Tuner vs. Tune

[Thotimus_Prime]

I have a 2001 Tahoe 5.3, I am not very familiar with the Chevy "LS" tuning. I have to get my truck tuned soon to get me electric fans to work properly. If I am going to spend money on a tune or tuner Id like to get my best bang for my buck. For example on my mustang I used a sct tunner and I was able to use it and get my car tuned through that program when ever need be and I had a few tunes saved, also had all kinds of adjustments and stuff I was able to use on the hand held if need be. Is there something like that I can get for the Tahoe so I can continue to tune as need be or have it tuned when i add stuff to the truck. Plan on boosting it soon but just trying to get a good idea of the best tune.

 

[iamdub]

You want a tuner that allows custom tunes to be uploaded to it by a professional and have it datalog so you can send that professional the info detailing how YOUR particular vehicle is running so they can tweak as needed. This is how Black Bear operates via an AutoCal. Another one uses a Diablo tuner (I believe @kbuskill has this one). Don't waste your money on a "canned" tune that comes in those one-size-fits-all handhelds. Sure, they can turn things on and off, raise RPM and speed limiters and tweak shift points. But their "performance" programming is very generic and minimal so it will be safe for all vehicles. You get relatively little in return. You can buy one now just to get by, but when you find you need much more than it will ever do, it'll be money you wish you had put towards the real thing in the first place.

 

[Thotimus_Prime]

You want a tuner that allows custom tunes to be uploaded to it by a professional and have it datalog so you can send that professional the info detailing how YOUR particular vehicle is running so they can tweak as needed. This is how Black Bear operates via an AutoCal. Another one uses a Diablo tuner (I believe @kbuskill has this one). Don't waste your money on a "canned" tune that comes in those one-size-fits-all handhelds. Sure, they can turn things on and off, raise RPM and speed limiters and tweak shift points. But their "performance" programming is very generic and minimal so it will be safe for all vehicles. You get relatively little in return. You can buy one now just to get by, but when you find you need much more than it will ever do, it'll be money you wish you had put towards the real thing in the first place.

So you recommend the black bear?

 

[iamdub]

So you recommend the black bear?

Absolutely. Along with many others on here that haven't yet or probably just don't feel the need to chime in.

 

[adriver]

Absolutely. Along with many others on here that haven't yet or probably just don't feel the need to chime in.

Yes, this.. Feel free to search, and you will see that blackbear is not only a sponsor, but they are highly recommended by many members.

 

[kbuskill]

Absolutely. Along with many others on here that haven't yet or probably just don't feel the need to chime in.

I concur with Dubs assessment... not that there is anything wrong with the Diablo tuner and a custom tune from Diablew... I am very happy with mine... BUT....

If you intend to go FI later the autocal from BBP gives a lot more options.

 

[Grind]

Absolutely. Along with many others on here that haven't yet or probably just don't feel the need to chime in.

Count me in the "haven't yet" crowd. I've only had my Denali for a couple weeks, but after much reading here, BBP is on my short list.

 

[Thotimus_Prime]

Thanks everyone.

 

[randeez]

aside from the steep learning curve i say DIY. hptuners is pretty use friendly, a ton of info throughout the forums
after going through several tuners it just gets to the point where no ones as passionate about your ride as yourself. everything cant be figured out in a tune "session", all scenarios, all variable, etc. I am constantly changing and tweaking a year later (partly my fault for changing things). it runs great but you notice something one, two, three times....time to try and fix it

 

[08HoeCD]

Black Bear all day long. It's the very best mod that I've added/done to my vehicle by far.