02Vortech

iTrader: (4)

Hey yall my brother has a 2005 Vortec 5.3L Z71 single cab long bed- He want's to get a computer tune or a programmer-

I have seen a lot of people using the Nelson tune and wait4me tune on here- Also i have seen a fair share of HPP3 tuned trucks on here- He also has a warranty that wont run out for another 3 years and he want's to be able to keep his warranty ligit-

so my questions-
What is better- A mail order tune from nelson/wait4me or a programmer?
Can he keep his warranty some how?
Advantages of each?

Mangled03gmc

iTrader: (95)

A custom tune is much better then a handheld. There isn't realy any advantages of a handheld over a custom, since handhelds are almost as much $$$. I would think the warranty would be fine, unless the dealer had to reflash the comp.

02Vortech

iTrader: (4)

what kind of gain can he expect from a custom tune w/ just a cold air intake and exhaust? Like 25hp 35ft.lbs?

speed01rcr

A good tune and elec fans over pulleys, then do a throttle body port job from mark shaner or someone. Thunder racing does a great mail tune for our trucks and gives great service and support for about $150. He also offers free updates if you need them.

Any tinkering (except normal maintenance) with the ignition system on a naturally asperated LS based engine is a total waste of money. More juice through the electrodes on the plugs is only needed and worth it when it's in a high compression environment, since the air acts as an insulator. (I used to run aircraft plugs through testers alot)

Another thing about plugs that is raping the population, (and I think a law suit should be brought up) is that no matter how many electrodes there are, the arc only uses ONE at a time. This goes back to the WWII aviation spark plugs that first used this design. It was implemented incase one of the ground electrodes broke off in flight. That way they still had an operational cylinder... The EL cheapo plugs work just as good.