2011 Tahoe Z71 - what to do next?

[Jman27]

I recently purchased my 2nd Tahoe. My first was a 2003 LT that served me well. My “new” Tahoe is a 2011 Z71 black on black. It only had 1 owner, all service records, only 68,000 miles and was literally immaculate. Safe to say I’m very happy with it. Everything on it was stock except for an exhaust tip. First thing I want to upgrade is the stereo. It currently has the stock navigation stereo. I’m considering the Kenwood DMX958xr. It has great reviews, a a high resolution screen (by our stereo standards), but the price is so damn high. $999 and then need all of the appropriate harnesses. Want to keep my middle row DVD player functional as well and get Kenwoods CMOS740hd back up camera. Crutchfiled shows my total at around $1650. With installation I’m guessing around $2k total. Ouch!

What upgrades/mods are suggested after that? I was considering a CAI, Corsa exhaust and then a BBP tune. Thoughts? Recommendations? Appreciate everyone’s feedback and opinions!

 

[steiny93]

I like the steps

1) find non messed with stock rig
2) mess with it

 

[Jman27]

I like the steps

1) find non messed with stock rig
2) mess with it

lol. I mean, I suppose you’re right. Although I don’t think the stereo addition is messing with it too much. I simply want Apple CarPlay and better sound quality. I’m not getting a big floating screen that is going to throw off the stock look.
Or maybe I’m thinking you’re being sarcastic with your comment and you’re not? Haha.

 

[Marky Dissod]

1. Drain & replace the ATF; don't forget to do used ATF analysis to check torque converter clutch condition.
2. Upgrade the axle(s?) to 3.42 or 3.73 (4.10 if you're truly lead-footed).
3. Prepare to replace / upgrade torque converter based on used ATF analysis.
4. Tune ecm & tcm.

 

[swathdiver]

I recently purchased my 2nd Tahoe. My first was a 2003 LT that served me well. My “new” Tahoe is a 2011 Z71 black on black. It only had 1 owner, all service records, only 68,000 miles and was literally immaculate. Safe to say I’m very happy with it. Everything on it was stock except for an exhaust tip. First thing I want to upgrade is the stereo. It currently has the stock navigation stereo. I’m considering the Kenwood DMX958xr. It has great reviews, a a high resolution screen (by our stereo standards), but the price is so damn high. $999 and then need all of the appropriate harnesses. Want to keep my middle row DVD player functional as well and get Kenwoods CMOS740hd back up camera. Crutchfiled shows my total at around $1650. With installation I’m guessing around $2k total. Ouch!

What upgrades/mods are suggested after that? I was considering a CAI, Corsa exhaust and then a BBP tune. Thoughts? Recommendations? Appreciate everyone’s feedback and opinions!

If this were mine, I'd change all the fluids and replace the plugs and wires and the air filter to start with. Then the vehicle would be put on the severe service schedule.

Then I'd get it tuned to shut off AFM and improve the performance of the transmission, have used BlackBear Performance twice so far.

Being that she's almost 15, I'd check the condition of the shocks and struts, the "bump stops" and other rubber and plastic parts.

Of course the brakes, suspension and steering components would get a good look at as well.

Those swaybar end links need replacing every 7 years or so, same with oil cooler lines from the engine and transmission.

Is this a 4x4 or RWD? Any pics?

Finally, get a bi-directional scan tool so you can work on it. Or, at the very least, properly diagnose problems so you're not ripped off by lazy/thieving mechanics.

 

[Jman27]

If this were mine, I'd change all the fluids and replace the plugs and wires and the air filter to start with. Then the vehicle would be put on the severe service schedule.

Then I'd get it tuned to shut off AFM and improve the performance of the transmission, have used BlackBear Performance twice so far.

Being that she's almost 15, I'd check the condition of the shocks and struts, the "bump stops" and other rubber and plastic parts.

Of course the brakes, suspension and steering components would get a good look at as well.

Those swaybar end links need replacing every 7 years or so, same with oil cooler lines from the engine and transmission.

