This is a long shot but I'm at Cummins this morning to update my ECM. I had read somewhere that some people on here had Cummins also perform an uprate and bump up the HP.
How long ago has anyone done this? Cummins is telling me they can't find an uprate file to download based on my application. Maybe they stopped since these are so old.
Thanks
Programming for the 500hp but will require a different turbo. Personally im happy with the performance and dependability. I read something about one of the members upgrading
I believe it was Dave Metzler who bumped his 36' up to 500 hp. It was expensive and required his serial number to be strong enough for the upgrade. One other member tricked the ecm into thinking that it had the new turbo with the wastegate installed to keep from throwing codes. He did it with a resister on the wiring loom and was able to get a tech to modify the ecm.
Wondering if they do find the uprate file tune will they require me to install the hardware first (if it's actually required)
The tech is calling Cummins Quickserve now to see if there is a file availabe...if not I'll just get the ECM updated and be on my way.
Looks like there was about 5 updates to the ECM from 01 to 03. This coach has never had an update. Probably a waist of time and $$$$ ($210). Looks like there is some cruise control updates along with a hard start issue fixed (which I've never had an issue with) and some other random stuff.
Yup. Dave loved to brag on his hotrod coach. See example post below:
Hello, new to the forum (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13827.msg78060#msg78060)
Possible the update will give you better mileage. Or it could get worse.
Since I'm just a weekend warrior I'm not too concerned about losing a little mpg. I'll probably only put 3-5k miles per year on this coach....just want that little extra grunt going through the mountains.
Yup, engine manufacturers/vehicle manufacturers do engine upgrades for one of three reasons-- two good, one bad:
More power (least likely)
Longevity
Emissions (most likely)
Many suggest NOT getting am ECM update unless there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed that the update will address.
X2 it's 20+ years old, been my sperince if it's working leave it alone, unless you have issues. Also remember more HP means more heat for the cooling system to handle.
They weren't able to uprate HP but I did go ahead and updated the ECM. So far no issues...like I mentioned earlier, probably a waist of 200 bucks but it's done now 😁
After Cummins updated my ECM3 years ago, I noticed a quicker turbo spool up, and much quicker engine starts...lowered the oil pressure threshold for injector permission. Also the cruise control will now remember the settings even after shut down, trivial but nice addition. No change in horsepower or mpg sadly. Cummins tech said definitely NEVER up-tune the ISM450. Your Allison will not be happy and you'll wear out the motor, u-joints, etc much, much sooner. Just sayin'.