Update fuel Milage after BB Tune

[kw_00]

For any of you guys interested in a Black Bear tune and any fuel MPG increase I have just completed some testing of before and after on my truck. As I stated before, I didn't buy the tune to race, nor do I care to. I didn't buy it expecting diesel or big block performance. What I did get is what they said I would get. More power, less TQ management and some better Mpgs. The tranny is much improved in shifting and the truck feels lighter now, requires less throttle to get it going. So I have noticed around 1-2.5 mpgs better in the city. How? Well I drove an area that I have used as an control and then repeated the same after the tune. With similar conditions and using CC. Then stop and go traffic same time, location and flow. Hwy I have not noticed any different thus far. I got 17mpg on flat land in Fl at 70mph and the same after the tune. I think the increase in the city is from less throttle usage and reduced TQ management. Now I realize that there is always some margin, I did the best that I could do following a method that I have seen done before. So it s as accurate as possible. Overall I am very pleased with this purchase. I recommend them to any GM truck owner. I will say the truck is much improved over the original factory tune. I have not been able to test the 91 octane tune yet. This was done with the 87 tune. Later this month I may have to take a long trip up north for a week. If so then I will test the Hwy mpgs better. I have also noticed in some cases that the truck shows even better instant mpgs then before. The good about this tune is that you don't burn up the truck engine. Its well within the parameters of the engines design. Anybody on the fence like I was feel free to ask questions. I do recommend this company they have been great. The only thing that could be a problem for some: if you don't know how to use a computer and they only respond to email. They do go out of their way to make it work though and are very professional and stand behind there product.

[dodge_guy]

drsteve wrote:
My thought on tuners and other modifications, is that there's no free lunch. If there was no potential downside, the ECM would come from the factory with different settings. Those who decide to go with a tuner just need to know there's a tradeoff.

There's always a tradeoff.

The only trade off for me was holding O/D longer, raising the shift points of each gear, no more hunting for a gear, a bit more power and .5 mpg better towing, so yes there are trade offs! I got rid of the factory wet sponge shift strategy for a more tow friendly tune.

Manuf. design the system to cover every type of owner out there. A good tuning company will tailor a tune for an individual owner.

[SouthpawHD]

I like the idea of tunes, if handled correctly. Blackbear and Diablo have a history of handling things correctly and very highly liked and respected in the GM circles.

The factory tune has NOTHING to do with the overall capability of the engine, trans, etc., they are "tuned" this way to meet EPA and other government regulations.

[drsteve]

My thought on tuners and other modifications, is that there's no free lunch. If there was no potential downside, the ECM would come from the factory with different settings. Those who decide to go with a tuner just need to know there's a tradeoff.

There's always a tradeoff.

[kw_00]

Deleted post.

[Old-Biscuit]

OP stated a 1-2.5 mpg in city driving and same 17 on hwy.

City driving .....way too MANY variables to prove mpg one way or other.
Hwy same.....???

OP sated BB Tune reduced TQ Management.
One poster remarked about tranny damaged from reduced torque management due to 'carelessness'

So how much does a BB Tune cost for a 'feel better' experience?

No my Cummins doesn't have a tune.
Not needed.
It can be enhanced with a tune BUT then have to upgrade tranny, drivetrain etc.
At what cost?


Once again OP....

How much did that BB Tune cost?

[dodge_guy]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
So a 'maybe' improvement in mpg city and same for hwy at what cost?
How much is that BB Tune?


And then there is the potential for "transmission damage from removing the torque management"

Yep.......
Modern engines sure do benefit from those after market tuners.

So how well does your tuner work? If you don't have one then you have no real info. Those of us that have done it have before and after info on it. And yes, modern engines do benefit from a quality tuning company!

[kw_00]

To each his own, and again if the thread is going this way like most do for some reason...then I'm ok if it gets locked.

[Old-Biscuit]

So a 'maybe' improvement in mpg city and same for hwy at what cost?
How much is that BB Tune?


And then there is the potential for "transmission damage from removing the torque management"

Yep.......
Modern engines sure do benefit from those after market tuners.

[kw_00]

Well I didn't start this thread to discuss to tune or not. This thread is basically just a reference point on MPGs related to my current tune. Others may want to go this route, if so great, if not then great. I don't have issues with my current tune. In fact the truck has never driven this good. If one thinks that a gas tune is like a diesel tune, its really not. U get some HP and Tq but mostly just eliminates some of the TQ management. Diesel is another ball game, some tune way past the point of safe... which causes devastation very quickly when running hard. A Black bear gas tune wont do that, everything is in parameters. If the thread is going in a direction of debate to tune or not then it can be locked. That was not my intent to discuss it, simply just relaying info.

[minnow]

dodge guy wrote:
...As far as factory warranty goes, they have to prove the tuner was the reason for the failure...

Actually the owner is the one that has to prove they didn't have an aftermarket tune. The manufacturer states "warranty coverage denied and cancelled due to unapproved aftermarket tampering with engine(transmission, etc). And now the onus is on the owner to prove otherwise. And I have no idea how one would go about that. One guy with a broken truck going up against the GM, Ford or Chrysler. Not good odds.

These modern day trucks are so darned complicated and everything is intertwined with each other via computer(s) that fiddling with one thing may cause something unrelated to go kaput. Why risk it ?

[dodge_guy]

Great to hear! Yes the factory tune leaves a lot to be desired.

As far as factory warranty goes, they have to prove the tuner was the reason for the failure. Most good dealers will look the other way when one comes through with one. I know our dealer did. It would have to be a catastrophic failure before they ever worry about it!

[kw_00]

Appreciate it, but no longer under warranty. Truck runs and drives much better with reduced TQ management, worth it to me.

[drsteve]

Keep in mind that with a tuner, you will kiss your factory powertrain warranty goodbye...


Identifying Aftermarket Non-GM Calibrations


For more details, refer to bulletins 08-06-04-033 (Gasoline Engines) and 08-06-04-006A (Diesel Engines).

General Motors is identifying an increasing number of engine, transmission and catalytic converter part failures that are the result of non GM - aftermarket engine and transmission control calibrations being used.

When alteration to the GM released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine, transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy to cancel any remaining warranty coverage to the powertrain and driveline components, whenever the presence of a non-GM / aftermarket calibration is confirmed -- even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.

GM service bulletins 08-06-04-033 and 08-06-04-006 outline procedures to identify the presence of non-GM / aftermarket calibrations. GM recommends performing this check whenever a hard part failure is seen on internal engine or transmission components, or before an engine assembly or transmission assembly is being replaced under warranty. It is also recommended that the engine calibration verification procedure be performed whenever diagnostics indicate that catalytic converter replacement is indicated.

If a non-GM calibration is detected by the dealership, follow the procedures outlined in the bulletin. Once documentation of the non-GM calibration has been received, and verification has taken place through GM, the remaining powertrain and driveline warranty will be canceled.

[Thunderbolt]

My brother got 15-16 mpg with his stock 08 2500hd with the 6.0. I have an 03 and I have noticed a slight increase in mileage with the tune, but my carelessness left me with transmission damage from removing the torque management. I love the tune, but be careful with it.