New gears or Prgrammer

theTANTALIZER · November 16, 2005

I just lifted my 2001 5.3 Liter Suburban to 6 inch w/ 16 x 10 305/ 70 tires. The feeling is very very different . The installer says I don't really need to change my gears and took it the way it is. Now looking at Programmers like Hypertech. I noticed that it says that it can adjust my bigger tires to compensate acceleration. What is the wise choice? gears or programmer?

BADGERMAN · November 16, 2005

Programmer will be alot cheaper than gears.

You would probably be looking at $1000 to $1500 for gears.

I would look at predator programmer for hand held, about $350.00 or if you went with the computer reflash then look at westers, nelsons or wait4me.

If you do a search on this forum you will find an abundent of info.

trever1t · November 16, 2005

Programmer will NOT COMPENSATE!! Programmer will only correct speedo! Gears will take stress off transmission and provide better torque at low end depending on choice and tire size.

You do not indicate your present gear ratio, please do so.

Also a custom tune will do way more for you than a handhelp programer. Look at Wester's or the others to add power and correct speedo. I would think you should have at least 3.73's but preferably 4.10 gears for your tire size.

BADGERMAN · November 16, 2005

Programmer will NOT COMPENSATE!! Programmer will only correct speedo! Gears will take stress off transmission and provide better torque at low end depending on choice and tire size.
You do not indicate your present gear ratio, please do so.

Also a custom tune will do way more for you than a handhelp programer. Look at Wester's or the others to add power and correct speedo. I would think you should have at least 3.73's but preferably 4.10 gears for your tire size.

He only put on a 33" tall tire, it will put very little stress on the drivetrain, it's no different then the 285's that I put on my truck.

I was just giving the guy options about programmers or computer reflashes. They all add power and correct the speedo, it just depends on how much you want spend and what you think is right for your application.

trever1t · November 16, 2005

Didn't intend for my word to look so harsh! LOL yeah, programmers/ Tunes will add HP to rear wheels, but he didn't state what gears he is running.

I run 265/17's (31.6") on 3.42's , not enough, and am going to go to a lower gearing, see post below about.

BADGERMAN · November 16, 2005

Sorry, rough day at work

theTANTALIZER · November 17, 2005

My glove box coded GT4 which equals 3.73 correct? If I go with the programmer , will my tranny be relieved from the stress without upgraing by gears?

facn8me · November 17, 2005

A programmer will help the tranny shift at the correct time and correct the speedo. I personally have the predator and am happy.I also have 35's on mine and 3.73's.

I have never tried a custom tune but have my reasons for liking the predator.

ril850 · November 19, 2005

A programmer will help the tranny shift at the correct time and correct the speedo. I personally have the predator and am happy.I also have 35's on mine and 3.73's.

I have never tried a custom tune but have my reasons for liking the predator.

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If you replace your gears, you'll need the programmer anywhow?

facn8me · November 19, 2005

I guess I should've clarified. I will be re gearing to 4.56's when I can deal with the down time, since I will do them myself. I never meant to imply regearing was not needed. Which brings me to one of the reasons why I chose a handheld. I retuned for tire size and can retune for gears as soon as they are done. I noticed a difference between stock and tuned. I have retained stock perfomace or slightly less with help from the predator and this is with the addition of 700 pounds and a overall effective gear ratio of 3.30ish. Is it the all knowing cure all. No.

But overall I am happy with my purchase. I would love to try a custom tune but I have that option with the predator also. It all comes down to your particular preferences. Mine is not better but it is mine.