Performance Chips for GMC

I have a Hypertech programmer on my Duramax; had it since almost new. I know it's not a gas engine, but just wanted to share my experience.

Warranty: I never needed warranty work, so this was not an issue for me. However, the programmer is just that, it reprograms your truck's main CPU. Before it reprograms anything, it downloads your complete OEM CPU settings to the programmer unit. After it saves your OEM settings, it then proceeds to upload the new changes you choose. I can make changes to the CPU with the programmer at any time, and I can put the truck back to its original OEM settings at any time.

Mileage: I saw a slight increase in mileage when tuned with the programmer.

I have not had any components fail after 130K miles.

Now, as far as power/torque increase, in a diesel engine, programmers can make a huge difference. Hypertech is not the most powerful programmer out there, but when used at stage 3, the programmer claims 87 HP gain, and 173 Ft-Lbs torque increase, and trust me, the difference at the pedal is obvious. I don't use stage 3 while towing, due to risk of putting too much stress on the Allison transmission, but do tow at stage 2 (increase of 52 HP/108 torque) all the time and haven't had any issues. From what I've seen, I would say a good portion of diesel truck owners have some type of programmer installed, even on brand new trucks; again, reprogramming the CPU to its original state probably helps with not voiding the warranty, since no hardware changes or parts are required to program your truck, but couldn't tell you for sure.

What's funny is the reason I wanted any type of programmer in the first place was to be able to change my tire size in the CPU so the speedo would be accurate. I then researched and learned that for about $100 more I can get the unit that will add power and torque, so I did that, and am very happy that I did. The Dmax already had enough power as stock, so this has all just been gravy, but I love it!

GoPackGo you are right on the money. I always get a chuckle when the arm chair lawyers chime in with the Moss Magnuson - "they have to prove that...bla, bla, bla," rhetoric.

My feeling is that IF you think you absolutely must program/chip your engine...wait until it's out of warranty..

Once out of warranty it's completely your truck - not partly theirs.

I just took delivery of a new F350 diesel. I'm currently working my way through the 600 page owner's manual and also the 100 page diesel supplement so this is fresh in my mind. There is a very clearly worded statement in the manual stating that if you add any type of performance enhancing product (chips, tuners, etc) the computer will know. And it will tattle on you. And this info cannot be erased even if you remove the equipment before taking the vehicle in for service or repair. The clear implication to me is that Ford will blame any failed drivetrain components on those mods (if you do them). I assume that GM and Ram have the same sort of verbiage in their owner's manuals. To me, it's just not worth the risk. And I do realize the OP is not talking about diesels. But an engine is an engine.

APT wrote:
There is not much to be done with a naturally aspirated engine. A tuner can improve peak HP using higher octane fuel, but it will come at higher operating costs and at higher engine speed. A tuner can also help improve the transmission shifting, firm it up, change shift points. However, the improvements are not likely to save money over time nor are they likely to improve towing performance or fuel economy.

Black Bear Performance is a reputable GM tuning company. Do some research on them.

What he said... I had a custom ECM done on my 2002 2500HD 6.0 gasser and while the truck was definately more fun to drive mainly due to the way it shifted and taking out most of the torque managment it did not get better mileage considering I had to step up to 89 octane or even 91 octane while towing in the summer.

Thanks for replies, I think I'm going to probably pass on the chip. I don't want to mess with the warranty at all and the gains might be negligible anyways.

There is not much to be done with a naturally aspirated engine. A tuner can improve peak HP using higher octane fuel, but it will come at higher operating costs and at higher engine speed. A tuner can also help improve the transmission shifting, firm it up, change shift points. However, the improvements are not likely to save money over time nor are they likely to improve towing performance or fuel economy.

Black Bear Performance is a reputable GM tuning company. Do some research on them.

1st....Adding a chip will not automatically void a warranty, the proof lies with the repair facility to prove any fault lies with the add on product.

2nd...it will not reduce mileage.

3rd...it will most likely not reduce the longevity of mechanical parts, unless you are prone to hot rod your truck.

My MP-8 was added to my '05 Dodge 170K miles ago, no mechanical issues yet.
My mileage increased..albeit small, but even at a minimum 1 MPG increase over the 170K miles, the $500 cost has paid for itself 3 or 4 times over. The additional torque and HP increases do come in handy as well.

Regards
Gemstone

FWIW, it wont be a "chip", it will be a programmer.

I Googled `gmc performance chips' and found lots of information like: http://www.autoanything.com/performance-chips/GMC/110A50207A0A0A116A0A1.aspx
I guess I'm not very smart autowise but what does `performance' really mean? If it means getting more than 10.7 mpg city or 9+ towing on my tow vehicle I'd sure look into it. But I don't want to lay rubber at a stop light anymore!

The big "gotcha" you might have to worry about is that chipping your 2012 truck may void your warranty.

Also, you will see no mileage gains.
Unless you really know what you are doing (being a gearhead), I'd skip this idea.

My advice. If your truck isn't doing the job, maybe consider a different truck.