Tuning your race vehicle with modern a Mopar hemi power plant such as 5.7, 6.1, 6.4, or 6.2 Hemi? This is often required after modification are performed such as a cam kit. In most situations the vehicle may start but wont stay running due to the changes to the valve timing and air flow event. If vehicle is equipped with a PCM from a 2015 model year or newer you will not be able to tune that vehicle without getting the PCM unlocked. FCA started locking the PCMs in 2015 which required them to be unlocked by HP Tuners. Other companies also offer this service, but we have seen issues with this and always recommend sending the unit into HP tuners for their services.
Unlocking the PCM allows you to tune the vehicle with a HP Tuners MPVI device. However, prior to sending your PCM for unlock service you, or someone you will need to own an MPVI Device. With that device you can plug in and read the vehicle using the VCM editor software. The extracts the stock tune file from the engine and transmission (Auto) and HP tuners needs that file so that they can unload it onto the PCM after unlock. You will also want to save this file as there can be situations when you need it.
Alternatively you can purchase an unlocked PCM but you will also need the stock tune file so that it can be pre-programmed for your vehicle. A common question we get asked is “If I tune my stock PCM and bring the vehicle in for service they can tell? Yes, tuning leaves a ghost code that reports aftermarket calibration detected. However, saving your factory PCM and swapping it for warranty work does not work. If they are asked to pull logs from the vehicle the new PCM will have different data, historical vin info, and mile mismatch with the other controllers in the vehicle. In the event of a major failure, they will know the PCM has been swapped.
To unlock your PCM visit HP Tuners website and select the unlock service. It’s an easy process, you upload the tune file, print out a packing slip and ship your PCM to them. They usually unlock it in one business day and send it back to you with 2-day shipping. During this time this is when most customers will install their modifications and will start a line of communication with a tuning shop who can tune the vehicle. Some people will finish the install and trailer it to the shop of choice, others will work with a remote tuner who can make the adjustments.
When the PCM arrives back it will come with instructions on what to do after you install it, you will need to clear codes reset adaptations, ETC (very easy). If using a remote tuner at this point you will connect your laptop and perform another read of the vehicle. This will be the unlocked read file the remote tuner will need. Save this file and email it to the tuner of your choice, they will want to know all of the modifications, ETC. In most cases they have tuned the same mods on a similar vehicle and they can get you a start up file. Work with the remote tuner until you are happy with the tuning.
In the event you are not happy with that shop, it is important to have access or own your device. Once you own the credits, they cannot transfer them to a new or other device. Tuners can also lock the calibration file so having your stock unlocked read file and own device gives you flexibility to use someone else.
All modern Mopar vehicles require 2 universal credits to tune the PCM, if you are tuning the transmission on a ZF8 speed you will need 4 additional universal credits. Nag transmissions do not require HP tuner credits. Vehicles 2018+ will require a smart access cable. You don't need credits to perform the read of the PCM, you can always buy credits later through the HP tuners software.
RTD Warning – Some tuning facilities and shops will offer an RTD (remote tuning device) in place of an MPVI device under the guise that it does the same. However, if you become unhappy with the tune work, or want to make changes on your own you will not be able to. That tuning facility will be the ones who can access that device outside of data logs. If you work with another tuning facility later you will need to buy a new device and credits and start from scratch. We always recommend owning your own MPVI device licensed to your vehicle. If a shop offers to tune your vehicle using their shop device your credits will always be associated with that device and if you decide to use another tuning facility you will also need to start from scratch again.
Once you credit a vehicle to a device you can make as many changes, or tuning revisions as you need to. You can also credit other vehicle to the same device, such as if you purchase a new car, or happen to also own a Corvette.
Disclaimer - 797 Performance LLC is a parts retailer only, we do not offer install, service or tuning work. All performance parts are sold for non-road going race vehicles without title or registration. Any modification of a road going vehicle is solely at the risk of the owner of the vehicle.
Quick Purchase Links
HP Tuners MPVI3 Devices
HP Tuners Smart Access Cable for 2018+ Mopar Vehicles
HP Tuners Pro Link Cable (if you want to add other guages or data into your real time logging such as a wideband, E85 sensor, ETC)
HP Tuners Unlocked PCM