What Is The Deal On Vmax Engines?

tinie0416 · February 24, 2008

I have a 2007 sierra cc Z71 3.73 6.0L vmaxx, and this thing jumps, surges, and idles rough. Does anybody have the same issues??

Also, I have noticed, that it rides stiffer than the 5.3L trucks. Is it due to the bigger engine and HD tranny??

VMax2007 · February 24, 2008

I have a 2007 sierra cc Z71 3.73 6.0L vmaxx, and this thing jumps, surges, and idles rough. Does anybody have the same issues??

Also, I have noticed, that it rides stiffer than the 5.3L trucks. Is it due to the bigger engine and HD tranny??

Don't blame it on being a "Vmax" engine. Mine is smooth as silk. Get your's looked at, likely needs a re-flash with updated software.

As for the ride, do you have the 20" wheels and Z60 suspension? Again, don't blame it on the engine/tranny. The L76 6.0 is all aluminum and is lighter than an iron block 5.3. The tranny's are likely very close in weight also.

pm26 · February 24, 2008

Ride harshness would not be caused by a bigger engine, transmission, or heavy duty axles. It will be caused by stiffer springs and shocks, and definitely by oversize wheels with low profile tires.

SLESierra · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

98 Z71 SLT · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

Sorry...no such thing as a DENALI flash or tune.

To perform a re-flash (reprogram) of a module, you download the current program, then it is automatically updated and re-loaded back to the vehicle. That's all. You have no "choices" on "which engine -flash-" to use...it is automatic thru GM and that's it. Your neighbor does not have a special DENALI program; he has a standard 6.0 update. Any Tech that tells him otherwise is lying to him.

VMax2007 · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

Sorry...no such thing as a DENALI flash or tune.

To perform a re-flash (reprogram) of a module, you download the current program, then it is automatically updated and re-loaded back to the vehicle. That's all. You have no "choices" on "which engine -flash-" to use...it is automatic thru GM and that's it. Your neighbor does not have a special DENALI program; he has a standard 6.0 update. Any Tech that tells him otherwise is lying to him.

I agree, they don't even use the same modules. I highly doubt a Denali program would work on a 6.0 engine even if the modules were the same.

Bostonsfavson · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

Your neighbor is lying, and you should pee on his door knob for doing so.

SLESierra · February 24, 2008

I brought him over and let him read this guys - he got ill - he says he is going to dealership on Monday after he prints this out and ask the tech why he made a fool out of him LOL

hubbycap · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

Your neighbor is lying, and you should pee on his door knob for doing so.

Kansas Kid · February 24, 2008

Don't blame it on being a "Vmax" engine. Mine is smooth as silk. Get your's looked at, likely needs a re-flash with updated software.

Unfortunately that is what the two dealerships I have had service my truck tell me. Since it doesn't set a code or anything they appear unable to fix the problem. Mine is really bad when cold, but we have had a shortage of that here in Texas this year. All I know is that a brand new truck shouldn't idle worse the one with 200,000 miles plus on it, but mine does at times. That and the surging against the brakes at stop lights isn't much fun either.

Guess I need to try some more dealerships, but I am getting tired of driving all over the place just to have nothing accomplished.

superjim · February 24, 2008

Don't blame it on being a "Vmax" engine. Mine is smooth as silk. Get your's looked at, likely needs a re-flash with updated software.

Unfortunately that is what the two dealerships I have had service my truck tell me. Since it doesn't set a code or anything they appear unable to fix the problem. Mine is really bad when cold, but we have had a shortage of that here in Texas this year. All I know is that a brand new truck shouldn't idle worse the one with 200,000 miles plus on it, but mine does at times. That and the surging against the brakes at stop lights isn't much fun either.

Guess I need to try some more dealerships, but I am getting tired of driving all over the place just to have nothing accomplished.

Which ones have you been to? I have used Bruce Lowrie over on the S Loop 820 / I-20 a few times to do things to my chevy van. So far... they have always treated me fair and honest. Notice... I said SO FAR.

Jim from Texas

Raymond Lowe · February 24, 2008

Don't blame it on being a "Vmax" engine. Mine is smooth as silk. Get your's looked at, likely needs a re-flash with updated software.

Unfortunately that is what the two dealerships I have had service my truck tell me. Since it doesn't set a code or anything they appear unable to fix the problem. Mine is really bad when cold, but we have had a shortage of that here in Texas this year. All I know is that a brand new truck shouldn't idle worse the one with 200,000 miles plus on it, but mine does at times. That and the surging against the brakes at stop lights isn't much fun either.

Guess I need to try some more dealerships, but I am getting tired of driving all over the place just to have nothing accomplished.

On the 6.2 SD I get slight surging and a some fluctuating at idle. It only happens briefly for maybe a minute while I'm driving and only when temps are hovering near freezing. I left it overnight at the dealer and the charge-hand noted it on the work order as normal. Now that it's 45-50F the last week, it's not doing it at all. Cold and damp is worse than just cold and dry.

Doomsday · February 24, 2008

Mine idles like crap too, I've been meaning to take it in, just have'nt got around to it. I get alot of surges at stop lights, along with a noticable vibration when it's in 4cyl mode.

93Sierra · February 24, 2008

neighbors max did the surge thing and they found he needed calibrated like mentioned above. now he is happy as the dealer reflashed him with a denali flash he claims which gave him more hp?

maybe he got the "Toyota" flash?....lol....sorry guys I couldnt resist