6-sp auto trans w/tune or 8sp auto?

1BlinkGone · May 7, 2016

Hey peeps, as the subject says- anybody have satisfactory results with an aftermarket transmission tune for the 6sp auto?

Some of you know I'm on the fence between Denali and Silverado LTZ (I don't like the brown HighCountry interior) and right now Costco has a slammin' deal on a special spec (w/predetermined options) Silverado LTZ with 5.3l & 6 spd auto trans. You're limited to paint, interior color choices and 2wd or 4wd. Unfortunately, you can't get the trailer towing pkg (to upgrade to the 8 spd) so you're stuck with the 6spd....heck I'm not bound at all to the Costco deal whatsoever. I do like the package, including the special 22" wheels, FWIW. In-person the truck is just stunning.

Anyway, anybody here have their 6sp reprogrammed/tuned with acceptable (or better) results..or should I avoid the 6spd and get the 8spd truck outside of this Costco member deal? Thanks again!

1BlinkGone · May 8, 2016

Hmmm 80 views and no feedback. Not very encouraging.

Jennabear · May 8, 2016

Seeing both with tunes, I think you would be happy either way. I am just about to move out of my 13 Denali XL into a 16 Denali (8spd).

1BlinkGone · May 8, 2016

Seeing both with tunes, I think you would be happy either way. I am just about to move out of my 13 Denali XL into a 16 Denali (8spd).

Jennabear- thank you for responding. I DID go read all 50+ pages of the thread about tunes...lol. There were some positive things there, although it was an amalgamation of engine & trans tune info (of course)...thank you again. FWIW, I can't imagine NOT tuning both the engine & trans. For me, I'm not so concerned about the warranty issue as I am how long should I wait after buying a new truck, before the tunes(s) get applied. There is obviously much 'positive' to glean from tuning both components. Thanks again, Jennabear.

HondaHawkGT · May 9, 2016

IMO the only advantage of the 8-speed is when towing in hilly conditions. A 6-speed with decent axle ratios is more than enough to keep you happy. I love the 6-speed after getting a BB tune. Justin does great work.

The other plus of the 6-speed is a decent aftermarket for parts if you keep your truck long enough. GM is already integrating the 10 speed transmission (10L80?) into their product line, starting with the new Camaro ZL1. The 8-speed could potentially have a short lifespan and therefore limited aftermarket support.

Rkaroll953 · May 9, 2016

read alot of horror stories on hear about the 8 speed... glad i got the 6 speed in mine although it does shift so dam confused. i gotta work up the courage to void my warranty with blackbear!

TJay74 · May 9, 2016

I've has the 6L80E in 3 vehicles now, never had an issue with it. I have the 8L80E now and it works just fine as well. Once tuned they all respond very well and to be honest there is not much aftermarket support for any of them. The only support there really is for them is on the tuning side for the most part.

mookdoc6 · May 9, 2016

I had a work truck with 6sp when it first came out. Constantly shifting at Hwy speeds around 60 at the worst time in rush hour traffic. Hated it and the more cogs it seems the more bullshit comes with it. That is why I waited for the 8speed hoping it would erase my miserable driving experience at hwy speeds in traffic where your constantly getting up speed zone only to slow down and repeat.

Thankfully for me the 8speed has somewhat impressed me and shifts into next gear right in the power band! It does not roll-off like it's getting pushed into higher gear like the 6speeds when finally reaching hwy speeds! I still notice 1-2 shift in the pedal but honestly I have to watch the tach for all the other gears and it puts a smile on my face brother!