I'm trying to decide between the GM Stage 2 Kit, and the Intense stage 3 kit. Considering i'd be installing them myself, they're about the same price. Now, my question is, if I bought the stage 2, would the dealer charge me extra for the reflash? If I installed the rest of it? I have friend who is a GM tech, and he said that they've serviced plenty of staged cobalts that didn't get the kit installed there, only the reflash, he only problem was he didn't know if they were charged for doing the reflash only, since they had the confirmation # from the kit and everything. Technically, they SHOULDN'T charge, since you've already paid, but everyone knows how dealerships can be. Answers? I'll take em.

-Chad

 

^ yeah it costs like 97 bucks...I put my stage 2 on myself and then I took it to the dealer and they reflashed it for me

 

Why the hell do they charge you over an hour's labor for something that you already paid GM for?

 

Bump for anyone else with experience.

 

I just had the stage 2 kit installed. I was in the same position as you were. Stage 3 from intense, or stage 2 from gm. I chose gm just for the fact that it wont void my warranty. I know that doesn't have a lot to do with what your looking for, but its an extra 2 cents to think about.

Take care.

 

over an hour's labor? Nice...

Here, the dealership charges $110/hour for labor.

 

The dealer her charges 75/hr for GM and 95/hr for Mercedes.

 

I think their reasoning is you paid for having the tune available to you when you bought the kit, but "installing" it is a labor charge, just like you pay for the parts and then pay the dealership to install them. It does seem like a bit of a sham though, since taking the car to the dealer is the only way to get it flashed.

 

I'm just about to buy the stage 2 kit for about $656 plus tax. They called the GM headquarters and confirmed that all you need for the kit not to void your warranty is to install it yourself and make an appointment with the dealership to have your PCM Re-Programmed. This PCM re-programming is included in the stage 2 price (SO ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT)

 

Crate Engine Depot has 'em for $550....

 

Where can I find this "fine print"

 

I was told (by a GM tech) that the only way that it doesn't void your warranty, is if you have it installed by a GM certified technician. I was told that by 3 different dealerships and a GM technician.