reading all this...... can some one tell me the link to the PCM site you were talking about. Id like to look into that as well. Sounds like it might be soemthing to keep in mind.

[alerored04]

www.pfyc.com. billy the tsat is not hard at all. Right underneath the TB, and you will be very happy with it. I loved mine. More now that Germ got his hands on it. lol.

[billytheman1188]

The directions on pfyc seemed like it wasnt talking about our engine, now all i have to do is take the TB off, and its under there......i always get help from my moms fiancee, he knows a lot about cars, so he should be able to help out a lot. But i just want to know what i have to take off in order to get to it......there were two different responses on how to get to the Tstat, one said radiator hoses, another said take the TB off.......sorry i cant remember your names;)

PS. i will have to post up some pics sometime of my moms fiancee's 78 Firebird. That things exhaust is real loud, sounds SWEET though.

[jabartram]

The directions on pfyc seemed like it wasnt talking about our engine, now all i have to do is take the TB off, and its under there......i always get help from my moms fiancee, he knows a lot about cars, so he should be able to help out a lot. But i just want to know what i have to take off in order to get to it......there were two different responses on how to get to the Tstat, one said radiator hoses, another said take the TB off.......sorry i cant remember your names;)

PS. i will have to post up some pics sometime of my moms fiancee's 78 Firebird. That things exhaust is real loud, sounds SWEET though.

you dont have to remove the t/b? its just extra work, a 13mm wrench, and a 1/4 drive ratchet long extension and shallow 13mm socket is all you need to do the 2 bolts.

[billytheman1188]

Alright, well i will order the Tstat and the DHP later today, cant wait to install this shit.

[alerored04]

i found that removing the tb makes it alot easier, i have gorilla sized hands so when im working on a motor i need all the space i can get. I figured it would be faster to take of the tb and do it that way than futz with tryin to squeeze around stuff.

[Sinatra]

I figured instead of adding a new thread I would just add to this one if no one minds. Whats with that new information required on pfyc.com about the SERV number? What purpose does it serve and do I really NEED it. Second, when I tell the dealer I need a case learn, what do I tell him when I tell him not to FLASH the PCM?

[billytheman1188]

shit i didnt realize u had to go to the dealer after u install this........wtf

[jackal2000]

i didnt need a case learn or security learn with mine. most people say i got lucky.

[alerored04]

jackal now you can do it yourself with the powertunr. Billy just do it, all you need to do is install the pcm, follow the starting instructions provided with the pcm, then run it to the dealer when you have time, tell them you need a CASE learn and they will take care of it. All it does is tell the motor that the pistons are still in the same spot and to make sure that the piston that should be firing is in the correct position. It will cost you around $50. But i just saw your other thread, get that intake manifold gasket taken care of first. If your mom's finace knows his stuff ask him to teach you. Its a long job but worth it in the end not just by the money you save but by learning.

[billytheman1188]

Yea he deff knows his stuff, but he said it would be a long job, and he is busy a lot, i just hate to ask him to help me with it. I might just have to take it to a shop, are there any other problems that happen to a lot of people with the 3400 that i should know about???

[jackal2000]

jackal now you can do it yourself with the powertunr.

yep and i am sure i will need to considering what is happening to my car lol

[projectalero]

The Tstat is a headache with the TB installed. You can still do it with a long extension and i believe a 10mm. I would actually pull the TB to make the job alot easier. If your moms fiancee helps you do the gasket then just install the Tstat when the lower manifold is off. It is actually integrated into the manifold. Let me know how that PCM works out for ya, im looking into one right now also. good luck

[billytheman1188]

The Tstat is a headache with the TB installed. You can still do it with a long extension and i believe a 10mm. I would actually pull the TB to make the job alot easier. If your moms fiancee helps you do the gasket then just install the Tstat when the lower manifold is off. It is actually integrated into the manifold. Let me know how that PCM works out for ya, im looking into one right now also. good luck

If i dont end up trying to work on the manifold myself, i will probably order the Tstat and have the mechanic put it in while he has it apart. (or i might put it in before i go get the manifold fixed) i now gotta work out some funds, but im still probably gonna get the DHP....i will have to delay that and make a decision sunday. I will deff let everyone know how the DHP is if i get it.

