Justin / Jennabear - what is programming, anyhow?

Discussion in 'Black Bear Performance' started by Springthing, Jun 21, 2009.

  1. Springthing

    Springthing Epic Member 5+ Years 1000 Posts

    Hiya! Thought I'd ask you if you could define what 'programming' is. We see a lot of people around here shopping for programmers and buying programmed setups... but what is involved and what does it do, really?

    Thanks in advance, I'm sure a lot of people will be interested in learning about the programming upgrades.
  2. Crakums_GT

    Crakums_GT Epic Member 5+ Years 500 Posts

    I thought it was pretty much the same as a tune. It programs your ECM which adjusts the shift points etc... I could be wrong though. It'll be interesting to see other responses on this.

  3. JennaBear

    JennaBear Rockstar 100 Posts

    A tuning and programming are the same thing, however, the means by which your do it, will give different results.

    Handheld tuners/programmers typically incorporate changes to a very specific set of tables within the PCM and in a very standardized way for every vehicle. With the tuning software we use (EFILive) we are able to make a tune that is custom-tailored to your set of modifications and desired output as well as access 100+ tables that the handhelds don't touch.

    Additionally, with our Scan Cable tune, we are able to take that customization a step further. As we have seen and others can attest to, not every vehicle performs the same given the same modifications and conditions. What may work well with one may not work well at all with the next. By having a cable that we send out to physically gather data on your vehicle, we are able to better ensure that the tune will work well with your setup. We are also able to identify and help diagnose many mechanical problems that a tune would otherwise bring out.

    Let me know if that answers your questions!:great:
  4. Springthing

    Springthing Epic Member 5+ Years 1000 Posts

    To ask a couple of direct questions as it relates to the scan cable analysis:

    Basically what it entails, if I'm not mistaken, is the receiving of something to plug into the (OBDII plug?) of the vehicle. The vehicle is driven normally for some time, data being recorded, after which it is sent back to Black Bear Performance. The data is analyzed and settings are set up according to the data and the wants of the customer, correct?
  5. JennaBear

    JennaBear Rockstar 100 Posts

    The scan cable is an EFILive scan cable and as such, has the ability to record data without a laptop present, although one is strongly recommended. In order to receive the full benefit of this option (aka, free crank relearn), a laptop is necessary.

    With the scan cable tune, you pay a security deposit and we ship out a cable that you use to collect data from your vehicle as you drive. That data is then emailed in to us to be analyzed. In some cases, the data will show a mechanical condition that needs to be corrected before the tuning process can proceed. If this is the case, we'll do our best to help you determine the cause of the problem so that your tune will perform as well as it possibly can.

    Once all problems are squared away, we'll then build a tune for you based on that data and ship a tuned PCM out to you. You'll then use the scan cable to perform a crank relearn procedure and create a final log with the new PCM in place. The scan cable is then returned for a refund of your security deposit.

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