anybody here running custom tunes from kennedy(econo/race) for a stock tranny? what are your opinions? i just ordered mine and cant wait!!

I don't know much about his econo tune but his race tune is going to be too strong for your stock trans. Good luck

I have run JK's tunes for about a year now. I mainly run the race tune, great drivability and street manners and I can manage 19+ mpg with the race tune if I keep speeds down and my foot out of it. You will need lift pumps and a built trans to support the full potential of his Race tune.

I've got a couple of his tunes also. :thumb:

if I keep speeds down and my foot out of it.

yeah but how easy is that??:D


I rode in Eric's truck running the KD tune and it was very smooth on the bottom, quiet, and a nice big top end

I only have a few miles on John's tunes, but I'm a happy customer. I ordered the econ and Tow tunes. I expected the econ tune to be a bit peppier than stock and the tow tune to feel really nice pulling a fully loaded trailer up hills. I had been running a TST Powermax on level 4. I was shocked when I discovered that I could burn the tires with the econ tune! I can't imagine what his race tune is like.

Overall the tunes are very smooth. Power comes on very quickly and the low RPM response and power is what I wanted.

John delivers again!

anybody here running custom tunes from kennedy(econo/race) for a stock tranny? what are your opinions? i just ordered mine and cant wait!!

Unless we got our wires crossed, you have the non race tuning coming that should be OK on the stock trans. No biggie, we can always upgrade as the need arises...

I only have a few miles on John's tunes, but I'm a happy customer. I ordered the econ and Tow tunes. I expected the econ tune to be a bit peppier than stock and the tow tune to feel really nice pulling a fully loaded trailer up hills. I had been running a TST Powermax on level 4. I was shocked when I discovered that I could burn the tires with the econ tune! I can't imagine what his race tune is like.

Overall the tunes are very smooth. Power comes on very quickly and the low RPM response and power is what I wanted.

John delivers again!

Actually, it's only 50HP gain at 3100 RPM and 100HP gain at 3100 RPM. Peak HP still builds beyond 3100. The 100HP tune has been set up to deliver flat TQ curve at just over 600 lb/ft. If you'd lik ethe economy tune tamed down a bit I can do so. It has a nice TQ curve that tends to get a bit more aggressive at about 2400-2600 RPM.

I have been thinking about the economy/tow tune as well. I pull a 34' 5ver that weighs approx. 9k. Will the tow tune make the engine run hotter than the factory tune? What about EGTs? If I add a 4" cat back in addition to the tow tune what would the estimated HP and TQ number be and at what rpm?

When unloaded I drive 2/3 hiway (65-70) and 1/3 city. I typically average between 17 and 20 mpg hand calculated. What type of increase in mpg could I expect running the economy tune?
Mike

One thing that I am very up front about is that I do not make promises for MPG gains. The results in the field have always been good, but there are just so darn many variables. The best way to put it is if there is mpg to be gained, my tune should find it. The HP numbers are very repeatable and verifiable.

Thats fine, the economy tune is just a bonus in my mind. What I am really interested in is the tow tune. I am located just across the border in MN and am planning on doing some business with you later this spring.

I was wondering if you could address my questions regarding the two tune:
"I pull a 34' 5ver that weighs approx. 9k. Will the tow tune make the engine run hotter than the factory tune? What about EGTs? If I add a 4" cat back in addition to the tow tune what would the estimated HP and TQ number be and at what rpm?"

Are these tunes being discussed ones that were purchased and installed by Kennedy or are they the EFI Live tunes that you get if you purchase EFI from Kennedy?

From what I've read there's a difference between the two. Also can you switch between the two tunes (whichever they may be) similar to the dsp2 switch?

Thats fine, the economy tune is just a bonus in my mind. What I am really interested in is the tow tune. I am located just across the border in MN and am planning on doing some business with you later this spring.

I was wondering if you could address my questions regarding the two tune:
"I pull a 34' 5ver that weighs approx. 9k. Will the tow tune make the engine run hotter than the factory tune? What about EGTs? If I add a 4" cat back in addition to the tow tune what would the estimated HP and TQ number be and at what rpm?"