[projectalero]

i would recomend fixing the gasket first if that is actually your problem. The DHP can wait until then. If you do end up taking it to a mechanic he will probly put the Tstat in for free or a very small fee. Its two bolts extra, which is no big deal.

[aleromod101]

I was looking for that serv numbers but couldnt find it anyone tell me where exactlly i find this

[jackal2000]

I was looking for that serv numbers but couldnt find it anyone tell me where exactlly i find this

should be on the casing that holds the PCM under the dash??....thats what it looked like from the pic....

[aleromod101]

drivers side correct???????

[jackal2000]

drivers side correct???????


umm yea lol

[jabartram]

aleromod101, are you looking for the service part number for the pcm?

[aleromod101]

i got it now just ordered the new pcm today so i cant wait

[tcreek11]

yeah i couldnt find the serv # for a while either and can anyone tell me about the case learn and whether not it is a top priority or not thanks.

[aleromod101]

speaking of a learn i just put in a new motor and my service engine light is comming up and throwing a P0336 code which is the crankshaft position sensors. I dont know if u know this the alero 3.4 has 2 of those sensors. So I changed both them out and cleared the code and now my car runs like shit. It wont go for anything. Any Ideas?????/

[jackal2000]

^^^dude, that code requires a crank case learn. take it to the dealership and tell them that code.

[CiscoPath]

I got blowed by a freakin' Hyundai tonight, and i'm ordering this bad boy now that it's only a C-note. Is the dealership the only ones that can CASE or could any licensed mechanic? The family mechanic has a code reader and he wouldn't charge anything. Can i go to him?

[alerored04]

im pretty sure an Tech II scanner should be able to do it. Ask your mechanic if he has one, im pretty sure he should be able to help you. What other mods do you have?

[billytheman1188]

I got blowed by a freakin' Hyundai tonight, and i'm ordering this bad boy now that it's only a C-note. Is the dealership the only ones that can CASE or could any licensed mechanic? The family mechanic has a code reader and he wouldn't charge anything. Can i go to him?

Dude if u even say its a tiburon im gonna go drive your alero off a bridge with u in itlol ;) haha, if it was a new tiburon, ok. but if it was an older body style then you dont know how to drive. Aleros can kill the older tiburons(stock vs. stock) and we can keep up with the new ones(stock vs. stock). But the 2000 tiburons BLOW, they are the worst cars.

[jackal2000]

im pretty sure an Tech II scanner should be able to do it.


dhp powrtuner can do it too. :coolio:

[alerored04]

quit bragging!!! Jerk lol.

[CiscoPath]

It was newer. And technically, the hyundai didn't blow me, the speed limiter did. Freakin 108

[BlackJack]

Once again, PowrTuner or DHP PCM will cure that.

[aleromod101]

Well no one said keep the old pcm did they smart ass, spend a buck to improve your shit and then maybe u wont look so pitiful and we wont have to hear u bi**h anymore

[CiscoPath]

^^^^ ????? Who exactly is that comment directed at?

[BlackJack]

I know who it wasn't directed at :P

[projectalero]

so much love in this thread. Im still not understanding what started this whole "conflict". Its a tiburon! They are quick little cars, especially the GT.

[CiscoPath]

I didn't know what the problem was, either. Who said anything about the "old pcm", or having a problem spending on it, or "bi**h about it. Just an empty, pointless post from an empty, pointless person

[aleromod101]

o wow how classic ur the one bi***in about the pcm i didnt say u had a problem with the odd one I said that i was ur choice to be cheap and never buy a pcm of pfyc so now if u did buy one we could stop this thread and stop hearing u bi**h thank u case closed

[jabartram]

ok, this thread is done.