B&M Racing
What it is: B&M ShiftPlus
What it does: Recalibrates transmission programming to increase performance, offering two performance modes in addition to stock
How to use/install it: The ShiftPlus is a simple module with a hard-wired control panel. It connects to the factory PCM harness, and then the control panel is mounted in the cabin. The user has the option of selecting from two performance modes, one with more positive shifts for heavy-duty use, like towing, and another for street/strip performance, with much firmer shifts and higher shift points. The user can also elect to turn the unit off, which allows the PCM to run stock programming. B&M claims the unit can be installed in minutes and that it will reduce heat and slippage during extreme use.
Applications: PN 70380: '94-'96 Caprice/Impala; '93-'98 Camaro/Firebird; '94-'98 Corvette, '93-'98 Suburban, Tahoe, Blazer, and 1500/2500/3500-series pickups with MT1 or M30 transmission code
Fastchip
Veteran racer and tuner Ed Wright offers his 30-plus years of performance experience to late-model GM vehicle owners looking to improve the performance of their cars through enhanced calibration. Fastchip doesn't delve into hard parts, limiting its work to altering the electronic tuning of the vehicle's engine management unit to accomplish the desired goals. Of course, there's only so much that can be done with stock hardware, but once you've maximized the potential of the factory equipment, Wright can continue to tweak your computer to take full advantage of any other modifications made. As with most of the other tuning methods, transmission shifting and firmness can also be altered by Fastchip.
What it is: Fastchip PCM reflash program
What it does: Alters the factory drivetrain management calibrations to increase performance
How to use/install it: In most cases the original PCM must be removed, sent to Fastchip to be reprogrammed, and then returned to the customer, who reinstalls the unit. Fastchip also offers an exchange program for those who can't afford downtime. As is the case with most of the tuning methods we've covered, Fastchip can alter shift timing and firmness, as well as the "torque management" of each shift--a term that refers to the amount of ignition-timing retard during shifts and the time it takes for the shift to be executed. Wright points out that the characteristics of each shift can be programmed individually, and if desired, the really firm shifts can be limited to wide-open-throttle operation only. As an aside, Wright points out that there were a few models produced by GM that used the 4L60E and 4L80E with E-PROM type computers, though all were trucks. For the 4L60E, these included '93-'95 1/2-ton pickups and vans, and for the 4L80E, the '91-'95 3/4- and 1-ton trucks. Fastchip can also recalibrate these vehicles using a new chip.
Additional features: Since the PCM is being reflashed, there are many parameters that can be adjusted at the same time. Customers can request specific changes, though Wright can also make recommendations for tuning changes based on the combination of parts and intended use. Typically, the biggest performance gains are seen on trucks, with 454-equipped models seeing as much as 35hp increases in some instances. Fourth-gen Camaros and Firebirds will see about 10-12 hp with stock hardware, while Impalas and Caprices can pick up as much as 12-14 hp. Wright can also reprogram PCMs to accept other changes, like larger airflow meters or throttle bodies, larger injectors, and so on.
Applications: Fastchip can reprogram V-8-equipped Camaros and Firebirds all the way back to the '85 model year; the same goes for Corvettes. Truck applications include most throttle-body-equipped V-8 engines as well as Vortec V-8 engines.