Your views on economy are the same as mine. Modify for performance and efficiency and if you can gain some economy, bonus. Your EGT's should stay in check without issue in most situations as I add boost where needed. I have guys towing with my Race tuning. That said, if you abuse it you can get things out of line in a hurry. Heck, a stock LLY can see 1500°f+. For exhaust, I'dd say full system to get real benefits. I tune for 80-100RWHP with a stock trans. I try to run a flat curve around 600-650 lb/ft TQ at the wheels. How well the trans deals with this can vary, but in most cases it is safe. Under acheiving trans and over acheiving engines could mess with this strategy




Are these tunes being discussed ones that were purchased and installed by Kennedy or are they the EFI Live tunes that you get if you purchase EFI from Kennedy?

From what I've read there's a difference between the two. Also can you switch between the two tunes (whichever they may be) similar to the dsp2 switch?

This is my KD Custom switchable tuning. I do offer a complimentary tune with EFI Live purchase just like other vendors. Those tunes are designed to show the basic strategy behind tuning the Dmax so the user can see what is being done and refine them from there.

I've had JK's tunes since he first started making them. Only one or two refinements over the last year needed as he made them better. Very streetable, decent economy. I never got around to installing a DSP2 until recently and I've towed/drag raced/everything else with his race tune, it dyno'd 485 ish and was as driveable as stock. Only recently drove the econo tune.

The LLY stuff he has done also has very good results. Nary any smoke on either and very smooth/quite. Highly recommended

I have been running JK tunes for some time now I highly recommend them. Like what has been said before very smooth quite and drivabllity are all excellent. Even the big tunes are very driveable even while towing. Fuel economy has gone up as well last tank I got 20.7 mpg on winter fuel very happy with his tunes.

Ditto for all of the above. I run the KD Race tunes on both my LB7 and my LLY. 620 HP on fuel for the LB7 and 480 on fuel for my LLY. Both are exceptionally well mannered and drive great.

The LLY tow tune is great too, it pulls my 10K total weight LB7 and trailer around with ease, no EGT issues.

Fantastic stuff and I certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a quality tune and service to boot.

it was very smooth on the bottom, quiet, and a nice big top end
I had a girlfriend like that once:D Oops thats another story........

John, how's the LBZ tunes coming along? Was tempted to purchase another tuner, but after speaking with you I'm waiting for your LBZ tunes.

Actually, it's only 50HP gain at 3100 RPM and 100HP gain at 3100 RPM. Peak HP still builds beyond 3100. The 100HP tune has been set up to deliver flat TQ curve at just over 600 lb/ft. If you'd lik ethe economy tune tamed down a bit I can do so. It has a nice TQ curve that tends to get a bit more aggressive at about 2400-2600 RPM.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Econ tune, I was just shocked at the power it made! The race tunes must be sick (or maybe I've been without a powerful performance car for too long!)

I had a girlfriend like that once:D Oops thats another story........


:funnypost :lol:

I had a girlfriend like that once:D Oops thats another story........

:nopics:

got the guages and custom tuned ecm(econo/tow) from kennedy installed over the weekend and all i can say is wow!! :D this truck launches like no other. i am extremely pleased with it. the power is incredibly smooth and seems to be endless. in the higher rpms it just wants to keep going. i can only imagine what it will be like when i get my built tranny and upgrade to his race tunes!! i thought my 01 7.3 chipped on the 140hp setting was fast, forget it! i have lost all skepticism about the duramax.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Econ tune, I was just shocked at the power it made! The race tunes must be sick (or maybe I've been without a powerful performance car for too long!)

