Topic: looking for some insight...

[z71vortec]

have an 05 avalanche that is completely stock... and i would like to start with the computer tuning first...

i really dont know what i need for what i want... so i need a little help

im stock now but over time i want to add a full exhaust including headers, intake, higher lift rockers, and then top it off with a supercharger... need something that can cover the tuning from stock to everything i listed... but i want to start programing first... tuning is the heart of all mods and thats where it should begin. some help with the best tuner out for my needs?

[oHIobellboy]

If you're eventually going to go FI, I would go straight to HPTuners. It isn't the cheapest or easiest but there are a lot of people out there using it hence a lot of support from users. We have some members on here that use it to a great degree of success. I'm sure they'll chime in once they see the thread.

[MyBigToy]

I'd agree with OBB. You could also go with EFILive but there are not as many people using it as HPT. It might be a good idea to go ahead and get it and start learning before you go FI. That way you have some time to figure out what you're doing.

[Main One]

Another HPTuners user here, although not Forced Induction, at least not yet!

The laptop based tuning tools offer more flexibility, feedback from the engine computer and tools than the hand helds.  HPTuners offers not only the ability to tweak the tune data file, but for forced induction applications they offer different engine control programs based upon just how much boost you want to make.  Many people make by with just tuning the parameters used by the stock engine program, but you may be interested in their 1-bar enhanced, 2-bar, 2.5-bar, or 3-bar engine control programs which among other things extend the volumetric efficiency tables to higher levels of intake manifold pressure.  HPTuners also has their own forum as well as a repository of other folks' tunes for you to download and get some insight as to how someone else with a similar setup did their tune.

Will probably cost you $500 (without the computer) but just the scanning function alone gives you great insight into what you engine computer is seeing from the various sensors that is very valuable.  If you get the pro interface, you can record data without the laptop in the vehicle for later downloading, as well as use it to record data from wide-band O2 sensors and other 0-5v analog data sources and view that data along with all of your other recorded parameters.

[z71vortec]

is this system simple? and practical for everyday use? this is going to be my daily driver... im not much of a tuner of sorts... and there is no real tuning shops around here even if i wanted to have somebody else deal with it... non of the handhelds out there can handle what i want? i mean... if this system is simple then i guess that i could give it a shot...

[MyBigToy]

is this system simple? and practical for everyday use? this is going to be my daily driver... im not much of a tuner of sorts... and there is no real tuning shops around here even if i wanted to have somebody else deal with it... non of the handhelds out there can handle what i want? i mean... if this system is simple then i guess that i could give it a shot...

Sorry but any tuning software is anything but simple. That said, you won't be tuning a supercharger with a handheld. It sounds like the best route for you is to purchase a tune from a tuner like Nelson Performance, Black Bear, or Wheatley. They provide free re-tunes so you could get a retune each time you upgrade the system.

[oHIobellboy]

Sorry but any tuning software is anything but simple. That said, you won't be tuning a supercharger with a handheld. It sounds like the best route for you is to purchase a tune from a tuner like Nelson Performance, Black Bear, or Wheatley. They provide free re-tunes so you could get a retune each time you upgrade the system.

So how does one go about getting that tune installed MBT? Thought I'd toss that question out there for anyone that didn't already know.

[MyBigToy]

So how does one go about getting that tune installed MBT? Thought I'd toss that question out there for anyone that didn't already know.

You can either purchase a new PCM with the tune in it  or send your pcm in to have the tune loaded (Nelson). I believe Black Bear loans you a handheld to load the updated tune; you can also log data with the handheld, send it back, and they will adjust your tune based on real-life scanning data. I'm not sure what Wheatley does as I've not looked into his tuning. All three of these tuners have a really good reputation.

[Ski Edition]

I can help you with Black Bear, as I just got a tune from them.  They have 3 ways you can go.  I currently went with the first level, which is just a basic PCM swap.  You fill out a form of changes that you have made or plan on making in the near future and they program a PCM and send it to you.  You swap the PCMs out, do a security relearn/crank relearn and your good to go.  That costs $300 and send your PCM back and your get $100 back.

Their next step is a logging tune.  They send you a cable and hook it to your laptop and your truck and do 100 miles of normal driving.  You will email that file to them and they will email you the tune and can upload the tune through your laptop.  (Currently they have about a 6 week waiting list).   Putting in a new cam in the weekend of 10/8 and should be getting my cable soon after that. 

Their 3rd level is EFI Live which I put in the realm of HP Tuners.   There are a few reasons I didn't go this route.  My AV is not heavily modded and I'm not that technically inclined.  I have read a lot on EFI Live and HP Tuners and I just don't understand a large amount of the language. 

Hope this helps. 

[Ski Edition]

I read this thread from another site a long time ago and this pretty well told me I didn't want to mess with tuning my truck.


http://performancetrucks.net/forums/showthread.php?t=373848