Mail order tune or handheld?

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Cherryred98

Cherryred98

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I have a 98 k1500, all stock besides the 35’s, stage 1 trans, gearing change ( I swapped the 10 bolt for a 14 bolt and it has 3.73s) and I cut the front lip off the throttle plate, and muffler delete. I do some towing but not all the time it’s mainly a daily. I would like to be able to change tunes on the fly via maps ( I believe that’s how it works, maps are like different presaved tunes example one for economy, one for towing, one for more hp ect) would I be better off with a hand held or sending my pcm off to a tuner such as blackbear? And I need my Speedo calibrated too
 
95burban

95burban

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Black bear is good. They have done thousands of tunes. If you could find someone in your area that does live tuning that would be by first choice.
 
df2x4

df2x4

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Considering you have a '98, your PCM is supported by HPTuners. IMO you'd probably get better results from an in-person tune at a performance shop using that software.

Between the two options you listed though, I'd go with Black Bear. You won't get multiple tunes to switch between, but if you're looking for performance they'll give you better results than you'd get from one of the handheld programmers.

One word of warning, if you're running a 4L60E transmission DO NOT change the torque management settings. Even if it's built. Bad, expensive things will happen.
 
Cherryred98

Cherryred98

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df2x4 said:
Considering you have a '98, your PCM is supported by HPTuners. IMO you'd probably get better results from an in-person tune at a performance shop using that software.

Between the two options you listed though, I'd go with Black Bear. You won't get multiple tunes to switch between, but if you're looking for performance they'll give you better results than you'd get from one of the handheld programmers.

One word of warning, if you're running a 4L60E transmission DO NOT change the torque management settings. Even if it's built. Bad, expensive things will happen.
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I also just smogged my truck ( I live in California) and I’d like to be able to smog it again without having to swap my pcm every time then swap it back (example if I got one from a junkyard and sent it in or installed it and had it tuned) I also don’t have a computer or android phone for tuning, I was looking at hp tuners and it seems like either one is needed any other good options for a hand held? I believe jet has one that is compatible
 
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SAATR

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If I'm not mistaken, any alteration to the PCM's flash file will change the checksums on the file, which will no longer match what was shipped from the factory. Adding maps to allow "on the fly" changes will certainly change the checksums. I'm fairly certain that the smog tests include verifying the checksums on your flash file to make sure it hasn't been altered. Given all of this, having a stock and a tuned PCM and swapping them prior to smogging the truck would be your best, and safest, bet. PCM swaps are quick in these trucks, regardless.
 
df2x4

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^ X2.

I'd pay the PCM core charge at Black Bear and keep your stock PCM unmodified. That way you can swap it back in if you need to. It takes longer to disconnect the battery than it does to swap PCMs in these trucks.

I'd steer clear of the handheld programmers personally. I know some people here have and like them, but IMO they're not really the best way to go for how expensive they are.
 
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