Why not to buy a programmer/handheld tuner and get a custom tune.

[Manbearpig]

Most of this thread was stolen from a thread on GMfullsize since it was already typed up lol. I noticed it was a very common question over here as well so I decided to make this thread to help inform people.

I want to make this thread to hopefully stop having all these programmer questions.
I hope we can get an mod to sticky this.

We get this question a lot.
Which programmer to buy for my Silverado / Sierra?
Programmers are good if you can buy them for $10 from someone & you have basic bolt ons, if that. Other wise it's a waste of money.
If you are serious about actually needing a tune/programmer, instead of just being a "random" accessory, seriously dump the programmers.

What you want to get is a custom tune!
Why?

* Less expensive than a programmer.
* Custom performance settings based on mods you've done to the truck. Not just a cookiecutter settings you get from programmers. This part is huge. This is the biggest advantage of getting a custom tune. You get a tune based on your output desires & application. Which means... MORE POWER!
* A lot more options to tinker with from a custom tune. From example: your tow/haul mode being used for more aggressive shift patterns.
* Changing of your transmission settings. Like more pressure for firmer shifts, to removing torque management, to different shift patterns at WOT, etc
* Blackbear can adjust the new six speed transmissions(in person), while programmers cannot
* Tuning for different octane for better performance / MPG
* Disabling AFM(Active fuel management)


I could go on.

Who do you want to get tunes from?

Blackbear:
http://blackbearperformance.com/


Wheatley:
http://www.gowheatley.com/


Herron Performance (Forum Vendor)
http://www.herronperformance.com/


Nelson Performance
http://www.nelsonperformance.com/


One huge advantage to these guys is customer support. Both are top-notch and you just aren't another dollar. They are usual visitors to this forum as well as other truck forums. You can talk to an actual person about your tune, not just to a company. To me the personal touch is huge.

I would suggest waiting for a Blackbear group tune. You get the tune cheaper, plus Justin hooks his laptop to your truck while you drive around, so he knows what is going on with your truck & what changes he can make to it.


But if you are so hooked on tuning your truck up yourself(like I was)
You can guy the professional tools that many of those vendors use to tune others vehicles
Tools such as:

EFI Live
http://www.efilive.com/
http://www.efilive.com/index.php?opt...=57&Itemid=110


HP Tuners
www.hptuners.com



ALSO:
A comparison between a handheld programer/tuner to a custom made PCM tune:

Stock : 250 / 275
Predator 87 Octane : ZERO GAINS 14:1 AFR
Predator 93 Octane : ZERO GAINS 14:1 AFR
Adjusted stock tune : 260 / 281
CUSTOM HP TUNE : 266 / 296 (+16HP / +21TQ)

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/show...ght=programmer

[Shon]

I (Herron Performance) will take vehicle and begin logging it and make the adjustments needed, just as most of the others that do it in person.

If you want to have dyno numbers I can arrange that as well.

With custom tunes picking up about 2-3+ MPGs is possible, depending on certain conditions.

And I will add that with some time with vehicle, the active fuel management can be changed as well to come in sooner and longer if that is what the customer wants. Just have to drive it and make sure the paramaters make for a smooth transition.

DFCO is also a neat thing (in some cases) but it also needs time so you can get the transition just right so it is seemless.

[Manbearpig]

What do you use to tune with?
I have yet to start playing with my DFCO tables yet.

[Shon]

Originally Posted by Manbearpig

What do you use to tune with?
I have yet to start playing with my DFCO tables yet.

HP Tuners for the LSx PCM's and TunerCats for the LT1 stuff.

[bluex]

Ok guys, DFCO is a new one for me, what is that?

[Shon]

Decel Fuel Cut Off