1998 Chevy 2500 5.7 build questions

[df2x4]

Guys, you don't have to do the relearn on these trucks. I thought you did too, but I never got a CEL and the Tech2 at my mechanics would not initiate the process, stating that the values were already good. The black box mail order tunes are just plug n play, even with a new PCM.

He can just order a tune via mail and plug it in, good to go.

EDIT - Whoops, didn't see that he had a 98. Going to have to do a Passlock/security relearn with a Tech2 for sure. So glad I didn't have to do that on my 97...

 

[99'Subourbon]

98-99, and classic 00's do have to do a crank relearn. I verified with Black Bear. The only way you won't is if you get lucky and get a PCM who's previous crank position is damn near the same as yours.

 

[df2x4]

Ah, well that explains why there's always conflicting opinions about this on here. Good to know!

I wonder why that is, though? Aren't the PCMs the same throughout the Vortec trucks? I wonder what they changed other than adding Passlock...

 

[slowburb]

I don't know the differences, but can confirm there was a black box in the 96/97 trucks that is different from 98+. Most tuning software doesn't work with the 96/97 computer. I forget the name of the program EPS uses, but it's not HPTuners or EFILive.

 

[df2x4]

I don't know the differences, but can confirm there was a black box in the 96/97 trucks that is different from 98+. Most tuning software doesn't work with the 96/97 computer. I forget the name of the program EPS uses, but it's not HPTuners or EFILive.

Interesting. Black Bear uses EFILive and they can tune the 96-97... I wonder if they have a program in addition to EFILive that they use specifically for those.

 

[slowburb]

Interesting. Black Bear uses EFILive and they can tune the 96-97... I wonder if they have a program in addition to EFILive that they use specifically for those.

Blackbear does in-person tunes, right? Like they set up meetups in cities across the US to perform tuning services. They've done this in New Orleans, about 90 miles from me. I had signed up and was told by Julie or whatever her name is that they could NOT just plug in to my truck and tune it.

 

[df2x4]

Blackbear does in-person tunes, right? Like they set up meetups in cities across the US to perform tuning services. They've done this in New Orleans, about 90 miles from me. I had signed up and was told by Julie or whatever her name is that they could NOT just plug in to my truck and tune it.

They don't offer in-person or scan cable tunes for our trucks. At least not with the factory black box PCMs. They do offer standard mail order tunes, though.

 

[Michael8856]

Will I have to do the crank relearn when I put my new motor in with the stock tune?

 

[df2x4]

Considering you have a 98, my guess would be yes. You can drive it for a while before doing so with no ill effects though, you'll just get a check engine light until you get it done. I'd get it done ASAP, but it's not like it'll be undrivable.