[ls1nova71]

Well, your sort of right, but I can tell you are new to this stuff and it can get kind of overwhelming sometimes. You're kind of getting into semantics though. The connect and Cruise package is an LS3, which is a GenIV engine, so it will need a TCM (transmission Control Module) to run the transmission. This engine uses what GM calls an ECM (Engine Control Module) to run the engine. The older GenIII engines used a PCM (Powertrain Control Module) which controls both the engine and transmission, hence the term 'powertrain' rather than just 'engine'. Your local experts probably meant that some kind of controller is required for all E transmissions, but not all are separate, some of the earlier Gen IV's have the transmission controller actually mounted inside the trans so it appears there is no controller, but there is. Hope this helps and didn't just make things even more complicated!