A Newby Wonders About Tuners

[RUSSELL5000]

I am a newby, and another thread got me going on reading about tuners. It appears that the 2013 and subsequent emissions systems are far better. However, I have found my 2012 truck to be great and perfectly suited to my needs. I also do not have the large pile of cash a trade for a 2103 or subsequent would require, even if the economics were favorable (which my analysis suggests are really pretty much neutral in my particular case).



So, wondering if I have this correct regarding tuners:



(1) Different manufacturers of tuners take different approaches, but it the best approach in tuners is one in which the manufacturer has rewritten the software code which controls engine operation.



(2) A tuner manufacturer can make a difference because the truck manufacturer utilizes software code that is generalized to all applications of the engine in its product line and is optimized for certain constraints, primarily emissions. The tuner manufacturer revises the software code and optimizes a number of different items (e. g. , fuel pressure, timing of fuel injection events, etc. ) to generate more power, greater fuel efficiency, etc. , specific to a truck and use.



If I have this basically correct, then I have a couple of questions:



(1) Has anyone used a tuner with a 2007. 5 through 2012 truck equipped with the factory emissions system (no changes to the emissions system)? Did you realize any benefit from use of the tuner? Did the tuner meet your expectations – whether they be for more power or better fuel economy?



(2) Does using a tuner void any parts of the warranty?



Thanks much!

 

[jtwcummins]

To be completely honest, IMHO, installing almost any tuner on the 6. 7 can lead to problems. First is warranty is gone. Second, the 68re is turning out to be a damn good trans. Adding power changes that since around 50hp more and the design is being stressed to limits. My 97 auto /4. 1 gears was built and had a DTT trans had lots of power. My 08 is stock and going to stay that way. My fuel economy is within 1mpg on the 08 as averaged over 11 yrs with the 97. There might be some gains from timing tweaks but to me it's not worth the risk to a very high cost to repair engine. My 08 does everything better than the 97 did after several thousand dollars in upgrades.

I do drive like a stick. I was raised being told you don't lug engines, especially diesels. I tow 11k 5ver and lock out 6th gear except on level roads. I will probably wear out the switch shifting. In town I only let trans got to 4th for example. Tall gears and 2 OD gears are nice on the hiway but I try to keep the RPM above 1500 min all the time.