BenchForce™ is the leading offboard system for powering PCMs, ECMs, BCMs, and TCMs out of the vehicle and on the bench for programming purposes. Through the use of specific programming harnesses, a fail-safe connection is made with each ECU to ensure a reliable connection during the programming process.
BenchForce PowerBlock™ is the central hub for powering up an ECU on the bench. PowerBlock is a circuit board solution that simplifies a vehicle's wiring into one simple CNC machined billet aluminum enclosure.
Through the use of add-on harnesses, PowerBlock can handle just about any bench programming - especially all GM LS-Series applications. Connect your USB or serial laptop-to-vehicle programming interface (like EFILive or HP Tuners) to PowerBlock's OBD-II diagnostic connector and then choose from the complete selection of BenchForce ECU harnesses: P01, P59, E40, E38, E67 and E78.
For more information, visit www.bench-force.com.
]]>In the photo, left to right, you see an old GM dealership service laptop with TIS2000 software, GM TECH 2 device, CANdi interface module, E38 ECM, T42 TCM, and BenchForce offboard programming system.
Prior to the online system, technicians relied on Windows PC based software called TIS2000 for service programming. This software (shown above) was often loaded on GM dealership Panasonic Toughbook laptops. In combination with a TECH 2 interface device, vehicle control modules can be replaced and/or reflashed with the latest GM calibrations. CAN bus control modules require an additional inline interface between the vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic connector and TECH 2. TIS2000 software supports all LS-Series modules through vehicle model year 2007. Being local software, and no longer supported by GM, TIS2000 can be used to establish the latest calibration for any LS-Series flash-based modules through 2007.
GM's online SPS2 system has replaced TIS2000 and offers support for LS-Series equipped vehicles through model year 2020. Requiring a GM TECH 2 interface, GM MDI interface, GM MDI2 interface, or other supported J2534 programming interface, SPS2 is the current standard for dealer-level service programming. GM has restricted the use of SPS2 to in-vehicle programming only. When connecting to a programmable module on the benchtop, SPS2 prompt the user that offboard programming has been detected and require a vehicle connection.
Why is service programming important? For stand-alone use in an LS swapped vehicle, the PCM or ECM must first contain a base calibration that best suits the equipment being used. A throttle system or transmission mismatch will be a show-stopper when you first start the LS swapped vehicle. While EFILive and HP Tuners workarounds exist for establishing a base calibration for Gen III LS-Series PCMs, this activity is not directly supported by EFILive and HP Tuners. Gen IV ECMs and TCMs require GM's Service Programming System to establish a new base calibration.
Service programming offers no custom calibration changes. Put simply, GM's SPS systems require a VIN to retrieve the latest GM calibration(s) offered for a chosen vehicle. To remove anti-theft, change electric fan on/off temperatures, adjust spark and fuel parameters, aftermarket tuning packages like EFILive Scan & Tune or HP Tuners VCM Suite are required.
EFILive FlashScan V3 see www.efilive.com
HP Tuners MPVI2+ see www.hptuners.com
The first step in preparing an engine's ECU for stand-alone operation is to consider the equipment being used (throttle system, transmission type, electric fan(s), etc) and then flash the ECU with a base calibration from a GM vehicle that is a best match. Gen III PCMs can receive a "full flash" using EFILive or HP Tuners to apply a base calibration from a similarly equipped production vehicle. Gen IV ECMs can only receive a base calibration from GM's Service Programming System, or SPS.
Once an appropriate base calibration is loaded in the ECU, the following changes should be made prior to initial start:
The initial engine start will reveal a list of stored DTCs that may need to be disabled if they are not relevant. These can easily be managed (turned off or not reported) after the first several engine starts and road testing.
The two leading tuning packages for LS-Series PCMs, ECMs, and TCMs, are made available by HP Tuners and EFILive. For the scope of LS-Series tuning, either software/interface package will accomplish the calibration changes necessary for a successful LS engine and transmission swap. In rare circumstances, one software package may offer a feature that the other doesn't. HP Tuners VCM Suite and EFILive Scan & Tune have been leading the way since the early days of LS engine conversions. Other than licensing considerations, the systems are highly comparable to each other.
ECU tuning is a process that should be performed in a controlled environment (like on a chassis dynamometer) and with proper diagnostic equipment (like a wideband O2 sensor). Attempting to tune your vehicle on public roads can be dangerous and/or an illegal activity.
EFILive FlashScan V3 see www.efilive.com
HP Tuners MPVI2+ see www.hptuners.com