Seven: I am considering installing the kit myself. Will the dealer charge me less to just flash the ECM? If so, what should be the difference in cost? Also, will it do any damage to the car if I drive it to the dealer after installing the kit. Do I just need to drive easy and everything will be fine?
GM HPVO: The recommended charge for the dealer to install the kit is 2.0 hours of labor, that includes the ECM reflash. If you did the work yourself the dealer should only charge labor for the reflash - 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour. In driving the car, if you did install the hardware yourself, you will set a P2227 code on the second start after the install. This code may put you in the reduced power mode so you need to drive very prudently and carefully. Just so you are aware the "official" recommendation is not to drive the car without the reflash.
Kildore: It's not gona be fun when people put on this kit.. and then go in for the reflash.. and they dont honor the warranty due to the person not being GM cert. mechanic. I hope all is well.
GM HPVO: The vehicle and powertrain warranty is not affected by whether a GM Certified Mechanic installed the kit or not. What will not be covered is any issues with the installation. As an example, if you wire the kit wrong and need a new connector because of it, the cost of a replacement connector harness is $135. If the dealer installed it and made the mistake, the dealer would cover the cost. If you made the mistake you would have to cover the cost (which would have nearly paid for the dealer to install it in the first place).
Seven: I'm in Canada. Is the kit and programming exactly the same as in the U.S.? I'm asking because I want to pick up the kit in the US (because it is so much cheaper in the U.S.) and have it programmed at a dealer in Canada.
GM HPVO: The same part number kit is released to both the US and Canada, no differences. The programming is exactly the same between the US and Canada.
