I also have a 99 5.3L, would it be worth updating the PCM? is it just the programing or the actual computer that needs to be swapped? how much does this cost and what are the gains? little more info would be appreciated
thanks

 

Most people agree that a tune on the 99's will help but for best results ditch it altogether and get the newer PCM. It's not much more than the tune itself I believe.

 

Contact Allen Nelson at Nelson Performance, and yes you have to ditch the old PCM for a new one. He will ship you one w/ the tune and then you ship your old one back to him. Pretty much that simple. Oh yeah, see sig at bottom...Zed

 

I did mine cam swap for less than that.

 

hey Thunder- what all did you replace when you did your cam swap? what did you choose? mind sharing rough $$ amounts?

thx!!!
Dustin

 

My cam swap cost me less than $400

 

I just have to buy parts, my dad and I can put it in.
Parts cannot cost that much.

The only thing, he is old school and dosen't like nitrous.
He thinks that it will screw up everything in a heart beat.
Which it probably will, my truck has 104,000 miles.

 

i dunno. from what i've ready i really think it depends on how complete a N20 setup you get, plus how powerful a shot you give your truck. I mean, if you can vary from 35hp to 150+..... I've got 140k on my truck and even i was thinking why not a small shot. the stuff is still realitively cheap when you figure dollar/hp. even for a nice setup.

 

I paid $250 for my cam, and $100 for some 918 springs. With my cam, if I did it again, I wouldn't bother with the springs, but I didn't do th ecam swap till 100k. I also have a tune, but I think my cam will work with out it. For the best gains, you need a good tune anyway.

 

well with cam, if you do springs, cam, tq converter to go with it, new timing chain setup, installation, it is over 1000. i dont think most people can install a cam themselves. i know i cant

most basic nitrous kit runs you around 800?
http://www.ny-trex.com/newsite/shop_products.php
relatively easy install. of couse you can buy accessories that will run up the bill too.

so its a close call, but if can getaway with install fees on cam, i would take that route.