Is a tune worth while without any other mods or should I wait?

Ridersfan · February 9, 2016

2016 L83 5.3L 6 speed 4WD, normally running on 87 regular, no access to E85 anywhere near me. Is it worth while to purchase a tuner without doing anything else? I have not changed tire sizes or done a darn thing other than cosmetic things.

I mean, down the road, may do CAI and exhaust... but to start with a tune, is it a waste of money to buy a tuner 1st or should the CAI & exhaust come 1st and worry about the tuner later on?

If it's worth it, I'd rather start with the tuner as it's invisible... the exhaust and intake are kind of in your face obvious.

ricker6869 · February 9, 2016

A blackbear tune with FIX the drivability issues you are soon to discover. They will modify your tune as you mod for free. I say go with a blackbear tune....it will feel as if it unleashed a crap load of power...eventhough no other mods.

Ridersfan · February 9, 2016

I don't have any issues... just can't leave well enough alone. Had a current model truck every year since 2010 except for 2013, skipped that year... no issues with a single truck. Sometimes issues might get a little blown out of proportion on here I think ;)

My thoughts on a tune aren't to fix... but to improve.

CanuckSLT · February 9, 2016

I loaded a Diablew tune on my 2014. He'll make modifications to the tune within a year of purchase. Same as Blackbear.

Totally worth it IMO as it makes the truck perform like a whole new beast.

Zachlovesfood · February 10, 2016

Tune is always worth it. Whether you're looking for mileage or performance, GM always under tunes their vehicles. Try it out!

Daryl LBZ · February 10, 2016

A tune is the best bang for your buck in my opinion.

beetle · February 10, 2016

Generally speaking, isn't a higher octane fuel required after a tune? I see a lot of talk about the benefits but no mention of this.

SouthpawHD · February 10, 2016

I loaded a Diablew tune on my 2014. He'll make modifications to the tune within a year of purchase. Same as Blackbear.

Totally worth it IMO as it makes the truck perform like a whole new beast.

Yep, this ^^

Can't speak for the '16s and I believe they've made some improvements, but my '15 was like a whole new truck with the InTune. Eliminating the transmission hunting and improved acceleration. Plus if you look around and be patient, they can be found on sale

davebdave · February 10, 2016

Do any of these tunes improve the delay when shifting in M mode? Also, is it possible to get a tune that will hold the selected gear within reason while in M? It seems like the only purpose of the Manual mode is to limit the top gear, not really giving you control of the transmission.

Thanks, love my new truck but really miss the third pedal.

Dave

Spiceygoat · February 10, 2016

Generally speaking, isn't a higher octane fuel required after a tune? I see a lot of talk about the benefits but no mention of this.

It depends on the tune you load. Diablosport offers an 87 octane tune that increases mpg and has a slight increase in performance. They also have a 91 Octane tune for a larger performance boost.

Txjose · February 10, 2016

Generally speaking, isn't a higher octane fuel required after a tune? I see a lot of talk about the benefits but no mention of this.

It is not required as much as it is recommended. A high octane tune will net you more horsepower and better fuel economy but it is all up to you if you tune it for the gas that you like to run.

with gas so cheap everyone should just be running premium lol

JerryCanada · February 10, 2016

How much mileage should be on vehicle before installing a tune? Just traded for a 2015 and wouldn't mind the extra efficiency once I place my 10 ply summer tires on it.

Willshire · February 10, 2016

It is not required as much as it is recommended. A high octane tune will net you more horsepower and better fuel economy but it is all up to you if you tune it for the gas that you like to run.

with gas so cheap everyone should just be running premium lol

GM recommends a minimum of 87 in their 5.3L. 89 is recommended by the tuner to increase fuel economy at the expense of an extra nickel per liter. 87 is about (rough conversion) 3.30 a gallon in ontario and about 25% less in alberta. For those of us with company gas cards that are restricted to 87 we lose out on a touch more performance and mileage. I still get 19-22MPG highway on 87 with AFM off.

Willshire · February 10, 2016

How much mileage should be on vehicle before installing a tune? Just traded for a 2015 and wouldn't mind the extra efficiency once I place my 10 ply summer tires on it.

You could effectively tune it with any miles on it. Do not expect huge gains in economy but do expect good gains in driveability. I suspect if you have 10 ply tires you are likely hauling? so economy is out the window anyways lol

JerryCanada · February 10, 2016

You could effectively tune it with any miles on it. Do not expect huge gains in economy but do expect good gains in driveability. I suspect if you have 10 ply tires you are likely hauling? so economy is out the window anyways lol

Thanks for the reply. Good to know. I've got used to the way the truck drives just every once in awhile when passing cars I have to floor it 2-3 times before it actually back shifts and "lighten up". The tires are only because I do a lot of dirt road driving and tires that came with my '14 didn't last a month without destroying one.