Do you guys think that this would be an good idea?

[R_Sharpe]

Alright, I've been looking at Edge programmers. More specifically, the Edge Evolution Programmer. I realize that almost everyone on this forum is going to say "Go for a Black Bear tune". I really don't have that option, since I live in rural Tennessee, so... ANYWAY. I'm really liking the Edge Evolution, because (IF I'M CORRECT) you can easily switch between tunes, such as Economy & Extreme (Performance Tune). For me, I think that this would be the best option for me, seeing as how I turn 16 at the end of August, I'm going to start driving the Tahoe to & from school on a daily basis, and driving to and from places after school. Economy would be great for this, through the week, I could run 87 octane & get better MPGs, then on Friday evening, I could fill up with a tank of 91, select Extreme tune, and get my redneck on, lol. (Not that I would be partaking in any illegal activities ). This really comes after the fact I was owned by some girl in an Altima the other day while driving up a mountain, on the freeway. (I'll tell the story below. )

But although it sounds like my mind is made up, it isn't. I value your guys' opinions. So, considering what I've told you guys, what would you do? Is the Edge Evolution prone to problems? Are there any great risks? Or is it smooth sailing? Please help, because if I'm going to buy it, I would like to get it bought soon.

Now to the freeway story. Me & my cousins were coming home, on the freeway. On this freeway, northbound has probably a good 2 mile run up a mountain. I just got the Tahoe about maybe a month ago, and I'm VERY proud that I'm fortunate enough to have a 2007 LTZ for my first car, so, I'll admit, I was showing off alittle. At the base of the mountain, I made it kick down, and BLEW past a black Honda Accord. Well, about mid-way up the mountain, there was some girl in a Nissan Altima comin' up fast, so, I waited until she was about at the rear door, then I floored it . After listening to that tremendous roar from under the hood, I eventially ran out of 3rd gear. It shifted to 4th, and I essentially stopped accelerating. We ran side by side for a while, then the little Nissan started pulling away, until finally, I gave up. It wasn't really as embarrassing as it was disappointing. I realize that I'm running a full-size SUV, and I'm not going to keep up with a V8 Benz, Audi, or a BMW. But a Nissan? I could understand something like a 350z or 370z, but an Altima? Really? I also realize that I was acting like a total , but still.

Anyway, maybe the programmer wouldn't help in this specific area, but I do feel like the programmer would give me the additional performance that I'm looking for.

(I'm going to make an attempt to head off rude comments, which I don't think I would get from the mature individuals on this forum, but... Anyway, the Tahoe is MINE.)

 

[emann_01]

Just some quick thoughts from my experiences...

First, I have owned the Edge Evolution and I still have it. But I dont use it because I have a BB tune. BB can tune your truck in a way that will give you both better economy and more power at the same time. Also, if you can spend the money, look into the EFI Live Autocal unit. You will be able to store up to 4 tunes on the unit (i think)...one for economy, one for towing, one for "rednecking" and so on. These tunes are specifically built for your exact engine/trans by Justin. Remember, that general programers are a general tune that fits most engines/trans while BB is tuned specifically to you truck.

Secondly, always remember that you own a 3 ton brick on wheels that will never be a speed demon unless a tremendous amount of mods are done (cam, headers, internal engine work, forced induction, etc.) Also, depending on the year and engine that Altima could be anywhere from 150-270 hp...if that Altima was on the high end of that range...no chance without major mods as stated above (power to weight ratio is a *****).

 

[blueflamed03]

BB, I know I know....but you asked

 

[BabyHuey]

Again, BB. But also, most of those altima's especially depending on teh year have teh same engines as the 350/370z, just a sedan. Just a little fyi

 

[blueflamed03]

not really, most are the Altima 2.5 S, which is the 4 cylinder, Ive had three. Only ones are the Altima 3.5 S, same motor as Maxima ( had one of those too) and the 350Z, same motor as the Infinity uses.
No power at all, why i traded my last one in with 27,000 miles.

 

[puckhead]

My brother is looking at those tuners for his Silvy, I will see if he has found anything out.

I know you say you are in rural TN but dont let that stop you. I am in the middle of no-where and could never make an in person tune. So I did the mail in option with black bear. They send out a cable, I use my computer to log some runs then send it back to him. He gets a computer up and going with a tune and sends it out to me. Worked great! Just sayin lol

 

[emann_01]

not really, most are the Altima 2.5 S, which is the 4 cylinder, Ive had three. Only ones are the Altima 3.5 S, same motor as Maxima ( had one of those too) and the 350Z, same motor as the Infinity uses.
No power at all, why i traded my last one in with 27,000 miles.

the 3.5 in the altima and maxima may not have power but when they tune it up and put it in the infiniti its a whole other animal

i know its way of topic sorry

 

[sumo]

BB no questions asked. I have Many tunes on my auto cal unit. I can hold 4 at a time, but i can load any tune at any time. I can even do it at the gas pump if i decide to change gas grades. Let see i have stock Pcm, stock Tcm, Sport Tcm, Tow Tcm, 87 tune and a 93 tune.

 

[Zed 71]

Yeah, unfortunately just a tune and minor bolt ons like intake and exhaust will only help a bit performance wise (mostly drivability). Like others said, wieght to power is a... Based on reviews from forums, box tunes (hand helds) are not as good as Black Bear custom tunes.

As far as the Altima, the 3.5L are not that bad especially when compared to heavy SUVs. That 3.5L (VQDE) is almost the same as the engine in the ~2003-2005 350Z and Infiniti G35 (not talking about the VQHRs). These days most 6 cylinder sedans have pretty good performance.

 

[blueflamed03]

the 3.5 in the altima and maxima may not have power but when they tune it up and put it in the infiniti its a whole other animal

i know its way of topic sorry

3.5's had power, 2.5's, eeehh, nah