Upgrading your Camaro or CTS-V with the Motive ReFlex+ controller is one of the best ways to add flexibility and precision to your vehicle’s fueling system. Whether you’re looking for improved performance, additional safety, or advanced tuning capabilities, installing the ReFlex+ unlocks the full potential of your Camaro or CTS-V. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the full installation process, provide actionable tips, and help ensure your install is smooth and successful.
https://youtu.be/OeMxXOnTXeI
Camaro CTSV ReFlex+: What You’ll Need
Before diving into your Camaro/CTSV ReFlex+ installation, gather all your materials. The kit typically includes:
- Motive ReFlex+ control box
- Main wiring harness
- CAN bus connector
- Injector harness
- Fuse relay box
- Basic hand tools (screwdriver, ratchet, sockets, zip ties, micro USB cable)
Preparation: Starting Your Camaro/CTS-V ReFlex+ Install
Always begin by disconnecting the battery to keep your installation safe. Next, lay out all components from the kit. Examine each harness and connector to familiarize yourself with their locations and functions. This early planning helps prevent confusion and speeds up your process.
Accessing the ECU and Fuse Box
Step 1: Remove Covers and Release Mounts
- Open the battery post cover and remove it to expose the main terminal.
- Lift the lever and gently release the main fuse box cover.
- Carefully disconnect the connectors inside. You may need a small screwdriver or even a helping hand to trigger all the release points.
Tip: Only two connectors need to be removed for most installations. Move them to the side to free working space around the ECU.
Step 2: Unbolt and Access the ECU
- Unbolt the ECU housing. You can leave the front bolts partially threaded if it helps manage the harness.
- Flip the ECU housing up and off to the side, laying it beside the fuse box or on top of the water tank if needed.
Making Connections: Harness and CAN Bus Wiring
Step 3: Identify and Prepare ECU Connectors
- The X1 Connector (with blue insert): Home to CAN high and low wires.
- The X2 Connector (black): Contains the camshaft sensor signal.
Carefully unwrap the harnesses to add length where needed, as the connectors approach from different directions on the Camaro and CTS-V. Unwrapping gives you slack for tidy installation.
Step 4: Insert Your ReFlex Wires
- For the X1 (CAN bus): Locate pin 39 (CAN high) and pin 40 (CAN low). Insert the supplied yellow (CAN high) and green (CAN low) wires from the ReFlex harness here. Use the video’s example of carefully unlatching, realigning, and reseating the pins.
- For the X2 (Cam sensor): Find pin 39, often a white or green/black wire depending on model/year. Install the purple wire for the camshaft signal into this position.
After you’ve made your pin swaps, use the lock inserts provided and double-check all connections. Keep signal wires twisted together to minimize interference.
Step 5: Connect the CAN and Cam Wires
Using the included small connector:
- CAN high (white) to pin 1
- CAN low (blue) to pin 2
- Camshaft signal (purple) to pin 3
Connect and lock these into the harness adapter. Confirm the pin match-up visually so you don’t encounter issues later.
Installer’s Tips: Harness Routing and Mounting
- Route the injector harness across the front of the engine, with shorter runs to cylinders 1 and 2 and longer ones to 7 and 8.
- Lay your main harness out, avoid unnecessary loops, and zip-tie in place, especially near the flex fuel sensor and MAF adapter.
- Tuck the extra length or unused connectors into the fender well or other open spaces for a clean look.
Mount the controller on the back side of the fuse box using provided hardware or sturdy zip ties. Make sure the USB access is unobstructed for future programming or diagnostics.
Final Steps: Power, Ground, and USB Setup
- Connect the red power wire to a convenient terminal (such as the same one used for the intercooler pump—terminal 5 is recommended).
- Secure the two ground wires from the relay box to an appropriate stud on the chassis.
- Mount the relay/fuse box snugly on the frame using zip ties for security.
Plug in the micro USB cable to the controller; connect the other end to your laptop for software configuration. You only need to do this for initial setup and major changes—the Camaro CTSV ReFlex+ is nearly set-and-forget for most users.
Post-Installation Checklist
- Double-check all harness connections to the ECU, fuse box, and controller.
- Ensure all wires are zip-tied out of the way of moving parts and heat sources.
- Reconnect the vehicle’s battery.
- Confirm that your software sees the device and all sensors respond as expected before starting the engine.
Tuning Advice and Ongoing Maintenance for Camaro CTSV ReFlex
Once installed, you’ll tune most aspects with HP Tuners. Only reconnect the USB if you change injectors or boost levels.
- Perform a base calibration and monitor data closely after installation.
- If you encounter warning lights or sensor errors, double-check your pinouts and connections using this guide.
- Contact TooHighPsi support for troubleshooting if necessary—they’re happy to help!
Conclusion: Level Up Your Camaro or CTS-V
Upgrading to the Motive ReFlex+ controller transforms your Camaro or CTS-V into a more responsive, tunable machine. Following this installation guide ensures your Camaro CTSV ReFlex+ is set up safely and efficiently. Begin your install today, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team or drop a comment below. Happy wrenching and stay safe on the road!