Wester's 89 Octane tune

Chris97K1500 · April 12, 2004

I've been sending emails back and forth with Lyndon. He recommended that I totally remove Torque Management, calibrate the speedo to my 35's, firm up shifts, and use a 89 octane tune. That's fine with me, but what if I were to use 87 octane, will it be a case of just not getting full performance out of my truck, or will it cause harm? Just curious, I've finally got the $$, had to get my wife to agree, now I'm ready to get Westerized! Chris

gave20 · April 12, 2004

it shouldn't hurt it. It just won't run as strong as the 89 but I doubt you'll tell a difference.

Chris97K1500 · April 12, 2004

Thanks, one more question. What does detent shift mean? Where it decides to shift? Thanks, Chris

fastdrvr23 · April 12, 2004

I was debating between the 87 and 89 octane tune as well. I ended up getting the 89, and I couldn't be any happier with the results. He didn't totally remove my TM, but left whatever he deemed to be safe, raised my speed limiter, firmed up shifting, and raised the shift detents to 5,600 RPMS.

The difference in performance is very noticeable, especially from a dead stop and on the highway in 2nd gear. (Fun stuff) It did take mine a while to learn (like 200 miles) but when it did, it's good stuff. My gas mileage has gone from 19 or so to a solid 21~22. Lyndon rocks.

The shift detents are basically the rev. limit in each gear... Lyndon will know what to raise them too... He did a great job on mine.

Good luck man!

Will

intruder217 · April 12, 2004

I had the same concern on my 87/91 tune from him. I had to really press him hard to get him to tell me how he can tell what octane fuel is being provided. He finally cracked and explained that the PCM checks everytime the fuel tank is filled. It then provides the 91 octane tuning and listens carefully to the knock sensor. If it detects significant knocking it reverts back to the 87 tune. This was the right setup for me and my Suburban. It runs fine on 87 but I wanted extra power for heavy towing. You might want to consider the dual tune options. Or at least talk to him about it.

Chris97K1500 · April 12, 2004

Thanks, I appreciate the help. I just got my truck back from the tranny shop. It shifts smooth and firm compared to before. The bigger valve body was all it took to fix it. I will probably order the Wester's tomorrow. Thanks again, Chris

99GMCZ71 · April 13, 2004

My gas mileage went down with the Wester's tune. And after several e-mails with Lyndon, I'm not all that impressed. At one point had to get a little upset, which I do not like to do. He said he was sending out a new pcm and different tune, but I haven't seen it yet. I kinda gave up, and went back with running 87. The little I gained with Wester's is gone, but at least the gas mileage is a little better. If he fixes my problem I'll be the first to say I was wrong and praise him, but I have my doubts.

NiteTrain · April 13, 2004

I wanted to know how long it usually takes to get a PCM from Westers. I ordered one a week ago and haven't heard anything since...

Mort · April 14, 2004

That's fine with me, but what if I were to use 87 octane, will it be a case of just not getting full performance out of my truck, or will it cause harm? Chris

I am not totally sure but I think that the timing may be too far advanced for 87 octane on a 89 tune and you may find that you get some detonation. I would definitely check it with Lyndon before you try running 87 on a 89 tune. Maybe the knock sensors will just pull timing but I would check to be sure.