Need the short story on Programmer/Tuners for 5.3

FL335i · May 15, 2016

As stated. I searched and found pages and pages of tuner info. Here is the scoop. I have a relatively stock 5.3. Cat-back exhaust, catch can, High capacity stock air filter, PML diff cover.... see sig for complete list. I'm looking at buying a large 29' boat next year and have been modifying the truck for more "towing" if anything. Not interested in lifting, leveling or drag racing. I looked at buying a '15+ 6.2 max trailer pack version of my truck yesterday and I'm going to take a bath being my truck is only 21 months old and I have 45k on it. I drive my truck a lot of work and personal use. That's the background. With that being said I'm tossing the idea around of a canned tuner. I'm not interested in turning a tuner into a science project or getting the one that gets every HP. I want reliability for towing and business driving. Just wondering if I could get a bit more HP/torque out of my 5.3 to hold me over for another 2yrs or so until I'm on the market for a new truck (when it makes more sense) and I'll end up buying a 6.2 max trailer pack then. So help me out here guys....

This seems to be the way I'm leaning:

http://store.blackbearperformance.com/EFILive-AutoCal-Tuning-System_p_8.html

Panik · May 15, 2016

For towing, depending on the weight involved, I'd look into a set of LT tires as well as airbags/helper springs. I have no performance mods and have towed over 8 with my 5.3L CC 3.42. The difference between towing significant weights without LT tired and suspension help is night and day. Hands down airbags and better tires made towing a significantly more comfortable proposition. Standard disclaimer thought.... If the weight of boat suggests a weight distributing hitch it would be a good idea to follow that recommendation.

FL335i · May 15, 2016

Panik- I have 45k on the OEM SRA's. I have 7/32" left. In about 12-14 months when I'm boat shopping I'm sure I'll be ready for tires and I am going with LT275/65R18 GY All terrain Kevlar in load range C. Weight distributing hitch is a must for me for the size boat I'm looking at. WD Hitch, Tekansha P3 brake controller and a tripple axle aluminum trailer with E/H brakes my friend. If I'm towing a 29' boat with twin V8 engines I'm taking all precautions possible. I'll be around 9,200-9,800 # on the trailer. My truck is rated for 9,600... with the above items I should be safe as long as I don't drive through the mountains, FL has none, or drive like a jerk. I'm also thinking of swapping out to the NHT max trailer pkg rear leafs. They're not very expensive.

Panik · May 16, 2016

Sounds like you have things well thought out. I wish I could give you some recommendations on tuning. I haven't taken that step yet... not sure if I will. Personally I would go with the airbags instead of the NHT leafs, they will give you more flexibility in tuning ride characteristics vs loaded weight. On the downside though you do have to put air in them on occasion to maintain minimum pressure.

LOL..... FL has some rolling "hills" if you head out towards Ocala. I spent most of my life in Tampa up until about 4 years ago.

FL335i · May 17, 2016

Yes, I'm located in Tampa. North FL has rolling hills... nothing crazy. My point is I'm not trying to tow this 29' baja outlaw down or up the ike gauntlet. The more I've been looking at tuners the less I want one. Just seems like a headache. I might do a Kooks Catted Y-pipe to compliment my cat-back and the HP mods done. The airbags might be the way to go. I didn't even think about that option. I've never messed around with them. What kit did you do?