Top Speed Limiter

[thompsb]

Is there an easy way to disable the top speed limiter on my Northstar? 110 MPH stinks

[BodybyFisher]

You need a Tech 1 or 2, I believe, but you have OBD1, you might be able to buy a chip that eliminates the limit.

Given the age of your car, I would make sure my suspension was up to STS spec before I went that speed.... that means heavier stabilizer bars, z rated tires, stiff springs, etc.

[MAC]

You can buy a E-PROM chip from Fastchip for about $160. The fastchip is programmed with new parameters and will, among other things, remove the speed limiter. You can provide the chip and it will cost about $125 if I'm remembering correctly.

Just one other thing. I have a speed limiter of 110 mph (I think it's actually 112mph) and I have never found any reason to test it. If you're drag racing--DON'T! And go to the track where it's legal.

[fivepointohman]

Thanks for the Chip info, I have been dying to get rid of that limiter.

[abad95]

Wester's Garage has a more expensive product,but then at the same time better.

It might be called "Wester's Tune.You might want to check.

Florin

[TDK]

93Eldo, Fivepointohman, Et al,

If you do install a chip, consider this please.

If your vehicle is involved in an accident; the chip and the air-bag data are all "discoverable" by the other side's attorney. The chip itself may constitute damning evidence and of course - the air-bag data keeps the last few seconds of speed, braking , etc. Its not simply "he-said vs she-said" anymore.

I am not saying you or another driver of your vehicle will get in an accident because of the chip or that anything would ever be your fault.

What I am saying is; Get the "need for speed" out of your system, but consider removing the chip (if its not needed for sanctioned racing).

Also, you might consider that GM put limits on certain engine parameters to prevent damage from certain operating regions. I certainly don't mean a WOT is bad, but air/fuel ratios outside of factory specs can get interesting.

Good luck

[BodybyFisher]

Thanks for the Chip info, I have been dying to get rid of that limiter.

Someone correct me, but I do not believe that there is a chip for the 96 OBD2 Northstar, is that true, the chips are for OBD1 cars?

[Logan]

Go over 110 in a 15 year old car?

Your brave..not for me..

Yeah, I use to do that maybe 20 years ago..would'nt today.

hhhhmmmm....

Drove threw Brimingham, AL last weekend. Saw some very near misses. Close to 6 major wrecks in maybe 2 miles. Wow..bad drivers.

It was a holiday weekend..but

And...maybe you dont know..about that little black box on your car...

[BodybyFisher]

Go over 110 in a 15 year old car?

Your brave..not for me..

Yeah, I use to do that maybe 20 years ago..would'nt today.

hhhhmmmm....

Drove threw Brimingham, AL last weekend. Saw some very near misses. Close to 6 major wrecks in maybe 2 miles. Wow..bad drivers.

It was a holiday weekend..but

And...maybe you dont know..about that little black box on your car...

Logan, I agree, THAT is the point I was making when I said "I would make sure my suspension was up to STS spec before I went that speed.... that means heavier stabilizer bars, z rated tires, stiff springs, etc."

There is a reason why GM limits the speed of BRAND NEW non-STS/ETC non-Z-rated vehicles. To push those cars beyond that limited speed with the following limitations,

1) an inferior (speed limited) suspension from DAY 1 (lighter stab bars, springs, non z-rated tires)

2) a now worn suspension (ball joints, bushings, struts, springs, etc)

is VERY VERY foolish I am glad others have commented on this.

[fivepointohman]

Go over 110 in a 15 year old car?

Your brave..not for me..

Yeah, I use to do that maybe 20 years ago..would'nt today.

hhhhmmmm....

Drove threw Brimingham, AL last weekend. Saw some very near misses. Close to 6 major wrecks in maybe 2 miles. Wow..bad drivers.

It was a holiday weekend..but

And...maybe you dont know..about that little black box on your car...

You only live once and I definetly live in the momment. Besides age doesnt matter if yoiu maintain your car as it should be. My Old mustang GT is now 22 Years old and should probably have under 75K on it and that car was biult and seen speeds of over 100Mph weekly without even breaking a sweat. My cadillac is the same, It may be 12 years old, but it sure isnt maintained as such. My cars get treated better than a human, weekly wax's tune-ups every year regardless, I just did brake lines on my caddy for peace of mind, front end all rebiuld and I change my oil every month on my cars due to the fact I drive them hard. Doing this, keeps a car in great shape and when you go as crazy as me as having 6 layers of floor mats and greasing up all the wheel wells and inner and outer fenders with grease in the winter time, ( not the caddy - its a non winter car ) believe me, My cars dont age like most. Just an FYI. Limiters are on there for a reason, to slow people down, and you pay for a car that you should have full functionality not limited functionality. You need to drive smart yes and safe totally.

[BodybyFisher]

The operative word in your post was this "if yoiu maintain your car as it should be" and NOT all owners are capable or understand how a suspension wears which adds risk to high speed romps. You are mechanically proficient from our brief association not all members/owners are.

Our disclaimers are to info unknowing owners of that fact. BRAND NEW a NON STS/ETC with a NEW suspension is SPEED LIMITED less than an STS/ETC .. for a reason

[fivepointohman]

really, An STS has a Higher speed limiter? That is horrible. My buddy has a 93 STS and honestly My sls smokes his, and handles alot better than his 93 which has 35K less than mine does. I am just determined to make this car capable of its full potention.

