8100 Tuner

[Adger Smith]

Who is the "Go To Source or Guy" for Tuner or ECU for a 8100 in a 3500 Chevy
Interested in:
1. Some increase in pulling power for LQ 44 ft trailer
2. A slight increase in un loaded gas mileage would be nice.
3. Getting the trans into higher gear at lower Rpm/Speed.
I've been doing searches on the net, but can't believe all the sales pitch and propaganda.
What does the "Racers Brain Trust" have to say??
(Geared & tire sized to run 2100-2200 RPM at 65 MPH)

[Tom Meyer]

Excessive Autosports In SD [605-275-3966] did a wheel dyno tune on my 2002 suburban 8.1. Gas mileage was no better towing, but picketed up almost 45 in toque and 35 hp. There was a noticeable difference in towing. They do mail order stuff also. There is also a intake mod that will make more power, got the intake done just have not switch it out yet. Tom

[SSDiv6]

https://www.raylarengineering.com/computer-tuning.html

[Alan Roehrich]

Adger,
I did not see this earlier, sorry. I strongly suggest you search the DuraMax and Silverado forums. Black Bear has a pretty good reputation for tuning. The stock tune is abysmal. However, you have to be careful with tuned trucks, they'll usually require 89, 91, or 93 octane. The factory tune has very low timing, and delayed fuel and timing response. The most effective tunes will resolve that, and they'll reduce the torque limiting to some degree. You'll want to make sure that they don't go too far on reducing the torque limiting. But some significant reduction in torque limiting can be helpful, as it prevents having to re-open the throttle, and re-advance the timing, and add fuel again after every shift.



You might want to reduce the thermostat temp to 180 to help prevent detonation. I put MSD wires and Champion double platinum plugs in my 8.1, and I run Royal Purple 20W50, my truck is 2WD, so I can run a PF932 filter. The switch to Royal Purple 20W50 reduced the temperature, and also stopped the oil consumption and plug deposits. You can dump the catalytic converters, and replace that monster muffler and gain some there. The muffler has a limited life span, and when it goes, the guts fly apart and make an awful racket.



Eventually, my truck will get a lot more modifications. There's a lot to be had with an 8.1, if you want it and want to do the work.

[SSDiv6]

Adger,

As Alan stated, be careful with the torque limiting.
I have learned that the limiting was done to also extend the life of the transmission.

I own a 2002 Silverado LS Dually, 2WD. I purchased the Moroso wires and used NGK plugs and also use the Wix 51515XP oil filter since it is a 2WD. Switched to Mobil 1 Truck & SUV Synthetic oil and the oil consumption also dropped. With the larger oil filter, you have to add an additional quart of oil. If you truck is a 4x4, you cannot use the larger oil filter.

[Tom Meyer]

We also dumped the converters, and went with magna flow muffler, it is a little noisy. There are no rear O2 sensors so not a big deal. Been told fuel curve was changed to make the cats live from the factory. We have the 4l85e trans and drop the fluid every oil change. Never had a over heat problem and have well over 200 plus on the clock. We run 87 fuel and thats what it was tuned on. Tom

[Barry Polley]

Originally Posted by SSDiv6

Adger,

As Alan stated, be careful with the torque limiting.
I have learned that the limiting was done to also extend the life of the transmission.

I own a 2002 Silverado LS Dually, 2WD. I purchased the Moroso wires and used NGK plugs and also use the Wix 51515XP oil filter since it is a 2WD. Switched to Mobil 1 Truck & SUV Synthetic oil and the oil consumption also dropped. With the larger oil filter, you have to add an additional quart of oil. If you truck is a 4x4, you cannot use the larger oil filter.

Try the Delvac Mobile 1 Allison fluid, it sheds heat better than any fluid we?ve seen.
If you can get an Allison trans I?d do that. If a fireman can?t break them they are bullet proof!