Tuner/programmer recommendations

bobbylx · July 20, 2020

Hello all, been lurking a while but now need some help. I’ve got a 2017 Silverado crew cab, with the 5.3 6spd, 4x4. It’s not a max tow, but it does have the factory hitch and trailer brake. It pulls my travel trailer well, it’s 28ft but a bit light, ~5400.

It looks like black bear and diablew are the recommended custom tunes. I’m not quite ready to drop that kind of cash. So looking for a good off the shelf programmer that may wake up my truck a bit. I’ve used a flashpaq on previous vehicles and wasn’t impressed. Right now I’m looking at either a bully dog or diablo. Just curious what you all use or recommend? Thanks.

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flyingfool · July 22, 2020

black bear has better reviews, but use 91 octane and 175 t-stat

Edited July 22, 2020 by flyingfool

Bob2C · July 22, 2020

I went with Diablew. Very happy. Lew is very response to all my questions and got my tune back within a few hours after I sent him my logs. Either way you can’t go wrong.

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Colossus · July 22, 2020

Black Bear

langston1726 · July 23, 2020

You can get either a Diablew or Blackbear tune for around $600 or less. I would honestly just save your money until you’re ready to go that route. You’ll be glad you did. Those handheld tuners can only do so much.

I’ve had a Blackbear tune on my 2015 for a couple months now. My mods are longtubes and Air raid CAI. The drivability of the truck is so much better then stock. The truck gets off the line so much smoother, shifts are firm and predictable. I don’t really hot rod the truck but you can feel the added power when you get on it.

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gfertig · July 24, 2020

Does anyone use HPTuners for the these newer model Chevy's?

langston1726 · July 24, 2020

Does anyone use HPTuners for the these newer model Chevy's?

Yes but I believe the computer has to be sent to HP tuners to be unlocked so it ends up being north of $2500 to get the 2019s and newer tuned. GM is making it harder and harder for the computers to be unlocked.

UnlimitedMatt · July 24, 2020

I have the Trifecta Elite tune on my 2018. I installed it at 1,000 miles and have had zero issues. The good thing with their Elite tune is that Trifecta will make changes to the tune if I ask, which I have. That way if/when I install any performance parts, they will make a change to my tune to take full advantage of the new parts.

They used to claim that if you remove the tune, GM would not be able to detect that you had a tune installed. Not sure if this is true but I have not had any problems at the dealership.

newdude · July 24, 2020

On 7/20/2020 at 8:43 AM, bobbylx said:

Hello all, been lurking a while but now need some help. I’ve got a 2017 Silverado crew cab, with the 5.3 6spd, 4x4. It’s not a max tow, but it does have the factory hitch and trailer brake. It pulls my travel trailer well, it’s 28ft but a bit light, ~5400.

It looks like black bear and diablew are the recommended custom tunes. I’m not quite ready to drop that kind of cash. So looking for a good off the shelf programmer that may wake up my truck a bit. I’ve used a flashpaq on previous vehicles and wasn’t impressed. Right now I’m looking at either a bully dog or diablo. Just curious what you all use or recommend? Thanks.

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Drop the cash on a custom tune otherwise you will waste money on an off the shelf.

scrapen · July 24, 2020

......

Edited August 13, 2020 by scrapen

flyingfool · July 24, 2020

if you want a cheaper route than a tune, go with the bored throttle body and throttle enhancer from solar performance. and pick up a stability trac ABS disabler harnes. these trucks are way detuned by the saftey system. you'd be surpised what the OEM tune can do.. also delete the airbox restrictor panel., run in tow haul and 5th gear. no tune needed , and no need for a v4 imobilized thing.. running in any gear exept "D" turns off v4

if you need more power this is a in the Power enrichment tables, but i would start with cheap mods first. use 91 octane too and trans t-stat delete

Edited July 24, 2020 by flyingfool

lucas287 · July 24, 2020

Just throwing out another option that not many know about. I have HP Tuners and I tool around a bit with things on my own. But, there's SO much darn knowledge that's needed to tune these Gen V engines/transmissions. It's not like the old Gen III's with 4L60's. Direct injection and cam timing is quite a beast to understand.

With that said, for about $700 you can acquire HP Tuner software and pay some of the best Gen V tuners out there to tune your truck. These are guys that thoroughly understand how it all works and don't just band-aid the driver demand tables to make it "feel" better.

lucas287 · July 24, 2020

Just now, lucas287 said:

Just throwing out another option that not many know about. I have HP Tuners and I tool around a bit with things on my own. But, there's SO much darn knowledge that's needed to tune these Gen V engines/transmissions. It's not like the old Gen III's with 4L60's. Direct injection and cam timing is quite a beast to understand.

With that said, for about $700 you can acquire HP Tuner software and pay some of the best Gen V tuners out there to tune your truck. These are guys that thoroughly understand how it all works and don't just band-aid the driver demand tables to make it "feel" better.

...and maybe that describes Justin and Jenna at Blackbear and I just like to make things complicated

But spend some time on the HP Tuners forum, specifically the Gen V GM section and you'll start to notice the centers of influence on there. There's a LOT of people out there who call themselves a tuner. But I tend to trust the ones who publicly share their knowledge, it gives me more confidence.

gfertig · July 24, 2020

Lucas, great points! Trifecta claims they flash a tune without any PCM unlock. Do you know if they just Are they just adjusting pedal/throttle inputs? Or are they adjusting fuel and timing tables? The way it’s marketed it sounds more than just the former, and that would not be worth $500 to me.

Quote from Trifecta:
“- Its octane adaptive: Meaning this is not a '93 octane only tune'. This is a full fledged calibration for both he engine and transmission. You can use 87-93 octane as you see fit and the computer will self adjust power output. You will see best gains and MPG on 93 however.

- You can flash back to stock at any time using our software. The factory calibration is included with the file we provide you so you can quickly and easily switch from Custom to Factory for any dealer visits

- You have Driver Selectable Vehicle Modes: These are custom driving profiles we programmed into the calibration. You switch between them using the Cruise Control button. We include an ECO mode and a Performance mode you can switch back and forth to, on the fly. When CC is On you are in ECO mode. When CC is Off you are in the Performance mode
“

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It's Tim · July 24, 2020

2 hours ago, langston1726 said:

Yes but I believe the computer has to be sent to HP tuners to be unlocked. I believe it’s still north of $2500 to get the 2019s and newer tuned. EPA GM is making it harder and harder for the computers to be unlocked.

You're blaming the messenger.