LBZ: First tuner...
- Thread starter fajitatone
- Start date
I think PPE is the best handheld then when you get some more info on EFI Live and have the mods to really use it to its potential you can switch.
i am going banks 6-gunner, but only since i don't have the time to play with EFI live, witch on here you will be told is the best. I have buddies running the EDGE products but have heard they are all the best. Banks is a quick plug and play option that my buddies all use and are happy with. You will get alot better info from other guys on here too.
It doesn't really make sense to spend 700$-900$ on a PPE Tuner if you ultimlately want to go to EFI Live. To resell your PPE you will lose 250$+ on it. EFI Live is 800$ and comes with a free tune from Pat. There are many members here that will share with you tunes, and teach on how to write them. Good Luck
i agree, if you really want to go EFI, just do it. i've been through 5-6 different units and am currently using a PPE hot and like it but i will eventually go EFI, if for nothing else the flexability and room to grow.
Ya i guess thats true. But you can find a PPE standard for cheap and if he plans to only run like a 90 or 160 hp tune why buy EFI Live. But if hes up to learning and using EFI Live i think he should go for it.
The #1 question you need to ask yourself is:
What am I going to use the truck for?
If you are just going to use it for a truck, and leave it mostly stock, and just want a little power up, most of the tuners will get it done.
There are 4 basic kinds of tuners:
Harness Boxes: Like Edge or Banks, these plug into your bale connector and intercept the engine electrical signals and increase power that way. They cannot remove the 96mph speed limiter, nor truly correct for tire size changes. They are very convenient, and often come with gauge options built in. Good choice for those who are going to use their truck like a truck only. You will not get competitive racing power out of one though.
Handheld ECM tuners: These "re-flash" your engine computer through your data port. They can correct your speedometer and some can display engine data on the handheld unit. PPE makes the widest range of these, and the most powerful. They are very convenient, and are also good for "truck" usage at the lower power levels. At the high power settings, they are full race capable.
EFILive: This is a custom tuning and programming system. It is the most flexible system, but like all professional tools, is a bit more complicated. You should have a good understanding of how to use a Windows computer, and should have a notebook computer available for use. Soon the need for a notebook will be removed. It can build tow tunes through world record competition engine tunes, and everything in between. It also records and displays engine operation data.
Locked/Preflashed ECM's: You buy these mail order, and they are pre-programmed for your application.
What am I going to use the truck for?
If you are just going to use it for a truck, and leave it mostly stock, and just want a little power up, most of the tuners will get it done.
There are 4 basic kinds of tuners:
Harness Boxes: Like Edge or Banks, these plug into your bale connector and intercept the engine electrical signals and increase power that way. They cannot remove the 96mph speed limiter, nor truly correct for tire size changes. They are very convenient, and often come with gauge options built in. Good choice for those who are going to use their truck like a truck only. You will not get competitive racing power out of one though.
Handheld ECM tuners: These "re-flash" your engine computer through your data port. They can correct your speedometer and some can display engine data on the handheld unit. PPE makes the widest range of these, and the most powerful. They are very convenient, and are also good for "truck" usage at the lower power levels. At the high power settings, they are full race capable.
EFILive: This is a custom tuning and programming system. It is the most flexible system, but like all professional tools, is a bit more complicated. You should have a good understanding of how to use a Windows computer, and should have a notebook computer available for use. Soon the need for a notebook will be removed. It can build tow tunes through world record competition engine tunes, and everything in between. It also records and displays engine operation data.
Locked/Preflashed ECM's: You buy these mail order, and they are pre-programmed for your application.
my truck is an LBZ, which of these options, besides the custom ECM, leaves no trace for going back to "stock" if a trip to the dealer is necessary?
I read somewhere that GM can see if the ECM was "re flashed".
I read somewhere that GM can see if the ECM was "re flashed".
There is a big debate on what the dealer can "see" on 2001-2007 Dmaxes. I don't think they can really tell with most tuners or EFILive. But they certainly can on a LMM, which tracks reflashing history.
Harness boxes are the "safest" in that aspect assuming you don't install it permanently.
You can always buy a second ECM and only program that one, and swap back to your OEM one to play it safe with ECM style tuning.
Harness boxes are the "safest" in that aspect assuming you don't install it permanently.
You can always buy a second ECM and only program that one, and swap back to your OEM one to play it safe with ECM style tuning.
EFI Live buy it once and be done with it. you get a bigger turbo or injectors no problem cuz you can change it.
ive been leaning towards an edge...but mainly because 4-5 people use my duramax during the spring/fall when we're farming and it's just easier for me to hit a button that reverts it back to stock when their driving so i dont have to worry.
I already have one toy (my 2000 silverado) and this is just something mild and reliable...Tuner, exhaust, done.
I already have one toy (my 2000 silverado) and this is just something mild and reliable...Tuner, exhaust, done.