Basically, we have three choices when it comes to tuning our powertrain control modules:

1) Replace the PCM with an aftermarket version tuned to your specifications.
2) Re-write the PCM's code yourself.
3) "Trick" the PCM by using an AFC (Air/Fuel Calibrator).

1) There are companies (INTENSE, ZZP, DHP) who sell PCMs with generic performance tunes at fairly low cost. Most if not all of these won't work for the Riviera, which has its own code (BIN). For a price, these companies can custom burn a PCM that will work, but unless you know exactly what you need, this option probably isn't the best. Even the programmers will tell you that a dyno tune is recommended. This requires bringing your car in to run on a dynamometer, incurring additional costs. Obviously, this option is a 'set-it-and-forget-it' requiring the least know-how on your part, and you don't need to own any software or hardware, as the tuning service provides this. But keep in mind, if you make additional modifications, you need to go through the process all over again. If you like to tweak & tune, this can get expensive. Also, you are limited to where & when you can make a change, as visits must be scheduled with the shop.

2) Using a PCM programmer such as DHP's PowrTuner software (discontinued, orig price $390) or HPTuners ($500) to write your own PCM code is probably the best option if you really want to do it right. With these softwares, you can tweak everything from fuel curves, transmission shift behavior, to the speed governor and RPM limiters, and more. It's the ultimate mod for someone who really wants to customize their Riv's driveability. Here are some advantages:

• You can also get a pretty decent street tune without needing to pay for time on the dyno, just by doing some careful scanning, logging data and tracking results. Or, you can dyno tune just like the pros, except you or a programmer of choice can make the needed changes. You pay only for the dyno runs, and we have members who may be able to help you or tune for a reasonable fee.

• One big advantage of tuning yourself is being able to plug in and flash the PCM any time you want to. Didn't get it perfect the first time? Make a slight adjustment and try again, at no additional cost. New SC pulley to swap? You can scan & tune in your own driveway.

• An often overlooked advantage with using a tuner is the fact you don't actually need to remove your existing PCM unit to modify it - it's all done by plugging in. This means you don't have to purchase a 2nd physical unit - a back-up of your original BIN can be stored electronically, and uploaded back to your unit at any time.

Doing your own tuning can be a daunting task for many, as the learning curve is steep. This is where our tuning forums can help with any questions you might have. As mentioned, we have members willing to help you with questions, or even write/program tunes that will work for your car. You also must have some kind of computer, preferably a laptop, to run the software. You may also want a separate scanning package, especially with the DHP (DHP's scanner isn't the best). Check the Scans, Tuning, & PCMs section for more specific topics.

3) The AFC, more specifically the Tech Edge Mini AFC 2.2, is a small box that gets wired between your MAF (mass air flow) sensor and the PCM. This used to be the only way to tune the air/fuel curve for Rivieras. Sometimes referred to as a MAF translator, the AFC lets you to "fool" your PCM into adding or subtracting fuel from the air/fuel mix by altering the MAF signal in a very controlled manner. It allows you to in effect reprogram the PCM's MAFF (mass air flow frequency) table to get the fueling curve your engine needs to run with less KR. Usually this means adding fuel to keep up with all of the extra incoming air. The expected result is that knock will be eliminated and KR will go down, giving you back lost horsepower and enabling your engine to run more safely.

The AFC has been used with varying degrees of success. A major advantage with the AFC is the PCM always stays stock, so removing the AFC removes any 'programming'. It is a low cost option at a little over $100, and no software or computer is required to use. You can even 'dyno tune' with the AFC, in theory. However, the AFC can only adjust air/fuel, offering no transmission control or other tuning perks. For basic adjustments to the fueling curve, the AFC makes sense; for more in depth installations, reprogramming the PCM with a tuner is probably the best way to go. For info on how to tune with the AFC, check the Scans, Tuning, & PCMs section.

what would it take to completly replace our PCM and wires from ,say a GTP? i see rivman had that done on his 95' (the one with the swap'd engine) and i was wondering what something like that may cost and if its easier/cheaper that a DHP PT? what all would need to be replaced?

Not sure that it would be difficult, but buying a separate PCM isn't cheap. I think they're at least as much as the PowrTuner, maybe less at a salvage yard. I do know that with a PowrTuner you can effectively change all of the transmission settings to that of a GTP. From what I know that's the biggest percievable difference between the cars.

I believe you would have trouble with the security system. It wouldn't be worth the trouble.

i would probably need a tuner or tech 2 just to make it work. thanks for the info, im just trying to research all the options and ideas.

get a powrtuner. its the best mod i've ever bought.

fyi, you can find used ones on clubgp.com. with the new software updates, the powrtuner is open to all 98-02 3800's, so if its set up for a gtp, it doesnt matter, as long as your riv is a 98 or 99.

is see yours is a 96. if you get a used one, make sure you're getting a good deal, because it costs $100 to add another vehicle (at least it used to, i'd check dhp)

oh, yeah, also fyi: i got a gtp pcm from a friend and swapped it into my riviera just for the hell of it before dhp opened up the powrtuner, and it did the typical thing where it would start but die immediately. i even flashed it to a regal gs, since that was the second vehicle on my powrtuner, and that didnt work. the regals use class II data for the gauges, so a wiring harness from them wouldnt work.

i really want to hook up something to my laptop so i can tune my car whenever so if i see a race i can quick change it to race mode and hold the rpm's highrer

I used AutoTap. Tuning doesn't really work that way, though. Rewriting the PCM takes a couple mins, and you must have the car off. What you can do is tune the PCM so it drives/shifts differently when at WOT vs. normal. Once you see how much better the car drives with a tune, you won't want to use the factory settings ever.

Until you get a tuner, one way I used to hold the RPMs higher is to manually shift.

I was able to hold mine to 99 mph in 2nd gear by manually shifting (this was after a few mods, be careful).

yes my car is still goverened at 108 mph tho lol shhh i didnt test it haha jk i cant remember what gear i was in !!!! but it still shifts on its own !!! at 48 for me so i cant find much about tuners u kno my car and what will be done to it and im on a very low budget waht would u sugest for a tuner taht WILL work haha unlike my dads..

PowrTuner is $380. It's not cheap, but it's worth it.