FAQ: ZZP vs. INTENSE Powertrain Control Module (PCM)/Tune

I installed an INTENSE PCM on FRI. and love it!!!!

It took less than an hour and started right up with no problems and didn't require a CASE LEARN since no codes were kicked by the new pcm.

I noticed a big difference in acceleration especially at top-end. The trans shifts were more positive as well.

60-100mph is very quick compared to the stock computer.

I need to give much thanks to rickw for selling me his INTENSE PCM.
He is the man!!!          

I hope to be able to get a HP TUNERS programming suite some time. But until then, this is a low cost solution that works great.

what did i tell ya eric? told you that you would definitely not regret it, btw are the trac or abs lights on at all?

97rivsc wrote:

what did i tell ya eric? told you that you would definitely not regret it, btw are the trac or abs lights on at all?

Yes you did and I agree 110% with you.

As for the ABS and TRAC CNTRL lights, they have been on ever since I got the car.
I just put tape over them so they are not a distraction.

Erik, when you get that hp tuner, let me know - I'd like to get that bin from you.

hey guys,

Just wondering what would be better worth my money a zzp pcm or a intense racing pcm.

The one from zzp seems like you get more for your money, but it seems like people are happier with the Intense racing one, gimmie some opinons  

I loved my Intense Racing PCM. It was an excellent starting point. Does ZZP list one for the Riv?

I love my INTENSE PCM!!!!!!!!

CUSTOM...... find someone from CLUBGP.com in your area.. pay them like 40 bucks... its better too

98riviera98 wrote:

CUSTOM...... find someone from CLUBGP.com in your area.. pay them like 40 bucks... its better too

... as long as they know what they're doing...

1998 Riv wrote:

98riviera98 wrote:

CUSTOM...... find someone from CLUBGP.com in your area.. pay them like 40 bucks... its better too

... as long as they know what they're doing...

most that are willing do..........

98riviera98 wrote:

1998 Riv wrote:

98riviera98 wrote:

CUSTOM...... find someone from CLUBGP.com in your area.. pay them like 40 bucks... its better too

... as long as they know what they're doing...

most that are willing do..........

Not all.... I had a bad experience with a guy near me...as have others with this guy.

Lets just say my car ran better before he tuned it...

if you like your motor get an INTENSE pcm. Way to many bad stories with zzp's

I've used Intenses for a day and I liked it. Never tried ZZP's

hmm im gunna definatly look into getting a INTESE pcm then

Call Paul at PRJ Performance here in Indianapolis. You could drive over here or I bet with a little coaxing you could get him out to IL for some test and tune. Much better than the genaric PCMs.

how far would paul be willing to travel?

He has several customers in Cali who he has visited several times... Call him to make arrangements...

Can you put an intense PCM in a stock car? will it help or hurt.

texasfan010 wrote:

Can you put an intense PCM in a stock car? will it help or hurt.

Yes you can (as long as it's the right year). It won't hurt much of anything, will alter your shift points and pressures a bit and make it more fun to drive.

imo its one of the most cost effective mods worth doing.

Ive had both ... both serve the purpose the Intense seemed qiucker in my opion but it ran lean. the zzp1.0 puts gobs of fuel in
The main thing i like on both was getting rid of that god awfull 40mph w.o.t. lag ... thats worth the cost if thats all it did ...
I have raised shift points too ( 6k ) think if i did it again id not get that option

I saw that this looked to be a good company by the post and use of their products on here. Something must have changed since then!
I ordered the basic PCM with VATS delete and added the 50 bucks for the core charge. Since it's her daily driver and couldn't do the down time of sending ours in. Well 4 days later we get it(ordered on the 18th of june got it 22nd). Unhooked the battery removed the old replace with new one. Simple drop & swap. Go for test drive. No seat of the pants improvement at all,and to top it off VATS still is engaged and still causing no starts . It does do the 6,000 rpm shifts a WOT other than that I can't tell any differences in shift firmness,performance,etc. We emailed them to let them know that they forgot to delete the vats that night. They replied that they did it that it was a mechanical problem on my end like starter failure,etc. NOT... After explaining to them that the security light is on when it won't start and that when it goes out it cranks fine they promise to send another PCM. Well it's now July 3rd and no PCM. IMO Intense racing just SUCKS

What kind of car is this?

1997 Riviera *by Buick *Series II Supercharged.

I've had nothing but good experiences with them, even when I've had to return or exchange an item they've been very prompt.
I've had them tell me to keep an item i said was bad and they would just ship me another. They don't know me yet trusted my diagnosis.
Very similar experiences with ZZP also. returned a bad O2 sensor after 10 weeks, no problem, they shipped me a new one.