Disable DOD at a shop cost

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Shipyard

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I’ve called a couple shops that use HPtuners to just change the DOD setting to keep it from V4 on a 2016 suburban. One was 350 and the other was 400. Is this really the going rate?

I’m thinking 250-300 would be be better for the probably half hour job. Isn’t it just about 100 in credits?

I know it could be cheaper but I’m not willing to mail off my suburbans computer.
Anyone know a good shop in VA that can go in there and change settings? I’m using M5 lately because the Range has been killing my battery. Thanks ,

John
 

STORMIN08

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You can purchase a generic tuner of sorts...
I run a Diablo in tune 3, specifically for the DOD setting.

That said, the system can still fail with it disabled I do believe.
 

Bob2C

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I did the Diablo intune 3 originally to raise idle and turn off AFM at about 10k miles. I then decided to do a Lew tune. Truck runs soo much better. I now have 36k miles and it runs great. I think the key to not have lifter problems is to keep oil clean. So short intervals. I do 3-5k changes. There are little oil ports in the lifters that can become clogged when the oil is not changed frequently. This doesn’t mean it can happen but I think it greatly reduces the chances along with disabling it.


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STORMIN08

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Agreed, oil coking is theain issues. Extended intervals are not ideal.for these.

I change at 5k max, last 4 vehicles all.have well into the 150k range without issues.
 
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Shipyard

Shipyard

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Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind about the shorter interval instead of waiting on the 10%-5% on the system. I think my last change and the one I’m gonna do this week are closer to about 7000 miles .

the DOD switching to V4 is mostly just annoying to me as you can hear/feel it.
 

swathdiver

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I’ve called a couple shops that use HPtuners to just change the DOD setting to keep it from V4 on a 2016 suburban. One was 350 and the other was 400. Is this really the going rate?

I’m thinking 250-300 would be be better for the probably half hour job. Isn’t it just about 100 in credits?

I know it could be cheaper but I’m not willing to mail off my suburbans computer.
Anyone know a good shop in VA that can go in there and change settings? I’m using M5 lately because the Range has been killing my battery. Thanks ,

John

AFM is very reliable in the LT engines, I wouldn't bother unless you were wanting the engine tuned for maximum efficiency.
 

Tonyv__

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I can vouch for Diablo Intune with a lew tune. For right around the same price the shop is charging you. You can get a nice tune for your truck. It’s not much but it makes the truck a little more fun to drive
 

STORMIN08

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i will say this, i first leaned towards a tune for all out power ( power to weight = efficient)

but after a couple tweaks, here is where i have settled

87 octane tune
DOD disabled
tps increase 15%
up shift pressure 15%

juts did a 130 mile trip, mileage is on par or slightly better than stock ( typical trip is loaded, with 6 people... over night luggage and 3 sets of softball gear for the daughters)( sits level when loaded)

this has totally corrected what i disliked about the GM shift schedule, and the tps setting increase pedal throw to give it a slightly better feel when driving, no more feeling like it need to mash it to down shift.
i was very hesitant in the use of a pedal fooler device, but it does make the vehicle drive a lot smoother
 
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Shipyard

Shipyard

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So the Lew tune works like this basically? I buy the Diablo tune device and interface with the vehicle computer myself, for like $400 for the device.

And then have Lew tune review some downloaded files and he sends me back something custom with additional cost?

Is there some simple settings to improve performance and disable DOD myself without dealing with a laptop and files? I asked the shop about changing some performance settings but they haven’t got back with me. I’m bet they’re gonna want another couple hundred or so...
 

STORMIN08

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so the intune has generic tunes already loaded, within that menu you can select an option to modify...this is where you can select, trans up shift rpm, up shift psi, dod, throttle input %, enrichment of fueling...ect.

i wasnt wanting all out power, just a few tweaks for better drivability. in the past i have had very good results using superchips, but like that diablo offer more end user options to modify, along with the ability to have a custom tune performed.

now, LEW doenst do anything other than adjustments to the preselected octane tunes already present (MEANING, no e85, no power adder tunes, ect.), but he does make the needed adjustments that you vehicle has for its primary drive area and your style.

to be clear, he probably does start fresh with the tune, but based on data logs...starting info is very easy to achieve, dont think he is just tweaking throttle sensitivity.
 
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Shipyard

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Okay , so it sounds like from you guys the Diablo is pretty reliable and not much of a risk.

Looking at those kinds of tuners in the past, the reviews online had me scared to end up with some bad side effects with the electronic control stuff on the truck and made me think a pro using HPtuners was the better path for me to go.

I understand the AFM is not as bad as older models, and it could still fail with just the electronic disable , but I find it really annoying, so I just want the setting off all the time even in 6th gear.

More throttle response would be nice too and I guess if I don’t like what the diablo tuner does, I can revert it back to stock settings .
 