I actually made a few changes to the 100HP tune on JJ's 6 speed shortly after I sent yours out. The changes brought up the low RPM heavy pedal power (below 1700RPM IIRC) substantially so if you'd like me to dress it up I can do so.



got the guages and custom tuned ecm(econo/tow) from kennedy installed over the weekend and all i can say is wow!! :D this truck launches like no other. i am extremely pleased with it. the power is incredibly smooth and seems to be endless. in the higher rpms it just wants to keep going. i can only imagine what it will be like when i get my built tranny and upgrade to his race tunes!! i thought my 01 7.3 chipped on the 140hp setting was fast, forget it! i have lost all skepticism about the duramax.

Keep an eye on the transmission. I'm pretty sure I have it set to be quite trans safe, but both engines and transmissions can avry (under and over achievers) from truck to truck.

i will let you know if the tranny ends up not liking it. feels good for now!still have some more driving to do.:D THANKS AGAIN!!:thumb:

John,
Anything for the LBZ yet?

I'm getting ready to make the switch also. Just wondering what to expect compared to the Edge on level 3.

John,
Anything for the LBZ yet?

Still refining. There is no DSP yet for these models and I'm also looking for practical ways to deliver the tuning rather than obtain a whole mess of LBZ ECM cores.


I'm getting ready to make the switch also. Just wondering what to expect compared to the Edge on level 3.

This depends on the engine series and tuning desired, but what stroke250 has will outdo the Edge LB7 level 4 quite easily except in peak TQ where I have kept my curve flatter to respect the stock Allison.

I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that if I bought a custom tune I sure wouldn't give it away to anyone. Wouldn't it be nice if people could be trusted?

I'm getting ready to make the switch also. Just wondering what to expect compared to the Edge on level 3.

i have driven an 2002 lb7 with the edge and this is really no comparison in my opinion(my own opinion) except that kennedy has cut back on the peak torque to make it safe for the stock allison like he said. the power is ridiculously smooth, strong, and well mannered:ro) . i highly recommend it!!!:D

John,
I have a flashpaq I can send you if you want something to experiment with for loading tunes. Let me know. Also you will have a choice of tow tune for those of us who already Suncoasted are trannys right:D

John,
I have a flashpaq I can send you if you want something to experiment with for loading tunes. Let me know. Also you will have a choice of tow tune for those of us who already Suncoasted are trannys right:D

Yeah, I want my torque! I'm Suncoasted and ready to roll...just waiting on a good tune with low EGT's.

Yeah, I want my torque! I'm Suncoasted and ready to roll...just waiting on a good tune with low EGT's.


From what I here that is available for the lbz, lower egts would be nice.

John,

I have the Edge and run it on level 4 for all my driving, level 2 for towing. Is your 100 tune safe for pulling also? Trans is still stock.

If your 100 tune will out do my level 4 Edge, I may be very tempted to get it now and upgrade to your race tune once I can afford the transmission.

BTW, I see you charge a little more for your race tune (as you should), but is there also an additional charge to upgrade to it later in addition to the upfront price difference?

in my opinion and experience with edge, his 100hp tune will blow that away. the power is incredibly smooth and strong through the whole rpm range. i would pm him with your questions/concerns, he will be glad to give you his honest opinion. hope this helps!!

So John, when are you going to send me something to try out?
The 6 speed could use a challenge, more than what the edge can dish out.

So John, when are you going to send me something to try out?
The 6 speed could use a challenge, more than what the edge can dish out.


Not much use with all this snow, but if you get a chance to swing by just let me know a bit in advance. I'm working on a 3 position switch to simplify the DSP5 thing and give 3 tunes that are simple to locate.

Sounds cool John. Once it gets nicer out we will have to try some tunes out.
Triple your tunes triple your fun.

I like three.

but i can think of 4.

I think max power started it.

ok,

1. econ,
2. smoke. (tail gaters, Hi I am a diesel fanatic etc.)
3. don't bend rods kill most. ( if not enough see #4)
4. kill. (screw it, I am going fast).

:D

I like three.

but i can think of 4.

I think max power started it.

ok,

1. econ,
2. smoke. (tail gaters, Hi I am a diesel fanatic etc.)
3. don't bend rods kill most. ( if not enough see #4)
4. kill. (screw it, I am going fast).

:D
:funnypost
I concur.......

