290 hp gm ecm tune - confirmed

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by lostcause

same engines but apparently the ECMs are quite different for some reason. If they were identical, wouldn't the ECMs and stock tunes also be identical?

Since the ECM handles more than just the power, the Tune, I would imagine, would only effect the power settings.

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

Since the ECM handles more than just the power, the Tune, I would imagine, would only effect the power settings.

Right, but what I'm confused about is that the ECMs and the stock settings on the 2008 are apparently completely different from the 07s. If the engines were indeed identical, why the need for the different ECMs and stock tunes/settings?

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by lostcause

Right, but what I'm confused about is that the ECMs and the stock settings on the 2008 are apparently completely different from the 07s. If the engines were indeed identical, why the need for the different ECMs and stock tunes/settings?

I am not sure if that info is correct, but if it is it may be because the difference in the braking system for one. They are identical Ecotec engines. Remember the ECM handles more than just power settings.

[Ahnuld]

Originally Posted by ChgoBlues

I'm "guessing" there are a few parts involved and being this is an aftermarket application, CAFE standards can be met because they are dealing with the boost and performance aspects...

Sorry that this is coming abck into my memory in "chunks"
it was specifically noted "that the 290 tune was legal in all 50 states"
so I guess that means it still meets the standards.

I think what you are seeing is... with the original 260hp, they needed to balance getting a product out to market fast, with the time needed to really understand the engine capabilities. Remember, when the Turbo Kappas were released in Aug 2006, they then had a shutdown for several weeks when the had to adjust the mix to clear up carbon in exhaust issues. A clear indication they were still figuring this out...

Which in my mind helps clarify... this engine is capable of more... the initially came up with a safe but powerfull mix, and they just needed more time to continue working out the specifics of how and why. I fully believe that this will come down to, as Brentil said... a retune and two new sensors.

[Ahnuld]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

Considering they are the exact same engines, it is safe to say it will be for all 3 years!

I talked to the guy for about 3 mins, and somehow positioned myself as an expert on this!


knowing I have a 2007, and knowing there was already an add-on that wasnt allowed on 2007 (intercooler?), I specifically asked about the tune availability on 2007 and 2008s.

He said it was available for all model years.

[roadsterrage]

I know this has been brought up a couple of times, but I never really saw an answer unless I just missed it. Would the tunes be able to be set up to maximize the benefit of our aftermarket exhaust systems or will it just reprogram itself?

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

The reason a Turbo Swap stuck to me was because he made a big deal and said "and all for under $1k" like it was an extremely great price. $1K is a normal to high for a Reflash and sensors, but who knows. If they swap the turbo and refurb the factory original to be re-used maybe it could be done ...... who knows what the mark ups are on these things and how cheap they get them in volumes in the thousands??

What your saying makes sense Ahnuld, it would fit with the prices of mods today, but they made a big deal of that price and they were so UNCLEAR. Either way I am in for this mod!

Don't forget the price includes the engineering costs, hardware (sensors), packaging, training, advertisement, dealer costs (and profit), and GM profit, and a host of other overhead. They must also factor in sales volume and break even points, and supply/demand.

If the market bears it, then a nice profit may be in the numbers. But there is nothing wrong with that. One thing about the auto industry is sometimes they hit it nicely with a profit generator and sometimes they hit badly and lose big. The nice ones help make up for the bad ones.

And ultimately, it comes out good for us. If this kappa upgrade turns a good profit, it tells GM Corporate that we kappa owners are a good investment. This, in turn, will lead to other investments aimed at meeting our needs. You are not just paying for an HP upgrade, you are helping SUSTAIN the GM engineering force behind the kappa.

[Cheers]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

I am not sure if that info is correct, but if it is it may be because the difference in the braking system for one. They are identical Ecotec engines. Remember the ECM handles more than just power settings.

The 07 and 08 ECM stock numbers are different and I thought it was more than just the ECM.

