Tuning And Mods For Nbs 6.0 Vmax

VMax2007 · July 27, 2007

Ok, after several topics regarding tuning the NBS trucks, and alot of online research, I was ready to give up and postpone any tuning plans until they get it right and can remove TM. Here is my latest option, which I am seriously considering. In fact, I am going to set up the appt for late Aug.

1. I have a GMPP CAI on it's way, I plan to install this myself next week.

2. Custom tune and mods from my local Speed Shop..."High Performance Art" in Blaine, MN

They will tune my truck with a Performance tune, removing ALL TM (or whatever I decide to remove)!!! This will include the tune and any required reflashes if the dealer needs to reflash my PCM for whatever reason. Then they will install a custom, performance MAF sensor, which they claim will increase airflow..quote from e-mail: We have our own custom line of MAF sensors or mass air flow sensors that allow a 50% increase in improved airflow and a significant improvement to the overall performance also requiring a VCM flash.

They also recommend at least a Magnaflow replacement muffler, or a dual exhaust upgrade, i haven't decided which I will go with yet. Probably a dual exhaust upgrade since I am "going all out" anyway.

This will be more expensive than a mail-order tune or a handheld, but I am not going to screw around anymore and waste my money on a "half-tune" that doesn't remove TM. I like the idea of a local professional that will be there for support after the sale/work is done. They claim they will be there for me:

I always support my customers as it is my intention to create a future relationship with everyone who takes that position.

Pricing?

Tune: $425

MAF: $275

Exhaust: ???

I want it done right...after all, what's another grand or so when I spent nearly $40K on this truck already.

Paul58 · July 27, 2007

Jeff,

Congratulations! Sounds like you found your perfect set-up! My only recommendation (which you're probably already considering) is to go with a Corsa or GMPP (Borla) dual exhaust set-up so you're ensured you don't end up with an annoying drone in the cabin!

I am seriously considering the GNPP Intake and the Corsa Single-Side Touring Exhaust for my truck! I'm going with the Single exit because of towing the TT, I don't want the truck blowing hot exhaust right at the TT on long trips!

Looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new tune!

HuntingEd · July 27, 2007

sounds great. Im still waitin for some more miles on the VMax before I do it. got 5200 now... probably by 10k I'll be gettin a tune.

Im leaning towards a Diable Sport hand held.

Maybe before then I'll get gettin the GMPP Air intake.... Pls let me know how it works for ya!

VMax2007 · July 27, 2007

Jeff,

Congratulations! Sounds like you found your perfect set-up! My only recommendation (which you're probably already considering) is to go with a Corsa or GMPP (Borla) dual exhaust set-up so you're ensured you don't end up with an annoying drone in the cabin!

I am seriously considering the GNPP Intake and the Corsa Single-Side Touring Exhaust for my truck! I'm going with the Single exit because of towing the TT, I don't want the truck blowing hot exhaust right at the TT on long trips!

Looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new tune!

Yep, it will be either Corsa or Borla. I will have to decide this and get it on before I get the tune done. Any recommendations between the 2? I have heard one fits better than the other, but I cannot recall which? I would want the dual exit under the bumper. I have single exit under the bumper now (6.0 has rear exit).

Paul58 · July 27, 2007

Jeff,

Congratulations! Sounds like you found your perfect set-up! My only recommendation (which you're probably already considering) is to go with a Corsa or GMPP (Borla) dual exhaust set-up so you're ensured you don't end up with an annoying drone in the cabin!

I am seriously considering the GNPP Intake and the Corsa Single-Side Touring Exhaust for my truck! I'm going with the Single exit because of towing the TT, I don't want the truck blowing hot exhaust right at the TT on long trips!

Looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new tune!

Yep, it will be either Corsa or Borla. I will have to decide this and get it on before I get the tune done. Any recommendations between the 2? I have heard one fits better than the other, but I cannot recall which? I would want the dual exit under the bumper. I have single exit under the bumper now (6.0 has rear exit).

