DiabloSport PCM Swap Kit Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Kit for Your HEMI
If you own a 2015 or newer HEMI-powered Challenger, Charger, Ram, Durango, or Jeep, tuning requires more than just a handheld programmer—you need an unlocked PCM. This guide explains why the swap is necessary, compares your tuner options, and helps you choose the right DiabloSport PCM swap kit for your specific vehicle and goals.
Why 2015+ HEMIs Require a PCM Swap
If you own a 2015 or newer HEMI-powered vehicle, you've probably noticed that tuning isn't as simple as plugging in a programmer. That's because Chrysler introduced encrypted PCM (Powertrain Control Module) technology starting in the 2015 model year, locking down the factory computer to prevent aftermarket calibration changes.
What Does "Locked" Mean?
On pre-2015 vehicles, tuners could communicate directly with the PCM, read the factory calibration, and flash new performance tunes in minutes. The 2015+ encryption changed everything. The factory PCM is essentially locked at the software level, meaning traditional tuning methods can't write new data to it. Even if you connect a tuner, the PCM rejects unauthorized calibrations.
The Unlocked PCM Solution
DiabloSport's solution is the PCM swap kit. Instead of fighting the factory encryption, these kits include a second PCM that has been pre-unlocked at the factory level. This unlocked PCM accepts tune files just like the older systems did. Here's how it works:
- Cross-shipment process: DiabloSport sends you an unlocked PCM programmed with your vehicle's VIN and factory calibration
- Simple swap: You physically replace the locked PCM with the unlocked unit (typically a 15-minute job)
- Return the original: Send back your locked PCM in the same box—no core charge if returned within 14 days
- Tune freely: Your DiabloSport tuner now communicates with the unlocked PCM for unlimited tune changes
Note
The unlocked PCM retains all factory programming for your specific vehicle. You're not starting from scratch—you're simply enabling the ability to load performance calibrations on top of your existing settings.
Which Vehicles Need a PCM Swap?
Generally, any 2015 or newer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle with a HEMI (or Pentastar V6) requires an unlocked PCM for tuning. This includes Challenger, Charger, 300, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, and Ram 1500/2500/3500 trucks. If you're shopping for a DiabloSport tuner for these vehicles, a PCM swap kit is the complete solution that includes everything you need.
inTune i3 vs Trinity 2: Choosing Your Tuner
Every DiabloSport PCM swap kit includes a handheld tuning device, but you'll need to choose between two options: the inTune i3 or the Trinity 2 EX. Both deliver the same core performance tunes and power gains, but they differ significantly in features, display, and price. Here's how to decide which is right for your build.
DiabloSport inTune i3
The inTune i3 is DiabloSport's compact, no-nonsense handheld programmer. It's designed for enthusiasts who want to load tunes, adjust parameters, and get driving—without extra bells and whistles.
- Compact color touchscreen for easy navigation
- WiFi-enabled for firmware and tune updates without a computer
- Preloaded performance tunes for multiple octane levels (87, 91, 93)
- Parameter adjustments: throttle response, MDS disable, speed limiter, tire size calibration
- Custom tune support via DiabloSport CMR dealers
- Lower price point compared to Trinity 2
DiabloSport Trinity 2 EX
The Trinity 2 EX is DiabloSport's flagship tuner, built for enthusiasts who want a full-featured performance monitor in addition to tuning capabilities. Its large display makes it ideal for in-vehicle mounting.
- High-resolution 5" capacitive touchscreen with swipe functionality
- Real-time gauges and datalogging for monitoring AFR, boost, temps, and more
- Preloaded performance tunes identical to inTune i3
- All parameter adjustments available on the i3, plus expanded gauge customization
- Ideal for custom tuning with detailed datalog recording for remote tuners
- Dash-mountable for permanent installation as a performance monitor
Quick Comparison
| Feature | inTune i3 | Trinity 2 EX |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Compact color touchscreen | 5" HD capacitive touchscreen |
| Real-Time Gauges | Basic | Advanced, customizable |
| Datalogging | Supported | Expanded with on-screen playback |
| Preloaded Tunes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Tune Support | Yes (CMR) | Yes (CMR) |
| In-Vehicle Mounting | Occasional use | Designed for permanent mount |
| Best For | Budget-focused, tune-and-drive users | Data enthusiasts, custom tuning, monitoring |
Pro Tip
If you plan to work with a remote tuner like HemiFever or pursue aggressive modifications (cams, headers, forced induction), the Trinity 2's superior datalogging makes the tuning process faster and more precise. For bolt-ons and canned tunes, the inTune i3 delivers the same power gains at a lower cost.