I was thinking:
H1= High
H2= Really High
H3=
35039

i was thinking:
h1= high
h2= really high
h3=
35039 awesome!!!!:rockit:

you guys crack me up:lol2:

See I like 5.

stock.
economy.
tow.
performance/smoke
KILL

Sounds cool John. Once it gets nicer out we will have to try some tunes out.
Triple your tunes triple your fun.

Ask JJ about the impromptu LLY tune I did for his brother in law Saturday. I did make one mistake scripting it, but in a nutshell they felt it was much better (and better MPG) than the "mystery tune" that was in the truck when he bought it...

Well I just filled up again after my trip back from Wisconsin to Texas and the MPG caculated out at 20.6 with alot of 70+ MPH.

Thanks John for fitting us in on Saturday! I know JJ enjoyed trying to limp my tranny rather than cut wood like we were scheduled.

Now that I have driven the last two days in rush-hour traffic in Dallas I have really noticed how much smoother the throttle is compared to the "mystery tune".

Texasmax,

What was your mpg before the Kennedy tune?

Was this also the 100 horse or the economy tune?

Thanks in advance.

Texasmax is running the economy tune

Since John is making these tunes and selling em this is more aimed at the electronics section than the tuning software section(thats more for asking how to tune) :)

Moving this thread (been in the EFI forum for a month now :rolleyes: )makes the LLY and LBZ questions off topic.

Those with questions about KD LLY tuning will have to start another thread under Gen2 LLY electronics

Those with questions about KD LBZ tuning will have to start another thread under Gen 3 LBZ electronics

Ratlover will have to move this thread to the appropriate Gen1 LB7 electronics forum and not Gen1 LB7engines forum

How about a compromise? :)

whatever

Moving this thread (been in the EFI forum for a month now :rolleyes: )makes the LLY and LBZ questions off topic.

Those with questions about KD LLY tuning will have to start another thread under Gen2 LLY electronics

Those with questions about KD LBZ tuning will have to start another thread under Gen 3 LBZ electronics

Ratlover will have to move this thread to the appropriate Gen1 LB7 electronics forum and not Gen1 LB7engines forum

Wow....I'm a dumb ***. :o: Ment to move this to the electronics forum and not the engine forum originaly. But since it does have multipul years in it maybe Rick made the right choice of moving it to the product review section.

regardless of where it belongs, good info in here for all to benefit from.

Jon

I like John's reply.;)

whatever

Yeah, John has a way with words, and with Tunes!;)

John,
Anything for the LBZ yet?

I have a really nice tune just about ready. I built it on the dyno and went to road test it and it sucked. P0087 and no power. SO I went and checked my fuel filter restriction (1200 miles on filter) and found it was 12"hg at idle! Changed filter and the tune runs great on teh road. Now I want to get back on the dyno to retest with a good filter.

This is a nice tune that put up about 700LB/FT TQ and 370RWHP. this is more tune than most people need but it drives so nice and you'll only use as much as your right foot asks for. The stock trans seems to be OK with this so far and it really clicks the shifts off nicely without any relearn necessary.

P.S. This was all done through stock exhaust, stock trans and no lift pumps.

I have a really nice tune just about ready. I built it on the dyno and went to road test it and it sucked. P0087 and no power. SO I went and checked my fuel filter restriction (1200 miles on filter) and found it was 12"hg at idle! Changed filter and the tune runs great on teh road. Now I want to get back on the dyno to retest with a good filter.

This is a nice tune that put up about 700LB/FT TQ and 370RWHP. this is more tune than most people need but it drives so nice and you'll only use as much as your right foot asks for. The stock trans seems to be OK with this so far and it really clicks the shifts off nicely without any relearn necessary.

P.S. This was all done through stock exhaust, stock trans and no lift pumps.

I drove what I would call version one of this tune (maybe, I don't want to speak out of turn about the tune) for the LBZ and it was pretty sweet. Good power and very smooth. Almost made me want to sell the LB7 ;)

JK's tunes have been excellent across all platforms so far IMHO.