8100 Tuner
 

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)

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

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

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

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.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

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.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

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

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

I'll be honest, I'm not a Raylar fan in the least. They LOVE your money, their prices are high, and I've seen evidence of them not being real careful about their tune, and hurting stuff. The best thing that they have, that no one else seems to, is the heads that they paid Darin Morgan to design. And honestly, not too many people need those to tow with.


Eventually, if things improve, my plan is to make my truck, an 03 3500 LT crew cab, capable of truly hauling a 53' living quarters trailer. We'll be reworking an intake, going to a 105MM throttle body, porting the heads, installing real headers, changing cams (Billy Godbold has something for it), and I'm working with Yella Terra to develop a bolt on shaft rocker set up to make the valvetrain adjustable. I've invested in bigger better brakes, and 19.5" aluminum wheels, and the appropriate tires. I'm keeping my 20 year old monster.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

The intake manifold has the real restriction, when you look down in the intake divider floor there is a hole that is no bigger opening than the throttle body. Air going into the engine goes threw the throttle body to a hole that drops down to lower level a goes to the intake runners. The intake air changes directions many times before it gets to the intake valve. By removing the floor it becomes a big open plenum with long intake runners. In order to remove the floor you have to cut the bottom of the intake off then weld it back on. It is not a Saturday afternoon job. I got another intake from junk yard to modify but have yet to bolt it on. At that point another trip to the dyno to see the difference. Tom

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

It needs more than the plenum opened. For the engine to make good power at an RPM high enough for it to accelerate through the gears, it needs at least a 100MM throttle body, and all of the restriction removed behind it. The plenum is currently a reservoir for air, that empties rather quickly, and cannot be refilled quickly enough. Ideally, the throttle body needs to be moved back about an inch. Widen the inlet substantially, then use a throttle body spacer to mount a minimum 100MM throttle body. You can then change the duct from the air cleaner to have a larger radius, and eliminate the big restriction required to clear the shroud.


Removing the baffles, and opening up the plenum can be a double edged sword. If enough restriction is not removed, air will enter the plenum and slow rapidly, so the back half of the intake can be starved for air, you get uneven air distribution.


The runners are a bit long, even for the goal GM had of maximizing torque, even at near off idle RPM.



Also, if you move the PCV inlet and put some baffling in it, you'll get rid of a lot of the oil consumption, while also helping the crankcase breathe a bit.


I've worked with a few people who have modified the intake, with mixed results. A good example is a video Richard Holdner just put up on youtube. In looking at the intake, there were several things NOT done. The first is how the larger throttle body was installed and located. Too far forward, and too restricted. I do not think radically shortening the intake runners will work well on a tow vehicle. But porting them will.


I actually bought a spare 8.1 and an Allison from a friend of Adger's, I'm going to work on it fairly soon, and develop some packages.



https://youtu.be/z5RrByyDWM0

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

ARP does make a conversion rocker arm stud for the 8100 , to install conventional BBC rocker arms or any aftermarket roller rockers.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Good evening. Adger, I'm curious about your results with this, assuming you got yours programmed. I have a 98 3500HD, 454 with older whipplecharger. Swapping the computer out and the shop working on it says it's running like crap. They feel it's due to the stock tune not working with the supercharger. I'm looking for someone that can help my guys get this thing under control.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

After I bought my low mileage 2002 8100 WD 3500 I had some serious health issues and have just been using it between the house and farm. (no racing.. 44' LQGN sitting.. Just toating the Kubota) Soon after I got it in 2016 I noticed some issues with it missing and sometimes it died. I changed to the updated Crank position sensor and all problems went away. I have made a couple long trips in it. The longest from NE Texas/SW Arkansas to Minnesota. April of 2023 I delivered an engine to Ringgold Ga. while I was there I stopped at RED and Ronnie loaded down my 30 ft goosneck with 36 SBC engine blocks and several BBC blocks. It did well going back to Texarkana. Loaded and at Interstate speeds it averaged 9.75 MPG on the way home. I had a tune that ED Wright had sent to me, but had a comuter crash and lost it.. that was just after we had lost Ed. This truck really has served me well. It is nearing 58,000 miles on it. I still plan on doing some mods to it, but I just haven't taken the time.
Alan, I was wondering if you still had that 8100 engine and Trans I delivered to you. If anyone has an update on the tuning of the 8100 let's keep this thread going?

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

I looked online into the Black Bear that Alan mentioned earlier in this thread. I've also been questioning others recently on this as well, and I've been hearing about 0411 PCM swap. Seems more folks prefer the 0411 to Black Bear. According to folks I spoke with today, it's more user/tuner friendly. I was advised to get a base tune, then get to a chassis dyno for a more specific tune. I'm pretty computer illiterate with these things, so having to rely on others for this project. Really hoping this gets the truck squared away.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Kevin Winstead at Big Dog Tuning may be able to help.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

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!

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Barry,
Mine has the Allison 1000 series With my load and the "Tow" button on the shifter activated I have never seen the Trans temp gauge go high, even with the load of engine blocks. I'm assuming the trans temp should stay under the engine water temp. Water temp is never over 210. I really like the Transmission braking feature of the Allison. I think the up shift points are a little high, even when not in tow mode. I've been thinking about doing a Transmission & rearend service this winter. I have read up on the transmission and seems like they use a special fluid. I've been using AMSOil in my other trucks and was considering making a change. The truck had a Quaker State
Sticker on it with mileage for changes. I have used Q-state on all my changes. There is a little more oil consumption than I like...Thinking about making a change and see what happens.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Pete Perry look what I found:

CHEVYHD496
619 posts ? Joined 2009

#7 ? Aug 21, 2011
be careful with the drive by wire tables. some trucks the throttle will hang open
02' Chevy 2500HD 496

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Adger,
I had mine serviced and flushed recently and switched to the Transynd 668 fluid.
The shifting improved dramatically with smooth and firm shifts.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

There?s a place in Perkasie Pa that might do it.
That is not far from Maple grove I think.
I?m not sure the would do a shipped in ecu though.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

I used Rocket Chip on my 8.1L motorhome. Saw improved torque and throttle response. $99 and plus into the OBD port very simple.

Re: 8100 Tuner
 

Adger,
Yes, I do still have both. I also bought a 6 speed Allison, hopefully I can convert to that.


On your oil consumption, I have used Royal Purple in mine, the 20W50. Didn't hurt the fuel economy, and pretty much stopped the oil consumption. Excellent oil pressure at all times. The Transynd is the Allison fluid of choice.


The other problem for oil consumption is actually the horrible OE design for the PCV, it literally sucks oil right out of the lifter valley, the baffling is non existent. That's another common fix done during the intake modification.