08 Denali Performance Mods - Help?

[jwallaceaz]

Hi guys. New to the forum here.

 

I just purchased a new loaded '08 Red Jewel-Tint Yukon Denali 5 days ago (what an awesome deal, sticker was $54K+ and got it for $38,900, plus full trade in on the wifes' '06 4Runner) - and I am already thinking of what performance mods I would like to make.

 

I have spent hours pouring over the forums (including looking through 21 pages of posts on here that contain the word "Denali") and looking on websites for products, and I am not sure which direction to go.

 

Here are my questions - I would love to hear from people who have actually used this stuff, or are more knowledgable than I am about the specifics (By the way, back in the day I bought a new 2000 Cadillac Esclade and I did a few out-of-the-box things, which is the extent of my experience. On the Escalade I added Borla Cat-Back Exhaust, K&N Cold Air Intake, Granatelli Mass Airflow Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor and Hypertech Power Programmer Plus - those mods made a huge difference).

 

Potential Performance Mods for my 08 Denali:

 

> Cold Air Intake - I have read that some people don't think this is neccessary, or at least the open air versions aren't. If they do make sense, should I go with K&N, Air Raid, etc.

 

> Hand Held Programmer - From what I have read people seem to think that a custom tune makes the most sense. Unfortunately, living here in Phoenix, I don't know of anyone that would offer that in my area. In lieu of a custom tune, which hand held programmer makes the most sense - Jet Performance, DiabloSport, SuperChips, etc.?

 

> Jet also offers Stage 1 and Stage 2 chips - whats the difference? I am a complete idiot when it comes to this.

 

> Cat-Back Exhaust - Some people have posted that this isn't really neccessary. For those that do think it makes sense - Borla, Gibson, etc?

 

> Mass Airflow Sensor - I see Jet Peformance makes a mass Airflow sensor? Neccessary?

 

Anything else I am missing? Any other suggestions?

 

I enjoy doing the work myself and can handle about any project, but I tend to pefer the out-of-the-box solutions, which seem to offer the easiest solutions, with less risk of problems down the road.

 

I look forward to everyone's expert opinions!

 

Thanks

 

JW

[66nova]

Hi guys. New to the forum here.

 

I just purchased a new loaded '08 Red Jewel-Tint Denali 5 days ago (what an awesome deal, sticker was $54K+ and got it for $38,900, plus full trade in on the wifes' '06 4Runner) - and I am already thinking of what performance mods I would like to make.

 

I have spent hours pouring over the forums (including looking through 21 pages of posts on here that contain the word "Denali") and looking on websites for products, and I am not sure which direction to go.

 

Here are my questions - I would love to hear from people who have actually used this stuff, or are more knowledgable than I am about the specifics (By the way, back in the day I bought a new 2000 Cadillac Esclade and I did a few out-of-the-box things, which is the extent of my experience. On the Escalade I added Borla Cat-Back Exhaust, K&N Cold Air Intake, Granatelli Mass Airflow Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor and Hypertech Power Programmer Plus - those mods made a huge difference).

 

Potential Performance Mods for my 08 Denali:

 

> Cold Air Intake - I have read that some people don't think this is neccessary, or at least the open air versions aren't. If they do make sense, should I go with K&N, Air Raid, etc.

 

Make a small amount of power in the high rpm range. Good filter and an airaid intake tube is cheaper and just as effective.

 

> Hand Held Programmer - From what I have read people seem to think that a custom tune makes the most sense. Unfortunately, living here in Phoenix, I don't know of anyone that would offer that in my area. In lieu of a custom tune, which hand held programmer makes the most sense - Jet Performance, DiabloSport, SuperChips, etc.?

 

I'm going to restate what you already have. FORGET about a handheld. Email Justin at Blackbear performance. www.blackbearperformance.com He can do a data log cable by mail and who knows he may have a trip to your area planned.

 

> Jet also offers Stage 1 and Stage 2 chips - whats the difference? I am a complete idiot when it comes to this.

 

> Cat-Back Exhaust - Some people have posted that this isn't really neccessary. For those that do think it makes sense - Borla, Gibson, etc?

 

Go to youtube and do a search for all the brands. Exhaust is too personal to listen to anyone here for guidence. Check out Darkanion's exhaust on this site. I think it sounds good.

 

> Mass Airflow Sensor - I see Jet Peformance makes a mass Airflow sensor? Neccessary?

