tcm tune

davig

Member
Jun 28, 2012
195
1
18
west jordan, utah
Is the TCM tunning worth it even if i dont have a built trans? One day when I am rich I want to get the trans built, but not anytime soon.
 

N2BRK

Well-known member
Dec 31, 2009
2,054
371
83
IMHO, its worth it if you run large tires and want to adjust the part throttle shifting to keep the RPM up... otherwise, it's like the wolf said^^^^^
 

snowman22

Member
Jan 30, 2018
299
8
18
SoCal
I had mine tuned, but after Mike did the trans so it didn't get line pressure changes. It's nice for a more aggressive downshift schedule at cruising speeds, but that's about it.
 

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 14, 2007
13,711
772
113
Texas!!!
On an LML, tuning will increase pressures and actually help the transmission hold a little more power (there are other, cheaper ways of doing the same thing though). On any older Allison, the only reason to do any tuning is to change shift points and coverter locking; you will not increase holding power or make firmer/quicker shifts with tuning regardless of what anyone tells you.
 

Mike L.

Got Sheep?
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Aug 12, 2006
15,681
232
63
Fullerton CA
On an LML, tuning will increase pressures and actually help the transmission hold a little more power (there are other, cheaper ways of doing the same thing though). On any older Allison, the only reason to do any tuning is to change shift points and coverter locking; you will not increase holding power or make firmer/quicker shifts with tuning regardless of what anyone tells you.

Remember on a LML; You CAN NOT have TCM tuning on a built Allison. You WILL destroy the trans. It will not be covered under warranty.
 

Evan@InglewoodTrans

yerp
Vendor/Sponsor
Aug 5, 2010
3,118
65
48
40
Western MA
Remember on a LML; You CAN NOT have TCM tuning on a built Allison. You WILL destroy the trans. It will not be covered under warranty.

As you know I’m the same way at this point. 100% untouched from factory TCM file in LML’s or no warranty. If they have large turbos I’ll adjust RPM myself accordingly for them that’s it. Way to many ghost issues otherwise.
 

LBZ

Super Moderator
Staff member
Jul 2, 2007
9,903
149
63
46
B.C.
Remember on a LML; You CAN NOT have TCM tuning on a built Allison. You WILL destroy the trans. It will not be covered under warranty.



But it’s ok on a stock LML trans Mike? All I was thinking of doing with mine was changing shift rpm and mph speeds and adding that dummy solenoid till I get this trans built.
 

N2BRK

Well-known member
Dec 31, 2009
2,054
371
83
As you know I’m the same way at this point. 100% untouched from factory TCM file in LML’s or no warranty. If they have large turbos I’ll adjust RPM myself accordingly for them that’s it. Way to many ghost issues otherwise.

Pretty important for folks that aren’t the original owner to ensure their TCM file is STOCK! Well intended folks could wind up with a problem that they never anticipated.
 

Mike L.

Got Sheep?
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Aug 12, 2006
15,681
232
63
Fullerton CA
But it’s ok on a stock LML trans Mike? All I was thinking of doing with mine was changing shift rpm and mph speeds and adding that dummy solenoid till I get this trans built.
By installing the dummy solenoid; the Allison reverts back to the same shift strategy as a LMM. I prefer no modifications at all. You can do what you want on a stock Allison. If I build the trans, I want a clean bill of health. No mods whatsoever, or I pass on the job.
I have had customers that had the stock TCM tune put back in and it was corrupted and didn't work properly. For some reason LML TCM's do not like getting reflashed and MDI will not flash a factory tune over a custom tune. I have had to install new TCM and then flash with MDI.
I don't need the head ache.
 

Mike L.

Got Sheep?
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Aug 12, 2006
15,681
232
63
Fullerton CA
I prefer a dummy solenoid because it is safer if another builder looks at it. If it has a TCM tune and no one is aware of it, all hell will brake loose and it will cost big time.
 

JoshH

Daggum farm truck
Staff member
Vendor/Sponsor
Feb 14, 2007
13,711
772
113
Texas!!!
Remember on a LML; You CAN NOT have TCM tuning on a built Allison. You WILL destroy the trans. It will not be covered under warranty.
Yeah, I should have mentioned that, but I had stock transmission in mind when I wrote that post. I agree, the dummy solenoid is best.
 

Whitetail Addict

Rockin' the stock tune
May 8, 2008
2,350
0
0
South Central Pennsylvania
But it’s ok on a stock LML trans Mike? All I was thinking of doing with mine was changing shift rpm and mph speeds and adding that dummy solenoid till I get this trans built.

My LML flies to 6th gear and then hates to kick down. I was going to get trans tuning for that reason, but since Mike said not to, I'll keep using the tapshift.
I was curious if there was driveline protection in the tcm tuning?