Another tuner question thread

[chupe442]

I recently gave up on my old 2003 2500HD 6.0 Gasser. She has had a rough life prior to me and the cost to keep her going and itch for something new (er) took hold. A couple of weeks ago I came across a 2011 Sierra, Crew, Z71, All Terrain, 5.3, 3.42's on stock height 265's.

 

I would really like to go with a BlackBear tune but with the 6 speed tranny I am looking at close to 600.00 bucks. To those of you that have a BB tune, its a no brainer but 600 for a tune is not in the budget. From what I can tell, the DiabloSport i1000 (or even the Predator U7186) seems to be the best bang out there.

 

We camp on weekends.. 7500gross weight camper. Truck is a daily driver as well.

 

Mods to do in the coming weeks/months... 2" level (front), CAI, Catback (nothing too loud, something to let it breath a bit more). Maybe 275 or 285's when the 265's wear out. Not looking to put headers on it but want some more pull and go from it.

 

Want.

-A plug in/modifiable tuner that does not have to be plugged in all the time.

-Reversible and undetectable while servicing at dealership.

-More playful power.

-Disable torque management (the 5.3 should be able to break the tires loose from a dead stop...) and auto fuel management.

-tire calibration

-shift programming

-$275-375pricing new (I have no issues with unmarried used programmers either as long as I am getting something that works well)

 

Custom shift programming is not that big of a deal to me, I just want it to have some intelligent options. I want to drive this thing not fiddle with it constantly.

 

So what are your thoughts as to what is working well on a budget?

 

Thanks!!

[mike94silverado]

If you're going to pay 375 for something, yet you want the 600 dollar one why not just save for the 600 dollar one?

 

 

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[mike94silverado]

I've "settled" on stuff in the past up to buying a. Extended cab truck over a crew... Never works now I get what I want the first time and am done with it.

 

 

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[kstruckcountry]

Custom tune is the only way to go. You can go black bear or diablo in tune and have lew custom tune it. Gotta pay to play.

[66nova]

Another route that would get you very close to your $375 range and still get your Black Bear tune is look for a used Autocal. They are listed on this forum and others on a regular basis. Just a thought.

 

Example...

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/158152-blackbear-efi-live-autocal/?hl=autocal

 

Also, I have seen them often on GMfullsize.com

[chupe442]

So saying that I pick up a used autocal, how much would it cost then to get the full benefit of the Black Bear tune? With the Autocal, is it fully programable on the fly then or do I have to send it out and upload its contents every time I change something on my truck. This is all new to me so just accepting that a Black Bear tune is the way to go doesnt really compute to making sense. With a DiabloSport tuner (or whatever), I get to make the changes. Not saying its the best way but to me it just seems a bit more newby user friendly.

[66nova]

With the Autocal you will have to email the datalog to Justin and he sends you a tune file. No, it is not instant like a diablo or other hand held, but it does not take long either. Instead of a box tune that should be close for most vehicles you get a very reputable professional tuner evaluating your data and making proper adjustments based off of your needs. Plus, you save a copy of all your tunes so you can change back and forth. You can have him write a 87 octane tune and a 93 octane tune and switch back and forth.

 

I also have a serious question for you. How often do you really think you will be changing your tune when you have an optimized tune in your truck in the first place?

 

I also have some for instance for you. I have made multiple changes to my truck from air filters, to cold air intakes, to exhaust, to headers and most recently a Magnacharger. Eventually a 4L80E and a cam. The autocal has allowed me to datalog and optimize my tune. Im drawing a blank on which, but there was one of those that justin said he normally needed to make a few changes for and didn't need anything for my truck (this is most likely a combination of tune, fuel, environment, driving style, etc) With a canned tuner, those changes would have been changed and the tune not optimized.

 

I'm sure the diablo is great. I know they have a lot of happy customers. I personally know some of them. I also know a lot of people that have previously had Diablo tunes and made the switch to Black Bear. They all were impressed. I also know you will be hard pressed to find negative Black Bear reviews.

[chupe442]

I have yet to find any negative reviews on Black Bear. The budget was more set to the thought process of simplicity and what I get for close to 600 compared to 350 and whether it would be something I would be content with or regret. I appreciate your input. Even though it was not what I was looking for you have shed a different light on the situation. With picking the autocal up used, it brings me to the no brainer area that Black Bear will more than likely be the direction to go with.

 

I have reached out to Black Bear for some other information so the wheels are turning.

Thanks so much!

[wurgs]

I bought a Diablosport Intune and a custom Diablew tune for 485. Great bang for the buck