 

Waist of money! Unless you plan on doing some major motor mods. The stock sensor can support more than you will ever put out.

 

 

Anything else I am missing? Any other suggestions?

 

I enjoy doing the work myself and can handle about any project, but I tend to pefer the out-of-the-box solutions, which seem to offer the easiest solutions, with less risk of problems down the road.

 

I look forward to everyone's expert opinions!

 

Thanks

 

JW

 

Start with the things in red and I bet you don't want anything else. You will have a beast.

 

Where are the pictures? And Welcome to the site

[2000DV4.8]

I agree 100% with what Robert said.

 

Welcome to the site, and lets see some pictures.

[Darkanion]

Skip the MAF. I'd probably suggest a custom (live) tune vs. a hand-held programmer. The CAI and cat-back both sound like good ideas.

[2000DV4.8]

Skip the MAF. I'd probably suggest a custom (live) tune vs. a hand-held programmer. The CAI and cat-back both sound like good ideas.

 

Doesn't even necessarily have to be live, a data-logging cable tune from Justin should out-perform a handheld (from what I've heard, anyway).

[Darkanion]

Skip the MAF. I'd probably suggest a custom (live) tune vs. a hand-held programmer. The CAI and cat-back both sound like good ideas.

 

Doesn't even necessarily have to be live, a data-logging cable tune from Justin should out-perform a handheld (from what I've heard, anyway).

Doesn't.. necessarily.. have to be.. no... But, as many live tunes as there have been going on, if I had the choice between live or data-logged, I'd opt for live. If it's available, get a live tune. That's all I'm sayin'...

 

AND with the Denali having the 6-spd, it has to be some sort of live tune to do the transmission mods. You can do the engine tune via mail-order. But, they have to plug into the ODBII port to access the TCM to change shift points, shift pressures, remove TM, etc.

 

Ok, I rescind my "not necessary" statement above. If you want a Denali tuned RIGHT, get it live tuned!

[jrrod2004]

YEAH, what all they said....

[Bish]

Good advice so far. You could also get EFILive along with the tune and you can tune the trans by mail order. I got both from Justin at Blackbear.

 

On the exhaust, I'm a big fan of Corsa although I like the sound of the stock exhaust on my 08.

[GARB55]

Welcome, with what has been recommended you will have an all new Denali that you never thought was possible. Also post up some pics of the new ride we all would like to see!!

[2000DV4.8]

Skip the MAF. I'd probably suggest a custom (live) tune vs. a hand-held programmer. The CAI and cat-back both sound like good ideas.

 

Doesn't even necessarily have to be live, a data-logging cable tune from Justin should out-perform a handheld (from what I've heard, anyway).

Doesn't.. necessarily.. have to be.. no... But, as many live tunes as there have been going on, if I had the choice between live or data-logged, I'd opt for live. If it's available, get a live tune. That's all I'm sayin'...

 

AND with the Denali having the 6-spd, it has to be some sort of live tune to do the transmission mods. You can do the engine tune via mail-order. But, they have to plug into the ODBII port to access the TCM to change shift points, shift pressures, remove TM, etc.

 

Ok, I rescind my "not necessary" statement above. If you want a Denali tuned RIGHT, get it live tuned!

 

 

Ok I forgot about the transmission thing. I stand corrected.

[Ryan00TJ]

I would imagine intake and exhaust mods along with a good tune would really wake the Denali up. If it were mine I would go that route and go from there. I had four different tunes on my SS with different cam and head setups and man do they make a difference. On my last tune I went from 390rwhp to 420rwhp.

[Darkanion]

Ok I forgot about the transmission thing. I stand corrected.

 

"Sit, Ubu. Sit. Good dog!!"

[2000DV4.8]

Ok I forgot about the transmission thing. I stand corrected.

 

"Sit, Ubu. Sit. Good dog!!"

 

 

Ok, I sit corrected...?

 

Do I get a cookie? I wanna cookie. Gimme a cookie. COOKIEE!

 

 

 

 

 

OM NOM NOM.

[Darkanion]

Ok I forgot about the transmission thing. I stand corrected.

 

"Sit, Ubu. Sit. Good dog!!"

 

 

Ok, I sit corrected...?

 

Do I get a cookie? I wanna cookie. Gimme a cookie. COOKIEE!

 

 

 

 

 

OM NOM NOM.

Here's some Scooby Snacks...