How to Choose the Right PCM Swap Kit for Your Vehicle
Now that you understand why you need an unlocked PCM and which tuner fits your needs, it's time to select the right kit for your specific vehicle. DiabloSport offers PCM swap combo kits organized by vehicle platform, engine, and model year. Choosing correctly ensures plug-and-play compatibility with no surprises.
Step 1: Identify Your Platform and Engine
DiabloSport kits are grouped into major categories based on your vehicle type:
- Challenger / Charger / 300: Available for 5.7L, 6.4L (392), 6.2L Hellcat, and 6.2L Redeye applications
- Ram 1500: Covers 5.7L HEMI including eTorque mild-hybrid models (2019+)
- Ram 2500 / 3500 HD: Designed for the 6.4L heavy-duty HEMI
- Durango / Grand Cherokee: Options for 5.7L and 6.4L SUV applications
- Jeep Wrangler / Gladiator: Kits for the 6.4L 392 Rubicon and other HEMI-swapped Jeeps
Step 2: Select Your Tuner
Each platform offers the choice between an inTune i3 combo or a Trinity 2 EX combo. As covered in the previous section, the i3 suits budget-conscious owners running bolt-ons, while the Trinity 2 is ideal for serious builds requiring datalogging and custom tuning support.
Step 3: Consider Supercharged Applications
If you're running a Hellcat or Redeye, you'll need a kit specifically calibrated for supercharged engines. These kits include tunes that account for factory boost levels and can unlock significant power—up to 30 RWHP on Hellcat and 54 RWHP on Redeye models with the preloaded performance calibrations. Some Hellcat kits also include TCM (Transmission Control Module) tuning for improved 8-speed automatic shift quality and firmness.
Warning
Do not purchase a naturally aspirated kit for a supercharged vehicle or vice versa. The PCM calibrations are engine-specific, and mismatched kits will not function correctly. Always verify your engine code (e.g., 6.2L SC for Hellcat) before ordering.
What's Included in a PCM Swap Combo Kit?
Every DiabloSport PCM swap combo kit from FastHemis includes:
- Unlocked PCM programmed to your vehicle's VIN
- DiabloSport tuner (inTune i3 or Trinity 2, depending on kit selected)
- Preloaded performance tunes for various octane levels
- OBD-II cable and accessories for connecting to your vehicle
- Prepaid return label for sending back your factory locked PCM
Quick Fitment Reference
| Vehicle | Engine Options | Years Requiring PCM Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Challenger / Charger / 300 | 5.7L, 6.4L, 6.2L Hellcat/Redeye | 2015+ |
| Ram 1500 | 5.7L HEMI, 5.7L eTorque | 2015+ |
| Ram 2500 / 3500 | 6.4L HEMI | 2015+ |
| Durango / Grand Cherokee | 5.7L, 6.4L | 2015+ |
| Wrangler 392 / Gladiator | 6.4L | 2021+ |
Pro Tip
When ordering your PCM swap kit, you'll be asked for your VIN during checkout or shortly after. Have it ready—this ensures DiabloSport programs the unlocked PCM with your exact factory calibration, maintaining all your vehicle-specific settings.
Recommended FastHemis Products
Ready to unlock your HEMI's potential? Browse our complete selection of DiabloSport PCM swap combo kits:
Challenger / Charger / 300
- DiabloSport PCM Swap Combo Kits for Challenger, Charger & 300 — Available for 5.7L, 6.4L, Hellcat, and Redeye applications with your choice of inTune i3 or Trinity 2 tuner
Ram Trucks
- DiabloSport PCM Swap Combo Kits for Ram 1500 / 2500 / 3500 — Kits for 5.7L HEMI (including eTorque) and 6.4L HD applications
Durango / Grand Cherokee / Jeep
- DiabloSport PCM Swap Combo Kits for SUVs & Jeeps — Options for Durango, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler 392, and Gladiator
Pro Tip
Not sure which kit fits your vehicle? Contact our team—we'll verify your application and ensure you get the right PCM swap combo for your year, engine, and goals.
Final Thoughts
For 2015+ HEMI owners, a DiabloSport PCM swap kit is the gateway to unlocking real performance gains. The factory-encrypted PCM was designed to keep tuners out, but the unlocked PCM solution puts you back in control—enabling canned performance tunes, custom calibrations, and essential adjustments like MDS delete, tire size correction, and speed limiter removal.
Choosing between the inTune i3 and Trinity 2 comes down to your priorities. If you want straightforward tuning at a lower price point, the i3 delivers everything you need. If you're chasing bigger power with custom tuning or want a full-featured gauge display mounted in your dash, the Trinity 2 is worth the investment.
No matter which path you choose, make sure you select the correct kit for your platform and engine. Double-check your model year, engine size, and whether you're naturally aspirated or supercharged before ordering. With the right DiabloSport PCM swap kit installed, you'll be ready to tune, datalog, and extract every last horsepower from your HEMI.