[thejewcanoe]

yeah that is true on the 0-60 times. we'll always be quicker, even in the handing department sky's will own.
but as far as braking.
60-0 in 116 ft is really good. but the Pontiac G8 GT stops in around that same distance and it's a 4 door sedan.
not to mention the braking systems are already iffy on the the 08 Sky RL's last time i used cruise control and had to hit my brakes, i had NO brakes. and the mechanics at saturn told me my car was not affected by the issue and they could not duplicate the problem. turns out they wrote down my issue wrong, they thought i was complaining about the brakes making a crunch noise. when what i told them is i had crunchy to no brakes after using cruise for 15 minutes.
but this is for another forum topic.

but whatever the cobalt gets engine wise then the sky should get the same

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by xmicro_Redline

I am not sure if that info is correct, but if it is it may be because the difference in the braking system for one. They are identical Ecotec engines. Remember the ECM handles more than just power settings.

Like Cheers posted, the 07 and 08 ECM part numbers are different. Also, none of the aftermarket tunes like wester's and BSR will work on the 08.
Anyway, finding out what the difference is between the 07s and 08s is pretty much just out of curiosity at this point since it looks like the GM tune will be released for all model years.

[xmicro_Redline]

Originally Posted by lostcause

Like Cheers posted, the 07 and 08 ECM part numbers are different. Also, none of the aftermarket tunes like wester's and BSR will work on the 08.
Anyway, finding out what the difference is between the 07s and 08s is pretty much just out of curiosity at this point since it looks like the GM tune will be released for all model years.

Knowing that when the 08's were released there were no posted Engine Changes, it must be something they changed due to a supplier change/part change/mix change. But the 08's were advertised with the same core engine and numbers. I too am curious to what the changes would have been. I am sure they are "please ignore the man behind the curtain" type changes.

But as you said, they did say all model years, so at least we all have the opportunity to partake in the new offerings. I know this is mod sacreligious talk, but I hope they keep a little held in reserve so that it does not severely effect the life of the engine.

[bun1t]

I really hope they follow Mopar with the SRT 4 upgrades. If they released a turbo upgrade that still carried the factory warranty you can bet I'll be in the top 5 of that list.

[marlboromike]

My feelings r hurt...I was outside waiting an hour and half to go into the TLC tent...if they reflash the ECM for the 2.0...they can do it for the 2.4. I am sure it can be done. Wish i could have picked the speaker's brain.

[Cheers]

Originally Posted by bun1t

I really hope they follow Mopar with the SRT 4 upgrades. If they released a turbo upgrade that still carried the factory warranty you can bet I'll be in the top 5 of that list.

The GM folks at MECCA II made a point of saying the warranty would come with the upgrade -- one of the main reasons for the delay in getting it on the market -- testing so they don't have big warranty bills.

[cerberus]

Originally Posted by marlboromike

My feelings r hurt...I was outside waiting an hour and half to go into the TLC tent...if they reflash the ECM for the 2.0...they can do it for the 2.4. I am sure it can be done. Wish i could have picked the speaker's brain.

Nope. The 2.0 has the power just layin around being bored, pretty much. Once proven long term reliable, opening up that power conservatively held back is a completely different matter than on the 2.4. Aftermarket tunes already show this 2.0 power increase is achievable. We don't see that happening to that extent in the aftermarket with the LE5. We'd need some hardware changes to gain any significant power, not that some ECM table changes can't perk us up a little.

[xxdjfate76xx]

its summer already

[lostcause]

So realistically, what kind of performance gains could we expect to see from a 28-30 hp increase? All in all that really doesn't seem like a whole lot. It's just over 10% but will this 10% increase in power give a 10% increase in performance? What might I expect in 0-60 and 1/4 mile improvements?

[Blue Sky Redline]

I had an LT4 Vette wanting to play the other day.
Imagine him looking at my tail lights of a 4 banger!

[BlueSkyRL]

From an engineer's point of view (mine) I been wondering what could have changed enough on the ECM's between the 07 and 08 to cause the programming differences, etc. I know the Micro controller chip on the 07 is a MCP565 (Freescale "Oak series") which in automotive use is about 4 years old but not near the end of its life cycle. I can't imagine GM writing new software between model years this new, so I gotta think GM has instead blocked access to us outsiders and created the new part number on the 08's. I do this kind of design and programming for a living so it really has my curiosity

[lostcause]

Originally Posted by Blue Sky Redline

I had an LT4 Vette wanting to play the other day.
Imagine him looking at my tail lights of a 4 banger!

I don't think an extra 30 hp is gonna do that. That's what I'm curious about though.