i recently bought a elm327 usb interface for OBDII, from ebay, i think its one of the chinese clones and this may limit some of my options. but im curious if anyone has used one of these units to flash their ECM and if there is any free ecm flashing software? seems like any software around that supports flashing has to be used with a proprietary cable/interface and 300 dollar software, and then you have to buy "credits" for every car you want to program. basicly im not willing to make that investment yet and would just like to be able to flash the 3800 i have, and possibly play with a few friends cars for free or cheap.

ECM? You mean PCM?

The only free flash software I know of only works on Subaru/Mitsu cars. You still need a $100 cable, but the rest is free.

The only way to really fully tune ours cars is via PowrTuner (no longer made, can be had around $400 used), or HPTuners ($500 I think).
If you're electrically inclined and really want to waste your time, there is something called MegaSquirt, but I would say its more for older vehicles with inferior PCM/ECM capabilities, or REALLY custom setups.

With HPtuners, if you want other cars on there, have that person give you the $100 for the credits. And it is sort of a high price, however, tuning (if done correctly) increases your vehicles potential along with mpg!
So you improve in fuel economy as well as performance.

Once you figure out how to tune, you'll be saving on gas quickly.

With HPtuners, if you want other cars on there, have that person give you the $100 for the credits. And it is sort of a high price, however, tuning (if done correctly) increases your vehicles potential along with mpg!
So you improve in fuel economy as well as performance.

hmm, i have not problem spending money on stuff but it seems like people are really working over the E-tuners the prices i have seen are insane, and they should only be that way for professional shops imo.

But hptuners was the way i was planning on going if your going to spend big money, spend it really big

thanks for the replys, and if anyone hears about a quality free/cheap system keep me and your fellow tuners informed