Question about swapping PCM/ECU

[2010 5thgen]

Long time reader, first time poster. Had a question about swapping the ECU/PCM in these cars. I want to get 1 7/8 headers but from what I understand it isn't very safe to run them without a tune. This is an issue because I feel that the warranty offered by GM is fantastic. I do not abuse my car and although I know that many will just say you gotta pay to play, there are some of us that enjoy the extra performance of some of these modification that do not beat the snot out of our cars. SO...

Is swapping out the stock ECU/PCM for a tuned one feasible and will it send up any red flags (specifically variances in the odometer) to the service department if you replace the stock one for service. Thanks in advance for the helpful responses

[5GSS]

Even if swapping PCMs is feasible, you may want to check with your dealer before installing headers, anyway. My dealer says that any modification other than to the exhaust after the cats will void the warranty, including CAI.

[The Stig]

ECM/PCM are VIN matched from the factory. But, even if you were able to get a spare one and use it. You would have gaps in the mileage on the PCM. Which GM would notice.

[2010 5thgen]

Originally Posted by stieger

ECM/PCM are VIN matched from the factory. But, even if you were able to get a spare one and use it. You would have gaps in the mileage on the PCM. Which GM would notice.

Interesting, where did you acquire this info if I may ask. Not calling you a liar at all, there is just a lot of misinformation out there and I cannot find anything specific about it through search.

I think I may check with my dealer on the LT's as it seems to be a case by case basis. If they do indeed void the warranty, then this is a moot point

[Camarowguy]

I wish a gm rep would chime in on this. I'd like the warranty stipulations cleared up. Seems like the dealers kind of void warranty's at their own discretion. Here's a couple questions I have:
-will a cold air intake void warranty? Just power train or whole thing?
-will a tune void warranty? What about a programmer, example, hypertech?
-headers void warranty? Shorties or longtubes or both?
-exhaust? Cats?
I don't see why warranty would be voided unless whatever mod caused the problem. For example, if someone did a tune and the a/c compressor went out. Those two don't have any relation, but if the dealer saw you had a tune, they would likely reject the warranty fix....am I correct?

[Camarowguy]

Originally Posted by White-2-SS

When you hook up a scaner and go through the prompts it tells you to verify the given vin# is correct. MY service manager said when there is major failure they (GM) wants pics and often send an inspector out to look at the vehicle. GM also request a picture of the scaner showing the vin# with the last 10 flashes.

Most dealers try to warranty every thing they can. They get paid from GM on the warranty work. If the dealer is giving you a hard time it's most likely because they know they will not be able to GM to pay them for the work.

Keep in mind the fact that technicians get paid less on warranty work and will therefore try to get out of doing major work to a vehicle if they can by voiding warranty. I call it laziness. I see it everyday.

[Rabamaro]

I'd always been told that a Tune will void any warranty work. Any other mods would result in voided warranty coverage only if it could be proven that the aftermarket part caused the failure that brought you in. For example, if your 2nd gear synchro goes out and you have an aftermarket short throw shifter, then it more than likely won't get covered.

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by Camarowguy

I wish a gm rep would chime in on this. I'd like the warranty stipulations cleared up. Seems like the dealers kind of void warranty's at their own discretion. Here's a couple questions I have:
-will a cold air intake void warranty? Just power train or whole thing?
-will a tune void warranty? What about a programmer, example, hypertech?
-headers void warranty? Shorties or longtubes or both?
-exhaust? Cats?
I don't see why warranty would be voided unless whatever mod caused the problem. For example, if someone did a tune and the a/c compressor went out. Those two don't have any relation, but if the dealer saw you had a tune, they would likely reject the warranty fix....am I correct?

CAI voids your warranty if the origin of the problem was the air intake.

A tune voids your powertrain warranty. Period. If you use a scanner as a scanner then that's fine. But once you put a tune into the car it's voided.

Shorty headers shouldn't void warranty. Unless the origin of the problem can be found to be the headers. LTs will void warranty because they require a tune.

An exhaust system will only void the exhaust warranty. Again, unless the problem can be found to be the exhaust. Then warranty is voided.

[cdn2usa]

Originally Posted by 2010 5thgen

Interesting, where did you acquire this info if I may ask. Not calling you a liar at all, there is just a lot of misinformation out there and I cannot find anything specific about it through search.

I think I may check with my dealer on the LT's as it seems to be a case by case basis. If they do indeed void the warranty, then this is a moot point

Keep on asking maybe you will get the answer you want to hear!

[Switchback700]