Blackbear Tune?

jgold121 · August 14, 2009

So I sent this e-mail to Justin just a little while ago, and got an auto-reply that he'll be out of the office until next week---so maybe someone can answer these simple questions for me.

<e-mail>

I've had my 2009 GMC Sierra Z71 4WD 5.3 AFM/Flex for just over a week now, and without self-control, I've started modding it to no end. I'm a member over at GM-Trucks.com, and can't hardly find a post that doesn't have some mention of BlackBear. I kinda just wanted to touch base with you and see what my options are.

I've read all of the FAQs on your site, as well as GM-T, and still want a little clarification.

Basically what I want to do is have a tune that will ultimately get rid of lag in the gas pedal, get a little more low-end power for towing, get a little more power in acceleration, reduce shifting time and tighten the shift points, and get any kind gas mileage improvement I can. The engine is bone stock. I don't plan on adding anything even as far as a K&N. I don't want to test anything with my warranty---and that's a huge concern with me.

The thing that I don't quite understand is this: Is your tune actually a module or chip that I can plug in somewhere? And then remove it before I go to the dealer? Or is there actually a handheld controller that I upload the tune with---you just custom write it?

Do you think this stuff is possible? Forgive my ignorance.

Also, what would be the price to do this? Do I really need to ride around with a laptop? Or do you pretty much know how a 1 week old 5.3 V8 is performing?

Thanks for your help, Justin. If what they say about you is true, I can't wait to throw a whole hell of a lot of money at you

</e-mail>

importkiller76 · August 14, 2009

Lol wow man your email looks almost identical to the one I sent yesterday! I also had the same questions. I'm hoping someone here can help us....

66nova · August 14, 2009

So I sent this e-mail to Justin just a little while ago, and got an auto-reply that he'll be out of the office until next week---so maybe someone can answer these simple questions for me.

<e-mail>

I've had my 2009 GMC Sierra Z71 4WD 5.3 AFM/Flex for just over a week now, and without self-control, I've started modding it to no end. I'm a member over at GM-Trucks.com, and can't hardly find a post that doesn't have some mention of BlackBear. I kinda just wanted to touch base with you and see what my options are.

I've read all of the FAQs on your site, as well as GM-T, and still want a little clarification.

Basically what I want to do is have a tune that will ultimately get rid of lag in the gas pedal, get a little more low-end power for towing, get a little more power in acceleration, reduce shifting time and tighten the shift points, and get any kind gas mileage improvement I can. The engine is bone stock. I don't plan on adding anything even as far as a K&N. I don't want to test anything with my warranty---and that's a huge concern with me.

The thing that I don't quite understand is this: Is your tune actually a module or chip that I can plug in somewhere? And then remove it before I go to the dealer? Or is there actually a handheld controller that I upload the tune with---you just custom write it?

Do you think this stuff is possible? Forgive my ignorance.

Also, what would be the price to do this? Do I really need to ride around with a laptop? Or do you pretty much know how a 1 week old 5.3 V8 is performing?

Thanks for your help, Justin. If what they say about you is true, I can't wait to throw a whole hell of a lot of money at you

</e-mail>

All of this is very achievable with a tune. I have the 6.0 w/ 4 speed and it is amazing the difference in everything you mentioned.

You actually take you stock ECM (Engine Control Module) out and replace it with the tuned ECM from Justin. So, you keep your stock modules for when you go to the dealer. I have gone to the dealer twice with my tuned modules in. As long as it is not a drivetrain issue, they should not be looking at your computer programming anyway.

There are 3 ways to get a tune from Justin. Plain mail order tune, Scan Cable tune, and then the Live tune. I don't recommend the mail order by itself. It will be a good tune, but not as custom as the other two. The Scan cable or Live tunes are the best ways to go. Most of us here prefer the live tune if you can get that set up because it is so much fun riding around with Justin and getting to see the performance changes on the fly. Prices are on his website. Range is from $200-300 depending on method. Then extra modules run around 200.

You will absolutely love the tune. It is amazing how much these motors are held back from the factory.

peteking · August 14, 2009

Justin's prices are very reasonable for the work done. Plan to budget ~350 bucks, but don't quote me on that. It isn't a chip, it's software. A tune is an actual reprogramming of your PCM computer. The firing tables, shift point info, etc etc are held in flash memory in this computer. Justin's custom tune profile overwrites the factory tune profile. He can either do this to your truck's PCM, or you can purchase an additional PCM module from him, with the custom tune on that one (so you can swap them out, if you ever go back to the dealer).

