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Unlocking the original pcm vs buying unlocked pcm

covidcommander

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#1
is it better to buy an unlocked pcm or just unlock my original oem pcm?
 


jonx96

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#2
Well with hp tuners when you buy credits or device they will unlock for free. Hard to pass up free. The only reason to buy another pcm is to "attempt" to keep your warranty.
 


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covidcommander

covidcommander

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Thread Starter #3
Well with hp tuners when you buy credits or device they will unlock for free. Hard to pass up free. The only reason to buy another pcm is to "attempt" to keep your warranty.
Guessing that doesn't work. Heard it shows a code so they know the ecm was removed
 


vortecd

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#4
I bought the HP tuner (was able to get it cheaper) then went on to hps site and bought the 6 credits. You add in the unlock and at checkout the unlock price drops off so you are just buying the credits. You could also buy the tuner and credits from them at once. I paid to have it shipped to them but they paid for shipping back

I bought my MPvi2+ for $300 right before they went to $400. Jon did say the new + loads faster then the old MPvi2. My car is out of the warranty so it was the cheapest way to go then buying another computer
 


white1

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#5
I wouldn't say one way is "better" than the other.
As stated there is a code that triggers "aftermarket calibration detected" when you swap the PCM, so the warranty point is not true.

The code can be disabled, at that point it doesnt matter which PCM is in the car

The biggest advantage to a new pcm is less down time.

Most of the unlocks we have been sending out end up being 12-14 day turn around from the time we ship them out until we get them back, and the vehicle is inoperable during this time.

We have purchased the equipment to perform the unlock in house, but as mentioned, if you purchase the credits and unlock at the same time through HPT the unlock is free
 


16GoManGoHC2

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A acquaintance of mine is trying to buy a PCM at the moment and can’t find one. Are they hard to get at the moment? Or is he just looking at the wrong vendors? His car is a 2015 out of warranty and I told him to just unlock the stock one but he doesn’t want to.
 


Boris

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Guessing that doesn't work. Heard it shows a code so they know the ecm was removed
It does show a code.
Even the Demon displays the code when the crate ECU is installed.

Wondering how the Direct Connect deal will work.
 


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That PCM is a big liar. But it will tell on ya. Out of warranty,,, do what you wish. Screw em.
 


16GoManGoHC2

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Idoru99

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#11
Yep, he must not have looked to hard lol. I forwarded him the link, he’ll probably unlock his stock one when he sees the price lol
I picked up Ron's extra here on the forum about a month ago. I think that's the only way to get them cheaper. Just keep an eye out on the forums and not be in a hurry.
 


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covidcommander

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Thread Starter #12
It does show a code.
Even the Demon displays the code when the crate ECU is installed.

Wondering how the Direct Connect deal will work.
Interesting
 


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covidcommander

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Thread Starter #13
I picked up Ron's extra here on the forum about a month ago. I think that's the only way to get them cheaper. Just keep an eye out on the forums and not be in a hurry.
Yeah they like 800-1000 for one of them.
 


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They and the tuners have gotten quiet pricey the past 8 years. I looked at the tuners and they are twice the price of when I was buying them. But they do a lot more. Easier to use. Just takes time.
 


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They and the tuners have gotten quiet pricey the past 8 years. I looked at the tuners and they are twice the price of when I was buying them. But they do a lot more. Easier to use. Just takes time.
I agree it seems hemi tunes are way more than other platforms.
 


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I went looking the other day and they are at $3,200. For the vetts I paid $1,400 for each. Then if you want to pay a tuner and have a dyno done. Talking another, low balling, $2,000. Then if you were under a warranty, you want be then. The cpu will tell the Uconnect and right to the cpu it goes. Then get rid of that piece of shit.
 


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covidcommander

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Thread Starter #17
i dont want to spend the $ on an pcm but i dont want to mess with the original.

But i guess its irrelevant. if it breaks id have to buy a new one anyway. and if i buy a new one now the original one is just going to sit on a shelf (next to the factory airbox) till whenever.

i guess i just use the pcm $ to buy the unlock and hp tuners credits. then use that money to get my ATI balancer. Seems the smart thing to do.

p1400 code :censored:
 


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My car was in storage for the winter so I thought that would be a good time to send it in. Only had to go the next state over and it was only a week total turn around
 


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Yes that makes cents. I have 1/2 of the garage dedicated to factory parts. Any one want to buy a factory top, white, for a 1996 vette?? Sill in the box. I divorced my old blower.
 


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covidcommander

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Thread Starter #20
My car was in storage for the winter so I thought that would be a good time to send it in. Only had to go the next state over and it was only a week total turn around
Smart. I don't daily mine so it don't really matter long as it's only 1 weekend no car.

So much fun to drive it.
Always had shitty cars... now I can enjoy something nice for once.
 




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