BlackBear Performance Custom Tune Appointment Near Houston, 11/14/14,

DougIrby · November 8, 2015

Several weeks ago I paid $80 for an appointment for a custom tune on my custom ordered 2015 Silverado C1500 LTZ 5.3L with E85 compatibility and Max Tow Package. My appointment has been set for Saturday, 11/14/15 at 7:20 AM in The Woodlands Texas, just north of Houston. I live 130 miles away from my appointment and it will not be convenient or easy for me to make my appointment. My eyes are not well suited for night driving.

I have not spoken with anyone from BlackBear Performance. Only e-mails have been exchanged and they relate only to my appointment details. I need to decide if I am going to get this tune on my new truck, which has about 10,000 miles on it. This truck is my wife and my only vehicle. We use it to tow a Lance 1995 travel trailer which weighs about 5,000 pounds loaded. We are very satisfied with the performance of this truck, both towing and not towing. It is 100% stock.

Can anyone give me any information that will help me come to an informed decision as to whether or not to get this tune for my truck. I am not familiar with the benefits I can reasonably expect from such a tune. I would like a more crisp throttle response from my truck but I can be happy as it is now. I hate for this tune to force me to pay $.40 per gallon extra for premium fuel for the rest of the life of the truck. I understand I may have warranty issues with a tune and I have a top tier extended warranty with GM on my truck.

I am seriously considering forfeiting my $80 deposit and canceling my appointment. I am almost 75 years old and far beyond my hot rod days of the past. Would I be making a mistake to cancel my appointment? I do not mind paying extra for premium fuel while I am towing my trailer but I don't want to have to buy premium fuel all the time. I currently use mid grade fuel when not towing, and E85 when I can find it, whether towing or not. I DO enjoy the added power E85 provides (I'm not dead yet).

Any and all information and or advice would be much appreciated.

BBRU · November 8, 2015

It all depends on if you're willing to possibly void your warranty.... If you're happy with the truck, I wouldn't mess with it. Although you will be happier with the drivability of after a tune.

5829BMG · November 9, 2015

Tune it for the reason you put the deposit down you wont regret it. Since you don't beat on the truck you shouldn't have any issues. I had a 09 and BB tuned it at 600 miles

I traded at 65K and had 0 issues with it. Now I have a 15 and tuned it at 300 miles and love it. Warranty's a crap shoot anyway IMHO.

Beatme · November 9, 2015

Please get it tuned, Justin needs to see a 2015 E85 program so that he can continue with my conversion tune! Lol But otherwise, he can give you a tune dependent upon the type of fuel you plan on using. In other words, just because he gives you a tune doesn't mean you need to run premium all of the time.

txab · November 9, 2015

Did you even try to get an appointment at a different time? You could probably switch with someone. At all the tunes I've been a part of this was a common practice. Better yet drive down the day before with the Mrs. and have a nice evening out and a great stay in a hotel/motel

DougIrby · November 9, 2015

I just texted Justin and Jarrad and asked to be rescheduled to 10AM or later. If they can reschedule I'll do it. If not, I'll forfeit my deposit.

DougIrby · November 9, 2015

Can anyone be more specific with regard to the benefits of this custom tune? More power? Effects on fuel economy? Any benefits while towing?

Beatme · November 9, 2015

To me the biggest benefit would be all around drivability. It's definitely got a little more pep to it, and I would say that I honestly gained about 1-2mpg, but the biggest improvement in my opinion would be the transmission improvements. The trans is now always in the gear it should be in which especially for towing makes a massive difference.

Fishbait · November 9, 2015

Let me know if you decide to cancel. Maybe Justin can work something out where I can take your spot so you don't lose your deposit.I was going to wait until I got my flex fuel sensor installed but I can wait and get a re-tune after.

DougIrby · November 9, 2015

I'll let you know Fishbait.

DougIrby · November 9, 2015

Beatme, thanks for sharing your experience. That's helpful and it makes the tune more appealing to me.

burnerET · November 9, 2015

I have a 1p on Saturday if you would like to swap with me, that would actually help me out quite a bit

OUSux · November 9, 2015

Getting it tuned is the best bang for your buck mod ever

DougIrby · November 9, 2015

I have a 1p on Saturday if you would like to swap with me, that would actually help me out quite a bit

burnerET, 1PM Saturday would be GREAT for me. Let's swap times. Do we need to notify BlackBear? My number is 512-760-7214 if you need to contact me. Text messages or phone calls will work for me. Thanks a lot.

ToesonTheNose · November 9, 2015

ive been wanting to do this for like 16 months now. im just freaked out knowing my luck that it gets tuned and the truck implodes nuclear style the next week for no reason at all sitting in my driveway lol