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Is an 87 Tune worth it?

BigRed82

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BigRed82 New Member

BigRed82

Posted
Posted

Greetings,

 

I'm new to the forum. I recently purchased an 02 Silverado extended cab 4x4 with 5.3L v8/auto transmission on 265s. The truck has 85000 miles and appears to be well cared for. There is no rust, and the engine is clean enough to eat dinner on. The undercarriage was meticulous as well, and the truck had some minor aftermarket trim pieces. Negative surprises include failing clearcoat (hood and roof) and bad wheel bearings. I use the truck as a bad weather vehicle/tow vehicle for my trailer/quad. I also take it to camp where there are no paved roads. I'm considering my options for it at this point. I'm interested in a tune for the engine. I hear that Blackbear is one of the best tuners around. I'm not even remotely interested in going with a tune that requires higher octane, as I don't want to spend any more cash filling it up. What can an 87 octane tune offer me, besides the ability to adjust computer for larger tire size. Is there any more power to be gained going from stock to 87 tuned, or is it essentially a waste of money without tuning for higher octane?

 

-Thanks

-Dan

MikeNH Senior Enthusiast

MikeNH

Posted
Posted

Welcome to the site! You'll get some gains and I know I've read of people happy with the results but obviously a premium tune is best. And honestly if this is an occasional use vehicle why worry? A tank of premium adds maybe $5 to the cost.

kstruckcountry Senior Enthusiast

kstruckcountry

Posted
Posted

I use 89 and sometimes 87 in my pickup and I love my tune. The stock transmission tune is stupid. With my tune from Blackbear, it shifts when I want it. Doesn't hesitate to kick down when you floor it, and will shift sooner when you're not giving it much throttle. All in all it stays in gear better and is a lot of fun to drive.

txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

It's worth it even for 87. Getting the shift points adjusted as well as throttle performance etc..... I've tuned for 92. Yes it costs .20 more but I've picked up about 1.5 mpg which offsets the price difference

 

 

Your butt dyno will love it

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