Advice on a performance chip for 00 trans am v8

**00taman** · 07-16-2012, 08:32 PM

hello. i am interested in getting a computer "plug and play" for my trans am, but don't know what brands to consider; or where to start. can someone give me a clue on what brand to buy, or where to purchase from. I'm within the 200-400 price range. thanks
adam

**FinZ28** · 07-16-2012, 09:13 PM

Get a mail order tune from Frost. $150. Money well spent.

www.tunedbyfrost.com

**0rion** · 07-16-2012, 09:23 PM

what are your current mods, what are your mod plans, and what time frame are you looking at? I agree that a frost mail order tune is your best option but you want to maximize that as much as possible. Don't get a tune now if you know you're doing headers over the winter or something like that. Wait until you get the mods done then get the tune.

**Knight** · 07-17-2012, 01:58 AM

Agree. Those programmers have been known to do more damage than good for our vehicles. As Orion stated, if you plan on doing any mods soon, wait until after to get a tune. If you do major mods - ie. heads, cam, ect. - a dyno tune would be best from a reputable shop. If you do bolt ons, or plan to stay stock for a while, Frost is the way to go.

**00taman** · 07-17-2012, 06:48 AM

how does frost work? someone else recommended them to me but idk how it works lol.

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-17-2012, 07:19 AM

Frost tune = Yes......Best bank for the buck.

Best to do right after headers

You can mail him your pcm on Monday and have it back by Fri/Sat the same week.

**FinZ28** · 07-17-2012, 07:25 AM

Just go check out his site that I posted about in my first reply. All the info on what he does is there. You have to ship him your PCM. He does things like firming up shift points and actual tuning so that you can make more power. He can also delete EGR, A.I.R. system, rear O2's, recalibrate speedo for different rear gears or tire/wheel setups, etc.

**00taman** · 07-17-2012, 09:06 AM

Yeah, i see his website.. But id have to be without the car for a couple days which wouldn't work.. Whats the best programmer that i can buy to toy with the computer.. Like one of those comps that plug in under the steering wheel?

**initechpeter** · 07-17-2012, 01:32 PM

I'm in the same boat. I want a hand held tuner for the little things. I want one that can read the fuel trims so I can fix my car. I don't want to send my pcm everytime I upgrade something.

**Knight** · 07-17-2012, 01:39 PM

Don't waste your money on any of the handheld tuners. I've seen firsthand the damage they can do from their so called "performance tunes". I'm sure you don't have the time or money to replace the engine. If you are determined to get something to tune the car yourself, go with HPTuners. It's not cheap, but it's the best and most reliable tuning software. EFILive is another program you could check out. Even buying a pretuned PCM from Frost would be a better choice, as you'd have no downtime.

**Redrokit8** · 07-17-2012, 05:34 PM

My two cents worth is to either buy a used pre-programmed PCM from Frost or find a way to do without your vehicle for a few days. Somehow you did without it before you bought it. Sometimes you have to give a little to get the best. You could very well screw a lot of settings up if you aren't completely educated on what is required for your vehicle and what parameters are required. I feel it's a smart move to have two unless you're going full boat and need to Dyno tune.
The advice of doing it after header install is on the money. I jumped the gun and had sent my PCM twice to Frost and then put on headers which required a third trip.

**sjgreen6** · 07-17-2012, 06:09 PM

Get a Frost tune. It really is a very quick turn-around, it will be done right, and you'll be amazed at the results.

**00taman** · 07-17-2012, 06:19 PM

ok thanks a lot guys.. i think ill buy a pre programmed pcm. also, i don't have the ws6/ram air pkg in my car, and really want the ws6 hood. any place or private seller anyone knows of for under $400?

**00taman** · 07-17-2012, 06:27 PM

& I'm completely dumb when it comes to mechanical stuff. what should i buy from them thats pre programmed

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-17-2012, 06:38 PM

Call or email Frost. He'll ask what you have on it, like bolt ons and any other engine/tranny mods. He'll then recommend what he thinks is right for you.

As far as the hood goes an OEM WS6 hood you won't see under $800, more around $1200.

Aftermarket you're looking about the $600-$800. Look up VFN WSQ hood. That's the one I'm getting. Looks mean as hell and better then the stock WS6 hood or the Firehawk hood.

**98TransAmWs-6** · 07-17-2012, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

Call or email Frost. He'll ask what you have on it, like bolt ons and any other engine/tranny mods. He'll then recommend what he thinks is right for you.

As far as the hood goes an OEM WS6 hood you won't see under $800, more around $1200.

Aftermarket you're looking about the $600-$800. Look up VFN WSQ hood. That's the one I'm getting. Looks mean as hell and better then the stock WS6 hood or the Firehawk hood.

I recommend VFN too. I have the WSQ hood it is very nice and very very light.

Looks like this:

***SMWS6TA*** · 07-17-2012, 07:57 PM

**Smittro** · 07-18-2012, 02:24 AM

Hand helds and, "toying with your PCM" could just as easily leave you stranded or with a car that does'nt run for a lot longer than waiting for a proper tune from Frost or some other Professional tuner.

**pajeff02** · 07-19-2012, 06:23 PM

^^ This. My car came with a handheld that now serves as a programmable gauge readout only. I went with HP Tuners Pro and have utilized Frost's services a couple of times. He does excellent work, is reasonably priced, and his turnaround times are fast. Highly recommended!