can i replace my BB PCM with any stock 99-2002 PCM

[redemn93]

ive had my BB 91 octane tune for roughly a year now and honestly im not all that impressed. gas mileage has gone down 0.5-1 mpg and there really doesnt feel like much of a power difference. it shifts harder...but that about it really. i have a chance to get a brand new Diablo intune for free. after reading up on it, i like the sound of it. but i dont want to use it over my BB tune. doesnt sound like a good idea from what ive read. so my question is, what other year's PCMs will work on my 2001 5.3? is there a difference between 2wd and 4wd PCMs?

to answers any questions i see coming my way:
only other mod is a CAI
i run 32" terra grapplers on NNBS z71 wheels so nothing outrageous there
i run good gas. sometimes 89, sometimes 93, sometimes 87. no i feel no difference between each grade
3.73 gears

 

[ATL]

u cant use just any pcm, it needs to be flashed to your vin number. there is plenty people on ebay who will sell u a flashed pcm for around $100. i bought one, once i purchased it, the seller contacted me asking for vin. about 3 days later the pcm was here and it was plug and play

 

[Nickleahy23]

ive had my BB 91 octane tune for roughly a year now and honestly im not all that impressed. gas mileage has gone down 0.5-1 mpg and there really doesnt feel like much of a power difference. it shifts harder...but that about it really. i have a chance to get a brand new Diablo intune for free. after reading up on it, i like the sound of it. but i dont want to use it over my BB tune. doesnt sound like a good idea from what ive read. so my question is, what other year's PCMs will work on my 2001 5.3? is there a difference between 2wd and 4wd PCMs?

to answers any questions i see coming my way:
only other mod is a CAI
i run 32" terra grapplers on NNBS z71 wheels so nothing outrageous there
i run good gas. sometimes 89, sometimes 93, sometimes 87. no i feel no difference between each grade
3.73 gears

i highly doubt you are going to find the performance you are looking for in a ****** handheld tuner..you drive a 6000lb brick, with over size, heavy tires with a 5.3 and 3.73 gears..a tune is not going to do THAT much for you..its mainly the driveability of the vehicle, how it shifts etc..change all of your fluids, put some exhaust on and that might help..you are getting more air into the engine but only able to push the same amount out..imo i wouldnt go through the hassle of switching it

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

I agree, if mileage has gone down, I wouldn't blame the tuning "fading", it is more than likely that the truck could use a little tlc. Fluids, filters, clean the throttle body and MAF sensor.

As for performance, just having a tuned truck doesn't mean it will knock your socks off regardless of who tunes it, unless they tune it so hot that you risk hurting something.

 

[redemn93]

i totally agree guys. but...all fluids are refreshed within 30k miles, except engine oil of course. filter gets cleaned regularly. maf and throttle body cleaned a few months ago. although i havent posted in a while, ive been on this site for three years and read/search alot. i know i sound like a newb but i know the generic responses and routine maintenance needed on these trucks. i know what needs to be done to keep these trucks going. i take care of my truck. its all tuned up. good plugs and wires also.

my complaint about the tune is all i see is a firmer shift and fuel mileage loss. the tune didnt "fade". i never said that. it just wasnt really there to begin with imo.

i understand i drive a 6k refrigerator box. not looking for a speed demon. thats why im building a decent little budget weekend warrior at the moment. was just hoping for a little more out of the tune that so many rant and rave about. i shouldnt be suprised though. its not a diesel.

oh well. ill just leave it as is. to much hassle to deal with.

 

[Nickleahy23]

do you remember what you asked for in the tune? I went with the most aggressive one..93 octane, 100% TM removed, etc..i could definatly tell when i got it on my 5.3..i couldnt tell you the difference with the 6.0 since it was tuned since the day i put it in..

 

[JennaBear]

Did you get a traditional tune or a cable tune? Have you cleaned your MAF and your TB?

Many people think they are running "good quality" gas, only to find out through a cable tune, that it is actually what is hurting them.

 

[DaUsedMCR]

Did you get a traditional tune or a cable tune? Have you cleaned your MAF and your TB?

Many people think they are running "good quality" gas, only to find out through a cable tune, that it is actually what is hurting them.

can you give us some examples of good quality gas? i always use Chevron 91 and if thats not available either Shell 91 or Mobil 91

 

[JennaBear]

Sadly, it all depends on the area you live in. We have seen the top tier gas stations have bottom of the barrel quality.

 

[redemn93]

hi jenna. its a traditional tune 91 octane tune. yes i clean the TB/MAF every few months. i have had the tune about a year i think maybe 10 months. i use a very busy modil by my house. i have tried other gas stations since i've seen you say many times about the gas. everything from hess to cumberland farms and all i between. i usually stick to 89 octane but tried several tanks in a row of 93 without any noticable results and even 87. no different in all honesty. i know retunes are free for traditional. would a cable tune really make that much of a difference and what would the cost be?

please understand, im not knocking BB or your tunes. i understand i drive a heavy brick of an SUV. i was just hoping for something more than firmer shifts with the tune.