Which Tuner?

[smokshwn]

I have an 01 suburban 2500 4wd with the 8.1L. I am running 33 inch tires and 3.73 gears.

 

I have been researching the forum trying to decide which PCM/tuner would be best and I seem to be more confused than ever.

 

So I am asking for FIRST HAND experiences good or bad and suggestions concerning the following tuners.

 

Westers

Nelsons

PCM for Less

Diablo Predator

Superchips

Hypertech

 

Thanx one and all, Craig

[Bud]

I have an 01 suburban 2500 4wd with the 8.1L.  I am running 33 inch tires and 3.73 gears.

 

I have been researching the forum trying to decide which PCM/tuner would be best and I seem to be more confused than ever. 

 

So I am asking for FIRST HAND experiences good or bad and suggestions concerning the following tuners. 

 

Westers

Nelsons

PCM for Less

Diablo Predator

Superchips

Hypertech

 

Thanx one and all, Craig

 

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My opinion is don't waste your money on Hypertech,

Superchips and Diablo and get the best to start with. Tybrne

has Wester's on sale. Wester's brought my 8.1 to life, it's

fun to drive!

Just my opinion.

[8100 Power]

Like bud said, dont waste you money on the Hypertech, no diffrence, i put it on my 8.1 and no diffrence, NONE!

[8100HD]

If you want a handheld tuner...go Superchips.

For a tune either Westers or Nelson...both Lyndon and Allen know their chit.

[Bgdsub72]

I was thinking PMC for Less for my truck. Bryan Herter is well known on the Impala forum for his tunes. If I do not do his tune next option would be superchips.

[tmf6902]

I have a Westers 93 tune for my 8.1. Long story short, it makes great power, and I would make the decision to buy it again, if I had to.

 

I had the superchips before the westers.....they don't compare. The superchips tuner is a paper weight as far as I am concerned.

[MrQuadrasteer]

There's absolutely no question which is best- Wester's Garage has them all beat, in performance, customer service and warranty.

 

I just put a 91/93 tune in my truck after having an 89/93 for a year. I figured I'd feel some increse, but wondered how much.

 

HOLY CRAP !!!!!! I've shaved 1.2 seconds and gained almost 6mph in the 1/4. That's a friggin bunch !!!!

 

AND I'm getting better gas mileage !!

 

I made a post with my results- go check it out. And get a Wester's tune- you CAN'T go wrong.

[mityike]

I have a 04 2500 HD with the 8.1 / Allison running 3.73's and want to 'wake up" the engine, but dont want to compromise the lifespan of the engine. I can run quality 93, so Im thinking the 91/93 tune. The only upgrade made so far is a drop in filter, and Im going to add 285's once I trash the stock 245's. Would this be the right tune? I know you can change rev limiter, top speed limiter ... but not quite sure if I need to change everything. Also, I understand the core charge, I can keep my stock for the charge? Thks. Any idea of the HP increase with this setup?

[Bud]

I have a 2001 Sierra 2500HD with the 8.1/Allison. If

you want a wake up, Lyndon at Wester's can do it. The

only mods I have are a K&N drop in and dual exhaust.

I have the 93 tune and love it and believe it or not

so does my wife. She loves to drive my truck but not

on wet roads!

I forgot, I did put 265's on.

Lyndon can change about anything you want him to,

or he can leave some thing the way they are. That's

one of the good things, you get what YOU want.

Just my opinion.

 

Tbyrne has Wester's on sale!! Now is the time!

[Chevyfreek]

I have a 04 2500 HD with the 8.1  / Allison running 3.73's and want to 'wake up" the engine, but dont want to compromise the lifespan of the engine.  I can run quality 93, so Im thinking the 91/93 tune.  The only upgrade made so far is a drop in filter, and Im going to add 285's once I trash the stock 245's.  Would this be the right tune?  I know you can change rev limiter, top speed limiter ... but not quite sure if I need to change everything.  Also, I understand the core charge, I can keep my stock for the charge?  Thks.  Any idea of the HP increase with this setup?

 

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If you are willing to run either 91 or 93 octane than that is the tune to go with. Once you decide to upgrade your tire size Westers will send you out and updated PCM for $45.00 and then you have to return ship your old one...

[mityike]

Thanks for the input. I was thinking of waiting for the tires first, then the tune, but I cant wait! $45 for retune is awesome. Thanks.

[Bud]

Thanks for the input.  I was thinking of waiting for the tires first, then the tune, but I cant wait!  $45 for retune is awesome.  Thanks.

 

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That is a lifetime warranty!!

[whitesnake01]

[if you are willing to run either 91 or 93 octane than that is the tune to go with. 

Good point.

 

Actually, it takes more than "willing" for it to work. I know all too well since I have a blown 454 that takes 92+. If you drive cross country and stuff, be prepared to not find the fuel you are looking for when your tank is running low. In my case, it often meant 91 instead of 93 which lead to detonation under load (hills, trailer, hot weather, you know the story) and poor fuel economy when you cool the chambers with gasoline (e.g, forget driving on light throttle since it exacerbates the problem). Not sure how this compares to normally aspirated engines, but I would not mind betting that a high octane tune will push you closer to the edge. This may be a non-issue if you drive around without load, near home.

[Daubs]

2004 CC/8.1/Allison with Volant intake and 285 Revo's. Decided on Westers and have not been disappointed.

 

Asked them to do a mild tune and look for MPG. I'm getting about 1 MPG better around town and the truck freak'in screams!

 

Haven't had her out on the highway yet. Did get a one time best of 13.6 MPG highway, driving really nice, coasting down hills, stuff like that

 

Get Westers. I think you will be pleased.

[Bud]

[if you are willing to run either 91 or 93 octane than that is the tune to go with. 

Good point.

 

Actually, it takes more than "willing" for it to work. I know all too well since I have a blown 454 that takes 92+. If you drive cross country and stuff, be prepared to not find the fuel you are looking for when your tank is running low. In my case, it often meant 91 instead of 93 which lead to detonation under load (hills, trailer, hot weather, you know the story) and poor fuel economy when you cool the chambers with gasoline (e.g, forget driving on light throttle since it exacerbates the problem). Not sure how this compares to normally aspirated engines, but I would not mind betting that a high octane tune will push you closer to the edge. This may be a non-issue if you drive around without load, near home.

 

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If I travel I usually take a bottle or two of octane boost, don't hurt!