Ransford2987

Hey guys, I took out my ECM for the first time today to check the memcal so I could get another one in preparation for learning how to do all of this prom stuff, and I found this. It obviously isn't stock, so I was wondering if you guys had more details about it. Also, I read the thread regarding the basic tools needed, but it's old and may be somewhat outdated. Would this be sufficient to get me started? http://support.moates.net/autoprom-apu1/ Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

That article is still current.

The MEMCAL you are showing is the stock MEMCAL. 5.7L Automatic Firebird.

It looks to be plugged into a Superchips MEMCAL adapter, that should also have an EPROM attached to it, likely to be under the red sticker. I would assume that the Superchip is also for the same application as the stock MEMCAL. You may have saved a few dollars on a MEMCAL adapter, but maybe not. Some of the aftermarket chips had potted or glued ocovers over the EPROMs that made it difficult use in other applications or for tuning.

Ransford2987

Peeled of that sticker...and nothing. What's that chip next to the stock MEMCAL? Is there any way to tell what changes were made, and if I take off the EPROM, would it change it back to stock? I know very little about this, but wouldn't the added EPROM be the adjustment made to the stock MEMCAL, thus removing would just use the PROMs stored on the MEMCAL?

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

Are you asking about the little chips under the white (Knock Filter) board? If so, those are part of the LHM (Limp Home Mode) and RFD (Redundant Fuel Device).

If you can get a better picture of the side that you have not taken pictures of, that will show what it is a lot better.

The above pictures show the stock MEMCAL, which is plugged onto the Superchips adapter.

Ransford2987

The Knock Filter is what I was referring to. Here's another picture with the MEMCAL and the other stuff removed from the adapter.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

If you look closely on the left side of the adapter in picture 3, you will see an EPROM soldered directly to the adapter, this is where the new calibration is.
Since the EPROM is soldered directly to the board it will be easiest to buy the MEMCAL adapter when you buy the tuning equipment, I'm assuming you're looking at the AutoProm, due to the linked article. This is a good device I have one and use it regularly when tuning other people's vehicles. I have an Ostrich "permanently" installed in my car.

You can read the Superchips EPROM by using an HDR1 adapter, same as you would a stock MEMCAL. You may not be able to see the data with common XDF files, since some aftermarket chip companies would "scramble" the data and require custom XDF to look at the changes.
Typical changes are more upper RPM timing, and maybe slightly richer. The changes are usually pretty mild.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

Most of the super chips have the eprom on a dip so once you cut the glue around black cover it will be exactly like a g1.

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

Tuned; Take a look at picture 3, you'll see that it doesn't have a DIP socket.

Ransford2987

So, if I were to just put the MEMCAL portion back into the ECM without the superchips adapter, it would just run stock without issues, correct? I just want to make sure nothing would be adversely affected. I have been getting poorer than expect fuel economy since I got this IROC, so I can only assume this is why as everything else on the car works perfectly. Thanks for the help, guys. It is greatly appreciated!

Six_Shooter

iTrader: (2)

Yes, that is correct. Removing the adapter will put it back to stock.

Tuned Performance

iTrader: (92)

To tiny to see on my ipad I have never had a issue reading a ads, but some of the hypertech's that just have a chip under the eprom are scrambled some how.