Confused about what I need! Thinking of purchasing VCM general

First off, I did read FAQ etc... and although it's well done, I'm still a bit confused on which package/options are best for me.

I currently own a 2001 Z06, and a 2000 WS6
both have cams, the WS6 has ported heads ton of bolt on's etc...

SpeedInc tuned the Z06 when they put cam in, I'm not happy with the tune in general WOT is ok, but rest of tune seems crap. I have a 224/224 114 in that car, headers and vararam pretty much everything else stock, dyno'd 393 rwhp at SpeedInc, but still cam surge and dies if AC on when first started and car is warm. Just little things I feel could have been addressed for the $ I payed them.

The WS6 has 231/237 TSP cam, StageII Patriot 5.3 heads, LS6 intake, Mac headers, off road Y, maganaflow, #30 FMS inj, plus alot of other junk I'm sure I'm forgetting. This car is becomming the bane of my existence and consequently the reason I'm considering purchase. SES codes galore, mostly for Knock sensor P0327 which I've already replaced both sensors AND the harness :(. Getting sick of running to parts store to have them scan and clear the codes. Plus while MadZ28 did a hell of alot better job mail order tuning my PCM than SpeedInc did with a supposed "dyno tune", I'm still getting some surge, off idle bog(prolly from raped timiing from KS codes).

All in all, I want to be able to setup both cars to scan and data log, tweak out the little rough edges and maximize potential of combos.

Where I'm confused, is do I need a wideband O2 to do proper datalog?

Do I need a wideband O2 if I decide to go 1 bar SD tune for the WS6 as the cam is pretty big and might be effecting how the MAFS is working??? I'm noob be easy ;).

If I don't need wideband O2, can u still effectively tune AF based on front O2 sensors.

And regular vs Pro, I really am stretching my budget spending $500, I don't want to have to spend the additional $$$ on the pro version if I don't need too.

Potentailly some day I would like to put a stroker in the WS6 or the Vette, still undecided yet. So the flexibility would be enjoyed. However if I put in an LS2 motor in my LS1 vehicle, how's that effect credits :O

ugh I have a headache!
thanks
:cheers:

to properly tune the car at anything but normal driving you need a wideband since the stock O2 sensors are pretty useless at WOT.

the LC1 is a nice unit (I used to run the LM1, but switched to the LC1 a few weeks ago) and is only 199 (and some places have it for as low as like 170)

Basically the front O2s are only accurate at stoich (on a gasoline powered engine, that's about 14.7:1 AFR) but for power you want to be around 12.8-13.0:1 AFR ... and there the stock O2s are very innacurate

Regarding regular vs pro ... the Pro is a must IMHO ... granted there is an article on tech on how to hookup a wideband using unused inputs like EGR, but the Pro lets you log other external sensors (up to 4) if you want, and gives you to programmable outputs (nitrous, knock warning light, etc... )

Plus the Pro will have black box logging (logging w/out a laptop)

So basically you need to decide if you want to get Pro or regular ... I would suggest saving a bit longer and getting the Pro, but either one is a great tool.

Wideband as mentioned is a must for WOT tuning, the LM-1 is more portable for going between multiple vehicles, but the LC1 can also be made to be portable if you have a basic understanding of wiring

In your case, you would get either regular or pro, and have 8 credits... so you'd use 2 for the vette, and 2 for the f-body (unless you want to go unlimited, in which case w/the 2 credits you can do 6 for the vette to do all vettes of that year, and 2 for the fbody to vin lock, or buy more credits and make both unlimited, your choice)

If you then later switched to an LS2 motor, it depends on what PCM you use... if you use an LS2 PCM then you'd have to use credits for a license, but if you used your LS1 PCM (only applicable w/2005 LS2s due to the different reluctor ring on 06+) w/the same OS, then you wouldn't need to add any more licenses, or at worst use 2 licenses to change the PCM to 2002 F-Body code

ugh
so I'm looking at $850 give or take for the Pro and WB O2

hrm! guess I better have some good work months ahead to cover all my mods.

Guess if I go pro, then I'll really have to save and get a iron block, forged internals and a turbo to justify the Pro LOL!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CoronaL

Guess if I go pro, then I'll really have to save and get a iron block, forged internals and a turbo to justify the Pro LOL!

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Sounds like a plan! :cheers: honestly though its the best investment you'll ever make...I always tell people its the only mod that grows WITH you rather then you growing out of it :D

^^^ Definetly! Especially with a company like HP Tuners that releases new supported vehicles every other week practically!

I'd hafta agree with what has been said so far. I thought I wouldn't use it as much as I do, but I'm really missing it when I don't have it...LOL.

I regret not getting the Pro so much that I sent in my old cable for the upgrade. Pro is definitely the way to go, particularly with a cam.

If I knew what I knew now, before doing any mods, this would have been my first.

Finally, the support is great! Many here are more than willing to share knowledge and the HPT staff are very responsive to emails and requests.

ok guys!
I appreciate the words of encouragement
will start saving! :)