Changes can be made to the...
Changes can be made to the speedometer calibration to compensate for rear gear and tire swaps.
RPM technician Jonathan Verhovshek...
RPM technician Jonathan Verhovshek has HP Tuners VCM Suite hooked up to the GTO and is preparing the program to capture real time scanning and data logging during a test drive. Said data is saved and then analyzed by Brian Lohse and his tuning assistant, Jay Garcia, to determine if further changes need to be made. If so, testing is repeated to get the car tuned to their satisfaction.
Dyno Results:RPM has a Dynojet...
Dyno Results:RPM has a Dynojet Model 248C dyno that is capable of measuring up to 1,800 hp and is optioned with the above-ground kit and Commander wide-band 02 sensor so air/fuel ratios can be charted. Stock-AIT 83.6 deg F, barometer 30.51 in-hg, vapor pressure 0.16 in-hg, correction factor 0.96Dyno Tune-AIT 84.4 deg F, barometer 30.48 in-hg, vapor pressure 0.12 in-hg, correction factor 0.96
Cook says, "By eliminating the torque management, the car now accelerates much quicker through the shifts and lays down some good rubber tracks. Before the tuning changes, it would do a weak 1-2 squawk and nothing more. Overall, the car feels like it gained every bit of 20 horsepower and runs, drives and most importantly displays more power each time I get on it. And if I decide to modify the GTO further with a camshaft or aftermarket exhaust, the $50 cost (see Mail-Order Tune) for additional tuning and dyno time is very affordable."
The ECM on an '05 or '06 GTO...
The ECM on an '05 or '06 GTO is easily removed. Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, then remove the two T-20 Torx screws that mount the ECM to its bracket. Slip out each of the three safety connectors and unplug the harness. The TCM is behind the driver's side kick panel in the interior and is removed in much the same manner. Protect the harness connections from dirt or moisture and carefully box the ECM and TCM up for shipment.
Not only were the tuning gains impressive, but the mini-tutorial in HP Tuners VCM Suite was a great primer for those who choose to tune their own LS-based cars. For the rest of the community, purchasing a custom tune to make your Bird or Goat sprout more muscle might just be the perfect modification to allow the personality of your Pontiac to really shine through.
Mail-Order Tune:
For the hobbyist who desires a custom tune for his LS1-powered Firebird or LS1 or LS2 GTO, Real Performance Motorsports offers them via mail-order as well. Dyno tunes cost $400 at the facility and include the custom tune and chassis dyno time. Follow-up tuning changes due to modifications to the Pontiac such as a camshaft swap or a power adder only costs $50 and covers both the tuning and dyno time.
A mail-order tune from RPM is ordered by speaking with a representative and/or completing a custom dyno tune form to detail all of the modifications done to your car. From that, a custom tune will be created. Priced at $250, the tune is guaranteed to increase your performance and be superior to hand-held programmers. Tunes are available for both stock and highly modified vehicles. Like the in-shop tune, follow-up tuning changes due to modifications only cost $50 for each update.
Computer cores are available for the LS1/LS2-based Firebirds and GTOs if the customer does not wish to have their vehicle down during tuning. Contact RPM for details, shipping to be paid by the customer.