Hp tuners vs Autocal

[IdahoCallaway]

So i just bought an 09 Silverado 6.2 ccsb with 3.42s with only 10k miles on it, already have done and muffler delete. (For anyone who was thinking about doing that, Money well spent in my eyes, sounds like a $1000 dollar system that cost me $45 bucks and isn't too loud but just right). I want to get a custom tune now for the truck since warranty just expired. Really want to go black bear autocal with emailing tunes and what not but i was doing a little research around okc and found XP-Racing that does dyno tunes. Emailed them and said they can tune ECM and TCM with HP Tuners on Dyno for $260. My question is Autocal better then the HP Tuners? I figure there can't be much difference plus I don't have to wait for the emails and shipping, i can just get it done in one day. What do yall think?

[66nova]

Justin comes to my clinic in Fort Worth about every 3-4 months. Well worth the 3 hour or so drive.

 

In fact he will be here this weekend. You should see if they have time slots open.

 

And no, the software doesn't make that big of difference. It's the person running the software. There is a reason everyone wants a black bear tune.

[chupe442]

If they are local for you and are performing a "live tune" and will give support as needed, it would be a good deal to me.

 

As for Blackbear, YOU keep your stock tune as well as whatever mod tunes they do for you.. For instance, you would receive a stock tune (to bring your truck back to stock), a 87-89 octane tune, a 91+ tune. If you don't tow, you may want something "fun" done with the trailer/tow mode as well.. You can change tunes as you wish (most just leave alone but if you want to change for an up coming vacation, you can). You own the tune and the autocal device to make changes, plus you get lifetime support if you make changes/mods to your truck in the future. If you add a CIA, you will want to autocal and send it to them for the change adjustments etc..

 

With the Autocal device, it also reads ODB codes in the event you have issues.. Nice to have.

[chupe442]

And no, the software doesn't make that big of difference. It's the person running the software. There is a reason everyone wants a black bear tune.

+1

[IdahoCallaway]

66nova - I tried getting a slot they are already full, man those things fill up fast.

 

That makes sense with the person running it, OKC is pretty famous for there street cars so i would think they would be able to do what i want to the truck. its about 5 miles down the road from where i am, the guy said he usually gets about 20 more hp at the wheels and about 2 more to 4 more mpg depending on driving habits which is consistent with what i have read from black bear. I didn't think about having the autocal and having different options of tunes i wanted and it would be nice to have the autocal to read and clear codes whenever they come up.... might have to rethink this now..... always wanted a black bear, might just spend the extra money and get what i have always wanted

[66nova]

That stinks.

 

I can't say that the tuners there aren't extremely qualified. But, I know for my personal truck no one else will get their hands on it. I'm a firm believer in what Justin does and with a vehicle I plan on owning for a long time I want more than just the most hp.

 

I have put almost 65,000 miles on my black bear tune. The truck has been near flawless. In the last year I have also installed headers and a magnacharger. I turned to black bear for that too.

 

You might email Jenna and double check to make sure no one cancelled. He often times has some last minute openings.

[IdahoCallaway]

How much of a difference would there be going from an Autocal tune to just a regular mail order tune both from black bear?

[chupe442]

More options with the Autocal. You can change tunes (go back to stock) etc... Most people probably never do this.... Personally, I like the Autocal in the event I may need it. I bought mine used from a member here. If you buy a used Autocal:

It has to be originated from BlackBear Performance!!!

And it has to have available licensing slots (i think 8 originally so a used would have 7 or less available).

 

Buying used means you will have to do the configuration on your own (pretty frustrating if you are not fully literate to these things...). Buying directly through BlackBear, I think they configure it for you.

 

Its all pretty damn slick once you get it all going.. I weighed in on local tuners, as well as Diablo, Hypertech etc and ended up staying the course with a BlackBear (which is what I wanted to begin with). If I had it all to do again, I would buy new from BlackBear and do it again in a heartbeat! You will not find a bad review on what that team can do...