Custom Tune Vs. Programmer

dirtracer455 · February 4, 2009

So now that I've finally installed my exhaust and intake, I'm ready to make the most of my mods and get a tune

I've been considering a few different options and I'm trying to decide between a programmer and a custom tune. (Most likely the Edge Evo or a BlackBear tune) I've heard a ton of good stuff about BlackBear, as far as how you can get a tune to fit exactly with your trucks specs.

I've heard that the tune actually replaces your PCM with a new one. One problem that I have with the BlackBear tune is the fact that you can't adjust it on demand. I've heard you can send it in to have it adjusted, but it just seems easier to have a programmer that you can use to, say adjust for larger tires.

Also, you can't change whether you want to run a performance tune, running 91 octane vs 87, etc.

With so many people on here happy with BlackBear can anyone help to change my mind about a custom tune?

Also, does anyone have anything good/bad to say about the Edge Evo?

Thanks!

2000DV4.8 · February 4, 2009

No personal experience here, but the only benefit to a handheld that I see is on the fly adjustability. A custom tune (whether it is just the standard tune, with the data-logging cable, or in person), will net more power than a handheld, and many more parameters can be adjusted, yielding an overall better, more complete, and more 'custom' tune. You can also tune the TCM, as opposed to just the ECM with the handheld (unless there is now a handheld tuner that has the ability to adjust TCM parameters).

VMax2007 · February 4, 2009

Want the best of both worlds?

Call Justin and ask him about the EFI Live Autocal that is currently in BETA testing and soon to be released, probably this summer.

I had the Edge, don't waste your money. Seriously. IF I were to get a handheld (which will NEVER happen after getting a custom tune) I would go with the Diablosport over an Edge.

The Autocal will have the following capabilities:

1. Data Logging

2. Crank Relearn

3. Tune storage

4. The ability to load tunes that you store on your PC, meaning Justin can e-mail tune updates to you and you load them yourself. Basically meaning Justin is as close as your computer for support.

This is as much as I know about it, call Justin for more info.

tobias · February 4, 2009

Want the best of both worlds?

Call Justin and ask him about the EFI Live Autocal that is currently in BETA testing and soon to be released, probably this summer.

I had the Edge, don't waste your money. Seriously. IF I were to get a handheld (which will NEVER happen after getting a custom tune) I would go with the Diablosport over an Edge.

The Autocal will have the following capabilities:

1. Data Logging

2. Crank Relearn

3. Tune storage

4. The ability to load tunes that you store on your PC, meaning Justin can e-mail tune updates to you and you load them yourself. Basically meaning Justin is as close as your computer for support.

This is as much as I know about it, call Justin for more info.

Can you tell me more?

VMax2007 · February 4, 2009

Want the best of both worlds?

Call Justin and ask him about the EFI Live Autocal that is currently in BETA testing and soon to be released, probably this summer.

I had the Edge, don't waste your money. Seriously. IF I were to get a handheld (which will NEVER happen after getting a custom tune) I would go with the Diablosport over an Edge.

The Autocal will have the following capabilities:

1. Data Logging

2. Crank Relearn

3. Tune storage

4. The ability to load tunes that you store on your PC, meaning Justin can e-mail tune updates to you and you load them yourself. Basically meaning Justin is as close as your computer for support.

This is as much as I know about it, call Justin for more info.

Can you tell me more?

I could....if I wanted to.

mdauwald · February 4, 2009

This is what I'm waiting for. As soon as it's out I am all over it

Spurshot · February 4, 2009

I emailed the EFI folks earlier this yr about the release of the AutoCal. They said it was due to begin field testing later this spring. I suppose that means thru some of their employees or trusted pro tuners. I didn't get an estimate of public release. I would bet it's a ways out there. End of the yr would be my swag.

VMax2007 · February 4, 2009

I emailed the EFI folks earlier this yr about the release of the AutoCal. They said it was due to begin field testing later this spring. I suppose that means thru some of their employees or trusted pro tuners. I didn't get an estimate of public release. I would bet it's a ways out there. End of the yr would be my swag.

Justin has one, and has been testing it for awhile now.

Bowtie2Sierra · February 4, 2009

Has anyone heard how much the EFI Live Autocal will cost or has that not been released yet?

gave20 · February 4, 2009

EFIlive runs anywhere between $550 and $800.

VMax2007 · February 4, 2009

Has anyone heard how much the EFI Live Autocal will cost or has that not been released yet?

EFIlive runs anywhere between $550 and $800.

Andy, that is not what he asked. You do not need to buy EFI Live to buy the Autocal.

No prices have been released, but Justin guesses it will be "inline" with other handhelds in order to compete.

My guess is $300-$400.

OP, keep in mind, you can buy a tune from Justin now and add the Autocal later when it becomes available. That's what I am planning on doing.

Disclaimer: This info is 3rd party. Call Justin for more details.

gave20 · February 4, 2009

Okay, after reading the EFIlive site it looks like it will come preloaded with "canned" tunes. Seems like a good deal.

VMax2007 · February 4, 2009

Okay, after reading the EFIlive site it looks like it will come preloaded with "canned" tunes. Seems like a good deal.

Yep, but if you buy a tune from Justin, you can also store and load any tunes he does for you. You can e-mail him data-Logs, he tunes, e-mails the tune back you and you load it up.

Kinda like I-Tunes.