Are basic mods all hype?

[Zad]

I have an LBZ (70,000 miles) with 265/75R16's, stock air intake and 4" FloPro down-pipe back exhaust with muffler. Love the truck. Just had the muffler installed and while I haven't had it long enough to tell if it will give better mileage, I can say that I haven't noticed any performance enhancement. If the performance is there, it is too small for me to notice. My next mod was to be auto cal with dsp5 and EGR block primarily to improve economy and for towing our trailer in the summer.

After reading all the positive reviews regarding power and exhausts I am left wondering "is this just like before I got married and had kids, when everyone told me how great it was, only to find out being married with kids is like single life with ups and downs but way more busy and complex?" I remember thinking, "those bastar#'s, they just said it was great to justify their own choices and circumstances!"

Now I am wondering if this is deja vu? Is all the hype over these mods a justification for all the money it takes to make them? Will I add an EFI live tune only to ask "wtf?" when I don't notice any change?

While I wouldn't go back on marriage and kids, even as miserable as it can be at times, I am thinkin' perhaps I should have put $600 elsewhere and not done the exhaust. Will I also regret an EFI live tune?

[greif03lb7]

You will not regret efi even a 75hp tow tune opens these trucks up. But if all you want is basic tunes a canned tuner may be a better choice for you like ppe.

[306LBZ]

I just recently did the EGR Blocker Plate and changed my oil. To my surprise I checked it a day or 2 later and the oil wasnt completely black right away this time. Its obviously from the blocker plate. I used to run a Amsoil BMK-27 Dual bypass filter kit (removed it awhile ago)and the oil would turn black after driving around the block even with that kit and I always used to use a flush when I changed it. I did switch from a Synthetic 15w40(Amsoil) to a Dino Rotella 15w40 which if anything should of given opposite results theoretically. So do the EGR Blocker Plate its worth knowing your intake wont keep building tar and soot and it cost me $18 shipped to my door in canada from madjacks. The PVC reroute , to each his own I chose not to bother after installing the plate but research it and make your own call. As for EFI or Tunes I chose Idaho Robs Autocal but you can get him (or other tuners) to tune a ECM for about half that cost. Again do your research and make your own decision on which tuner to go with (unless you decide to tune yourself with a V8) I will say I didnt notice a huge difference right away with my truck being a daily "in city" driver and just idleing along most of the time but after trying a couple WOT runs on the highway it does have some more get up and go , for sure. And mileage does vary from tune to tune (I've kept meticulous records since installing EFI LIVE) but the cold truth in the end is mileage comes down to how many time you push the skinny pedal down. The key to mileage is feathering that pedal. In the end it all comes down to what a dollar is worth to YOU on wether its worth it or not.

Anyway just a couple thoughts that came to my mind.

[chevyinlinesix]

I can tell you for a fact that just removing the muffler will net you 5hp. Either near stock power or at 450rwhp, the drop in EGT's is nice though. Next up is testing a 5" exhaust system to see any gains

EFI Live (provided the truck tuned good) will make it a completely different truck

[LtEng5]

the "basic mods" are needed to allow the more extensive mods to live up to the potential the hold. opening up intake and exhaust tracks may not give you that kick in the ass feeling you want by them selves. now add a good box tuner ( PPE or a EFI live pre-tune seller ) and you NEED to have good air flow in and out to keep up with the fuel changes.

before you get deep into box tuners or even EFI. get a good EGT gauge installed. if you get a box tuner there will be a spot for external inputs to plug in. EGT is probably THE most important gauge to monitor when using tuners.

[chevyinlinesix]

I guess I should clarify, don't want to mislead the OP. Downpipe with 3" exhaust no muffler is only a 5hp gain at 450 RWHP. Lowered EGT by 200F though

[Zad]

I was warned, this site and these machines are like crack in a can of worms. I can't find a basic PPE tuner for less than $400 and an EFI live dsp2 tune runs $200 plus the cost of an ECM which I can get for $200. Add the cost of a switch and the PPE and EFI live are in the same $ ballpark while not close to the same in performance. If I do it I will go EFI.

Regarding get gauges, are they needed if I only run a #8000 or less tow tune and a 70 hp economy tune?

[heymccall]

Gauges are necessary anytime you alter the stock tune on a diesel truck. They help you to alter your driving style, allow you to monitor engine output (especially the EGT), and, ultimately, allow you to avoid damaging the investment that is your truck.

[greif03lb7]

Originally Posted by Zad

I was warned, this site and these machines are like crack in a can of worms. I can't find a basic PPE tuner for less than $400 and an EFI live dsp2 tune runs $200 plus the cost of an ECM which I can get for $200. Add the cost of a switch and the PPE and EFI live are in the same $ ballpark while not close to the same in performance. If I do it I will go EFI.

Regarding get gauges, are they needed if I only run a #8000 or less tow tune and a 70 hp economy tune?

You can probably get by without them if you only run tow tunes but like said a egt gauge is the most important because if you get the motor to hot things will break. I have known many ppl who dont run gauges and have been fine but I wont be caught without gauges in a tuned truck. Plus it gives you something to watch.

[NateTheGreatLB7]

IMO you dont really need gauges if you get decent tunes. I dont know where you live but you might look into taking it to someone and having them put it on a dyno. That would be in your price range and you would get the best results. I have the CTS and a boost gauge but i use the CTS for a speedometer and gas gauge. Other than that i dont look at any of it. Its more to kill your curiosity. Something else to worry about other than just driving the thing. You will not regret EFI live though. You'll wonder why you hadnt done it before if anything. Makes a world of difference.