Wester's vs. Nelson's

97gmcz71 · December 10, 2003

Looking to get the pcm upgraded on my 97 gmc. I have read posts on here about both programs. Both seem to be basically the same. Just wondering if anyone can tell me what if any difference there is between the two. Any advantages one has over the other.

97gmcz71 · December 10, 2003

I just went to both web pages and I can't seem to find a listing for my 97 gmc on either site. Also, does nelson's offer the credit like wester's does if I get another truck or upgrade?

DSZ71 · December 10, 2003

Well I just received mine about 2 days ago, and I am very pleased with it (its the Wester Tune, BTW). I really was pleased with Lyndon's customer service, he is a great guy who knows his $hit! I have not dealt with Allen over at Nelson, so I can not say either way. I think the biggest thing is with Lyndon is that he really understands what he is doing, as he was one of the pioneers in developing the programs for the computers, as well, he broke the codes in order to understand them. It seems like everyone else just followed in his footsteps.

With Wester's tune, you get a full 35 day guarantee, PLUS, he will give you a credit towards a new computer if you sell you current one and buy a new one, PLUS he will do any upgrades for free, forever!!!!!!!!!!!! Westers has built a strong reputation for being the best, offering the highest quality product and customer service.

Nelson only offers a 20 day guarantee and NO credits towards a new PCM, but he does do the upgrades.

Butch 02 Denali · December 10, 2003

I just went to both web pages and I can't seem to find a listing for my 97 gmc on either site. Also, does nelson's offer the credit like wester's does if I get another truck or upgrade?

I know someone that got a Wester's tune for a 97, it was $395 delivered.

I have a Wester's and am very pleased with it and can back-up what DZ71 said.

Wester's developes every one of his custom tunes on his own dyno. Nelson's doesn't have a dyno but uses trial and error and downloaded internet LS1-edit programming. You decide which is better.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

DSZ71 · December 10, 2003

Butch 02 Denali - will the 97s need a new core or is it just the chip? I have a friend with a 97 interested in that as well.

Butch 02 Denali · December 10, 2003

Butch 02 Denali - will the 97s need a new core or is it just the chip? I have a friend with a 97 interested in that as well.

The 95 and earlier GM trucks use chips, the 96 and up are a PCM with a core return. That $395 Wester's price covered 1996-2000 GM 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 and 7.4 trucks.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

The_Mexican · December 10, 2003

I have the Nelson's tuning and it works great, you can definitly feel a difference in the truck, I highly recommend it. Allen knows a lot about chevy trucks and he's patient with the questions.

As for wester's, I've never tried it but heard a lot of good things about it.

Anyway good luck with whatever you choose.

DSZ71 · December 10, 2003

I have the Nelson's tuning and it works great, you can definitly feel a difference in the truck, I highly recommend it. Allen knows a lot about chevy trucks and he's patient with the questions.
As for wester's, I've never tried it but heard a lot of good things about it.

Anyway good luck with whatever you choose.

Although the tunes may be similar, the main differences are that with the Wester tune, you will receive more customer service (he has more experience with programming, therefore he can be more hlepful with answering your questions and meeting your needs) AND Westers offers better warranties with his product.

SportSide 5.3 · December 10, 2003

which is cheaper for an '00 Rado? Westers or Nelsons

97gmcz71 · December 10, 2003

It sounds as though the wester's is the better investment. Especially with the free upgrades and credits offered tward a different truck pcm.

02denali · December 10, 2003

i have had experience with predator,westers and nelson. predator is paperweight. the westers is a good tune for the mild modder. but if you want all out performance i suggest firmly in a NELSON PERFORMANCE TUNE. especially if you want all tqm removed. my neslon gained 4 tenths of a second over westers just from tuning. lyndon will tell you no tqm but there are 5 tables that control this and he doesnt zero out all of them. not just my 2cents but my true experience. nelson will and has backed up all his work. he is the best.

99Silver6.0 · December 10, 2003

Badbow hit that nail on the head. A dyno tune is a beter investment than Westers could EVER provide. Nelson does that... Does Westers?? You guys can go with whoever you like. But when it comes to performance, I know where Im going!

Butch 02 Denali · December 11, 2003

Guys, you cannot remove all the torque management, the transmission would shift so hard it would destroy itself in a short time. The computer controlled trannys MUST have a small amount of torque management left in. Lyndon has NEVER said he removes ALL the TM, but he does remove all that can be removed safely. Ask Nelson's, if he does know what he is doing he will say the same. How can you say a Nelson dyno tune is better, Nelson's DOESN'T HAVE A DYNO. He tunes by trial and error and uses downloaded LS1Edit programs. Which program of Wester's are you comparing the Nelson's tune to? Wester's programs to all levels, from best fuel mileage, to towing and for 87 octane fuel. Those tunes of course won't be as powerful as an all out 93 octane tune. You can't compare apples and oranges. ALL Wester's tuning is done on his own dyno, in his own shop, and he stands behind it with lifetime warranty's.

Butch 02 Sierra Denali 16.1 stock 15.3 with a Wester's 93 super tune (no other changes)

99Silver6.0 · December 11, 2003

Yes you can remove all of TM lots of people have done it. No it doesnt shift like you got rear ended. Im not having Nelsons do my tune, dont wanna make the drive. Im getting a dyno tune with a wideband. Im not the least bit concerned about gas mileage but I understand some people are. Thats a selling point for Westers, multiple tuning options. So for those who want Westers, enjoy! Those with the Nelson will enjoy it more.

02denali · December 13, 2003

yes all tqm can be removed if the right steps are taken. shift kit and servos need to be installed.tqm does in no way dictate how hard the tranny shifts. it simply pulls timing from the engine to reduce the torque of the engine.yes it will seem to shift harder.no lyndon will not remove tqm even if you have a built tranny.and if you get a built tranny then you have to have all tqm removed or it will fall on its face when it shifts.all tqm can be removed with shift kits if they are installed correctly.and if you remove all of it you can soften the shifts with the tune. oh yay did you drive to canada to get your tune. no then you didnt get a dyno tune.