With an OBDII system, you pay for a custom tune once, and then, any additional mods you make to your motor, that require fine tuning, don't cost you anything. Even if you upgrade to a 408.... With an OBDI system, you pay EACH time you need additional tuning, and, no one gets it right the first time on a custom build.

 

I understand now, and I do recall the obdII pcm flash to be like half the price as well. How hard is the wiring harness to replace? will it be affected by the EGR delete? Should i buy one new (any specific namebrand to look for) or is used okay?

 

Used would be fine.

No EGR on OBDII 2nd gens. So the delete works just fine.

Engine harness is pretty much the same. (minus a few connectors) You want the 96-97 harness/pcm though, in 98, a boatload of stuff changed, and the swap would be much more complicated.

Only tricky part might be the harness for the dash. I *think* you can just run the correct wires for the OBDII port, under the dash, and the rest should be pretty much the same.

 

I think I will go with this. Ive done some research and there are alot more options as far as tuning and performance are concerned with the obd2 systems. I have read that dealers can flash the pcm, but only to factory settings is this true? If so would it be best to find a shop to take it to and have them reprogram everything or send the pcm to one of the online guys (like hemifever)?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-Dodge-Ram-Truck-Engine-Wiring-Harness-/131422836700?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e996957dc&vxp=mtr
I found this harness on ebay, is this what I'm looking for minus the computer itself? Also will upgrading this system involve rewiring for radio, spedo, etc?

 

Most of the underhood wiring will even have the same connectors. One complication I hadn't though of though, is the trans...... if you have an auto, the OBDII system is going to be looking for governor pressure electronics..... and you can't just use one out of a manual, as that would leave you without TCC, and O/D..... you are going to need a custom tune anyway, aren't you? Wonder if Hemifever could do a tune without the governor pressure stuff, but, still retain TCC, and O/D. That would be cheaper than replacing your trans as well......

 

So I have been in contact with several different companies about my dilemma. The only one that has the proper set up to tune an OBDI is Arlington performance. This tune will cost $750 guaranteed to work as long as my provided info is correct, and they offer discounted rates for any future retunes.

However I also asked a few other places about doing a tune for an OBDII system if I choose that route. Hemifever told me there is nothing he can do about the mismatching of the wiring harness and the tranny and honestly was not very helpful what so ever. I then contacted the local performance shop (Janetty Racing) who quoted me at $1400 for a computer and custom tune! BUT thats still not going to fix the problem with the tranny and if his guys were to find a way to fix it, the total could be over $2000!!!! Thats at $250 an hour.

So with prices like this even if I have to go through several tunes with the OBDI system it will hopefully cost me less and save me the headache of playing with wiring. What do you guys think? Anyone ever gone through with the OBDI tunes?

 

I used to do OBDI tuning..... On my Firebird. Of course, there was a whole support network out there for just such an occasion. Install a ZIF socket in the ECM, get a fist full of EEPROMs, a little bit of hardware and software, (if you aready have a PC, total cost was about 200 bucks.) and down the road ya went. I was wondering if any of that would transfer over to the Chrysler OBDI system..... that would certainly make your life easier. I need a *donor* PCM to tear apart though, (and possibly destroy) to find out.

 

You may want to look into Megasquirt. I have seen them used on second jens but not sure about the obd1.
http://www.msextra.com/

 

Actually, I think this is an EXCELLENT idea. Pay for it once, adjust it as much as you want. No 'pay to play' for each tune. (at several hundred dollars a whack.)