Custom Tunes

05GMC4DR · July 1, 2009

I know theres alot of threads on here about everyones custom tunes. Im considering having my 05 Sierra tuned. How do you know that the tune you got is a good tune and wont hurt the truck/motor/tranny in the long run. Ive got 45K on my STOCK 5.3 with 3.23 gears. The tune runs about $350. I have another vehicle that is my TOY and where I do most of my mods so I dont have alot of left over money to go moding my truck (which is my DD). I guess what Im looking for is how will it affect my fuel milage, towing ability and over all driveablity. Pros and Cons of tuning would be great was well. Thanks in advance.

Rob

Bowler807 · July 1, 2009

I had an 06 Sierra Crew Cab that I installed a Wait4Me mail order tune. The truck ran much better than stock. I gained about 1 mpg. It was also my DD. It was leased and when the lease expired, I bought an 08 Sierra Crew Cab. It is almost identical to my 06 except for the AFM. I liked my Wait4Me tune in the 06 so I tried numerous times to contact Jesse to see what he could do with my 08. He never answered messages or e-mails. I then started reading about the BlackBear tunes on this forum. I decided to contact Justin. His response was immediate. Since there was an in-person tune being scheduled for my area I decided to wait and have Justin tune my truck in person. The difference between my tuned 06 and the BlackBear tuned 08 is night and day. Don't get me wrong. The 06 ran good. When I first got the 06 I had a difficult time pulling my 30 foot camper. After the tune there were no towing problems what-so-ever. The 08 however will put the 06 to shame in every category. Towing ability, throttle response is better, the overall performance is better, the driveability has been greatly improved, and the fuel mileage is 3 mpg better than before the tune.

Since I turned in my 06 when the lease expired, how can I make the comparisons you ask? A friend of mine bought my 06 from the leasing company. I have compared these trucks head to head.

For my money you can't go wrong with a BlackBear tune. Search in the vendors section of these forums. BlackBrar has their own subforum.

jdg2 · July 1, 2009

+1 on Black Bear Performance

It's not just about gas mileage, though you may see some improvement if you can keep your foot out of the throttle. But overall driveability is really noticeable for me.

brims · July 1, 2009

A tune will make your truck so much better. I had to have the stock computers back in for about a week and I was so mad at how GM made these trucks run. I went with Black Bear. 1 guy on here recently said he has 70,000 miles on his custom tune and no issues.

superjim · July 2, 2009

A tune will make your truck so much better. I had to have the stock computers back in for about a week and I was so mad at how GM made these trucks run. I went with Black Bear. 1 guy on here recently said he has 70,000 miles on his custom tune and no issues.

I don't have anywhere near 70,000 on my tune...but I do have well over 15,000 on it.

No problems at all.

Runs better, and slightly better mileage...depending on the weight of my right foot.

hivoltg · July 2, 2009

I just got my Wheatley 93 octane tune for my 5.3. I ran an 87 tune from him for about a week, then installed the 93 tune. The 93 tune is awesome! Also, Charlie Wheatley has great customer service.

vortec350 · July 3, 2009

If you are interested,send me a PM and I will knock 40.00 OFF

235.00 for a custom tune from us is one heck of a deal!!

Outbacker · July 3, 2009

I have read several of the threads on tuning a truck, and my only concern is warranty issues. What will happen to my warranty if I got a tune for the truck? Can the warranty be voided if they find that I tuned the truck while under warranty?

VMax2007 · July 3, 2009

If you are interested,send me a PM and I will knock 40.00 OFF
235.00 for a custom tune from us is one heck of a deal!!

brims · July 3, 2009

I have read several of the threads on tuning a truck, and my only concern is warranty issues. What will happen to my warranty if I got a tune for the truck? Can the warranty be voided if they find that I tuned the truck while under warranty?

They can but they need to prove that you have a tune.

04_5.3 · July 3, 2009

If you are interested,send me a PM and I will knock 40.00 OFF
235.00 for a custom tune from us is one heck of a deal!!

what is Black Bear Performance website addy is it better than superchips

brims · July 3, 2009

http://www.blackbearperformance.com

A custom tune will always be superior to a cookie cutter tune if you get a respectable tuner, and Justin is.

VMax2007 · July 3, 2009

If you are interested,send me a PM and I will knock 40.00 OFF
235.00 for a custom tune from us is one heck of a deal!!

what is Black Bear Performance website addy is it better than superchips

Black Bear and Wheatley are both site sponsors, click on their banners.

irongoats · July 3, 2009

Another vote for Justin @ Black Bear Performance, awesome customer service and truck runs outstanding.

Bowtie2Sierra · July 3, 2009

I'm very happy with the tune I recieved from Justin at Black Bear Performance but I have heard good things about Wheatly as well. You can't go wrong with either.