How to Tune 6L80 Silverado transmission

[rav3]

I've watched several YouTube videos on Tuning the GM 6L80 transmission to help prolong it's life. All I've seen is the HP Tuner stuff, which appears pretty expensive for an old DYIer. Is there any other options out there? Any suggestions? Anyone living in the Western North Carolina area that has the software that can tune mine? 2017 Silverado LTZ with 5.3L & 6L80 transmission. 

[CamGTP]

Pretty sure HP Tuners is the only thing you can use to tune the TCM. Aside from maybe a standalone controller if Holley makes something.

 

EFI live doesn't offer TCM support as far as I know. And the plug and play tuners may or may not have the ability to do the TCM on those trucks. Plus you couldn't custom tune it to your liking.

 

HP Tuners would be right at $500 to do a 2017+ truck but then you have it forever and you can do as many vehicles are you want that are supported by it, just have to buy the credits for each truck.

 

I don't personally know anyone out that way that can tune for you, maybe someone does.

[timber74wolf]

I have a Superchipts handheld programer that I used to programmed my transmission. I just used the Superchips setting, but I am happy with it. There are some other adjustments also, but I have never messed with them. Just food for thought.

[MikeBMW]

On 4/4/2025 at 3:06 AM, timber74wolf said:

I have a Superchipts handheld programer that I used to programmed my transmission. I just used the Superchips setting, but I am happy with it. There are some other adjustments also, but I have never messed with them. Just food for thought.

I agree, I have the Superchips, as well.

I'm not well versed enough to individually change transmission settings so I just let the 91+ tune do its thing.

[rav3]

14 hours ago, MikeBMW said:

I agree, I have the Superchips, as well.

I'm not well versed enough to individually change transmission settings so I just let the 91+ tune do its thing.

Thanks for your response. Isn't Super hip bout the same cost as HP Tuner?

[MikeBMW]

9 hours ago, rav3 said:

Thanks for your response. Isn't Super hip bout the same cost as HP Tuner?

I have no idea what an HP Tune costs, sorry.
I'm sure someone else can chime in?

[steelerdude15]

The software to download on your computer is free. The OBD module is $400.00. It cost $100.00 to unlock a 2014 to 2016 truck and $200.00 to unlock a 2017 to 2019 LD truck.

Edited April 8, 2025 by steelerdude15

[rav3]

1 minute ago, steelerdude15 said:

The software to download on your computer is free. The OBD module is $400.00. It cost $100.00 to unlock a 2014 to 2016 truck and $200.00 to unlock a 2017 to 2019 LD truck.

Thanks for this info. I was looking for a cheaper option than $700

[diyer2]

Changing the fluid more frequently works.

[rav3]

17 minutes ago, diyer2 said:

Changing the fluid more frequently works.

I agree with you & I do change frequently. But that doesn't change the factory set torque converter slip, which is a major issue with these 6L80s as why they fail.

[steelerdude15]

1 hour ago, rav3 said:

Thanks for this info. I was looking for a cheaper option than $700

I will say this. It is expensive, but what I found is that HP Tuners is also great for diagnostics too. It makes a really nice scan tool.

[rav3]

1 minute ago, steelerdude15 said:

I will say this. It is expensive, but what I found is that HP Tuners is also great for diagnostics too. It makes a really nice scan tool.

And I agree with you. Just hard for an individual to justify the $ on it. I wish I could find someone local that could flash my transmission controller for a few bucks.

[HoosierZ]

7 hours ago, rav3 said:

I agree with you & I do change frequently. But that doesn't change the factory set torque converter slip, which is a major issue with these 6L80s as why they fail.

My Hypertech Max Energy programmer has a setting to reduce tq converter slip. There are 3 levels; Stock, Street, and Economy. I have mine set on economy which has the least amount of slip. Between that, the thermostat pill flip, and replacing 5 qts of fluid every year (roughly 10k miles) maybe my 6L80 will live a long happy life. Fingers crossed