If I could obtain a pcm from an 02 silverado, could I just simply swap it in, as long as the truck had a 5.3, auto, rcsb like mine? Ive heard a little about the VIN, what would need to be done to swap the PCM in? Right now the truck is stock, so a stock pcm would work, because I plan on tuning my mods myself with hptuners (when I get it). OR if I do go through Nelson, then will I be able to tune his tune, or will it be "locked" so I cant change it myself?

 

It should be plug and play, but there's a few issues you might run into, all of which can be remedied.

First, it may need a crank variation relearn procedure. Only thing that sucks about this is it requires a techII or some other scan tool with that certain capability. When I needed one done, I went to the local dealer, told them what's up, and they did the relearn for me for like $40 while I waited.

The other issue is the flashing battery light. The newer trucks have a different charging system set-up, that reqires the alternator to duty cycle from a signal from the pcm. You can buy the compatable alternator, longer belt, and run the wire from the pcm to the alternator (this is what I did, as did creederado)....or...I believe that Nelson has figured out a way to eliminate the flashing light without any of that.

I didn't do anything to my vin to make it work...just plugged it in and it ran (after the crank variation relearn)

 

ok, so what I get from that is that I can just plug in the computer. Ok then with the crank relearn procedure, could I still drive it to the dealer, or will it not start/drive? I live 3 blocks from the dealer, so if it does not drive well, that wont be too bad. And as for the charging system, will it still charge regularly, without the updated alt., or is it REQUIRED for it to charge properly.

 

The crank relearn could go either way...I had it once where the truck would barely run...but it did run. A different time when I swapped PCM's, I got a check engine light and a code for the crank relearn, but the truck ran perfectly. As for the charging system, it's not a problem. the light will flash, but it will charge fine. I drove around with the flashing batt light for a few months...I was almost sad to see it go when I fixed it...(yea right)

 

you are awesome man, thanks alot, it is now officially damn near at the top of the list of things I am gonna do!!

(God, first I build my damn Nova, go into debt, get outta it, guess I'm going back in with the truck!!)

 

How fast you wanna go is only limited by how much you have to spend!

 

isnt that the truth!!!

 

I would get both, if you have a HPTuner you can log, send it to Allen at nelson, He changes the tune, and you reflash it. It costs more money but if you don't have some one local that can tune, it is way better than sending ECMs back and forth. But if you can tune already the all you need is HPTuner.

 

you are better off doing your own tune in the longe runit will take alittle while to learn everthing but you will be better off.

 

Don't mean to upset you, but I don't see any reason for you to change your stock 99 pcm. I'm still running my stock one and have no intentions on swapping.... even after my new setup.