I spoke to pcmforless yesterday and I'm pretty sure we are going to get it. I just have a couple questions about it. I'm wondering why these tunes weren't done at the factory when the h3 was built? I'm asking because I'm wondering with the tune to get better throttle response and mpg. does the engine run leaner then? I know over time running leaner can damage or lead to premature failure of the pistons and valves. I'm wondering if they didn't do that at the factory because of this? any ideas?

 

Non-factory otpions you can have them do:
1. Disable the PASSLOCK anti-theft system. The engine PCM looks for a signal from the BCM to turn fuel injectors on when turning the key. Some older H3's, the ignition cylinder malfunctions on key turn causing you to wait 10 minutes before ignition tries.

2. Top speed governor can be turned off.

 

Thanks telemike, We have been waiting for the passlock system to start failing to get the pcm tune, and it has started failing the last couple weeks. I'm going to do all the stuff you mentioned, but my question is why weren't these tunes done at the factory? I'm wondering because I would think these tunes probably make it run a little lean? which can lead to premature piston and valve failure. That's what I'm wondering because why wouldn't they have done this at the factory? Thanks again mike

 

The factory picks a safe baseline for performance, EPA, economy, etc. PCMforless (at the shop) tuned my on the road for optimum performance for my engine.

 

You really need a basic understanding of what a tune does, and what manufactures do when they produce a vehicle for the masses.

Tunes do not lean anything. At points in the tune boosting performance they increase fuel trim and spark curves. You should also know that almost every vehicle GM built since the 90s ALL RUN RICH! You can lean the snot out of most of them long before getting to the point of trouble.

The factory tune is for middle of the road Soccer Moms and grocery chasers. Why doesn't the factory put real tires on the H3, an Efan, more efficient intake and TBs, etc....? Answer: they are not interested in maximum performance, they want idiot proof ho hum decent fuel mpg, quiet and smooth mushy everything. The OEM tune is aimed at about 70-75%, so John Q consumers have less of a chance of getting in trouble and breaking things.

There are hundreds of thousands of vehicle running aftermarket tunes and performance parts, how many self destruct episodes do you know of? Professional tuners know what they are doing, the guys that break stuff buy the program and over do it themselves because they think macho more is always better.