LB7 tuner/programmer suggestions

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Trust Only Within Yourself
Joined
Dec 16, 2007
Location
Albemarle,nc
I picked up an 04 2500HD w/ LB7/allison and am considering ordering a tuner/programmer. I know efi live would prob be my best choice but I'd rather have a hand held programmer(I'm really really hands on) vs. having my truck tuned. It's stock other than exhaust and I plan on leaving it that way so I feel canned tunes will be just fine for my situation. My plans for the truck are to use it to pull my campers and maybe one of my car trailers here and there but that's about it. I'm looking at a few different tuners, basically they all use the same programmer (Autocal) but with their own tunes. So far my options are:ATP (IdahoRob), Motor Ops, PPE, and Duramax Tuner, just curious if there's a great difference between their tunes or pretty much just personal preference? Also I plan on installing a CAI so suggestions there would be appreciated as well. thanks
 
I've always had my trucks tuned by punisher performance he's out of tn. He has autocals with the dsp5 for $650. My opinion he has the best tunes I've out run alot of trucks that had more aftermarket parts with other ppls tunes. If you go with him tell him I sent you might cut you a better deal
 
I run a PPE Standard on an LB7 for the past 149k miles. I had an Edge for about 4k miles but hated it.

The PPE transmission relearn is great and I have kept mine on tow (90hp) 100% of the time towing or not with no issues. I have manual gages installed and a 4" exhaust. Good luck in your search.
 
I've got a PPE in mine and its dandy. Level 5 (+225hp) is a blast, but you WILL wear out your transmission. Level 3 (+120hp) is great all around and is what I leave mine on. You can tow on that if you're not an idiot. Its tough for me sometimes, but I manage.

I also had a Hypertech on the truck before I got the PPE and in comparison, it was very good too. I feel like it made more power at the lower end or with less throttle, but the PPE transmission programming seemed to work a little better.
 
Your best option for a handheld tuner is PPE. I've been using Terror Custom Tuning's EFI Live tunes and have had nothing but great success and excellent results from them. There are many good EFI tuners out there. Each one has their own way of doing things and I'm sure not two are exactly the same, but I cannot say whether one is any better than another.

As far as a CAI goes, S&B has become my favorite. Excellent fit and finish. I really like that they have a clear lid so you have the benefit of an enclosed box with the ability to see if you need a new filter without taking the lid off. Some people may not like the fact that their dry filters are throw aways but I prefer dry over oiled for any turbo application. It's a little added cost, but their intakes are cheaper than other brands like AFE, and with the enclosed box, the filters seem to last longer before needing replaced so I think it pretty much breaks even on cost.
 
I work for Duramaxtuner, and I can say that if it is a stock transmission truck, you are pretty safe going with any reputable tuner. I'd check out websites, check the forums, or see if anyone is close by. It's always nice to meet with the guys you are trusting your truck to.

-Scott
 
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it. I ended up ordering the PPE, for me I feel that it's the most cost effective choice. I buy and sell trucks quite a bit, at least this way I can hang on to it for the next one and sorta justify spending the $ with which there is no return! Thanks again.
 
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