Which One?

snowman44 · September 7, 2008

I have a 2008 GMC Sierra Denali with the 6.2 motor and am looking to get more out of it. Right now I am not impressed with the acceleration of this truck considering it has 403hp. I am between putting an exhaust on it or hyperteching it. Which one do you think will help me more or is there something else in that price range that will give me more pick up? It just seems that with the 3.42 gears it just doesn't pull like I thought it would. Midrange it runs pretty good though. ALso, do you guys think BORLA is the best exhaust for this vehicle? Thanks in advance for your help.

tobias · September 7, 2008

Nothing you can do will provide you a greater enhancement than a custom tune. I do not have one myself but the guys who do will be chiming in very soon. Forget the Hypertech altogether though. Best plan would be to get the exhaust, an intake and a tune. Blackbear performance seems to be the talk of the town, so to speak, when it comes to a custom tune. You can have the abuse nannies reduced/removed to help with the acceleration issues among other things. The 3.42 gears are also a big factor in your lack of acceleration but that's a separate issue in itself.

redvett · September 7, 2008

Just remember the saying you break you fix.

GM has set the limits. Do you want to void your warranty?

Corporate Bulletin Number 08-06-04-033 is currently available in SI.

Identifying Aftermarket Engine Calibrations 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L, 2.8L, 2.9L, 3.0L, 3.1L, 3.2L, 3.4L,

3.5L, 3.6L, 3.8L, 3.9L, 4.2L, 4.3L, 4.4L, 4.6L, 4.8L, 5.0L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, 6.2L, 7.0L, 7.4L, 8.1L

Gas Powered Engines Only

Models: 2006–2009 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

2006–2009 HUMMER H2, H3

Excluding Pontiac Vibe, G8, Chevrolet Aveo, All Saturn and Saab Models

Important: This bulletin applies to Gas Powered Engines ONLY. For Diesel Powered Engines, refer to Service Bulletin #08-06-04-006A.

If a suspicious hard part failure is observed in the engine, transmission, transfer case or driveline, perform the calibration verification described to determine if a non-GM issued engine calibration is installed. Non-GM issued engine calibrations subject driveline components to stresses different than the calibrations which these components were validated to. Repairs to transmission, transfer case and/or other driveline components where a non-GM engine calibration has been verified are not covered under the terms of the New Vehicle Warranty.

Instructions for Confirming Calibration Verification Number (CVN):

1. Go to TIS2WEB

2. Select "Calibration Information (SPS Info)"

3. Enter VIN

4. Select "Get Cal ID"

5. Select "ECM Engine Control Module"

6. Select "Next"

7. Select "Complete History"

8. Print

9. Take the printout to the vehicle along with the Tech 2®

10. Plug in the Tech 2®

11. Go to diagnostics and build the vehicle

12. Select "Powertrain"

13. Select "Engine"

14. *Select "Engine Control Module" or "PCM"

15. *Select "Module ID Information" or "I/M Information System" if module ID information selection is not available.

16. *If "I/M information System" was selected in step 15, it may be necessary to select "Vehicle Information" in order to display the calibration information.

17. Compare the calibration ID and Calibration Verification Numbers (CVN) to the Calibration Verification Numbers (CVN) on the printout.

* Steps may vary by controller.

Although the part numbers will be the same for each, it's the CVN that will determine if the calibration is GM issued. If ALL of the CVN's are EXACTLY the same, the calibration is GM issued.

If the part numbers match and ANY CVN's DO NOT match the printout, it is likely that a non-GM certified calibration has been installed.

If the CVN information is displayed as "N/A", it will be necessary to contact the TCSC to obtain the CVN information.

If a non-GM calibration is found to be in the ECM (CVN's on the Tech 2 do not match TIS printout) - In order to document the case — a CLEAR digital picture should be taken of the Tech 2® screen showing the VIN and the CVN's that do not match the TIS2WEB printout. The picture, VIN and reason the vehicle is currently in for service should be emailed to [email protected] and STEVEN.R. [email protected] for verification. Please copy your GM District Service Manager (DVM) on the e-mail. GM will verify if the CVN's are not GM issued and respond via e-mail within 72 hours.

nbscanuck · September 8, 2008

If you go a tuner method, remember to ALWAYS return your vehicle to stock tune. I'm kinda partial to DiabloSport tuners myself since I have one. If you go a custom ECM tune, get a stock ECM so you can swap it to a stock tune. Exhaust will get you some HP, tune will get you some HP, CAI will get you some HP, getting rid of 3.42s will get you a better launch and pulling power, but they will also get you less fuel mileage.

snowman44 · September 8, 2008

What did you actually notice with the Diablo Sport? If you don't mind me asking how much was it and where did you get it from? Do they give any numbers of the hp numbers you gain? The Black Bear Performance sounds great but I live in Central New York and from what I've read this guy named Justin does it in the south. I am not a mechanic by any means but like to wake this truck up without breaking the bank

VMax2007 · September 8, 2008

What did you actually notice with the Diablo Sport? If you don't mind me asking how much was it and where did you get it from? Do they give any numbers of the hp numbers you gain? The Black Bear Performance sounds great but I live in Central New York and from what I've read this guy named Justin does it in the south. I am not a mechanic by any means but like to wake this truck up without breaking the bank

Call Justin. He will give you all the details. You don't have to go to him. CALL HIM!!! Seriously!

nbscanuck · September 8, 2008

Numbers from Diablo are 20 RWHP. Mileage increase of 1-2 on the highway. Biggest thing is the elimination of the WOT delay, when you stomp on it, it goes. It doesn't "think about it" then go. They don't have tranny support, so you can't change shift points, firmness or get rid of the tranny nannies. I'm happy with it. Maybe not as agressive as a custom email tune, but I can return my truck to factory tune in about 2 minutes at no extra cost. That's the down side of custom ECM tune, if you have warranty work, you need to swap ECM and you need to buy and extra one to do this with.

