Power programmers???

[scottrick]

I want to start off by knowing that going to blackbear is probably the best option in programming and best results, BUT i really want multiple options (ie. different stages in power, gas saving mode, multiple firmness in shiftpoints, etc.)

with that said, what is the best programmer out there to get? I have a 2008 Tahoe with a 6.2L, volant exhaust, and volant intake.....

as of now, i am thinking of getting the EDGE or the new Hypertech....

Hypertech:
http://www.hypertech.com/Products/HyperPAC

EDGE:
http://www.edgeproducts.com/product.php?pk=83&pvk=258

I need some people who have experience these products to chime in and give me some advice in purchasing.....

thanks in advance!!!

-S

[Conor]

The Diablo Sport is a good one too, as well as Superchips. Did yu know that Justin at Black Bear can give you 2 different modes with a Black Bear? He can program the tow/haul button to be an extreme mode with some pretty serious power. From everything I have learned you just cannot go wrong with Black Bear.

[Mr. B]

I had an Edge program on the diesel I used to own. Hands down the best programmer out there for that application. I see they have many of the same options for the gas engines.

My main complaint with the Denali is how it shifts. None of these handhelds can adjust transmission shifting on new body style (or at least 6 speed auto) trucks. That is why I am waiting until Justing at Black Bear has his hand held available. His will be able to program the transmission computer as well.

[blueflamed03]

if you have to have a hand held, Diablo.

[emann_01]

I have the Edge Evolution on my 5.3l and I am pleased with it. The main difference is a huge improvement in trans shifts.

[BlueTahoe2001]

I have the Edge Evolution on my 5.3l and I am pleased with it. The main difference is a huge improvement in trans shifts.

I was told Edge made pretty good tuners...How do you like it so far?

[JennaBear]

I would wait for the EFILive AutoCal to come out, if I were forced to have a handheld.

[blueflamed03]

I would wait for the EFILive AutoCal to come out, if I were forced to have a handheld.

ooooohhhhh, new stuff.... :D

[emann_01]

I was told Edge made pretty good tuners...How do you like it so far?

I enjoy it. Like I said the trans shifts are a lot better than stock. The "extreme" mode is decent and you can feel it. I dont do it much because it requires 91 or higher octane. The "economy" mode works pretty well also. I got about 1.5 more mpgs on the highway but not really an increase in town. It also has "tow" mode which I have not tried yet.

Its easy to remove and put the truck back to stock for those trips to the dealership.

[scottrick]

I would wait for the EFILive AutoCal to come out, if I were forced to have a handheld.

How many programs does EFILive AutoCal hold and how much with the programs??

[JennaBear]

It is still in Beta testing, but here is a link on it:

http://www.efilive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:autocal&catid=33:general-contect

We have two of them here, pretty slick little gadgets that enable remote tuning.

[msj724]

I have a Superchips, and can honestly say I am slightly disappointed. The only difference I can feel is with the shift points. Acceleration is the same, gas mileage didn't change (though I didn't buy it for gas mileage), passing power is still weak. I would wait for a BB Tune as well. I don't have my BB Tune yet, but from everything I hear it should be sweet. The only downside to BB Tune is how long you have to wait for it if you choose a data logging tune. Plan on at least two months, but I guess it will be worth it.

[Mr. B]

How are you guys getting improved shifting? Do the Denali's have a different transmission? Do the 5.3s have the six speed as well?

[Modded]

They get it through the Blackbear performance tune, cleans up alot of bs on these trucks!

[msj724]

I am certainly no expert, but from what I understand...tuning gives your vehicle a new personality. Where a stock 5.3 V8 shifts from 1st to 2nd gear at lets say 3000 RPM, a tuned 5.3 V8 can have the shift points adjusted (by adjusting the rev limiter, etc.) to say 3500 or 4000 RPM (these are all just example numbers). This is just one small piece of what can be changed in your vehicle from getting a tune.

[Mr. B]

I know what a tune does. I have a Denali, and Justin (Black Bear) told me he couldn't tune shifts on it without this new handheld. I guess since shifts can me modified on the 5.3s, it must be a different transmission from the Denali.

[JennaBear]

The TCM is located internal to the transmission, so he can only tune the TCM when doing an inperson tune.

