Interesting day at the track - New personal best.

[LMSeven]

The factory computers are very tunable with the right software. The PCM (powertrain control module) controls almost every aspect of both engine and transmission parameters. Timing, fueling, shift points, etc. It plugs into the OBDII port and you can tune whatever you want to.

 

[DV2000NJ]

yeah id say even some DR's and the retune would do it.

No DRs (yet), I'm going for 12s on my everyday street tire setup.

You may have already mentioned this so I hope I'm not overlooking something, but how do you tune your truck? I'm not up on the tuning of a truck like yours. I've got the caveman mechanics. Is your truck tuneable with a lap top etc? Or does one get pro built chips etc. Its been a while but I recall using a Superchip type device that piggybacked onto my 92Rangers computer.
And I'm sure that's old school, because newer trucks computers are programmable I'm sure. The 92Ranger was not. Do you have a special software that you use? How does that work?

Sam pretty much covered it.

 

[Tomget]

I've understood that in genral, but haven't actually stuck my hands into it. So there's a variety of aftermarket software? Its not the OEM supplied program? Is there a leader in the creation of this tuning software? Or are there many independents? No big microsoft like player in the field?

And Dan you're talking about moving up to 93 octane so you can advance the timing++?
Because it can be compressed more before detonation? etc? Can you get 93 octane at the pump in your area? I don't think i usually see more than 91 octane in the county where I live, but all kinds of hi octane stuff is available at the track. I say all kinds, but here I think they just offer two types of racing gas. Expensive and super expensive haha.

But I've never bought either.

 

[66nova]

I've understood that in genral, but haven't actually stuck my hands into it. So there's a variety of aftermarket software? Its not the OEM supplied program? Is there a leader in the creation of this tuning software? Or are there many independents? No big microsoft like player in the field?

And Dan you're talking about moving up to 93 octane so you can advance the timing++?
Because it can be compressed more before detonation? etc? Can you get 93 octane at the pump in your area? I don't think i usually see more than 91 octane in the county where I live, but all kinds of hi octane stuff is available at the track. I say all kinds, but here I think they just offer two types of racing gas. Expensive and super expensive haha.

But I've never bought either.

Tom, for the most part there are two big players for custom tuning software. EFI Live and HP tuners. One of these is most commonly the software that your "professional" tuners will use but can be purchased by the general public too. Right now there are A LOT of "professional" tuners out there for GM (and other vehicles), but there are a few names that stand out among the others. At this point (and for the last few years) Black Bear Performance is really the tune to have if you have a GM vehicle. Justin (black bear) is at the top of his game and has unmatched custom service. While you can buy the software to tune them yourself it is much easier, cheaper, and you'll get more performance having someone like Justin do it.

Yes, with todays distributor-less engines as you probably know all the timing and fuel curves are controlled by the computer. With 93 octane you can increase the timing quite a bit. The 93/91 octane thing is state regulated. Around TX its hard to find 91 it is all 87/89/93.

 

[DV2000NJ]

I've understood that in genral, but haven't actually stuck my hands into it. So there's a variety of aftermarket software? Its not the OEM supplied program? Is there a leader in the creation of this tuning software? Or are there many independents? No big microsoft like player in the field?

And Dan you're talking about moving up to 93 octane so you can advance the timing++?
Because it can be compressed more before detonation? etc? Can you get 93 octane at the pump in your area? I don't think i usually see more than 91 octane in the county where I live, but all kinds of hi octane stuff is available at the track. I say all kinds, but here I think they just offer two types of racing gas. Expensive and super expensive haha.

But I've never bought either.

Yep, going up to 93 so I can run some more timing. And yes, 93 is available in NJ. Not everywhere, but most places have it.

As for the other questions, Robert pretty much covered it. Like he said, the two main programs are HPTuners and EFI Live. There are many places that use the programs, and lots of local performance shops have good tuners, but the main nation wide guys are Charlie (Wheatley), and Justin from Black Bear. Nelson is also another premier tuner, though their rates are a bit higher form what I have heard.

 

[Tomget]

Thanks Robert and Dan

That's good info. I'm interested and see this stuff happening but haven't kept up. Most of my info comes from mags like Rod & Custom++++ and once in great while Hot Rod or such will talk about it some, but not enough for me I guess. At least I dont' recall the names you've mentioned. That's great to know.

 

[slims]

Thanks guys.

As for 12s, smaller/lighter wheel/tire combo coming in the summer, and a retune for 93 octane will hopefully do it.

The summer?

 

[DV2000NJ]

Thanks guys.

As for 12s, smaller/lighter wheel/tire combo coming in the summer, and a retune for 93 octane will hopefully do it.

The summer?

Well, probably late spring/early summer. I still need to locate 3 more wheels, and a job.

 

[slims]

My truck runs .3 tenths faster when its cold vs. hot and humid.

 

[Tomget]

My truck runs .3 tenths faster when its cold vs. hot and humid.

Yes that's the way it should be. Hot air is thin-and cold air is thicker/denser so you can fill your cylinders quicker and easier. A little fog even makes it better as long as the track stays dry.