Speartech vs GM ECU

[scherp69]

I'm still debating on whether or not I want to keep the VVT on my L92. Right now I'm leaning towards deleting it as I've been able to find some pretty good deals on stuff and it would be quite a bit cheaper to delete it. I found the LS376/480hp GM ECU for $885. I was also looking at the Speartech ECU's and see that they are $1395. What does Speartech do that makes theirs better to justify paying an extra $500? The only thing that I will need extra if I get the GM ECU are coil pack extensions, which can be bought for $100 and I'm sure that Speartech could lengthen the coil wires, but it's still another $400. Any thoughts on what makes the Speartech set up so much better? Thanks in advance.

[ironworks]

Are you running an automatic trans?

[scherp69]

Are you running an automatic trans?

No I'm running a TKO600.

[BBC71Nova]

Doesn't the Mast ECM allow you to keep VVT as well? I'm not sure how it compares cost wise but the Mast piece would definitely be worth a good look.

[scherp69]

Doesn't the Mast ECM allow you to keep VVT as well? I'm not sure how it compares cost wise but the Mast piece would definitely be worth a good look.

Yeah the Mast allows you to keep the VVT. Speartech and the GM one that I mentioned don't. I've been pricing it out and with the GM ECU, it's quite a bit cheaper to delete the VVT (probably close to $1000 cheaper). I'm trying to compare the two ECU in case I decide to ditch the VVT, which is the way I'm leaning right now. The Mast set up is more expensive than both of the ones that I mentioned.

The Mast set up is around $2500 for a WBO2 performance package which includes the ECU, a cam and springs. This would put me around 530hp. I would still need to get some water pump spacers which are $300 from Mast. I would also need to buy a DBW pedal.

If I delete the VVT, I can get a cam, timing chain, springs, push rods, timing cover with cam position sensor with harness and ARP bolts for $810 from Texas Speed. Their cams show close to 560hp.

Then I would need to get an ECU and the two that I've looked at Speartech and the GM L376/480hp one. DBW pedals are included with both.

[BBC71Nova]

Yikes. Keeping my boat anchor seems less expensive everyday :yes: .

I've got a vehicle with VVT and have grown to like it. I've seen some good dyno numbers out of VVT setups as well. I think you have to put in some aftermarket limiters or something though when you start changing came profiles. I agree though that it'd be a tough call keeping it given the cost.

[Tom.A]

Mike,

I went with Speartech and I believe I paid somewhere around $1800.00 which included the maf, O2 sensors and extended harness to mount inside the car.It is a lot of dough but it was plug and play. Everything labeled nice.
I don't believe the $900.00 GM kits comes with all the wiring? I would say the big thing for me is being able to pick up the phone and call John @ Speartech and get my dumb questions answered. I called atleast 3 times during the wiring/start up of my car. Having the tech support was huge selling point for me. I have wasted plenty of money with parts on my car only to redo it again, but this buy was not one of them. I think if you are good at wiring and trouble shooting go for the GM kit. If not save yorself the headache and go Speartech. :thumbsup:

EDIT: I forgot about VVT as that changes things.

[scherp69]

Thanks Tom. I think if I do get rid of the VVT, I would likely spend the extra money and get a Speartech or Current Performance harness. I got a pm from a member tonight who has not had very good luck with Speartech's customer service. I've tried emailing them twice (although one was earlier today) and haven't heard anything from them. I thought I read somewhere else that Speartech's customer service wasn't all that great.

Anyone have any experience with Current Performance harnesses? I see they are $100 cheaper than Speartech. http://www.currentperformance.com/index.html

[scherp69]

Yikes. Keeping my boat anchor seems less expensive everyday :yes: .

I've got a vehicle with VVT and have grown to like it. I've seen some good dyno numbers out of VVT setups as well. I think you have to put in some aftermarket limiters or something though when you start changing came profiles. I agree though that it'd be a tough call keeping it given the cost.

The numbers for VVT have shown to be better than non VVT. I think the biggest thing that worries me is that it hasn't been around that long, especially in the performance world.