Tuned trucks review

[AZRenegade]

There have been reported cases where the dealer has programmed updates to the ecm without the owners consent/knowledge. That can cause problems. Also, GM is down on aftermarket tuners. If a dealer by chance detects a tune it could lead to warranty issues. Based on what I have been led to believe, without deep scrutiny, the Diablo tuner is pretty much undetectable to the dealer. (This is a hot topic on another forum and I'm not going to get into a debate on the issue.) Personally, I don't care about the warranty issue. I'll take performance over warranty every time. Honestly, I've never needed to use the drive train warranty on any vehicle I've owned. And if I need to I'm prepared to pay. I'm more concerned with the problems that will occur when the dealer overwrites an existing tune. So, as a precaution, I restore my ecm to the original tune.

[sahls01gmc]

I suppose that makes sense. Although, I find it hard to believe that you would be liable for problems with your ECM if the dealer performed the work without your prior knowledge. I could be wrong, but that just raises a red flag in my mind.

 

I agree with your theory. Let them do their job, then you can adjust to your liking later.

[AZRenegade]

Actually, what happens is that the aftermarket tuner doesn't recognize the ecm because the new programming changes a serial number that the tuner needs to see before it will allow you to continue with the tuning process. When this occurs you need to send the tuner back to the shop to be unlocked. A real pain. If you restore the original tune before delivery to the dealer, the tuner is no longer married to your ecm and will accept any newly programmed number without a problem. In effect, it locks on to the new number.

 

But to bring us back on point, I really feel that the tuner is the best performance upgrade you can do for your truck . All that searching for gears and poor throttle response can't be good for the truck. I have two tuned vehicles and haven't had any problems at all.

[sahls01gmc]

Great info! My eyes have been opened wider to these now. I may have to consider one on the next truck!

[Asells]

What are you guys running for your shift points. I installed my intune last weekend , havent really messed with it to much but a took off afm, and adjusted my throttle boost. For the shifting I want to get rid of the hesitation when you get on the gas. How should I adjust my shifting.

[AZRenegade]

I took the easy route, I had a custom tune done by a gent who goes by the name Diablew. He's an intune custom tuner. He has a site on the internet.

[2014MallCrawler]

Diablew ( lew ) does a great job tuning if you go the diablosport route. Chuck Anders FTW for me.

[Sierra Matt]

According to my mechanic, GM can't tell it it's got a tune, but it counts the number of reflashes of the ECM and if it doesn't match with what GM has on file for your VIN, then your engine warranty may be toast. That's what I've been told anyway...

[iCryWheniGoPoop]

According to my mechanic, GM can't tell it it's got a tune, but it counts the number of reflashes of the ECM and if it doesn't match with what GM has on file for your VIN, then your engine warranty may be toast. That's what I've been told anyway...

There is no actual flash counter per say. There is a what's called a CVN number which is basically a check sum representation for each segment in the calibration. You change anything, this number will change and the factory knows what the number should be.... To rub even more salt in the wound they now log a CVN history (10 last CVN's if I remember correctly) which only logs the 10 last different calibrations loaded into your ECU/TCU.

I had this full within first 200 miles of owning mine.

 

 

Sent from Off Driller Side

[AZRenegade]

There is no actual flash counter per say. There is a what's called a CVN number which is basically a check sum representation for each segment in the calibration. You change anything, this number will change and the factory knows what the number should be.... To rub even more salt in the wound they now log a CVN history (10 last CVN's if I remember correctly) which only logs the 10 last different calibrations loaded into your ECU/TCU.

I had this full within first 200 miles of owning mine.

 

 

Sent from Off Driller Side

 

That makes sense. That's why Diablo Tune claims to be undetectable. Their tune doesn't change the CVN number. Currently, the only way that GM can detect the presence of a non-oem tune is by reviewing the performance data after a major failure. If the data reveals performance beyond the specs in the oem tune, they figure that you've messed with their tune and your warranty is void.

[Jennabear]

If they can prove that the tune is what caused the failure....

[07Softail]

If I can ever get PAYPAL's BS straightened out mine will be tuned by BB by next week.

 

RT

[AZRenegade]

If they can prove that the tune is what caused the failure....

You're absolutely right, in theory. But in reality, who is going to go up against GM in a court of law, civil or otherwise. They have the resources to engage in a court battle that we mere mortals generally don't have in the quantities required for litigation. Specifically, time and money. Unless, of course, the tuner companies like Black Bear or Diablo want to step up to the plate and stand behind the users of their products. Similar to K&N's approach.

[Jennabear]

You're absolutely right, in theory. But in reality, who is going to go up against GM in a court of law, civil or otherwise. They have the resources to engage in a court battle that we mere mortals generally don't have in the quantities required for litigation. Specifically, time and money. Unless, of course, the tuner companies like Black Bear or Diablo want to step up to the plate and stand behind the users of their products. Similar to K&N's approach.

Actually, we had a customer whose cam phaser went out, and cracked three pistons. He did not have his AutoCal with him to return to stock (was on a road trip). He had LTs on as well. GM denied his warranty, wanting him to sleeve $12k for a new engine and exhaust. Mediation is not done in court, it is done through the BBB. We had no problem providing info to the customer for his case. GM lost, everything was covered, and he still has his warranty. You are correct a legal battle would be much more expensive (for GM as well). The owners manual actually outlines the dispute process.

 

Sent from my fone.

[Higgs Boson]

There is proof. A tune still falls under Magnuson Moss, the cause of failure was not a lean condition or preignition, a tune doesn't break cam phasers.