Personally, as much as I'd like to stick with GMPP, I'd probably go with Corsa! The main reason is because I have heard (unconfirmed) that the GMPP (Borla) is a glass packed muffler and will get louder with age as the glass packing deteriorates. Thus the reason I am leaning toward the Corsa Single-side exit Touring model! Both carry a life-time warranty, but I don't think the warranty covers the sound getting louder!

Dana_15 · July 27, 2007

Yep, it will be either Corsa or Borla. I will have to decide this and get it on before I get the tune done. Any recommendations between the 2? I have heard one fits better than the other, but I cannot recall which? I would want the dual exit under the bumper. I have single exit under the bumper now (6.0 has rear exit).

Corsa makes a nice exhaust, I don't know about the 6.0, but the Touring edition sounds great on the 5.3 and 4.8 (I had one on my last 4.8). Borla has a little bit more drone than the Corsa, but IMO the tips look better. I have a Borla split side on my **ahem** current truck, sounds great at WOT. Keep us updated.

MikeRS1981 · July 27, 2007

Since nobody has been able to fiddle with the TM yet, how is the speed shop going to do it. I was under the impression these guys just used the tools that were out there for us, like the handhelds

VMax2007 · July 27, 2007

Since nobody has been able to fiddle with the TM yet, how is the speed shop going to do it. I was under the impression these guys just used the tools that were out there for us, like the handhelds

I am assuming he does NOT use a handheld. I questioned him specifically on it and he reassured me he could do it. I will keep posting updates on what I find out. Keep in mind, he is not a "mail-order" tuner such as Wait4me or Wheatleys, he is a full-service performance shop with a Dyno, etc.

Here is their website:

http://www.hiperformanceart.com/main.htm

DanMan_S · July 27, 2007

If you're doing that much tuning and removing the TM, I'd recommend a few transmission modifications. Without the TM, you hit the limitations of the transmission fairly quickly and I've had multiple shops tell me to at least install the shift servos asap.

So far I have the GMPP Intake, am putting on a Corsa sport exhaust next week then will start shopping for a tune and headers.

VMax2007 · July 27, 2007

If you're doing that much tuning and removing the TM, I'd recommend a few transmission modifications. Without the TM, you hit the limitations of the transmission fairly quickly and I've had multiple shops tell me to at least install the shift servos asap.

So far I have the GMPP Intake, am putting on a Corsa sport exhaust next week then will start shopping for a tune and headers.

Thanks, I will ask about that. Any idea how much that would cost? I am not sure I will go with a full-blown perf tune with ALL TM removed. I may go with a milder one and retain some TM. Not sure yet, I need to sit down with the guy and go through all of this.

DanMan_S · July 27, 2007

Does anyone have any experience with the superchips tuner?

http://www.superchips.com/products.php?p_c...Trucks+%26+SUVs

Apparently they DO support the transmission in the NNBS trucks and give some pretty hefty gains. I've heard of alot of people switching to them from the Diablo Predator simply because of the transmission support.

Do they eliminate the 4 second closed loop WOT fueling cycle as well?

^^^I'm not too sure about the servo cost yet as I haven't had a chance to look into the more specific details yet but I'll probably have to pretty soon.

HuntingEd · July 27, 2007

How much difference did you guys who have the GMPP CAI notice?? I want one!

DanMan_S · July 27, 2007

How much difference did you guys who have the GMPP CAI notice?? I want one!

Good question, I got my dealership to throw mine one before I picked up the truck so I never had a benchmark for comparison. It is pretty noisy though!

VMax2007 · July 27, 2007

How much difference did you guys who have the GMPP CAI notice?? I want one!

I don't have mine installed yet, but am told that without a MAF upgrade, tune and exhaust, the gains will be minimal, it will just sound better.

You can get one, brand new in the box from a dealer on ebay for $300. I even got him to cut the $23 shipping in half.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...270935&rd=1

Gozer · July 27, 2007

Regarding the exhaust, I don't have any personal experience with either, but I like the Borla set-up with dual exhaust exiting behind the wheels. This gives the dual exhaust look and sound, but avoids blowing exhaust at whatever you're towing.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to have any exhausts available for the NBS 6.0L. I filled in the on-line form for additional info, but I haven't heard anything back.