Westers - bashing?

CrohnieBoy · August 26, 2003

A friend of mine had this to say about the Westers PCM mod:

I'd be really scared of those guys. They list that they can reprogram your computer to modify the automatic transmission shifts (in their words, "make it act like it has a shift kit")...BAD IDEA. Boosting line pressure *only* through reprogramming destroys parts...you need to build up the tranny to hold the increased pressures. I'd be interested to see how long some of their customer's transmissions lasted after getting that service. Also, I'd be really worried about what other things they might be doing that might be harmful.

Is there any truth to this?

How many miles with the new PCM do you have? Any troubles?

Thanks.

AZ1500 · August 26, 2003

No matter which after market programmer you use, any increase in line pressure, and subsequently in trans fluid temp, will result in some trade off in performance vs. reliability. Most torque converter manufacturers suggest you install a tranny cooler to offset the increased heat generated by the tc. It might not be a bad idea when using a programmer too. Heat is always the enemy whether it's in the engine, tranny or whatever! The increase in line pressure by itself will also stress components not designed for the higher pressure. They may last awhile, but you can expect to replace them before their time.

gmcjoe · August 26, 2003

Sounds like your buddy is a little mis-informed. While I'll agree with the above it will shorten the life, it may not be as much as you think.

The Hypertech programmer has been doing this for years. I have bumped the rev limiter and shift points on my 2000 Sierra with the HPP3 and have had 60K trouble free miles since then

Jersey Tahoe LT · August 27, 2003

But don't the Firmer Shifts reduce friction heat? Would it be a trade off? What if you install a Transgo kit as well?

Later,

Brandon

ridnlow · August 27, 2003

A lot of that has to deal with how you drive and how you take care of it. Of course if you WOT everywhere you go you are going to save issues but if you just take it easy until you really need to get on it i dont see a issue..

frdfandc · August 27, 2003

Its true, a "Firmer" shifting transmission will last longer than a trans that "slides" into gear. This is called shift overlap. Shift overlap, is when the gears seem to slide into the next one as it shifts, like a stock vehicle (or most of them) do. The best king of trans is one that has a crisp shift, but doesn't bang into gear that also has the appropriate supporting hardware (transmission cooler, maybe even a shift kit)

cyrylyn · August 27, 2003

there's no truth to that. As it's been said, gear overlap creates heat - clutches inside the tranny are slipping to provide an unnoticable shift. Furthermore, if you damage the tranny, it goes into limp-home mode, and automatically boosts line pressure to max to protect the remaining components. There's nothing in the tranny that needs to be upgraded to enable higher pressure - it's all aluminum and steel (hardparts).

1BADHD · August 27, 2003

A faster firmer shifting tranny makes less heat. Less heat mean less friction. Less friction means a longer lasting tranny.

Tjwong · August 27, 2003

If you have a 4L80E install the Transgo kit. That is the best and most reliable means of firming up your shift points and improving reliability of that transmission. Jacking up the line pressure with programming is a trade off. I don't think there is and documented failures of a transmission with someone that has jacked up the pressures with a hypertech or similar device. There are some tables in LS1 edit that allows a user to change the shift times, people have been warned to leave these tables alone as damage can result if shift times are made to "short"

I have known of a case where GM refused a warranty because a HPP+ tuning was installed. Yes, they had to prove that the damage was caused by the HPP+ and seeing how the transmission clutches was damaged and the fact that the factory calibration was no longer in the PCM they denied it and the owner had nothing to stand on.

AZ1500 · August 27, 2003

I have known of a case where GM refused a warranty because a HPP+ tuning was installed. Yes, they had to prove that the damage was caused by the HPP+ and seeing how the transmission clutches was damaged and the fact that the factory calibration was no longer in the PCM they denied it and the owner had nothing to stand on.

All I'm saying is that more pressure = more heat. It's a law of physics. I say go with whatever flips your skirt. As for shift kits making the tranny more reliable and cooler running, be prepared to argue that to a dealer unless you can download your original pcm before requesting warranty work.

350vortec · August 27, 2003

Westers is the best program I have ever used.If you want a Performance increase, want real performance, and a program that works then the westers is the way to go.

CMNTMXR81 · August 27, 2003

Increased line pressure equals higher temperature which is why they suggest a cooler, which most of our trucks have anyway, so it's a moot point. Go put a couple thousand pounds on a jack pump it 20-30 times and then touch the hydraulic ram or the cylinder housing. Chances are, it may be a little warm. Kinda like Auto-X/road racers that upgrade their entire braking systems including fluid so as to keep the fluid in the brake lines from boiling due to high pressure (not just the heat generated from the friction of braking). With a cooler, this is all negated.

The cleaner, crisper and firmer the shift is, the easier it is on the transmission.

Also as much as we hate torque management, this is what GM designed it for. To reduce timing therefore reducing power during shifts. Sure it hurts performance, but it adds longevity to the transmission as well as the converter and it's clutches by not being under a large load of power. Removing it will help your E.T.'s and performance by having full power all the time but shortens life.

It's all a fine balancing act.

Tjwong · August 27, 2003

Yes, your best to remove any aftermarket PCM tuning before going to the dealer. Its not a bad thing to do anyway even if you are going in for routine maintenance. I can tell you that some unsrupulous shop foremans will go and reflash your PCM without you even asking for it just because there was a update! And the reason is they get PAID for doing it!

I have seen this happen time and time again in my friends dealership. Sometimes the tune up guys would just connect to your truck with their TECH2 and scan it, then check their SPS system for updates. If there is one they do a quicky flash on your PCM, write an warranty repair order and he just made .5hr or a tad more in labor!