Hand Held Programmers

[txnole]

OK I have read and searched on this forum for quite some time and still have some questions. I know because I have had it done on other vehicles(f-150 and titan) that a custom tune is the best way to go. However, I have used handhelds as well and been fairly satisfied. I have an '09 5.3 CC with six speed and what I'm reading is that no programmer can make changes to the TCM for the transmission. Superchips themselves in customer service said they do make changes within their provides tunes. If there is no tuning the transmission is their any improvements felt with the programmer. I am looking for folks with the 5.3 and six speed specifically to share their experiences with this.

 

Thanks,

Brandon

[music]

OK I have read and searched on this forum for quite some time and still have some questions. I know because I have had it done on other vehicles(f-150 and titan) that a custom tune is the best way to go. However, I have used handhelds as well and been fairly satisfied. I have an '09 5.3 CC with six speed and what I'm reading is that no programmer can make changes to the TCM for the transmission. Superchips themselves in customer service said they do make changes within their provides tunes. If there is no tuning the transmission is their any improvements felt with the programmer. I am looking for folks with the 5.3 and six speed specifically to share their experiences with this.

 

Thanks,

Brandon

 

Anyone with an GMT900 and a Diablosport Predator programmer does not tune the TCM. However, most guys that have one say it makes a noticeable difference. I personally can't say, but I've read a lot of positive posts. You may want to visit their forum. I think Superchips has a forum too? The units I studied were Predator, Superchips, Hypertech and Edge. The last three modify the 4L60 TCM tune, but I'm not sure about the 6L80.

[wurgs]

I have 2009 GMC 6.0 with the 6speed and got a predator for it and did notice a difference. It doesn't take all the tranny nannies out but does definately make it more driveable. DIC even say I'm getting 1.8 mpg more ( although its only been about 1000 miles compared to 6500 before tune, so we'll see.) I do think you should look into a cai and catback system also. I put my truck back to stock when I got my new exhaust and then put the tune back in and it made a noticeable difference than before the exhaust.

[txnole]

Well I called a place locally here in Tyler yesterday to see what they had to say about the hand held programmers and they said they can tune it themselves because they have the software and have already done a few trucks and several vettes and caddy's. They said it would run me $275 for that so I think I might go that route. I will probably have this done in the next couple of weeks and will let you guys know how it turns out.

[ricci151]

Well I called a place locally here in Tyler yesterday to see what they had to say about the hand held programmers and they said they can tune it themselves because they have the software and have already done a few trucks and several vettes and caddy's. They said it would run me $275 for that so I think I might go that route. I will probably have this done in the next couple of weeks and will let you guys know how it turns out.

 

 

Are they giving you a computer to replace, a handheld, or are they just flashing your computer with the new tune? Just the flash will loose your default tune. There goes your warranty.

[txnole]

They said they could flash a new pcm for me. Going to talk to the guy who does the programming. I have alot of questions for him. How is the predator working on your '09? Is it a noticeable difference to you?

[ricci151]

They said they could flash a new pcm for me. Going to talk to the guy who does the programming. I have alot of questions for him. How is the predator working on your '09? Is it a noticeable difference to you?

 

 

Its definitely noticeable however the TCM option would be nice. Predator says its coming soon but they have beensaying that for over a year. But handhelds are def a bonus in my opinion.

[txnole]

Did you disable the dod? That is one of the main things I want done. I had a superchips cortex for my Nissan Titan and it did nothing for the shifts but made a good bit of difference in throttle response. I'm assuming that's what the hand helds to for the '09 six speeds.

[66nova]

Another option for you is Black Bear Performance.

 

They will be in Ft. Worth on July 9-11.

 

If you want to ask someone about the difference in a Black Bear tune vs a Diablo send Stevens07 a PM. He had a custom tune from Diablo and recently changed to Black Bear and is very pleased with the difference.

[txnole]

I had heard Justin was coming some time in the summer just didn't know when. I will look into that as well.

[Anthonyb]

I had heard Justin was coming some time in the summer just didn't know when. I will look into that as well.

I am in San Antonio and just had mine done by Nelson, he is able to tune the 6 speed tranny. It cost $300 and is was done in a little more than an hour. My trans had to be tuned in person because i have the 2500HD and the 6l90 trans. If that is your trans, I think you have to have yours done in person too. I am very happy with the tune and sold my Edge CS to have it done.

[2005LT]

I have a 6.0 with 6 speed and the predator. As mentioned above, there is a bit of a difference but nothing all that impressive. It did make it downshift quicker on a throttle dump (to clear a yellow light etc.) and pull a little harder. I didn't notice much change in fuel economy.

 

Shifting is still majorly over-nannied under light-medium acceleration. Falls flat on its face during & after shifts. I can't wait to have a BB tune done on this thing.