Another reason I like Diablo is the on line forum. Lots of help and their techs on their answering questions. There is also quite a bit of adjustability in the Predator as well. You get the canned tune, but you can make it better. Their canned tunes are as good as anyone elses, but you can make them better. More HP and better mileage.

snowman44 · September 9, 2008

Does anyone make a programmer that you can adjust shift points? It kills me that I don't think I can stay with my buddies Tundra that has 381hp. I need to do something.

2000DV4.8 · September 9, 2008

CUSTOM TUNE. Costs less than a handheld, better gains. Visit http://www.blackbearperformance.com and read up. He (or any tuner) can adjust pretty much anything.

pm26 · September 9, 2008

Does anyone make a programmer that you can adjust shift points? It kills me that I don't think I can stay with my buddies Tundra that has 381hp. I need to do something.

What is killing your performance from a standing start are those 3.42 gears. For comparison, Trailblazer SS uses a 6.0 liter, 390 HP engine and 4.10 rear end gears. It will run 0-60 in about 5.6 seconds, faster than any stock full size GM pickup. And definitely faster than a 5.7 liter Tundra.

2000DV4.8 · September 9, 2008

Does anyone make a programmer that you can adjust shift points? It kills me that I don't think I can stay with my buddies Tundra that has 381hp. I need to do something.

What is killing your performance from a standing start are those 3.42 gears. For comparison, Trailblazer SS uses a 6.0 liter, 390 HP engine and 4.10 rear end gears. It will run 0-60 in about 5.6 seconds, faster than any stock full size GM pickup. And definitely faster than a 5.7 liter Tundra.

The 6spd transmission has a very low 1st gear, which makes the final drive ratio in 1st with 3.42s similar to that of the 4l60e with 4.10. It's the 4 second delay that kills performance from a standstill, not the gears. There's a reason the 6spd only comes with 3.42s.

satori · September 9, 2008

Does anyone make a programmer that you can adjust shift points? It kills me that I don't think I can stay with my buddies Tundra that has 381hp. I need to do something.

What is killing your performance from a standing start are those 3.42 gears. For comparison, Trailblazer SS uses a 6.0 liter, 390 HP engine and 4.10 rear end gears. It will run 0-60 in about 5.6 seconds, faster than any stock full size GM pickup. And definitely faster than a 5.7 liter Tundra.

The 6spd transmission has a very low 1st gear, which makes the final drive ratio in 1st with 3.42s similar to that of the 4l60e with 4.10. It's the 4 second delay that kills performance from a standstill, not the gears. There's a reason the 6spd only comes with 3.42s.

I've seen the 4 second delay mentioned several times as I read through threads here. I'm new to the GMT800 platform ('05 Tahoe, 5.3L) and I'm still gathering how these vehicles work as far as factory power controls. Is the 4 second delay caused by Torque Management? Also, is Abuse Management just a nick-name for Torque Management? All I know is it bugs me, and I'm going to get it taken care of with a custom tune. In the mean time, I just want to understand how it works.

snowman44 · September 9, 2008

I just read up on the Black Bear Performance and I am a little nervous about it voiding my warranty. I am also a little unclear on what exactly takes place. I am by no means a mechanic and don't want to get into anything to serious that can affect the longevity of my vehicle. I know an exhaust would help increase hp but not help with shift points. In everyones opinion, should i get an exhaust or do some type of programming mod to get the most bang for my buck. Has anyone had any experiences on my specific truck? Thanks again for all the help.

2000DV4.8 · September 9, 2008

Does anyone make a programmer that you can adjust shift points? It kills me that I don't think I can stay with my buddies Tundra that has 381hp. I need to do something.

What is killing your performance from a standing start are those 3.42 gears. For comparison, Trailblazer SS uses a 6.0 liter, 390 HP engine and 4.10 rear end gears. It will run 0-60 in about 5.6 seconds, faster than any stock full size GM pickup. And definitely faster than a 5.7 liter Tundra.

The 6spd transmission has a very low 1st gear, which makes the final drive ratio in 1st with 3.42s similar to that of the 4l60e with 4.10. It's the 4 second delay that kills performance from a standstill, not the gears. There's a reason the 6spd only comes with 3.42s.

I've seen the 4 second delay mentioned several times as I read through threads here. I'm new to the GMT800 platform ('05 Tahoe, 5.3L) and I'm still gathering how these vehicles work as far as factory power controls. Is the 4 second delay caused by Torque Management? Also, is Abuse Management just a nick-name for Torque Management? All I know is it bugs me, and I'm going to get it taken care of with a custom tune. In the mean time, I just want to understand how it works.

I'm not exactly up on all the names of the nannies, and what does what, but the 4 second delay is new for the GMT900 trucks. Our 'old' trucks don't have the 4 second delay, but there is a decent amount of TM.