quick question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ta2edjr · 11-22-2015, 11:14 AM

Nearing the end of my ls swap factory lm7 5.3, 4l60e other than some new gaskets this setup is completely stock....so here goes the question is it worth the time and money to go to a tuner and have them try and squeeze some more power out of the engine? And if they can will it be enough to justify the cost I would also like to put it on a dyno just to see some real world numbers. Any and all help is appreciated thanks!

BR3W CITY · 11-22-2015, 03:35 PM

You'll need to at least have VATS and emissions pulled from the ECM, so a tuner will have to see it at some point. I have every vehicle with an LS tuned at least somewhat. There is around 20hp laying in the margins on timing and fuel, as well as driveability changes that can be beneficial. I don't pay for tunes, but if I planned on keeping the truck a while it usually ends up being worth the cost longrun.

Ta2edjr · 11-22-2015, 06:27 PM

Thanks BR3W I'm in the process of having vats and emissions deleted now from the pcm now. I think I will spend the money and have someone try and squeeze some more power out of it and maybe get some better mpgs. Because that's the main reason for the build was the fuel economy.l the ol small block I took out would pass anything but a gas station l

**Clyde65** · 11-22-2015, 10:38 PM

If the truck is only a driver, then taking it to a dyno and\or tuner, imo is not worth it. I used Nelson in San Antonio and I think they did a great job with mine ( mail order, free updates) I only have shorty headers and CAI, no performance adders at all. mine runs great and I drive it a lot.

Good Luck!

Tilt · 11-24-2015, 08:09 AM

I agree with Clyde65, If its a stock motor/trans, then I wouldn't bother with it. Save the money for something else. Most everyone I spoke with about having it done was $500-$600. Yes, you will be leaving some performance and fuel economy on the table. You can always have it dyno tuned later down the road if you feel the need to. I had mine done because of the head and cam swap.

Crash'd Artwerks · 12-02-2015, 05:06 PM

I guess I disagree with Clyde and Tilt and agree with BR3W. My '02 Chevy ext cab pickup is tuned, no cats, single 3" Magnaflow and a drop in K&N and it picked up a solid 2mpg and with the top speed limiter turned off I have seen a GPS verified 137mph on a long stretch of highway. It runs like a different truck after the tune even with 197k on the odometer.

A tune will definitely make a noticeable difference in the power and fuel economy.Best $250 I've spent on the truck, in my opinion.

11-22-2015, 11:14 AM	#1
Ta2edjr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 123	quick question Nearing the end of my ls swap factory lm7 5.3, 4l60e other than some new gaskets this setup is completely stock....so here goes the question is it worth the time and money to go to a tuner and have them try and squeeze some more power out of the engine? And if they can will it be enough to justify the cost I would also like to put it on a dyno just to see some real world numbers. Any and all help is appreciated thanks!

11-22-2015, 03:35 PM	#2
BR3W CITY meowMEOWmeowMEOW Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: MKE WI Posts: 7,128	Re: quick question You'll need to at least have VATS and emissions pulled from the ECM, so a tuner will have to see it at some point. I have every vehicle with an LS tuned at least somewhat. There is around 20hp laying in the margins on timing and fuel, as well as driveability changes that can be beneficial. I don't pay for tunes, but if I planned on keeping the truck a while it usually ends up being worth the cost longrun. __________________ *'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING* MY BUILD THE H8RDCPTR //\\ MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL REV J HD

11-22-2015, 06:27 PM	#3
Ta2edjr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 123	Re: quick question Thanks BR3W I'm in the process of having vats and emissions deleted now from the pcm now. I think I will spend the money and have someone try and squeeze some more power out of it and maybe get some better mpgs. Because that's the main reason for the build was the fuel economy.l the ol small block I took out would pass anything but a gas station l

11-22-2015, 10:38 PM	#4
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,547	Re: quick question If the truck is only a driver, then taking it to a dyno and\or tuner, imo is not worth it. I used Nelson in San Antonio and I think they did a great job with mine ( mail order, free updates) I only have shorty headers and CAI, no performance adders at all. mine runs great and I drive it a lot. Good Luck! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

11-24-2015, 08:09 AM	#5
Tilt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Dayton, TX Posts: 335	Re: quick question I agree with Clyde65, If its a stock motor/trans, then I wouldn't bother with it. Save the money for something else. Most everyone I spoke with about having it done was $500-$600. Yes, you will be leaving some performance and fuel economy on the table. You can always have it dyno tuned later down the road if you feel the need to. I had mine done because of the head and cam swap. __________________ '83 Silverado Step Side '85 GMC short bed. '86 Chevy Step Side Custom Deluxe LQ9/4L80 swap (SOLD)

12-02-2015, 05:06 PM	#6
Crash'd Artwerks Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: McKinney, TEXAS ! Posts: 84	Re: quick question I guess I disagree with Clyde and Tilt and agree with BR3W. My '02 Chevy ext cab pickup is tuned, no cats, single 3" Magnaflow and a drop in K&N and it picked up a solid 2mpg and with the top speed limiter turned off I have seen a GPS verified 137mph on a long stretch of highway. It runs like a different truck after the tune even with 197k on the odometer. A tune will definitely make a noticeable difference in the power and fuel economy.Best $250 I've spent on the truck, in my opinion.



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