Is this a 4x4 or RWD? Any pics?

Finally, get a bi-directional scan tool so you can work on it. Or, at the very least, properly diagnose problems so you're not ripped off by lazy/thieving mechanics.

Appreciate all the feedback! It’s a 4wd. I don’t go off-roading much or anything, but wanted the 4wd “just in case”. Currently sitting on stock 18” wheels and tires. Since I purchased off a dealership, they serviced it prior to me purchasing. But in March of this year I did take it to the Chevy dealership for an oil change where my buddy is a mechanic and had him check it out, since I trust him. He said everything was good. But next time I go, I can ask him about the ATF to ensure everything is running smooth.
Someone mentioned the gears. It currently has the 3.42 gears. The original window sticker was still in the vehicle. I am considering a tune, not because it needs anything, but simply because I’ve heard great reviews for BBP and wouldn’t mind a bit more HP. I do have some pictures of it. Some are from the dealership when I first bought it (w/out window tint). The pics with window tint are the most recent ones.

 

[Doubeleive]

I recently purchased my 2nd Tahoe. My first was a 2003 LT that served me well. My “new” Tahoe is a 2011 Z71 black on black. It only had 1 owner, all service records, only 68,000 miles and was literally immaculate. Safe to say I’m very happy with it. Everything on it was stock except for an exhaust tip. First thing I want to upgrade is the stereo. It currently has the stock navigation stereo. I’m considering the Kenwood DMX958xr. It has great reviews, a a high resolution screen (by our stereo standards), but the price is so damn high. $999 and then need all of the appropriate harnesses. Want to keep my middle row DVD player functional as well and get Kenwoods CMOS740hd back up camera. Crutchfiled shows my total at around $1650. With installation I’m guessing around $2k total. Ouch!

What upgrades/mods are suggested after that? I was considering a CAI, Corsa exhaust and then a BBP tune. Thoughts? Recommendations? Appreciate everyone’s feedback and opinions!

If you shop used or refurb, you can save yourself a whole bunch of money
for instance this pioneer is comparable to the kenwood, wireless android auto or carplay, the only thing different on the newer ones is they have alexa built in woopee
the required cables can be found for about $25-30, then you just need the maestro rr & gm-5? which you can find open box on ebay also (maybe $100-120 for all the adapters)
so you can chop that $2k in half easily

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that oem radio is archaic, it was outdated before gm installed it

 

[Jman27]

Appreciate all the feedback! It’s a 4wd. I don’t go off-roading much or anything, but wanted the 4wd “just in case”. Currently sitting on stock 18” wheels and tires. Since I purchased off a dealership, they serviced it prior to me purchasing. But in March of this year I did take it to the Chevy dealership for an oil change where my buddy is a mechanic and had him check it out, since I trust him. He said everything was good. But next time I go, I can ask him about the ATF to ensure everything is running smooth.
Someone mentioned the gears. It currently has the 3.42 gears. The original window sticker was still in the vehicle. I am considering a tune, not because it needs anything, but simply because I’ve heard great reviews for BBP and wouldn’t mind a bit more HP. I do have some pictures of it. Some are from the dealership when I first bought it (w/out window tint). The pics with window tint are the most recent ones.

Appreciate all the feedback! It’s a 4wd. I don’t go off-roading much or anything, but wanted the 4wd “just in case”. Currently sitting on stock 18” wheels and tires. Since I purchased off a dealership, they serviced it prior to me purchasing. But in March of this year I did take it to the Chevy dealership for an oil change where my buddy is a mechanic and had him check it out, since I trust him. He said everything was good. But next time I go, I can ask him about the ATF to ensure everything is running smooth.
Someone mentioned the gears. It currently has the 3.42 gears. The original window sticker was still in the vehicle. I am considering a tune, not because it needs anything, but simply because I’ve heard great reviews for BBP and wouldn’t mind a bit more HP. I do have some pictures of it. Some are from the dealership when I first bought it (w/out window tint). The pics with window tint are the most recent ones.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Someone mentioned gears. It currently has 3.42 ...
I am considering a tune, not because it needs anything, but simply because I’ve heard great reviews for BBP and wouldn’t mind a bit more HP.

