New to Forum, Looking for Tune Advice

[PSquare]

Hi,  I'm new to the forum but have been lurking for awhile. I recently purchased a 2014 Silverado DBL Cab LTZ 4x4 with 93,000 miles from an older gentleman who bought it new. After driving it a few weeks I noticed the seat warmers didn't work which prompted me to query the internet about a fix. I never expected to read so many problems these 2014-21 GM trucks have, to the point I'm feeling some regret. Having said that, I really like this truck. I don't seem to have the "Shake" or the "Shudder" I've read about, or oil consumption. Mine idles smooth and the transmission shifts fine as far as I can tell, maybe a little lazy but I drive very conservative. I took some precautions and did the "pill flip" this forum recommends and installed a Range VFM disabler but have recently started reading about the HP Tuner and how little tweaks here and there can prolong the life of your engine & transmission. I've decided to hire a professional tuner verses doing it myself not knowing the software. I came across a reference to a tuner in Louisville, TN on the HP Tuner forum so I gave him a call and scheduled an appointment for mid-Feb (1st available date). He seemed to know what I was looking for but we could go over the specifics the day of my appointment. If this were YOUR truck, what would you ask to be done? I'm going to lean on his expertise but your input will help me be better prepared.   

 

1. Turn DOD/VFM off.

2. Disable the converter lockup on 1,2,3. Some say 4th gear also, some say no. Leave 5th & 6th alone (stock setting).

3. Raise the idle speed? 700rpm? Is that in Park or in gear? No shake now. Leave alone?

4. Raise shift points? How much and in what gears? 

5. Would you replace the OEM thermostat (212?) for a Katech 174? (FYI, truck does not run hot or ping now)

6. Adjust the fans to come on at a lower temp? (FYI, truck does not run hot or ping now)

7. Any other tweaks you suggest?

 

Last question. I never asked what this costs. I really don't know what's involved here. What do you think would be a reasonable charge for this tune? Thanks again...Pat 

 

 

 

 

[CamGTP]

1. Yes.

 

2. I turn it off for gears 1-4 and leave it for 5th and 6th. I also raise the mph settings that it can enter those gears. The factory settings will allow for 6th gear at like 38-40mph and I raise it up so 5th gear is around 42-45mph and 6th gear is closer to 50mph.

 

3. I raise my idle in the winter because it can easily reach -20F here. Something around 750-800 for a warm idle for me but that is usually overkill. I'd say go with 600-650 and it will be smoother than the 525-550 they are stock. The in gear setting I only raise to 575-600ish and that is fine.

 

4. Kinda said in #2. Zero reason to raise the shift points based on RPM if the camshaft isn't making power there. Adjusting the shift MPH for part throttle is really down to how you want it to drive.

 

5. Leave the stock thermostat. I have zero issues with running it in mine. Running it around 170-180 is too cold in my opinion.

 

7. Sure, lots of things can be done. Power enrichment settings, flex fuel tuning and all that stuff. It's all stuff I do when tuning but it's hard to just say do this or do that. Same with other transmission tuning for better shift feel, it all takes time to dial in.

[Supreme Pizza]

So what this puppy set ya back?

[dieselfan1]

Don't freak out about what you read here.

Most(99%) people come here because they have a problem.

You can go over to a f150 forum or Ram and it's the same 

Probably worse because they are junk

[PSquare]

9 hours ago, CamGTP said:

1. Yes.

 

2. I turn it off for gears 1-4 and leave it for 5th and 6th. I also raise the mph settings that it can enter those gears. The factory settings will allow for 6th gear at like 38-40mph and I raise it up so 5th gear is around 42-45mph and 6th gear is closer to 50mph.

 

3. I raise my idle in the winter because it can easily reach -20F here. Something around 750-800 for a warm idle for me but that is usually overkill. I'd say go with 600-650 and it will be smoother than the 525-550 they are stock. The in gear setting I only raise to 575-600ish and that is fine.

 

4. Kinda said in #2. Zero reason to raise the shift points based on RPM if the camshaft isn't making power there. Adjusting the shift MPH for part throttle is really down to how you want it to drive.

 

5. Leave the stock thermostat. I have zero issues with running it in mine. Running it around 170-180 is too cold in my opinion.

 

7. Sure, lots of things can be done. Power enrichment settings, flex fuel tuning and all that stuff. It's all stuff I do when tuning but it's hard to just say do this or do that. Same with other transmission tuning for better shift feel, it all takes time to dial in.

Thanks Cam for your input. On question 7,  I won't get crazy on the tune but will hear him out if he has some recommendations. My goal is save that converter and those lifters, hopefully without killing my fuel economy. Better drivability is a big plus. I asked was he going to put it on the dyno(?) he said not necessary. We would drive it out on the road to see how it's manners are afterwards. I'm looking forward to it. New experience for me....Pat

[PSquare]

8 hours ago, Supreme Pizza said:

So what this puppy set ya back?

I was able to get it for $24k. Shopped around for weeks. I considered new but the prices!  I was patient and this one popped up on Craigslist. One owner. Was able to sit and talk with the man, how it was serviced, any past issues, etc. Looks like the only problem was a condenser failure/replacement around 50k miles. I recently found the heated seats don't work but I bought it in August when it was 90 degrees out. The ventilated cooled part works GREAT though, go figure. Thanks..Pat

[NWI Denali]

I think you did pretty good for 24k