Justin could blindly load a tune onto your PCM and you'll notice an improvement. But his work shines if he has specific data about your engine's personality. Hence the data-gathering session with a laptop. Justin uses the datalog to optimize the tune parameters and ensure that your truck runs the way you want it to. Everything you mention below (tighten shift points, reduce gas pedal lag, etc) should be possible. And you might be able to squeeze another 1-2 highway mph too.

Hope my explanation didn't insult your intelligence or anything....I was just trying to be specific! Good luck!!!

jgold121 · August 14, 2009

I'm starting to get the jest of it. Where's he located? California?

Also, more importantly, where is my ECM located? I'd definitely like to have the interchangeability option by purchasing an extra core. Because I have a feeling I'll be needing some drivetrain warranty after this SOB.

peteking · August 14, 2009

I believe Justin lives in Virginia or North Carolina...? But he travels a lot for tune meets.

I'm not sure where the engine computer sits in a GMT900. In my 2005 it's on the driver's side, mounted below my alternator.

MS3DALE · August 14, 2009

I'm starting to get the jest of it. Where's he located? California?

Also, more importantly, where is my ECM located? I'd definitely like to have the interchangeability option by purchasing an extra core. Because I have a feeling I'll be needing some drivetrain warranty after this SOB.

He lives in Alexandria,VA.

Your modules are located under the hood,on top of the drivers side frame rail right behind the radiator. (Between the radiator and auxiliary battery tray)

The larger one is the ECM,The smaller one is the TCM.

MS3DALE · August 14, 2009

BTW,The reason why Justin is out of the office....He's in Atlanta doing a group tune meet this weekend

jgold121 · August 14, 2009

Dammit! I'm in Alabama! I should just get him to make the couple hours south to see me!

gave20 · August 14, 2009

Keep checking his website, they list the group tunes and one may be close to you.

MS3DALE · August 14, 2009

Keep checking his website, they list the group tunes and one may be close to you.

Yep,Or check here.....Black Bear Performance

jdg2 · August 14, 2009

So I sent this e-mail to Justin just a little while ago, and got an auto-reply that he'll be out of the office until next week---so maybe someone can answer these simple questions for me.

<e-mail>

I've had my 2009 GMC Sierra Z71 4WD 5.3 AFM/Flex for just over a week now, and without self-control, I've started modding it to no end. I'm a member over at GM-Trucks.com, and can't hardly find a post that doesn't have some mention of BlackBear. I kinda just wanted to touch base with you and see what my options are.

I've read all of the FAQs on your site, as well as GM-T, and still want a little clarification.

Basically what I want to do is have a tune that will ultimately get rid of lag in the gas pedal, get a little more low-end power for towing, get a little more power in acceleration, reduce shifting time and tighten the shift points, and get any kind gas mileage improvement I can. The engine is bone stock. I don't plan on adding anything even as far as a K&N. I don't want to test anything with my warranty---and that's a huge concern with me.

The thing that I don't quite understand is this: Is your tune actually a module or chip that I can plug in somewhere? And then remove it before I go to the dealer? Or is there actually a handheld controller that I upload the tune with---you just custom write it?

Do you think this stuff is possible? Forgive my ignorance.

Also, what would be the price to do this? Do I really need to ride around with a laptop? Or do you pretty much know how a 1 week old 5.3 V8 is performing?

Thanks for your help, Justin. If what they say about you is true, I can't wait to throw a whole hell of a lot of money at you

</e-mail>

All of this is very achievable with a tune. I have the 6.0 w/ 4 speed and it is amazing the difference in everything you mentioned.

You actually take you stock ECM (Engine Control Module) out and replace it with the tuned ECM from Justin. So, you keep your stock modules for when you go to the dealer. I have gone to the dealer twice with my tuned modules in. As long as it is not a drivetrain issue, they should not be looking at your computer programming anyway.

There are 3 ways to get a tune from Justin. Plain mail order tune, Scan Cable tune, and then the Live tune. I don't recommend the mail order by itself. It will be a good tune, but not as custom as the other two. The Scan cable or Live tunes are the best ways to go. Most of us here prefer the live tune if you can get that set up because it is so much fun riding around with Justin and getting to see the performance changes on the fly. Prices are on his website. Range is from $200-300 depending on method. Then extra modules run around 200.

You will absolutely love the tune. It is amazing how much these motors are held back from the factory.

Robert (66nova) pretty much hit the nail on the head .. and you will not be dissaponted. Justin is very good about getting back to people. Just hang in there.... I don't think any of us who have a tune from Justin have been disappointed. The only regrets I've heard are because they didn't get tuned sooner.