If it already has 3.42, congrats, that's what GM shoulda put in ALL of the ones with 3.08.

The big deal about the tune is not the extra horsies, it's the improved engine and transmission response,
how much more durable the transmission will be after addressing the TCC lockup behaviors,
and how much the engine will appreciate having Engine Half@$$ disabled in the long run.
You'll be next in a long line of people who got tuned and wonder why other people don't.

 

[swathdiver]

Appreciate all the feedback! It’s a 4wd. I don’t go off-roading much or anything, but wanted the 4wd “just in case”. Currently sitting on stock 18” wheels and tires. Since I purchased off a dealership, they serviced it prior to me purchasing. But in March of this year I did take it to the Chevy dealership for an oil change where my buddy is a mechanic and had him check it out, since I trust him. He said everything was good. But next time I go, I can ask him about the ATF to ensure everything is running smooth.
Someone mentioned the gears. It currently has the 3.42 gears. The original window sticker was still in the vehicle. I am considering a tune, not because it needs anything, but simply because I’ve heard great reviews for BBP and wouldn’t mind a bit more HP. I do have some pictures of it. Some are from the dealership when I first bought it (w/out window tint). The pics with window tint are the most recent ones.

Always loved the look of the GMT900 Z71s with the fender flares and front bumper. Nice truck!

Just remember that even though she's low mileage, some things will age out due to time. Just keep looking her over from time to time. I bought a Sierra with low mileage like yours and found this to be the case.

The front axle and 2-speed transfer case is nice to have, remember to exercise it once a month or so, so it will be ready for that day when you really need it.

 

[Jman27]

If it already has 3.42, congrats, that's what GM shoulda put in ALL of the ones with 3.08.

The big deal about the tune is not the extra horsies, it's the improved engine and transmission response,
how much more durable the transmission will be after addressing the TCC lockup behaviors,
and how much the engine will appreciate having Engine Half@$$ disabled in the long run.
You'll be next in a long line of people who got tuned and wonder why other people don't.

If it already has 3.42, congrats, that's what GM shoulda put in ALL of the ones with 3.08.

The big deal about the tune is not the extra horsies, it's the improved engine and transmission response,
how much more durable the transmission will be after addressing the TCC lockup behaviors,
and how much the engine will appreciate having Engine Half@$$ disabled in the long run.
You'll be next in a long line of people who got tuned and wonder why other people don't.

Sounds like a tune is a definite yes, then! And I’ll likely go with BBP. I’ve heard different things about AFM being disabled with the tune vs actually being deleted. Any advice? I know not all vehicles experience the knocking issue later in its life and I hope mine isn’t one of them, being that it seems well taken care of and I plan on servicing it regularly.

 

[swathdiver]

Sounds like a tune is a definite yes, then! And I’ll likely go with BBP. I’ve heard different things about AFM being disabled with the tune vs actually being deleted. Any advice? I know not all vehicles experience the knocking issue later in its life and I hope mine isn’t one of them, being that it seems well taken care of and I plan on servicing it regularly.

I turned AFM off with a BlackBear tune back in 2017 at around 117K miles and she's at about 218K without issue.

 

[steiny93]

lol. I mean, I suppose you’re right. Although I don’t think the stereo addition is messing with it too much. I simply want Apple CarPlay and better sound quality. I’m not getting a big floating screen that is going to throw off the stock look.
Or maybe I’m thinking you’re being sarcastic with your comment and you’re not? Haha.

no sarcasm at all, I like the steps

here is what I did to the stock '08 I picked up

 

[fredcook]

I was going to suggest using an oscilloscope to check cam-crank correlation for the timing chain and/or tensioners. There's little that can go wrong with the GMT900 that leaves you on the roadside. But a slack timing chain is one of them if it jumps a couple of teeth. But... at only 68,000 miles, don't bother. One of my Tahoe's tolerance went out of spec (2 degrees) at over 245,000 miles.