Bob2C

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Lew tune is the way to go. He has been doing it for a long time. He is very quick to respond and return the tune. He will also adjust the shift points in the trans as well. Mine are firm shifts instead of those sluggish ones from the stock tune. Also the harsh down shift when rolling to a stop is all but eliminated. You won’t be disappointed.


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STORMIN08

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Again...nearly if not all.of what Lew does...can be done on your own.

I run the firm shift tune, along with the psi increased slightly more.

I suggest starting g off lite, small.or however you want to say it...the device is super easy to use.

Hardest part was actually updating it once I received it...and that was more my fault...I downloaded everything prior to receiving the device. That is not needed, the device will connect and do all the work.

What Diablo doesn't mention very well, is most will need the unlock code installed, that is another 40 bucks. So in my case...
device was 469
Taxes are 10%
Unlock was 40...

So I have slightly over 500 in all...also knowing I have 2 if not 3 of the most well known tuners in my town. All of which tune for 300, but no device if needed for dealer visits.
 

fasteddy

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I don't really get it. Why do I want to turn DOD off?
Isn't DOD part of the equation that nets me 27mpg on the highway @ 75mph?
So why would I want to turn it off?

To go faster? My sub is pretty fast as it is. RST, L86 with a 10L90
I smoke every Raptor I run across as well as those Merc AMG BiTurbo SUVs.
And passing on the freeway I have to be careful.....I'll hit 95mph and not even realize it.

And I don't feel it when it goes from 8 to 4 cylinders and back.
Mine is still under warranty as well, so I wouldn't want to void that based on a technicality...ECM flash counter.
 
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Shipyard

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Hah, fasteddy , I’m not asking you to do it to yours. As for mine with a 5.3 I can feel the V4 when it engages and it bugs the hell out of me.

The local shop came back at 600 for a custom tune including dyno time. That might not be too bad if I can hang out and watch the dyno work.
 

fasteddy

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OK....so it sounds like more of a comfort thing, I get that.
I just thought I read it was some kind preventative measure to avoid some breakage.
Something about oil in the lifters?

$600 for a MAF based Perf Tune sounds kinda high, especially if you're not changing any hardware.

Ask em for a printout of what they changed both for the engine and trans calibrations....a Perf tune should include both.
Most tuning software does that with 1 button....."compare".
Make sure they don't put a password on your computer.
What trans do you have? 6L80? Not the easiest trans to tune and the pumps are a weak point. If you juice em too much they break.
It'll feel much stronger, but the trans may not last very long.
This is where it can get sticky....
If you blow your trans at 25K miles (bad tunes blow trannnies) and you take it to the dealer for warranty (I don't know if you are still under), they could say NO NO NO, not the stock tune.
No warranty claim for you on the trans and they flag your engine too based on the tune.

At least with the diablo you can flash it back before you give it to the dealer. Its a better option if you're under warranty....
They will still know it was tuned at one point but its stock now, so they'll give you benefit of the doubt.

If you go get a tune....
Get a printout of the dyno runs, before and after the tune.
Most dyno runs are stored electronically so they should be able to email you the files.
Ask that A/F ratio be shown on the printout.
Then you can come back and post your printouts....that's fun.
 

BG1988

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Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind about the shorter interval instead of waiting on the 10%-5% on the system. I think my last change and the one I’m gonna do this week are closer to about 7000 miles .

the DOD switching to V4 is mostly just annoying to me as you can hear/feel it.




it's undetectable on my rig even on a V4 acceleration... ( yes only on teh hybrid one) ...

the only time the engine is noticeable is at 1500 rpm or higher on a v4 acceleration, other wise you can't tell it's running at 40mph at 1,000 rpm v8 or v4.......



i can have v8 only with M4 ... but my MPG suffers 19-20mpg* instead of 22-23* or so in the city...


*depending on wind conditions
 
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Shipyard

Shipyard

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Good point about the transmission fasteddy, thanks. I got the 6L80 and I’m out of warranty so it’s clear I’m responsible for the repair cost. But I don’t want go there.

Stormin, thanks for explaining more about using Diablo. Between that and looking at the manuals on their website it looks pretty easy.

Since this is my wife’s daily, if she doesn’t like how it shifts with the first round Diablo tune, I could adjust it back some until she’s happy right? That’s one thing I don’t think the shop is going to do for just 600.
 

STORMIN08

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so far, i have several trips totaling about 130 miles each...all at 75-80 mph and loaded with 6 people plus overnight gear at the least. i have not seen a dip in mileage yet. i have not done any hand calc'd trips, but the electronic sides have not changed. actually got slightly better last trip.

the use of M4 is not a good indicator as it affects gearing and rpm. the oddity for me is that i have increase throttle pedal response by 15%, this equates to more fuel being used at every single take off, yet no ill effects

other than one comment about how much nicer it drives...( my wifes daily) she hasnt mentioned any difference in how the trans feels. i can notice it, but it needs a little throttle input to really tell.
 

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