[wmgood64]

Bully dog

[emann_01]

I know what a tune does. I have a Denali, and Justin (Black Bear) told me he couldn't tune shifts on it without this new handheld. I guess since shifts can me modified on the 5.3s, it must be a different transmission from the Denali.

My Edge Evolution talks to the ECM and TCM.

I dont know if there is a difference in the trans from the denali to the 5.3l.

[JennaBear]

The difference would be in the transmission as to whether or not you have the 6 speed. Justin can tune them in person with his hardware, but can't ship out a spare TCM.

[Mr. B]

Which is why I'm waiting for Justing to get the hand held. I can't wait!!

Unless you have a Chicago area tune day, then I'm in. :D

[JennaBear]

We are anxiously awaiting the debut as well!!

[Cobra]

Guess Im the only one with a Hypertech. It did make a noticible difference.

[Fast55]

Any updates? I'm still looking for something for an '09 6.2 6 speed?

[denali]

Any updates? I'm still looking for something for an '09 6.2 6 speed?

mega dittos

07 6.2 6speed.

patiently waiting... hopefully in 2009???

[Fast55]

I was under the impression that there was a programmer for a 6.2 Denali? I'm beginning to think I have the only 6.2 6 speed Tahoe 4X4. I guess the issue is the 6 speed? Somebody build this, I'll buy it!

[elbison]

I guess the issue is the 6 speed? Somebody build this, I'll buy it!

So are we saying BlackBear will only tune the TCM in person?

I have the SuperChips Cortex running a 93 octane tune on my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT w/ 6 spd auto. It works "fantastically" using "50% Superchips" value to tune the TCM in that car. It's actually insanely good.

I did plug the Cortex into the new Tahoe and set up an 87 octane tune (with torque mgt at 50% SC value), but was disappointed like the other guy above said. It shifted a little better / revved higher, but still seemed sluggish and had some quirks.

It started out the same way with the G8. On that board, we all kept trying the different values until we found that 50% sc value was the best.

I actually threw a small fit about the Cortex results on the Tahoe and was pissed that I didn't get the 4x4 6.2L that I was on the way to get at Covert in Bastrop (my normal dealer that was on the way gave me an equivalent "hot off the delivery truck" 5.3L for $3500 less - $7000 off MSRP with 0% for 72 mos.). I had test driven quite a few Escalades, though, and wasn't exactly impressed with them in stock form either.

[Fast55]

I ended up with a 6.2 4X4 in black because my local delaer went out and got me the grey 6.2 I wanted some months ago and after I drove it, I walked away! It seemed SLOWER than my '07 2wd LTZ with the 5.3! Looked at a X5, Escalade, GL550 Benz, QX56, and came back to the Tahoe after talking to a couple of people who said you really have to give the 6.2 time to loosen up. When I went back to get the grey 6.2 it was gone. I've had this one for a month and now that it's got about 1200 miles, it has really picked up some steam already. It's obvious that it needs tuning. I'm on the "list" for the BB handheld whenever that happens. Right now, they can only flash your existing TCM/PCM and from all reports it's a HUGE improvement, but I'm not swapping ECM's (motor, trans or both) being in warranty. When a handheld is available, I'm in.

[elbison]

I feel you on that. I'm still on the fence, but uber busy with other stuff, and the wife keeps saying "it's not a race car" and she loves it as is.

The "big GM V8" is in my blood, I guess. We've had: 2004 Silverado VHO (2wd vortecmax 6.0L, beta test for 2wd SSS), 2007 Trailblazer SS, 2007 Corvette, 2009 G8 GT as recent vehicles. It was damn hard for me to say no to the 6.2L....and they had to come off big time to make it happen....add in 2+mpg, wife not caring and me giving too much credit to the Cortex for its magic on the G8.....and we got the 5.3L.

I'll make it work for us......props on yours though.....they aren't making them anymore....2009 the only year for 6.2L 4x4 Tahoe.

[Fast55]

When I found out I missed that grey one I was going to order a 2010 until I was told they weren't building it. I didn't realize they don't have cylinder deactivation until I bought it. Started out averaging 11.4 MPG! I'm not sure what it will do on the freeway, they have also done away with the "instant MPG" display in my '07. That truck gets 16 MPG average and I drive it like a work truck (hard). The 6.2 is up to a whopping 13.4 MPG average now, but it finally feels like it will outrun the 2WD 5.3.