1997 Corvette supported? Or not?

[ViciousVette]

I would like to know if the VCM Suite supports the 1997 Corvette? Or does it require a PCM swap (not supported)? If supported, does it have tuning limitations compared to earlier model years (98-04)?

Thanks!
S.

[DSteck]

I have successfully tuned a 97 Corvette with HPT. It's very old hardware that is prone to some issues, but doable.

[ElecTech]

X2

97-98 Vettes are basically the same.

[ViciousVette]

Thanks for confirming. A few years back, they only offered support for the '98+ C5s. I'd like to know more, what can't and can be tuned (what are the limitations due older hardware)? Reason being, I'm planning to go FI and wondering if it can actually be tuned properly with the latest VCM Suite. Thanks!

[2xLS1]

There was a time........back in the day...........when to tune a 97 Vette...........you had to give them the VIN and they would do something to make it work. Back in the serial cable days. You couldn't even buy a full model year license for the 97 Vettes. When I bought all the C5 Vette licenses all I could buy was 98-04. That's how long I've been around.

[ViciousVette]

I actually had my 97 C5 dyno tuned by a Corvette Specialist / Tuner Shop and was told they used HP Tuners. That was about a year ago. So, wouldn't that mean its supported? I'd like to get confirmation from one of the HP Tuners reps - if possible. Thanks!

[Bill@HPTuners]

http://www.hptuners.com/products/vcmsuite_vehicles.php if its on the list its supported.

And just so I'm clear, yes they are supported.

[ViciousVette]

Thanks Bill! Question: due to the 97s having older hardware, what are the tables that will be inaccessible in comparison to the later model C5s (00-04)? And/or issues caused by the older hardware? For example, if installed a TT kit, would I be at a great disadvantage compared to the later years for tuning capabilities?

[Bill@HPTuners]

you can download our demo software at www.hptuners.com and open a 97 file vs a 99+ to see the differences, there are about 100 or so more in the 99+ ecm's.

[tommytuner]

forced induction on a 97, unless you don't plan on making over450-500 whp-I personally would just upgrade to a later pcm. as I recall, the earlier PCM's could be upgraded to SD, but they were prone to bricking on a write entire. besides that, as bill said-there's a lot of tables missing....

[Southwest Speed]

Sure would be nice to be able to do the '97 Camaro (V8).....

[ViciousVette]

Looks like the logical decision would be to sell the '97 and replace with a newer model. Don't really know what's involved in a PCM swap, but I have a feeling it's complicated (and not worth time/effort & $$$).

Many thanks to all that replied.

[Bill@HPTuners]

There are some in depth how to's on it, its just tedious but doesn't appear complicated.

Additionally the 98 pcm's get a bad rap, I had one, flashed it over 200 times without a failure...

[ElecTech]

Looks like the logical decision would be to sell the '97 and replace with a newer model. Don't really know what's involved in a PCM swap, but I have a feeling it's complicated (and not worth time/effort & $$$).

Many thanks to all that replied.

If you are going to stay around 5-6 psi or 500 rwhp (as mentioned above) the stock OS will run just fine. If you want to go beyond that, I would upgrade the ECU to the 98 OS and VIN and apply the 2 bar SD custom OS to the 98 file. That will give you a full VE 2 bar support and boost enrichment to run up to 15 PSI without having to re-pin the harness. The 98 file should be a direct load, but it will cost you 2 more credits.

[Mobile Chassis Dyno]

If you are going to stay around 5-6 psi or 500 rwhp (as mentioned above) the stock OS will run just fine. If you want to go beyond that, I would upgrade the ECU to the 98 OS and VIN and apply the 2 bar SD custom OS to the 98 file. That will give you a full VE 2 bar support and boost enrichment to run up to 15 PSI without having to re-pin the harness. The 98 file should be a direct load, but it will cost you 2 more credits.

The 97 OS's that I have looked at offer a 2 Bar OS.

[ElecTech]

The 97 OS's that I have looked at offer a 2 Bar OS.

That's good. I opened one 97 file that didn't offer it so if his OS does, then even better. No extra cost.

[PitchblackC3]

The swap isn't that bad at all. I did mine in less than 2 hours. It helps to have an extra set of PCM connectors so you can move the pins one at a time instead of having to take them all out and lose track or have to tag each one.