[BodybyFisher]

really, An STS has a Higher speed limiter? That is horrible. My buddy has a 93 STS and honestly My sls smokes his, and handles alot better than his 93 which has 35K less than mine does. I am just determined to make this car capable of its full potention.

Its not an RPM limiter, its a MPH limiter. An SLS limited by MPH would not interfere with everyday conquests.

And that is fine you want to get its full potential. You appear to be knowledgeable and understand that a soft/loose/mushy suspension at 120 could be dangerous, some who want to go fast don't understand that.

As an example, we should get Stefan from Germany on this topic, the Autobahn sets the speed limit based on tire speed rating and an inspection of the vehicle.

[fivepointohman]

really, An STS has a Higher speed limiter? That is horrible. My buddy has a 93 STS and honestly My sls smokes his, and handles alot better than his 93 which has 35K less than mine does. I am just determined to make this car capable of its full potention.

Its not an RPM limiter, its a MPH limiter. An SLS limited by MPH would not interfere with everyday conquests.

And that is fine you want to get its full potential. You appear to be knowledgeable and understand that a soft/loose/mushy suspension at 120 could be dangerous, some who want to go fast don't understand that.

As an example, we should get Stefan from Germany on this topic, the Autobahn sets the speed limit based on tire speed rating and an inspection of the vehicle.

I totally Agree, if the car is shot and needs repairs, dont go to the limiter... I also Agree that the limiter isnt a bad thing and no it doesnt inhibit my daily driving task... However, The caddy makes its mark in acceleration getting to 110MPH, and I do however when safe and warranted, So want to go past 110 when needed. I used to race mustangs and I blew away a c6 vette with my 88gt and a porsche as well. So unfortunatly Gasoline is in my blood...

[thompsb]

[Just like my "Diesel Garage" site I see we have "speed Police" on this site too. I appreciate your concerns but if I want to top end my Eldo that is my business. Since you do not know the condition of my Eldo (I have my own shop) or the ability of my driving ( have track time and racing experiance) and where I live and what road I use for top end runs (I have a specific 4 mile segment) then again, I just wanted to figure out how to get to speed that makes ME smile! OTHER than my "special road" I drive with RESPECT for all others on the road. And FYI this "old car" drives better at 110 MPH than most newer cars I have driven at 60 MPH. So, if you can help me great! If not I will get schematics and figure out what it will take to achive MY goal. Just because it is a Caddy doesn't mean it can't be fun. Go like hell, lifes short. Thanks, and keep the rubber side down. font=Arial Black][/font]

[Texas Jim]

93 eldo,

I think that most people that responded to your were just concerned about the age and condition of your car and were wanting to keep you safe.

Sorry to hear that it takes a FOUR MILE stretch to get to your top speed.

Mine is limited to 123MPH, but if driving at highway speed when you punch it... it only takes a few SECONDS to hit the 123 mph speed limiter. Then a few seconds to slow back down to normal speed.

Total distance to top speed and back to normal speed.... probably a half mile or so.

[thompsb]

Like alot of things though, I want to enjoy the fun for more that "a few seconds" Just like a NASCAR race, you could have a winner on one lap, what fun would that be? My car is solid but thanks all for being concerned. So how do I go faster????????????????? ;-)

[Texas Jim]

Put a chip in it.

[OynxSTS]

A few things here

1) From the factory, the only difference between a "Z" or "W" unlimited STS and a Limited "H" STS are the tires. There were NO other differences in the cars. The suspensions (when new) were the same and were all capable of 150 MPH... this "option" was so that GM could "cheap out" with some tires and the knowledge that there is no public road in North America where you can go 150 MPH legally

2) All STS's (from 93-2003) can now be chipped to remove the 110/130 limit or what ever it was. Westers Garage sells the chips. Link to chips For ODBII cars you have to replace the entire PCM... They will sell you one that is programed to your VIN... I think you still need to take the car and the new PCM to a dealer to get them to do a "final" calibration... A call to Westers will confirm what you need to do.

3) If applicable, This will void any and all warranties

4) As above going 150 MPH is illegal on every public road in Canada and the US.

Having said all of that, I own an unlimited "W" rated 2002 STS, and I have had it up to 135MPH These cars are rock solid up to about 125/130 Over 130 they start to get a little scary... I did this in the middle of nowhere on a deserted "mountain" highway... The only thing to hit would have been deers or trees... both would have left me "not happy"

I did not have the guts to try for a top speed run. I'd only try this at a NASCAR track.

Keep the shiny side up!

[jlinde]

Hi, I have a 93 Eldorado TC where I replaced the original PROM with

the available #16195554 to get it to run smoother. The PCMs in the cars

with VIN# Y and 9 are the same but the PROMs are different.

Is the PROM containing the Speed Limiter? In that case is it just to replace the

PROM with a VIN# 9 PROM? ( The two cars I have are both VIN# 9 and have no limiters)

I am just curious. ( in case it would work I understand that shift points and

some other things can be a little wrong). /Jan L

[OynxSTS]

For ODBI cars 93-96 you replace the chip

for ODBII cars 96 and up you have to replace the entire PCM

For the newer cars most people just buy a used PCM off of the 'bay (for $30-50) and ship it to westers for a flash.

[Porkie]

Do we have any MORE RECENT information on the tune offered by Wester Garage on these old Northstar models?

Regards, Porkie