Pittsburgh Tune-fri 13th 6:30pm

nickbarb · May 15, 2011

2011 Gmc Sierra 4X4 5.3l Stock tune review

Let me first start off by saying I've done much research in this type of performance mods by Blackbear and others. My truck suffered from shifting lag, lurching under hard acceleration, and just seemed under powered for the most part. I really didn't have much to complain about as far as fuel economy averaging 17.2 mpg around town, and driving very conservative.

My wife and I arrived at the meet about 10mins early, Justin was finishing up with another truck. Having never met him before I was struck by his very low key approach and manner. He started out by getting the stock readings, and proceeded to optimize every setting he could. He answered every question or concern I had and explained and answered in great detail. Any doubt that I had about doing this to my "New" truck was quickly erased by his knowledge of GM vehicles.

We proceeded to the highway for a drive and the difference was noticeable. Justin made several adjustments along the drive and had me stop and re adjust settings. Justin was sensitive to my input and changed a setting that didn't feel right to me. I wasn't looking for a race truck, I just wanted it to run like what I perceived it should. I had a 2008 Silverado 5.3l that couldn't spin the tires and when it switched to V4 it felt like it was being pulled back.

Now I have a truck that shifts the way it should and pulls hard through the entire power-band without lurching or surging. When it switches into V4 mode it now feels like it's pulling ahead. I know it can smoke the tires now, and wanted to know that it could rather than showing off. At WOT it's an amazing difference from before and the upshift between 1st and 2nd almost feels like my old barracuda 383 ( I won't get to carried away) it feels great. My wife liked it too! One last note, Justin never asked for the money when he started, and that told me a lot about him. He made a difference and I recommend his services, highly. It was a fun drive home.

Thank you, Justin