HP Tuners VCM Suite Tuning and Scanning Tool

What is VCM Suite?

VCM Suite is not your traditional handheld device or programmer - it is much more powerful. It is a comprehensive tuning tool for late model EFI (electronic fuel injection) controlled vehicles that was designed for everyone from the casual beginner to the advanced dyno tune shop or race team. It allows performance tuning and scanning (data logging) of the many parameters that control the operation of the engine and transmission. Whether your desire is to increase the fuel economy of your daily driver or take a twin turbo LS1 down the quarter mile in 9 seconds, VCM Suite is the tool you need to tune your vehicle.

A typical late model vehicle uses computers to control all aspects of the engine (and in many cases the transmission) operation. Some examples of important parameters that VCM Suite can scan/log and change are:

• Ignition timing
• Fuel curve (Air Fuel Ratio)
• Fuel Injector sizes
• Mass Airflow sensor (MAF)
• Volumetric Efficiency
• Idle control
• Automatic transmission shift speeds
• Automatic transmission shift pressures

What many people don't know is that your modern vehicle controller also includes various protection mechanisms designed to prevent abuse and premature component failure. These features are of little value in many applications. Some examples are:

• RPM limiters
• Speed limiters
• Torque reduction during transmission shifts
• Various engine and transmission "abuse" modes
• Electronic throttle (drive by wire) torque management
• Over boost protection
• Fuel octane learning
• Catalytic converter protection
• Various transmission torque limits

VCM Suite gives you complete control over the various facets of performance tuning. In addition, it does not overlook the simple (and often forgotten) things such as changing cooling fan operation, recalibration of speedometer for final drive ratio changes, disabling of anti-theft systems for retro installs to name a few. Regardless of your application, VCM suite covers all the main parameters to tune your vehicle and remove any artificial "power robbers" that decide the 60 foot mark is where your 11 second pass should end.

Just as in the days of carbureted engines, knowing what to change is only half the story. Being able to accurately and conveniently record data that reflects the current state of your car's tune is paramount to any tuner's ability to extract that "extra little bit." VCM Suite includes comprehensive scanner capabilities that allow you to record important parameters while the engine is running. Important parameters such as RPM, spark advance, inlet air temperature, coolant temperature and more can be logged, saved and reviewed to determine how well the current tune is functioning. Add to this the ability to directly incorporate Wideband O2 (A/F ratio), Exhaust Gas Temperature and other sensor readings directly into the data stream via the optional Enhanced I/O (EIO) cable hardware and you have a complete tuning tool that will help you achieve optimum results at the track or on the street.

What is a VCM (Vehicle Control Module)?

In this context we use the term Vehicle Control Module (VCM) to mean the control module that is primarily responsible for engine and transmission operation. In some vehicles there are actually two modules: an Engine Control Module (ECM) and a Transmission Control Module (TCM). In general, the number of modules required to be read or written will be transparent to the end user or become obvious during the reading/writing process.

Generally, vehicles contain many other modules that control different aspects of the vehicle's operation. VCM Suite does not currently allow modification of any of these other modules. Some examples are: Body Control module (BCM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) module, Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC), Active Handling module, Radio module, Heater, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) module, and Navigation system module.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q. Which version should I buy? Standard or Pro?
  A. If you do not plan to modify your car and simply want the ability to make small changes and do datalogging, and don't mind bringing a PC or laptop along for the ride, the Standard version will suffice. If you require a standalone datalogging solution, as well as the ability to log data from external 0-5V sensors (A/F, EGT, etc), the Pro version is what you should purchase. The Pro version also has two outputs which you can use along with a laptop.
• Q. What do I get when my shipment arrives?
  A. You'll get the interface "box," OBD2 cables, and CD with software. You'll need to supply the external data acquisition (if any) that you would like to log, such as any 0-5V gauge and sensor and a computer or laptop to do the programming and scanning.
• Q. What are the requirements of the PC or laptop I need?
  A. HP Tuners VCM Suite has been designed to work with Microsoft Windows® 98 SE, ME, NT4, 2000, XP or newer (if you have a Mac, you must run a Windows-based OS such as XP).
  Minimum Requirements for Windows 98 SE:
  • 400 MHz CPU
  • 128 MB RAM
  • USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)
  Minimum Requirements for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7:
  • 800 MHz CPU
  • 256 MB RAM
  • USB Port (Version 2 USB Interface Only)
• Q. What support is available?
  A. HP Tuners maintains a full support and informational forum online that anyone can join and post to.
• Q. Will my Suite come with a "base" tune to start my work with?
  A. We do not provide base tunes. You can obtain them from other tuners, shops, or from the internet. Neither PFYC nor HP Tuners can be held liable for any tune or its contents. You are modifying your car at your own risk when you purchase and use a VCM Suite to make any changes to your VCM.
• Q. Where can I read more about this product including how to use the software, warranty, troubleshooting, supported parameters, etc.?
  A. Click here to access HP Tuner's online help area.

PARTIAL LIST OF APPLICATIONS

• For the full list, click here.
• 2010-2011 Chevrolet Camaro 6.2L V8
• 1997-2011 Chevrolet C5 and C6 Corvette 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L V8
• 1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8L V6 and 5.7L V8
• 2000-2009 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.9L V6 and 5.3L V8
• 2000-2011 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L, 3.5L, 3.9L V6 and 5.3L V8
• 2006-2010 Chevrolet HHR 2.0L, 2.4L 4cyl
• 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L 4cyl
• 2007-2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.2L V8
• 2004-2011 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V 2.8L, 3.6L V6 and 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L V8
• 2007-2010 Cadillac Escalade 6.2L V8
• 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO 5.7L, 6.0L V8
• 1997-2005 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.1L, 3.8L V6
• 2005-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix 5.3L V8
• 1997-2005 Pontiac Grand Am 2.2L, 2.4L 4cyl and 3.1L, 3.4L V6
• 2006-2010 Pontiac G5 2.2L, 2.4L 4-cyl
• 2006-2010 Pontiac G6 2.4L 4cyl and 3.5L, 3.6L, 3.9L V6 (3.5L in 07-09 only)
• 2008-2010 Pontiac G8 3.6L V6 and 6.0L, 6.2L V8 (2009 G8 3.6L not supported)
• 2006-2009 Pontiac Solstice 2.0L, 2.4L 4cyl
• 2007-2009 Saturn Sky 2.0L, 2.4L 4cyl
• 2005-2009 Ford Mustang 4.6L, 5.4L V8
• 2010 Ford Mustang 4.6L, 5.4L V8